The Brother XR1355 and the Singer 2010 are two of the most popular affordable sewing machines we will compare today. In addition to being packed with features in an affordable price range, these two sewing machines produced excellent stitch quality.
What are the major differences between them? Here I will try to answer them as simply as possible.
Table of Contents
Brother XR1355 vs. Singer 2010: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
Brother XR1355 and Singer 2010 are both computerized sewing machines. Computerized sewing machines allow you to save new patterns and stitch types to the onboard memory. It is possible for users to create their own stitches, or even patterns, depending on the machine they work with.
Contrary to what you might think, digital machines might be some of the easiest ones to operate. They were actually created to make our lives easier. Or, rather, they were supposed to make it easier and faster to make clothes in factories.
Brother XR1355 vs. Singer 2010 : Built-in Stitches
The Brother XR1355 comes with an attractive amount of built-in stitches, 130 to be exact. Within those 130 stitches you can find standard stitches, decorative stitches and easy-to-use buttonhole stitches. While the Singer 2010 features 220 stitches. Similar to the Brother XR1355, these stitches include standard and decorative stitches.
Weight
The Brother XR1355 sewing machine weighs approximately 10.1 lbs, while the Singer 2010 sewing machine comes with a weight of 14 lbs.
The extra weight can become cumbersome if you don’t have a set location in your home for your sewing machine.
Start/Stop Button
Both the Brother XR1355 sewing machine and Singer 2010 come with a start/stop button. A start/stop button is an important accessibility feature. If you’re unable, for whatever reason, to use the foot pedal, a start/stop button allows you to run your sewing machine anyway. It’s also invaluable for making perfect one-step automatic buttonholes.
Speed Control Slider
Both Brother XR1355 sewing machine and Singer 2010 have a speed control slider, which allows you to set the maximum speed you are comfortable with.
Automatic Needle Threader
Many sewing machines sold today come with an automatic threader function. This is essentially a lever that will guide the thread through the eye of your sewing needle for you so that you don’t have to do it yourself. Many sewists prefer to thread their own needles, but if you have difficulty performing this task, then a machine with an automatic needle threader might be very useful for you. Fortunately, these two sewing machines both come with automatic needle threader, allowing you to thread the machine with ease.
Drop-in Bobbin
The advantage of easy drop-in, top load bobbins is that you can readily see how much thread is left on the bobbin through the window. You do not have to remove the bobbin case to insert a new bobbin, and you do not have to remove the accessory tray from the free arm to change bobbins. Both the Brother XR1355 sewing machine and the Singer 2010 come with this user-friendly feature.
Drop Feed
The most common type of feeding mechanism in a home sewing machine (and some industrial machines) is the drop feed, also known as the regular feed system. Both Brother XR1355 and Singer 2010 come equipped with a drop feed system, which grabs the fabric and moves it along through the machine.
Free Arm
There is free arm on both the Brother XR1355 and the Singer 2010. The free arm is a very useful feature to all sewing machines as it makes sewing one layer of fabric without catching another. This is because all of the workings around the bobbin race, feed dogs, and needles are housed there.
| Brother XR1355 | Singer 2010 | |
| Product Image | |
|
| Sewing Machine Type | Computerized | Computerized |
| Stitches | 130 | 220 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 8 one-step | 9 one-step |
| Start/Stop Button | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Memory | – | Yes |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | Yes |
| Monogramming Font | Yes, 1 | Yes, 2 Built-in Alphabets |
| Drop Feed | Yes | Yes |
| Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
| Working Light | Yes LED | Yes |
| Speed Control Slider | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs | 14 lbs |
| Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | – | Yes |
| Snap-on Presser Foot | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | No | No |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes |
| Drop-in Bobbin | Yes | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | No | – |
| Stitch Selection | LCD and Push Button | LCD and Push Button |
| Adjustable Stitch Length/Width | Yes | Yes |
| Included Feet | Buttonhole foot, Overcasting foot, Monogramming foot, Zipper foot, Zigzag foot, Blind stitch foot, Button fitting foot, Spring action quilting foot | All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Satin Stitch Foot, Overcasting Foot, Darning & Embroidery Foot, Gathering Foot, Rolled Hem Foot, Button Sewing Foot |
| Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | No | Yes |
| Tension | Adjustable With Dial | Automatic Tension |
| Knee Lifter | No | – |
| Warranty | 25 Year Limited | – |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Brother XR1355 Video Review
Singer 2010 Video Review
The Verdict
Both of these sewing machines come from fantastic companies, but they are particularly difficult to choose between. Based on their features, my overall recommendation would be to choose the machine that comes with more built-in stitches at an affordable price.
Q. How do I thread a sewing machine?
To get started with your sewing project, you’ll need to first thread your sewing machine. While your machine’s manual should guide you in the specific sequence for your make and model, the basic process starts by placing the presser foot in the up position.
Next, put your thread spool on the spool holder and bring the thread across the top of the machine, through the thread guide. Insert the thread through the tension mechanism, sliding it between the metal disks before pulling it back upwards. Find the take-up lever and place the thread into the hole. Pull the thread towards the sewing machine needle, using available thread guides as you go.
Finally, bring the needle into an accessible position by adjusting the handwheel. Insert the thread. Your sewing machine should be threaded and ready to go, but it’s always a good idea to make a test run on a sample swatch to check your work.
However, if you sewing machine comes with an automatic needle threader, that would save you lots of time.
Q. Can a regular sewing machine sew vinyl?
A. Yes, with the same modifications listed above for leather.
Q. Can I interchange metal and plastic bobbins if they are the same size?
A. Metal bobbins and plastic bobbins of the same size can NOT be swapped. Machines are set for a very precise tension setting. If they are set for a lighter plastic bobbin, the tension will change if a heavier metal bobbin is used.
Q. Are sewing machines dangerous?
A. Like any machine, a sewing machine can be dangerous if not used correctly. Always follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer when it comes to maintenance, and pay attention while sewing.
Q. Can i use clipper oil on my sewing machine
A. Yes, you can as some people do recommend it as an alternative to sewing machine oil.
Q. Why use a bobbin on a sewing machine
A. In general, the bobbin is the thing that feeds the thread to stitch from the lower part of the machine. Its purpose is to hold the thread below the needle, and it is where the thread in which you stitch comes from.
