Brother LS 1717 Review (2026)
The Brother LS 1717 is a compact and beginner-friendly sewing machine designed for basic home sewing tasks and everyday fabric repairs. Equipped with essential stitch functions, lightweight construction, and simple mechanical controls, the LS 1717 is suitable for beginners, students, and casual sewing users. Whether you are hemming clothes, repairing fabrics, or learning basic sewing techniques, this machine provides reliable performance for a variety of household sewing projects. In this detailed review, we’ll break down the key features, performance, and overall value of the Brother LS 1717 to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your sewing needs.
Key Features Of The Brother LS 1717
The Brother LS 1717 includes practical features that make it an excellent option for entry-level sewing users:
- Dimensions: 15 x 6 x 11 inches
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Built In Stitches: 17 stitches
- Buttonhole Styles: 4 step buttonhole
- Maximum Sewing Speed: 750 stitches per minute
- Control Type: Mechanical dial controls
- Free Arm: Included
- Bobbin System: Front loading bobbin
- Reverse Sewing: Included
- Lighting: LED sewing light
- Presser Feet Included: Standard sewing accessories
- Handle: Built in carrying handle
- Warranty: Limited manufacturer warranty
With its lightweight design and beginner-friendly controls, the Brother LS 1717 is designed to simplify everyday sewing tasks for home users.
Pros And Cons
Here’s a quick overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the Brother LS 1717:
Pros:
- Easy-to-use controls suitable for beginners
- Lightweight and portable design
- Includes essential stitches for basic sewing projects
- Compact size fits smaller sewing spaces
- Quiet operation during everyday sewing
- Free arm supports cuffs, sleeves, and smaller fabric pieces
- Affordable option for casual sewing users
- Simple stitch selection using manual dials
Cons:
- Limited advanced sewing features
- Not suitable for heavy-duty fabric sewing
- No automatic needle threading feature
- Front loading bobbin may require practice for beginners
- Limited decorative stitch selection
- Mechanical controls may feel basic for advanced users
Ideal For Home Sewing Projects
The Brother LS 1717 is ideal for users looking for a simple and dependable sewing machine for everyday home sewing tasks. It performs well for clothing alterations, hemming, repairs, beginner sewing lessons, and simple craft projects.
Its compact footprint and lightweight structure make it especially useful for apartments, dorm rooms, and smaller craft areas. The beginner-friendly controls also help new users quickly learn basic sewing functions without difficulty.
Performance And Sewing Efficiency
The Brother LS 1717 delivers smooth sewing performance for lightweight and medium-weight fabrics. With sewing speeds up to 750 stitches per minute, the machine handles common sewing projects efficiently while maintaining steady stitch quality.
The 17 built-in stitches provide flexibility for straight stitching, zigzag stitching, and decorative sewing applications. Users can quickly adjust stitch patterns using the mechanical stitch selector dial for convenient operation during projects.
The free arm feature also improves flexibility when sewing circular items such as sleeves, cuffs, and pant legs.
Ease Of Use And Maintenance
The Brother LS 1717 is designed for simple operation with clearly labeled controls and an easy threading system. Beginners can quickly understand the machine’s setup and functions without advanced sewing experience.
In terms of maintenance, the machine requires regular lint cleaning and occasional bobbin area maintenance to maintain smooth operation. The lightweight construction also makes it easy to move and store when not in use.
Its straightforward mechanical controls help reduce complexity for first-time sewing users.
Durability And Build Quality
The Brother LS 1717 is built with durable components designed for regular household sewing use. The frame remains stable during operation, helping maintain reliable stitch consistency for everyday sewing projects.
While it is not intended for industrial or heavy-duty applications, the machine provides dependable durability for casual sewing users and beginner-level projects. Proper maintenance can help extend the machine’s long-term performance.
Portability And Ease Of Transport
At 13 lbs, the Brother LS 1717 is lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for transport and storage. The built-in carrying handle allows users to move the machine easily between sewing areas or transport it to sewing classes and workshops.
Its compact dimensions also make it simple to store in closets, cabinets, and smaller workspaces when not in use.
Final Thoughts On The Brother LS 1717
The Brother LS 1717 is an excellent option for beginners and casual sewing users looking for a compact, affordable, and reliable sewing machine for everyday sewing projects. Its lightweight design, practical stitch selection, and beginner-friendly controls make it ideal for learning sewing basics and handling common household sewing tasks.
While it may not include advanced computerized features or heavy-duty sewing capabilities, the machine delivers dependable performance for general home sewing needs. The combination of portability, ease of use, and practical functionality makes it a strong choice for entry-level sewing users.
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly sewing machine with reliable everyday performance and simple operation, the Brother LS 1717 is definitely worth considering.