Brother AE1700 17-Stitch Sewing Machine

Good for a beginner

Robustes Gehäuse, gerader Stich und keine Schlaufenbildung! Bin sehr zufrieden mit dem Gerät. Die Nähmaschiene ist für diesen Preis sehr weiter zu empfehlen

Nice machine, but it should be made clearer that this comes only with an English power plug. As the power attaches directly to the foot pedal you can’t just swap it. I have a converter at home. I purchased it in Australian Amazon site, so assumed it would have an Australian plug option. Nice machine though.

I have been using a sewing machine for over 70 years, I was 'playing' about with the treadle machine that belonged to my grandma as soon as I could reach the treadle. So I am no dummy when it comes to sewing machines. My first proper electric machine was a New Home which I loved until the day when I realised I could no longer lift it from the floor to the table. So please accept the fact that I am comparing this machine with that one. Having tried several other machines, including an all singing, all dancing one I am more than happy with my little Brother. I was quite surprised at the weight, he is quite heavy for such a small machine, but I understand that there are more metal parts in him than there would normally be in a machine his size. The instruction manual is pretty good in that I didn't have to hunt through a variety of languages to find what I was looking for. It also begins at the beginning, as in what is where and how to fill a spool and thread him up ready for action. It can also be downloaded from the Internet, which I actually found more useful, especially when it came to inserting the spool. I did meet a stumbling block with the spool, four are included with the machine by the way. It would have been a good option for one of them to already be in situ ready threaded. It took me an age to work out how to thread it into the shuttle race. Having said that, the rest of the set up worked well, although there were a million (seemed like it) pieces of sticky tape and card protecting the needle, etc. I could have done with an instruction book for those, and how to remove the stuff when I have a dodgy thumb! With my last machine, the one that sang and danced, the infernal cable kept falling out. This little chap is totally different, a spot of brute force and ignorance was called for! It says in the instructions not to use an extension cable Well although it does come with more cable than most, it still wasn't enough to reach the nearest socket. I fail to see why one should not use one, especially as it is one that will only be used with my machine. Right, with fingers crossed I threaded up, plugged in and pressed the foot. Yippee, it works. Compared to all the other electric machines I have had I would say the pressure foot supplied is better than most. I haven't a clue as to exactly how fast it is compared to other machines out there, but it isn't a race, so speed doesn't bother me. Just so long as it sews without screeching like a banshee. In fact I found it reasonably quiet to use, not that I was going flat out, it probably would make more noise if I did. The light is quite good, not as good as the old 15 watt bulbs, but better than some machines I have tried. Downsides? Well he does use plastic spools, I prefer metal, but hey ho. Although he came with four, I have invested in a box of 25 for £5.99. No automatic needle threader either, what do I want for my money, blood! I found a pack of three for less than £3 on Amazon, so no big deal, especially as my efforts with the automatic needle threads have been somewhat problematic. He did come with several feet, mostly plastic, which I am not too happy about, but it may be possible to buy metal versions should I need them. Previous machines have come with loads of different feet, and like the fancy stitches were seldom used for anything worthwhile. He also came with a dust cover, useful if he is on my table for a few days, but the rest of the time he will live in a proper sewing machine bag. I should add that he was well boxed and delivered by Amazon at breakneck speed. Less than 20 hours from ordering to delivery can't be bad. I look forward to many happy hours with my new purchase, I am sure he and I are going to be friends for life.

I bought this for my Mum for her 65th birthday after having the same sewing machine for 45 years! She loves it! It is easy and smooth to use. It is not too big or heavy for her, and the instructions are simple to follow. Ideal for beginners and those who are a little more experienced.

You sold me a machine thatcantbe used here in Australia. The machine was purchased in March as a gift and hadn't been opened untill my daughters first sewing class today. Why would you sell this here when it was made in the U K.