brother RLX3817A 17-Stitch Sewing Machine, Blue (Renewed) - Easy

Our review of the brother RLX3817A 17-stitch sewing machine finds it best suited to beginners and hobby sewers who want a compact, easy-to-use full size machine. The single biggest reason to consider this renewed model is its straightforward operation: selecting one of the 17 built-in stitches is as simple as turning a dial, and the included instructional CD helps new users get sewing quickly. Lightweight and portable, it balances useful stitch variety with practical convenience for basic garment repairs, home crafts, and class projects.

Key Features

• 17 built-in stitches: Offers a useful range including a blind hem stitch and zigzag to handle common sewing tasks and decorative work.
• 4-step buttonhole: The auto-size, four-step buttonhole makes attaching buttons predictable for garments and accessories.
• Manual needle threader: Simplifies threading the needle without electronic aids, reducing setup time for each sewing session.
• Four quick-change presser feet: Comes with zipper, buttonhole, button sewing and zigzag feet to expand what you can sew right away.
• Upper thread tension control: Lets you fine-tune tension to avoid loose, tight, or puckered stitches across different fabric weights.
• Lightweight and compact: Easy to transport to classes and simple to store at home, making it convenient for casual sewers.

Who It's For

This machine is ideal for beginners, students, and casual crafters who need a reliable, no-frills machine for mending, simple garments, and small projects. Its straightforward dial controls and included instructional CD make it approachable for those learning to sew or refreshing basic skills.

Those who sew heavy canvas, leather, or who need extensive automated features and industrial strength should look elsewhere; the RLX3817A is a light-duty, general-purpose machine and is not designed as a heavy production or professional tailoring machine.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to use stitch selection and setup, which helps beginners get productive quickly.
• Good value with four included presser feet for common tasks like zippers and buttons.
• Portable and lightweight design makes it simple to store and transport to classes.

Cons

• Some users report difficulty with threading despite the manual needle threader, which can be fiddly for fine threads.
• Sturdiness and stitching quality are mixed in reports, so it may not suit heavy or continuous production use.

Specifications

Model	RLX3817A (renewed)
Built-in stitches	17 including blind hem and zigzag
Buttonhole type	4-step auto-size buttonhole
Presser feet included	Zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing
Threading	Manual needle threader
Tension control	Upper thread tension dial

Our Verdict

The brother RLX3817A renewed sewing machine is a practical, budget-friendly choice for beginners and hobby sewers who value simplicity and portability. It provides a solid set of basic stitches, useful presser feet, and tension control for everyday sewing and mending, making it good value for casual use, though those needing heavy-duty performance should consider a more robust model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this machine include presser feet?
Yes, it ships with four quick-change presser feet: zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, and button sewing feet.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, its dial stitch selection, instructional CD, and compact design make it well suited to beginners and sewing students.

Can it handle heavy fabrics?
This model is intended for light to medium fabrics; it is not designed for heavy leather or continuous industrial sewing.