Free Arm vs Flatbed Sewing Machine: Which One Should You Buy?
Two free arm Brother machines and a Janome flatbed quilting machine compared on stitches, size, feet and warranty for sleeves, garments and quilts.
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Some projects wrap around a narrow shape, like a sleeve or a cuff, while others spread flat, like a quilt top. The free arm vs flatbed sewing machine choice comes down to which shape dominates the sewing pile: a free arm gives a narrow arm for cylindrical pieces to fit around, and a flatbed gives a broad surface for flat work. This comparison uses the listings below as concrete examples and goes through stitches, size, feet, accessories and warranty using what each listing states.
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Verdict: pick a free arm machine for sleeves, cuffs, baby clothes and small cylindrical pieces, and pick the flatbed machine for quilting and broad flat work. The Janome flatbed example offers 400 built-in stitches and a 25 year limited warranty, while each Brother free arm example offers 37 stitches.
Machines on the list
Janome Continental M6 Flatbed Quilting and Sewing
A flatbed quilting and sewing machine with 400 built-in stitches up to 9mm wide, a 17.81 inch all metal seamless flatbed and a bonus kit.
Pros
- 400 built-in stitches up to 9mm wide, including 5 alphabets
- 17.81 inch all metal seamless flatbed for smooth fabric movement
- Maximum sewing speed of 1,300 SPM
- Bonus kit with extra-wide extension table, AcuFeed foot and magnifier set
Cons
- Weight of 38.4 pounds is the heaviest stated weight in this list
- Flatbed design with no free arm option stated for sleeves and cuffs
- No automatic needle threader is stated in the listing
- Dimensions of 10.2 inches by 25.6 inches by 14.6 inches are the largest in this list
Brother Sewing Machine ST371HD
A free arm sewing machine with 37 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader and 6 included feet for garment sewing and repair.
Pros
- 37 built-in stitches including an auto-size buttonhole
- Free arm for garment sewing, repair and alteration
- Automatic needle threader with jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Brother at your side support with free technical support for the life of the machine
Cons
- No warranty term is stated in the listing data
- No maximum sewing speed is stated, unlike the Janome example
- No stitch width is stated, unlike the 9mm width on the Janome example
- Suits garment sewing and repair rather than broad flat quilting work
Brother XM3700 37-Stitch Free Arm Sewing Machine
A lightweight free arm sewing machine with 37 stitches, a one-step auto-size buttonhole and a bundle of stabilizer and needles.
Pros
- 37 unique built-in stitches with a one-step auto-size buttonhole
- Free arm for cuffs, sleeves, baby clothes and small cylindrical projects
- Automatic needle threader with jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Bundle includes a stabilizer roll of 3.2 yards and a 5-pack of needles
Cons
- No warranty term is stated in the listing data
- No weight is stated in the listing data
- No maximum sewing speed is stated, unlike the Janome example
- No stitch width is stated, unlike the 9mm width on the Janome example
Side by side
| Machine | HQ Score | Stitches | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janome Continental M6 | 9.8/10 | 400 | 10.2 x 25.6 x 14.6 in |
| Brother ST371HD | 9.6/10 | 37 | 7.87 x 16.1 x 12.21 in |
| Brother XM3700 | 9.6/10 | 37 | 5.8 x 15.3 x 12.0 in |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing, collected 3 November 2026.
Free arm vs flatbed sewing machine on stitches and speed
Stitch count separates the two sides clearly, because both sides state it. The Janome flatbed example lists 400 built-in stitches up to 9mm wide, including 5 alphabets, while each Brother free arm example lists 37 built-in stitches. The Janome example also states a maximum sewing speed of 1,300 SPM, while neither Brother listing states a speed, so the listings leave a speed comparison unclear. The Janome example pairs its 400 stitches with 5 alphabets, while the ST371HD example pairs 37 stitches with garment sewing, repair and alteration.
Work area and bed
The bed shapes differ by design. The Janome flatbed example lists a 17.81 inch all metal seamless flatbed, plus an extra-wide extension table in its bonus kit, for smooth fabric movement across a broad surface. The Brother free arm examples list dimensions of 5.8 inches by 15.3 inches by 12.0 inches for the XM3700 example and 7.87 inches by 16.1 inches by 12.21 inches for the ST371HD example, and the XM3700 example describes its free arm for cuffs, sleeves, baby clothes and small cylindrical projects, while the ST371HD example describes its free arm for everyday sewing projects, including garment sewing, repair and alteration. The Janome example lists a weight of 38.4 pounds; the ST371HD example lists 14.550509292 pounds, while the XM3700 example states no weight.
Feet, accessories and support
Both Brother examples bundle feet and basics: the XM3700 example includes 5 sewing feet, a 3-piece needle set, a twin needle, 4 bobbins and a white accessory pouch, plus a stabilizer roll of 3.2 yards and a 5-pack of needles. The ST371HD example includes 6 sewing feet, a needle set and a manual, plus Brother at your side support with free technical support for the life of the machine. The Janome example takes a different route with a bonus kit: an extra-wide extension table, HP professional foot and plate, AcuFeed foot, accessory storage box and AcuView magnifier set. Only the Janome listing states a warranty, a 25 year limited warranty, while neither Brother listing states one.
Choose a free arm machine if
- You sew sleeves, cuffs, baby clothes or small cylindrical pieces.
- You want garment sewing, repair and alteration with an automatic needle threader, as the ST371HD example states.
- You want 37 stitches with an auto-size buttonhole.
Choose a flatbed machine if
- You quilt or sew broad, flat pieces on a seamless metal bed.
- You want 400 stitches up to 9mm wide, including 5 alphabets.
- You want a stated 25 year limited warranty and a bonus kit with an extension table.
Project Match
- Sleeves, cuffs and baby clothes: the Brother XM3700 example, whose listing names cuffs, sleeves and baby clothes.
- Garment sewing, repair and alteration: the Brother ST371HD example, whose listing names garment sewing and repair and alteration.
- Quilting and broad flat work: the Janome flatbed example, with its seamless flatbed and extension table.
- Decorative stitching with alphabets: the Janome example, which lists 5 alphabets among 400 stitches.
- Embroidery backing or topping: the XM3700 example, whose bundle includes a water-soluble stabilizer roll for embroidery backing or topping.
FAQ: lasers and CNC
Can a free arm machine sew sleeves?
Yes. The XM3700 listing states that the free arm enables easy sewing of cuffs, sleeves, baby clothes and small cylindrical projects.
What does a flatbed machine offer for quilting?
The Janome example lists a 17.81 inch all metal seamless flatbed for smooth fabric movement, plus an extra-wide extension table in its bonus kit.
Which machine has more stitches?
The Janome flatbed example lists 400 built-in stitches, while each Brother free arm example lists 37 built-in stitches.
Which machines state a warranty?
Only the Janome example states one, a 25 year limited warranty. Neither Brother listing states a warranty term.
Related: best sewing machine for quilting, best rated beginner sewing machine, computerized vs mechanical sewing machine and all sewing and embroidery machines.
