Brother LX3817A 17-Stitch Full-Size Portable Mechanical Sewing Machine, Aqua

My sewing machine is 35 years old and was having problems. Because of the affordable price of this machine, I thought buying a new one would be cheaper than a repairman. This machine is advertised for beginners and advanced sewers. I've been sewing for 60 years, and this is the easiest machine I have ever used. I am really enjoying it.

It came quick, as described. I spent some time picking which product I thought would work best for me. I needed one that would hem jeans, a thicker material at least doubled over. I have some experience with sewing machines, and sewing in general, when i was little I would watch Mom, a seamstress, sew and using the machine. This machine does exactly what it advertised. I've already hemmed several pairs of jeans, I even pushed it a little further then needed and it worked great. I'm not into a lot of the things the Brother sewing machine can do, but the future is yet to come.

I've had a few different sewing machines over the span of 30 years. I buy one, get frustrated, then donate it. I honestly thought it was me who couldn't even sew a simple pillow case, until I bought this machine. I can sew! I can sew! This machine isn't finicky, the tension actually works correctly, stitches are straight. It's even better than my mom's ugly golden yellow 1970s expensive machine. My Tips: 1. Buy the correct bobbins from Brother. You can't just use any bobbins, even if they look the same. 2. Thread it EXACTLY as the manual shows. 3. Learn about Interfacing. It'll make all the difference in your projects. 4. Start with tote bags and pillow covers. You can find video tutorials online. I can't read a pattern to save my life, and I barely passed Home Ec. Lol. 5. You don't have to use expensive materials. Buy fabric and thread from Walmart. This machine isn't picky. ...I'm just so happy I can finally sew, and this machine makes all the difference.

I did a lot of research and shopping before I bought this machine, and I have not been disappointed. Even the written instructions are very intuitive and easy to understand. I didn't need to spend hours on YouTube learning how to use this machine. it works perfectly and I have been using it on just about everything in the house haha I love it so much

I didn't have any experience with sewing machines at all. I chose this one because it was the cheapest one that had great reviews. I couldn't follow the manual quite well, so I watched a YouTube video. The setup was not too complicated but it took me some time to get used to the pre and post stitching steps. I've tried maybe 4-5 of all the available patterns and they came out really good. It also does not produce a lot of vibrations/ noise, so yay!

I am a beginner sewer. The tailor wanted outrageous prices to shorten p j bottoms. I had 3 pairs that needed shortening and it was cheaper to get a sewing machine and do it myself. The instruction booklet that came with the sewing machine was easy to understand, and never having sewn before, I was able to shorten all my PJs with ease. The machine worked really well! So many booklets that come with purchases are so complicated they are useless, but this booklet was easy to follow for beginners.

This sewing machine is a great machine,I’m 65 yrs old and it’s lightweight so easy to move. I have started sewing repairs on my dogs jackets and will be making my own nite gowns..Very easy to use it’s perfect for making some craft projects also!! Very Pleased !! 😊Thank You So Much!!

When the Pandemic started (2019-2020), there were no sewing machines to be had. I was so desperate to get my hands on one (to make free masks for those who wanted/needed them, so I put an ad on the web asking for a donated one. I just donated it (2025) to the Valley Mission Thrift Store, here in Staunton after the new Brother sewing machine arrived. I haven't had the time to do anymore than unpackage it. It's sleek and "pretty" color is what attracted me to the purchase. My intentions are to take all my blouses/shirts and cut them into 3/4 sleeves to hide my sagging upper senior arms. At 71, I guess it's about time to do so, so nobody has to look at that, lol, no matter how hot it is outside. I am excited to experiment with the different stitching settings (17), and am going to have fun with that. I have been sewing for decades, so I did my research and this machine was perfect for what I need it to do. This is a great machine for those who know how to use a sewing machine, as it is a cut above the beginner's models.

I guess I got what I paid for. I just needed a machine that was light enough to carry to classes. It is lightweight but feels kinda like a toy. I guess I am spoiled because I work on more high-end machines at home. I will likely pass this one to someone else and look a little deeper for a more substantial machine that I can also travel with. I do love Brother, but not this machine. It does have a variety of stitches, no auto threader, but does thread in a standard manner. No tension problems in the short time I used it.

I have been sewing for most of my 60 plus years. This is the worst sewing machine I have ever tried to use. I spend more time threading the needle than i do sewing. It takes an 8 inch lead to keep the needle threaded before you can make a stitch. All that is not to mention the bobbin continously hanging up and knottin up. I needed a machine in a hurry and i thought this one would get me thru until I could buy a better one, oops, nope, wrong again!!! This machine is honestly not worth taking the time to send it back for a refund or to swap for another better one. Lesson learned. It's easy to use and it runs fairly quietly but that's about all the good I can say about it.