The Brother XR3340 is a computerized sewing and quilting machine with 195 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader and a wide extension table. This review covers what it does well, where it falls short, how to use the basics and who should buy it.
Short version: it is a solid, budget-friendly pick for beginners and hobby quilters who want lots of stitches without an embroidery unit. It cannot embroider, has no USB port and does not include a walking foot. Brother’s US site now lists it as discontinued, so check stock and condition before you buy.
Brother XR3340 at a Glance
| Feature | Brother XR3340 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in stitches | 195, including 55 alphanumeric | Utility, decorative and monogram stitches |
| Buttonholes | 8 one-step styles | Fast, consistent buttonholes |
| Feet included | 10 | Covers zippers, hems, quilting and more |
| Needle threader | Automatic | Less eye strain |
| Bobbin | Quick-Set top drop-in | Easy to load and see the thread |
| Max speed | 850 stitches per minute | Plenty for home projects |
| Display | Back-lit LCD with push buttons | See the stitch and settings |
| Free-motion | Drop feed dogs | Free-motion quilting and darning |
| Not included | Embroidery, USB port, walking foot | Plan on extras if you need them |
What Is the Brother XR3340?
The XR3340 is a computer-controlled machine built to make sewing and quilting approachable for beginners and flexible enough for experienced sewers. You choose a stitch with the push buttons and can check or adjust the settings on the screen. The stitch library covers straight and zigzag stitches, decorative stitches, blind hems, eight styles of one-step buttonholes and alphanumeric stitches for simple monogramming.
You get 10 presser feet in the box: buttonhole, 1/4 inch, spring-action zigzag, narrow hemmer, zipper, overcasting, blind stitch, monogramming, spring-action quilting and button sewing. That means you can start on most basic projects without buying extra feet.
The extra-wide extension table gives you more room to support a quilt or a large piece of fabric, which is a common complaint with small machines. The back-lit LCD shows the selected stitch and settings, and the buttons are physical, so you can feel each press. The machine also has a lever to drop the feed dogs for free-motion work.
Who’s It For?
It suits beginners and hobby sewers who want a lot of stitch choices, plus casual quilters who will use the wide table. The push-button interface also helps sewers who find manual dials hard to adjust.
It is a plug-in machine with no battery option, so it is not for sewing on the go or for a craft room without easy access to an outlet. It is also not an embroidery machine: it can do monogram lettering as stitches, but it cannot stitch embroidery designs.
See Related Topic: A Deep Dive Review into the Singer Brilliance 6180
What We Like About the Brother XR3340
- The wide table gives you real working room, which many entry-level machines lack.
- Ten feet are included, so you can do hems, zippers, buttonholes and basic quilting out of the box.
- The automatic needle threader and Quick-Set drop-in bobbin cut down the fiddly parts of sewing.
- Physical push buttons and a back-lit LCD make stitch selection simple.
- You can lower the feed dogs for free-motion stitching.
See Related Article: Best BROTHER Sewing Machine
What We Don’t Like About the Brother XR3340
- No walking foot is included. Buyers who expect one for quilting need to buy it separately.
- No USB port or memory expansion, so you cannot load designs from a computer.
- No embroidery capability.
- No battery option, so you need a power outlet.
- Brother’s US site lists the model as discontinued, so new stock, parts and accessories may get harder to find over time.
PROS
- Trusted manufacturer
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin
- 10 feet included
- Easy to read screen and simple buttons
- Drop feed dogs for free-motion work
CONS
- Cannot handle embroidery
- No USB port
- No walking foot included
- Listed as discontinued by Brother USA
What’s Included?
According to Brother, the box includes the wide table, accessory pouch, four bobbins, a seam ripper, a needle set and ball point needle set, a twin needle, a cleaning brush, a screwdriver, three spool caps, an extra spool pin, an instructional DVD, a power cord, a foot control pedal, a dust cover, an operation manual and the ten presser feet listed above. Contents can differ on refurbished or third-party listings, so check the listing before you buy.
Is the Brother XR3340 Good for Free Motion?
Yes, for basic free-motion quilting and darning. A lever drops the feed dogs so you can move the fabric by hand, and the machine includes a spring-action quilting foot. Many quilters also add a walking foot for straight-line quilting. Check the manual for the right foot and settings for your fabric.
How to Use the Brother XR3340: The Basics
- Plug in the machine and foot pedal, then switch it on.
- Wind a bobbin using the independent bobbin winder, then drop it into the top compartment.
- Thread the machine by following the numbered path, then use the automatic needle threader.
- Pick a stitch with the push buttons and check the stitch length and width on the screen.
- Test the stitch on a scrap of the same fabric, then sew your project.
Keep the manual nearby for stitch charts and settings. New users usually need a little time to learn the screen and menu.
Features in More Detail
The 195 stitches break down into 140 unique stitches plus 55 alphanumeric characters. Eight one-step buttonhole styles let you sew a buttonhole in a single sequence. It ships with a dust cover rather than a hard case, and it weighs about 11 pounds, so it is easy to move between a shelf and a table.
With no USB port, the XR3340 cannot import designs, so you work with the built-in stitch library only. It also has no internet connection or app features. If you plan to quilt often, budget for a walking foot, a free-motion or darning foot if you want one, extra needles and spare bobbins.
Review Summary
The Brother XR3340 is a capable starter machine for sewing and light quilting, with lots of stitches, a handy wide table and 10 feet. Skip it if you need embroidery or USB design transfer, or if you want a model that Brother still actively sells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Brother XR3340 sewing machine?
Brother’s US site lists a price of $229.99 on the discontinued product page. Prices at other retailers, and for refurbished units, vary, so check current listings.
Is the Brother XR3340 good for free motion?
Yes, for basic free-motion quilting and darning. You can drop the feed dogs with a lever, and the machine comes with a spring-action quilting foot. A walking foot is not included.
How do you use a Brother XR3340?
Wind and insert a bobbin, thread the machine along the numbered path, use the automatic needle threader, pick a stitch with the buttons and test on scrap fabric. The manual has stitch charts and settings.
Does the Brother XR3340 do embroidery?
No. It can sew alphanumeric monogram stitches, but it has no embroidery unit and no USB port, so it cannot stitch embroidery designs. You need a dedicated sewing-and-embroidery model for that.
What is the lifespan of a Brother machine?
There is no official figure. Owner reports commonly run from about 5 to 25 years, depending on the model, use and care. Cleaning lint out regularly, changing needles and having it serviced when needed all help.
Is the Brother XR3340 still available?
Brother USA marks it as discontinued, though some retailers still carry new or refurbished units. Check the seller, warranty and what is included before buying.
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