The Brother AE1700 is a simple, mechanical sewing machine designed with beginners in mind. It offers 17 stitches, a four-step buttonhole, and an automatic bobbin winder, which together cover the basics for everyday sewing. The twin needle capability also opens the door to decorative stitching on a variety of fabrics.
In this review, we’ll go through each feature in detail so you can decide whether this machine is the right fit for your needs. The AE1700 has a lot in common with the popular Brother LS14, delivering a solid balance of quality and affordability, and it continues to receive strong feedback from users.
Brother AE1700 Sewing Machine
Ease Of Use
Like many of Brother’s entry-level models, the AE1700 is built to be approachable for someone just starting out. The automatic bobbin winder is a nice touch, removing the need to wind bobbins manually.
Being a mechanical machine, the controls are straightforward. There’s no LCD screen or menu system, which can be a relief for beginners who just want to start sewing without learning complex settings. You simply turn a dial to select your stitch.
If you want a machine you can start learning on and still use comfortably as your skills grow, the AE1700 works well for that purpose.
Stitches and Buttonholes
For its price, the AE1700 offers a good stitch selection. You get 17 stitches, covering common utility stitches, a few decorative options, and the basics for garment sewing.
The four-step buttonhole takes a little more effort than a one-step version, but it works reliably. The included button sewing foot is a nice extra, especially if you plan to make or repair clothing.
If you want a larger stitch library, the Brother AE2500 offers 25 stitches and is worth considering.
Key Features To Consider Before Buying
Motor
The AE1700 uses a 51-watt motor, the same as the Brother AE2500. While that’s less powerful on paper than the 85-watt motor in the similarly priced Singer 1507, the AE1700 still handles multiple fabric layers without much trouble. Brother’s motors tend to perform reliably even if they’re not the most powerful in the specs list.
Stitch Quality and Speed
Brother machines are known for consistent, clean stitch quality, and the AE1700 is no exception. It can sew up to 1,000 stitches per minute, which is more than enough for everyday sewing and beginner projects.
Bobbin System
This model uses a top-loading drop-in bobbin. Some sewists have a personal preference for front-loading bobbins, but the drop-in style is convenient and easy to monitor while sewing. The automatic bobbin winder is another plus, especially if you’re new to sewing.
Presser Foot
In total there are four presser feet included when you buy the Brother AE1700. These are more geared towards making clothes, which is why I recommend this machine as a good choice for beginners and any budding fashionistas out there. It is also suitable for home furnishings and similar sewing projects and is a quite versatile machine.
- Zigzag foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Zipper foot
- Button sewing foot
Needle Threading
There is no automatic needle threading capability with the Brother AE1700. This feature is usually reserved for more expensive sewing machines. Luckily, threading and rethreading this machine is a simple task. If you do manage to struggle with threading there are a number of YouTube videos that show you how to thread this machine.
Portability
Weighing in at 6.6kg, this sewing machine isn’t the best choice for those that regularly go to sewing classes. This is a good indicator of a well-built sewing machine and is always a good sign that you aren’t buying a cheap sewing machine made mainly of plastic components.
Included Accessories
The accessories included with this sewing machine are the standard ones that you get with most machines. However, there is a darning plate. Due to you not being able to drop the feed dogs on the Brother AE1700 sewing machine you can’t do free motion sewing. The inclusion of the darning plate gives you the option of free motion sewing adding even more versatility to this already very versatile machine.
- Darning plate
- Set of needles
- Spare bobbins
- Screw driver disc
- Instruction guide and instructional DVD
If you are looking for the manual, you can find it here.
Summary
The Brother AE1700 is a well-rounded beginner sewing machine that offers enough features to handle a variety of projects without overwhelming a new user. The stitch quality is excellent, it’s easy to operate, and it’s built with the reliability Brother is known for. While it lacks a few conveniences found in higher-end machines, its solid performance and reasonable price make it a dependable choice for someone starting their sewing journey.
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!