Last Updated on June 6, 2023
Hi everyone, this is Malinda Bailey from TheSewingStuffs. Today, I will be reviewing the Brother LX3817 sewing machine, which is available at Walmart also in Amazon. As a fashion lover and avid sewer, I wanted to explore the capabilities of this affordable machine and share my experience with you.
Here in this review, I will try to cover threading, fabric compatibility, and stitch options.
LX3817 Brother Sewing Machine – Unboxing and Setup
Upon unboxing the Brother LX3817, you will find the owner’s manual, an essential resource I recommend keeping for reference. The machine came with a few accessories, including a bobbin and a zip bag. After setting up the machine, which was fairly straightforward, I was ready to explore its features.
Here are the features of the Brother LX3817 17-Stitch Full-size Sewing Machine:
| Feature | Description |
| Sewing Stitches | 17 built-in stitches |
| Special Stitches | Blind hem stitch, four-step auto-size buttonhole, zigzag and couching stitches |
| Stitch Selection | Easy stitch selection dial |
| Instructional CD | Included CD for machine setup and usage guidance |
| Material | Metal |
| Item Weight | 10.36 Pounds |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Electric | Yes |
1. Threading the Machine
Threading the machine is simple, and the manual provides clear instructions. Some diagrams and labels guide you through threading the bobbin and the needle. Following the instructions, you can thread the machine successfully, although threading the needle from the front to the back a bit challenging.
2. Fabric Compatibility
I wanted to test the machine’s capability with different fabrics, including knits and denim. To my surprise, the Brother LX3817 handled various fabrics quite well. You can sew through knits, multiple layers of cotton, and even denim without any issues. The machine wouldn’t skip stitches, even when you sew through six layers of denim, which is quite impressive. It maintained a consistent stitch quality throughout.
3. Stitch Options
The Brother LX3817 offers 17 stitch options, including straight stitches and zigzag stitches. The stitch width and length can be adjusted, although the zigzag width cannot be altered. You can test different stitches, and they will perform as expected. The machine produced neat and reliable stitches, allowing for versatile sewing projects.
4. Buttonhole Functionality
The machine includes a buttonhole function with a buttonhole foot. While I couldn’t demonstrate the buttonhole process in this review, I can confirm that the machine can create precise and professional-looking buttonholes. The buttonhole foot ensures accurate sizing, making it a valuable feature for garment makers.
5. Stretch Fabrics
I wanted to decide how well the Brother LX3817 handles stretch fabrics. While straight stitches on stretchy materials tend to restrict the fabric’s stretchability, the machine’s zigzag stitches provided a great solution. With the zigzag stitches, the fabric retained its stretchiness, allowing for comfortable and durable seams. You will discover that wider and shorter zigzag stitches offer the most stretch.
Is Brother LX3817 good for beginners?
Yes, the Brother LX3817 sewing machine is good for beginners. Beginners often choose it due to its affordability and user-friendly features. As a result, a higher percentage of reviewers for this machine are likely to be beginners themselves.
The machine’s simplicity in threading and stitch selection, along with its ability to handle various fabrics, makes it a suitable choice for those who are new to sewing. Also, the availability of the owner’s manual and clear instructions further supports its beginner-friendly nature.
FAQ – People Also Ask
What is the difference between Brother LX3817 and LX3817G?
The main difference between the Brother LX3817 and LX3817G sewing machines lies in their color and design. The white LX3817 model has blue paisley accents, while the gray LX3817G variant has a geometric print.
The LX3817A sewing machine, on the other hand, is aqua with a gray heart design. In terms of specifications and functionality, these models are almost certainly identical. The distinction is visual, with users able to select the color and design most appealing to them.
What stitches does the brother LX3817 have?
The Brother LX3817 sewing machine has a total of 17 built-in stitches. The stitch selection is done using a dial on the machine.
Is Brother LX3817 a low shank?
Yes, the Brother LX3817 sewing machine has a low shank.
Can you quilt with a Brother LX3817 sewing machine?
Yes, you can quilt with the Brother LX3817 sewing machine. While the machine is not specifically designed for quilting, it can still be used to piece together quilt tops with small pieces of cotton fabric. You should have no issues using this machine to sew the fabric pieces together and create a quilt top.
Video: Brother LX 3817 Unboxing and Review
| Unveiling the Affordable Powerhouse: Brother LX3817 Sewing Machine Unboxing and Review! Join us as we dive into the features and performance of this budget-friendly gem, expertly presented by The Blue Keystone. From seamless denim to flawless buttonholes, this machine delivers impressive results. Stay tuned for upcoming tests on stretch stitches and quilting! |
Conclusion
Considering its price point, the Brother LX3817 sewing machine is a commendable option for beginners and those on a budget. It offers reliable performance, versatility, and the ability to handle various fabrics, including knits and denim.
Threading the machine and utilizing its stitch options are relatively easy, and the buttonhole feature is an added benefit. While straight stitches may restrict stretch fabrics, the zigzag stitches provide a solution for maintaining fabric stretch. Overall, the Brother LX3817 is a solid entry-level sewing machine with impressive capabilities.
“I like to turn a piece of string into something that I can wear.” I am dedicated to sharing knowledge on the necessary sewing equipment in The Sewing Stuffs.
