The Brother XL 3510 sewing machine follows the design of the other XL models, with easy to navigate dial controls, knobs and a large reverse button up front.
Compared to its “brothers” (pun intended) in the same line, it’s the second best choice for beginner quilters because of the nice decorative stitch selection.
Geared towards garment construction, as well, this one is very easy to operate and well liked by consumers.
Table of Contents
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Stitch Count / Presser Feet / Functionality / Accessories / Customer Reviews / Pros, Cons & Manual
REVIEW SUMMARY
MODEL: Brother XL3510 Sewing Machine
REVIEWED BY: Erin
RATING: 4.0 
LAST UPDATED: April 9, 2015
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Like my last Brother sewing machine review, the piece that has me confused is the price. At around $150-170, this model costs more than the Brother XL 3750 which offers the same stitches, a quilting accessory pack, an extra wide work table and a 1-step buttonholer for less money.
They look nearly identical, too, other than color accents. If your heart is set on a sewing machine with red accents, who am I to stop you?
If, however, functionality is more important, don’t miss comparing it to the 3750 here: Compare the Two
More than a Starter Set of Stitches
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The Brother XL 3510 has 35 built in stitches and 72 stitch functions plus a 4-step buttonholer with stitch balance control for precision buttonholes every time. The provided stitches can be used for appliqué and monogramming, too. Stitch width is adjustable to 5 mm through dial at the top of the machine. Stitch length is adjustable to 5 mm by a dial surrounding the stitch selection knob on the front of the machine.
Built-in Stitches include:
- 4-step Buttonhole
- Straight
- Zigzag
- Blind Hem
- Shell Tuck
- Elastic
- 2 Stretch Blind Hemstitches
- Elastic Shell Tuck
- Double Action stitch
- Bridging Stitch
- Rampart
- Triangle
- Triple Stretch
- Triple Zigzag
- 3 Stretch Overlock stitches
- Elastic Overlock
- Feather
- 2 Arrowhead stitches
- 5 Decorative stitches
- Smocking stitch
- 2 Comb stitches
- Leaf
- Tree
- Legs
- Fagoting stitch
- Decorative Hem stitch
Utility Use Presser Feet
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There are four included snap-on presser feet:
- General Purpose foot
- Zipper foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Button Sewing foot
Lightweight Machine with Basic Functionality
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Perfect for garment construction, decorative sewing, and quilting, this is a slightly advanced beginner sewing machine.
Free-arm sewing is possible with removal of the extension table. It is extremely light-weight and can easily be carried or carted around. A built-in automatic needle threader helps tired fingers and eyes more quickly thread the needle.
The quick-set, drop in bobbin system reduces thread jam and loading frustrations. The machine uses a vertical delivery system for the top thread. Top speed is 800 stitches per minute, about top of the line for machines in this price range. A twin needle and extra spool pin are provided for twin needle sewing.
Upper thread tension is adjustable through use of a dial located at the top of the machine. The buttonhole adjustment screw is located on the front of the machine along with the good-sized reverse button (you can’t miss it!).
There is storage space inside the machine arm for the included accessories. As with the other XL models, the presser foot lever is located inside the work space, to the right of the needle rather than at the back of the machine which sometimes bothers more experienced sewers who are used to the traditional location and left-hand access to the lever.
Dimensions: L 15.4″ x H 15.4″ x W 6.7″
Weight: 11 pounds
Accessories in the Box
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The Brother XL3510 comes with these accessories:
- 3 bobbins (plus one in the machine)
- 3 additional HAX 130 needles (plus one in the machine)
- Twin needle
- Extra spool pin for twin needle sewing
- Screwdriver
- Darning Plate
The The Brother 5300 Universal Sewing Machine Carry Case fits this machine but must be purchased separately.
Users Like How it Performs
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Overall, sewers like the ease of use, simple operation, and stitch selection.
Mechanical machines are limited in the number of decorative stitches they offer but there’s a lot less to learn so you can get up and go easily with this model even if you’re just starting out. It’s solid and sturdy, has easy stitch selection controls, and manages decently through layers of fabric.
Joann Fabrics shows one review with a rating of 5.0. Two reviews on Overstock for a score of 4.5.
Average Rating: 4.0
Pros, Cons & Manual
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Pros: Nice selection of decorative stitches. Easy to set up. Smooth stitch control. Twin needle capable.
Cons: Workspace is too small for large projects like bedspreads. Does not have drop feed dog capability. I’m also throwing “price” in as a con on the Brother XL 3510 considering the comparison to the Brother XL 3750 with more options and a lower price.
Manual available online here: Manual
Manufacturer’s Warranty: As of this date, Brother offers a 1 year warranty on parts and labor, a two year warranty on electronic pattern control and selection components (parts only), and a 25 year warranty on shafts and rods on the machine head.
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Features Summary Review:
Is there a way to open up the machine to dust and oil the moving parts?
Elaine – Yes, the manual shows you how to remove the bobbin plate cover so you can use the included brush to remove dust. It’s on page 44 (if you don’t have the manual, see the link above to the online copy). You don’t oil this particular machine, though, so that makes things easier. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
How can I change the light bulb in my machine? I appear to have lost the instruction booklet, and cannot figure it out!
Jackie, you can find the user manual online here: http://www.brother-usa.com/VirData/Content/en-US%5CHAD%5CConsumer%5CUsersManual%5CUM_XL_2600_2610_3500_3510_EN_206.PDF. Instructions for changing the light bulb are on page 44. You can also download that PDF to your computer and either save it or print it so you have the manual again. Those manuals can be elusive (where do they wander off to? They’re like socks in my dryer!) so bookmark that page and do whatever you need to keep it accessible. Good luck!
i have been trying to figure out how to open up my machine because the rod that holds the needle seems to be pushed back cause it keeps hitting the pressure plate and breaking my needle. i have tried tightening the screws on the plate and the needle and neither worked for me but i am not able to open the machine to investigate the problem.