The Brother AE1700 is a simple mechanical sewing machine designed with beginners in mind. It offers 17 stitches, a four-step buttonhole, a top-loading bobbin with an auto-declutch bobbin winder, and twin-needle capability for basic decorative work. Together those cover everyday mending, dressmaking practice, and light home projects. Check the product box below for the current dollar price.
This review walks through the features, setup, and how it sews so you can decide if it fits. The AE1700 sits in a similar beginner lane to the Brother LS14: solid stitch quality, dial controls, and an affordable footprint without a screen full of menus.
Features
This is a traditional metal-chassis mechanical machine with a single stitch dial. There is no LCD or computerized menu. You turn the dial, set length and tension as needed, and sew. Listings commonly note LED sewing light, reverse lever, free arm when the accessory bed slides off, and about 6.7″ (17 cm) of arm space to the right of the needle.
- 17 built-in stitches covering utility work plus a few decorative options
- Four-step buttonhole with a buttonhole fine-adjustment screw
- Top-loading (drop-in) bobbin with auto-declutch bobbin winder
- Twin-needle capable for parallel decorative rows when set up correctly
- About 51-watt motor; sewing speed commonly listed around 1,000 stitches per minute
- Four presser feet: zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, and button sewing
- Weight: about 14.5 to 15.4 lb (6.6 to 7 kg); compact full-size footprint
- Darning plate included (feed dogs do not drop on this model)
If you want a larger stitch library in the same family style, the Brother AE2500 steps up to 25 stitches. Accessory kits typically also include needles, spare plastic bobbins, oval screwdriver, extra spool pin, dust cover, foot controller, and instructional media. Use plastic bobbins only; metal bobbins can hurt stitch quality and may void warranty terms.
Setup
Controls stay simple. Select a stitch with the dial, wind a bobbin on the onboard winder, drop it in from the top, and follow the numbered upper threading path. There is no automatic needle threader, which is normal at this price. After a few practice runs, most beginners find threading straightforward. Brother’s operation manual is available as a PDF (download here).
The free arm appears when you slide off the flat-bed accessory compartment, which also stores small tools. Reverse lever locks seam ends. Twin-needle work needs the extra spool pin and careful tension setup. For free-motion style work, fit the darning plate because the feed dogs do not retract on this model.
Performance
Brother’s entry mechanicals are known for consistent stitch quality, and the AE1700 follows that pattern on light to medium fabrics. The 51-watt motor is less powerful on paper than the roughly 85-watt motor in the similarly priced Singer 1507, but in practice the AE1700 still handles multiple everyday fabric layers when you match needle and thread to the material. It is not a heavy-duty denim or upholstery machine.
Seventeen stitches cover seams, zigzag finishing, blind hem practice, and a few decorative options without overwhelming a new user. The four-step buttonhole takes more care than a one-step version, but it is reliable once you learn the sequence. The button sewing foot is useful for garment repairs. Top speed around 1,000 stitches per minute is plenty for beginner and everyday home sewing.
At about 14.5 to 15.4 lb (6.6 to 7 kg), it is portable enough to move around the house, though it is a bit much for weekly class commuting if you prefer a lighter travel machine. That weight also reflects a metal chassis rather than an ultra-light plastic shell, which helps stability on the table.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- Simple dial controls that suit absolute beginners
- Clean Brother stitch quality on everyday fabrics
- Drop-in bobbin, LED light, free arm, and useful garment-focused feet
- Twin-needle capability and a darning plate for limited free-motion work
- Affordable starter package for dressmaking practice and home sewing
Limitations
- No automatic needle threader
- Four-step buttonhole instead of one-step
- Feed dogs do not drop; free-motion needs the darning plate
- Modest motor power for thick stacks or heavy fabrics
- US availability can be more limited than for Brother’s better-known XL/XR models
Ideal user
This machine fits beginners who want a no-nonsense mechanical starter for clothing basics, alterations, and light home projects. It also suits anyone who prefers dials over menus and does not need a deep decorative stitch library. If you want more stitches in a similar format, look at the AE2500. If you sew thick denim stacks regularly or want computerized helpers, choose a stronger or more feature-rich model.
Manuals, warranty, and registration
Manuals: Search your exact model on Brother Support or Brother USA Support for the Operation Manual and Quick Reference Guide (or Sewing Guide).
US: US limited warranty periods vary by model (often a long chassis period with shorter coverage for electronics and labor). Register at Brother USA product registration. Keep your dated receipt.
UK / EU: See the Brother Sewing & Craft warranty page and register at sewingcraft.brother.eu product registration. UK Brother Online: atyourside.brother.co.uk/register-your-device.
Official site: Brother USA.
Verdict
The Brother AE1700 is a well-rounded beginner sewing machine. It offers enough features for a variety of projects without overwhelming a new user. Stitch quality is strong for the class, operation stays simple, and the build reflects the reliability Brother is known for at this level. It lacks a few conveniences found on higher-end machines, but solid performance and a reasonable price still make it a dependable choice for someone starting their sewing journey. Check the product box below for current US dollar pricing.
Had mine a week now, love him to bits. Last night I tried sewing at full throttle. Frightened myself to death long before reaching that speed, so I still haven’t a clue as to how fast he really is!
I am impressed with the foot, it appears to be much better quality than the Singer Brilliance I have recently parted with. Also unlike the Singer it seems much smoother to alter the speed very easily. With the Singer I always had to hand manipulate it or it would go off at breakneck speed.
The only downside for me are the extra feet, especially the zipper foot. They look like poor quality plastic, so really let the side down. Having said that I would recommend this machine not only for beginners, but for anyone who doesn’t need, or want, a machine who does everything but make a cup of tea!