Brother AE1700 Review: Elevate Your Sewing Projects with Ease and Precision

I hope you find my Brother AE1700 review useful, if you’re like me and love the art of sewing, you know how crucial it is to have the right sewing machine by your side. It can really make or break your sewing experience, transforming it from a frustrating task to a delightful hobby. Today, let’s dive into the world of the Brother AE1700 and see if it’s the perfect match for your creative endeavors.

Brother AE1700 Review – Introduction

The Brother AE1700 is a versatile, user-friendly sewing machine designed to cater to beginners and intermediate sewists. Known for its reliability and range of features, this machine aims to make sewing tasks easier and more enjoyable. Is it truly as good as they say? Let’s explore its features and see..

Main Features to Cover

Technical Description

The Brother AE1700 comes packed with features that make it a great companion for various sewing projects. Here are the key technical details:

• Stitch Options: 17 built-in stitches, including utility and decorative stitches.
• Buttonholes: 4-step buttonhole function.
• Weight: 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs).
• Dimensions: 37.5 cm x 30.0 cm x 17.5 cm (14.8 in x 11.8 in x 6.9 in).
• Needle Positions: Multiple needle positions.
• Bobbin Type: Quick-set top drop-in bobbin system.
• Threading: Manual needle threader.
• Lighting: LED light for improved visibility.

Feature Analysis and Breakdown

• 17 Built-In Stitches: The Brother AE1700 offers a variety of stitches suitable for everyday sewing tasks, from basic repairs to decorative embellishments.
• 4-Step Buttonhole: This feature allows you to create buttonholes in four easy steps, ensuring consistent and professional results.
• Multiple Needle Positions: Adjust the needle position to suit different sewing techniques, such as topstitching or inserting zippers.
• Quick-Set Bobbin: The drop-in bobbin system simplifies the bobbin replacement process and helps prevent jams.
• LED Light: The built-in LED light brightens the work area, providing better visibility while sewing.

Performance

The Brother AE1700 performs reliably across a range of sewing tasks. It provides even, consistent stitches on various fabrics, from lightweight materials like cotton and polyester to medium-weight fabrics such as denim. The machine’s speed is manageable for beginners, allowing them to sew at a comfortable pace.

Ease of Use

Setting up the Brother AE1700 is straightforward, with clear instructions included in the manual. The manual needle threader and quick-set bobbin system make the initial setup and ongoing use hassle-free. The machine’s intuitive design and simple controls make it accessible to beginners, while still offering enough features for intermediate sewists to enjoy.

Durability

The Brother AE1700 is constructed with a robust plastic frame, providing durability without adding excessive weight. It’s designed to withstand regular use, making it a dependable choice for sewing enthusiasts.

Versatility

While the Brother AE1700 may not have as many stitches as more advanced models, its 17 built-in stitches cover a wide range of basic and decorative sewing needs. It’s suitable for general sewing, alterations, and simple projects, making it a versatile addition to any sewing room.

Accessories

The Brother AE1700 comes with a selection of accessories to enhance its functionality:

• All-Purpose Foot: For general sewing tasks.
• Buttonhole Foot: For creating buttonholes.
• Zipper Foot: Ideal for inserting zippers.
• Button Sewing Foot: For attaching buttons.
• Bobbin and Needles: Extra bobbins and a variety of needles for different fabrics.
• Spool Caps: Helps keep thread in place while sewing.
• Darning Plate: Used for free-motion sewing and darning.

These accessories make it easier to tackle various sewing projects and expand the machine’s capabilities.

Price Point

The Brother AE1700 is affordably priced, making it an excellent option for beginners or those looking for a reliable secondary machine. It offers great value for its price, with a solid range of features and dependable performance. 💲💲 (2 out of 5 dollar signs).

Aesthetics

The Brother AE1700 features a sleek, modern design with a clean white body and easy-to-read stitch selection dial. This machine’s sleek and lightweight build ensures it can be stored away or transported with ease.

Maintenance Guide

Maintaining the Brother AE1700 is simple. Regular cleaning of the bobbin area and the needle plate will keep the machine running smoothly. Oiling the machine occasionally, as recommended in the manual, will also help maintain its performance.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common issues with the Brother AE1700 include thread tension problems and occasional jamming. These can usually be resolved by re-threading the machine, adjusting the tension dial, or cleaning the bobbin area.

FAQs

Can the Brother AE1700 sew heavy fabrics? A: It handles medium-weight fabrics like denim well but may struggle with very heavy materials like canvas or leather.

Is it suitable for beginners? A: Yes, its user-friendly features and straightforward controls make it an excellent choice for beginners.

Does it come with a carrying case? A: No, a carrying case is not included but can be purchased separately.

How noisy is the machine? A: The Brother AE1700 operates relatively quietly, making it suitable for use in shared or small spaces.

Personal Experience and Anecdotes

When I first used the Brother AE1700, I was impressed by its simplicity and reliability. One memorable project was sewing a set of decorative pillows – the variety of stitches allowed me to add unique touches, and the machine handled the fabric smoothly without any issues.

Brother AE1700 Review – Pros and Cons

Pros:

• User-friendly and easy to set up.
• Reliable performance on various fabrics.
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Affordable price point.
• Comes with useful accessories.

Cons:

• Limited number of built-in stitches.
• Manual needle threader.
• May struggle with very heavy fabrics.

Brother AE1700 Review – Summary And Conclusion

The Brother AE1700 is a reliable, versatile sewing machine perfect for beginners and intermediate sewists. Its range of built-in stitches, ease of use, and affordable price make it a valuable addition to any sewing room. While it may have fewer advanced features than higher-end models, it offers excellent performance for everyday sewing tasks. If you’re looking for a dependable, user-friendly machine that won’t break the bank, the Brother AE1700 is a fantastic choice.

Brother AE1700 Review – Comparisons with Similar Models

Singer 1408 Review

Brief Review: The Singer 1408 is a basic, affordable sewing machine with essential features for beginners. Price Rating: 💲💲 User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Key Features:
  • 8 built-in stitches.
  • Four-step buttonhole.
  • Heavy-duty metal frame.
• Performance Evaluation: Good for basic sewing tasks, suitable for beginners.
• Pros: Affordable, easy to use, durable.
• Cons: Limited stitch options, no advanced features.
• Ideal User Profile: Beginners looking for a simple, budget-friendly machine.

Brother GX37 Review

Brief Review: The Brother GX37 is a versatile, feature-packed sewing machine ideal for beginners and hobbyists. Price Rating: 💲💲💲 User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Key Features:
  • 37 built-in stitches.
  • Automatic needle threader.
  • Free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves.
• Performance Evaluation: Versatile and user-friendly, good for intermediate sewists.
• Pros: Versatile, easy to thread, compact design.
• Cons: Not ideal for heavy fabrics, lacks advanced quilting features.
• Ideal User Profile: Intermediate sewists looking for a versatile, compact machine.

Brother LS14S Review

Brief Review: The Brother LS14S is a basic, no-frills sewing machine known for its durability and simplicity. Price Rating: 💲💲 User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Key Features:
  • 14 built-in stitches.
  • 4-step automatic buttonhole.
  • Free arm sewing.
• Performance Evaluation: Reliable for everyday sewing tasks, great for beginners.
• Pros: Affordable, easy to use, compact.
• Cons: Limited stitch variety, basic features.
• Ideal User Profile: Beginners needing a reliable, straightforward machine.

Brother KE14S Review

Brief Review: The Brother KE14S is a compact and user-friendly sewing machine designed especially for young crafters and beginners. Price Rating: 💲💲 User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Key Features:
  • 14 built-in stitches.
  • 4-step buttonhole.
  • Free arm.
• Performance Evaluation: Simple and effective for basic sewing needs.
• Pros: Easy to use, lightweight, affordable.
• Cons: Basic functionality, not for advanced projects.
• Ideal User Profile: Beginners or occasional sewists seeking a basic, portable machine.

Brother FS70WTX Review

Brief Review: The Brother FS70WTX is a versatile and high-performance sewing and quilting machine, perfect for all levels. Price Rating: 💲💲💲 User Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Key Features:
  • 70 built-in stitches.
  • Automatic needle threader.
  • Extended quilting table.
• Performance Evaluation: Excellent for quilting and advanced sewing projects.
• Pros: Extensive stitch variety, advanced features, robust build.
• Cons: Higher price, more complex for beginners.
• Ideal User Profile: Advanced sewists or those looking to invest in a long-term, versatile machine.

Detailed Text-Based Comparison Chart

Summary and Conclusion

The Brother AE1700 stands out for its simplicity, reliability, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate sewists. Its range of built-in stitches, user-friendly design, and affordable price make it a valuable addition to any sewing room. Whether you’re mending clothes, creating home décor items, or exploring new sewing projects, the Brother AE1700 offers the features and performance you need to succeed. Happy sewing!

Do You Have Any Feedback?

I’d love to hear about your experiences with the Brother AE1700 or any questions you might have. Feel free to share your thoughts and let’s continue this sewing journey together!