Brother SM3701 vs PFAFF select 4.2
Technical comparison · Mechanical
With 37 and 40 built-in stitches the repertoires are close in size; what decides is the buttonhole: one step on the Brother SM3701, four on the PFAFF select 4.2.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Use tier | F1 — Entry | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price | ~90–200 € | ~450–1000 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Weight | 5.67 kg | 11 kg |
| Category specs | ||
| Machine weight | 5.67 kg | — |
| Power supply | 110-120 V | — |
| Stitch selection | Dials | Buttons |
| Maximum speed | 800 spm | 900 spm |
| Built-in stitches | 37 | 40 |
| Buttonhole type | One-step | Four-step |
| Buttonhole styles | 1 | — |
| Stitch types | — | Straight stitch, Zigzag stitch, Blind hem stitch, Stretch blind hem stitch, Elastic overlock stitch |
| Maximum stitch width | 5 mm | 5.5 mm |
| Maximum stitch length | 4 mm | 6 mm |
| Space to the right of the needle | — | 173 mm |
| Drop feed | — | Yes |
| Dual feed / walking foot system | — | Integrated in the machine |
| Needle threader | Automatic | Semi-automatic |
| Automatic thread cutter | — | No |
| Free arm | Yes | — |
| Thread tension | — | Manual |
| Independent bobbin winder | — | Yes |
| Included presser feet | 5 | 8 |
The differences that matter
- One-step vs four-step buttonhole → on the Brother a buttonhole is sewn in a single sequence; on the PFAFF you work through stages.
- Maximum stitch length 4 vs 6 mm → the PFAFF reaches stitches 2 mm longer.
- Dial vs button selection → on the Brother you turn a dial to change stitch, on the PFAFF you press a button.
- 5.67 vs 11 kg → the Brother weighs about half.
Values as declared by the manufacturers.
Which one to choose
Choose Brother SM3701 if…
buttonholes are part of the weekly work: the machine completes them in one step and the needle threader is automatic, at 5.67 kg, about half the PFAFF. You accept a stitch length of 4 mm at most instead of 6, and 5 feet included instead of 8.
Choose PFAFF select 4.2 if…
you need longer and wider stitches: up to 6 mm long and 5.5 mm wide, with 8 feet included and stitch selection by buttons. You accept a four-step buttonhole, meaning four stages for each one, a semi-automatic needle threader and 11 kg of weight.
Where to buy
The purchase links are the same as on the two product pages and don't influence the verdict. The product pages have the complete data.