Brother JX2517 Sewing Machine Review

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Looking for the best sewing machine can be time-consuming thus, looking up a product’s review is highly recommended before buying anything, especially an electronic appliance.

And in looking for a sewing machine, initially look at its specifications and features, to ensure that it’s the perfect fit for you. So don’t stress out on looking for the perfect sewing machine for your home, this Brother JX2517 review has got you covered.

Overview

Key Specifications

Dimensions: 12 x 5.8 x 15.3 inches
Machine Weight: approximately 12 pounds
Built-in Sewing Stitches: 17
Maximum Sewing Speed: 850 stitches per minute
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

This company was established in Japan during the early 1900’s and is one of the top electronic appliance manufacturers worldwide. Brother started out selling sewing machines, and typewriters and in today’s time, they are one of leading manufacturers for photocopier machines, printers, printing press machines, and so on and so forth. Thus, we know that Brother is a highly reputable company with strict standards on quality and reliability.

Pros

Very Easy To Operate – This machine has an easy-to-use blind hem stitch, pattern selection dial, and drop-in top bobbin. The system itself is easy-to-use making it hassle-free.
Lightweight Sewing Machine – As it weighs at approximately 12 pounds, it’s definitely much lighter than its contenders, making it easier to store away since it’s extremely portable. Its dimensions are 12″ x 5.8″ x 15.3”. This makes it so convenient to bring a sewing machine around.
Applicable On Heavier Fabrics – Even if it’s really lightweight, it actually has a pretty strong motor. It easily works with all kinds of fabrics, even if its three layers of denim and light canvas. However, you shouldnt abuse the machine and avoid using it on heavy-duty fabrics such as upholstery.

Cons

LED Light Isn’t That Bright – Given its price, it’s quite reasonable that the LED light feature doesn’t really do much help.
Cannot Adjust Stitch Length – Unfortunately, this machine does not come with this feature, thus, it won’t be much help for experienced and advanced sewists.
Lack Of Automatic Needle Threader – In my opinion, this should’ve been resolved by the company p, knowing that it’s made by Brother. This feature would have been very advantageous.

Who Should Consider Getting Brother JX2517

Knowing its pros and cons, I can say that this machine is most suitable for entry-level sewing novices or beginning sewists [1]. It comes with essential features necessary for most sewing applications. Beginners will love this machine for its usability, reliability, and affordability. Well, anyone can actually use this machine as it’s not complicated however it just lacks features and technology. To make it perfect for beginners, the package comes with a DVD for easy-setup and operation. Since it’s a mechanical sewing machine, it does lack some very helpful features such as the automatic needle threader and adjustable stitch length and width. For its features and quality, it’s actually a very great machine to start with. So, if you’re new to sewing and want to start with something that’s easy-to-use and has included features, then this JX2517 is one of your top options.

Features and Benefits of Brother JX2517

17 Built-in Stitches

This machine although not computerized, still features like its 17 built-in stitches with both utility and decorative options. It includes a 4-step automatic buttonhole feature which is very convenient for garment construction [2]. It also includes a built-in blind hem stitch which allows users to create a blind hem on any garment without any hassle.

Automatic Thread Cutter

What’s great about Brother sewing machines, is that it mostly comes with an automatic thread cutter. Luckily, this machine includes one. This is actually a very useful feature in sewing machines because it saves you time instead of reaching for the scissors every time you finish a stitch.

Top Drop-in Bobbin

It comes with a great feature called Quick-Set Top Drop-in Bobbin. All you need to do in loading the bobbin is to just drop it into the bobbin case, and that’s it. Thus, this machine is user-friendly due to its hassle-free features.

4 Different Presser Feet

The machine comes with 4 different presser feet allowing you to expand its functionality. The feet included are button sewing foot, a buttonhole foot, a zigzag foot, and a zipper foot. You can quickly and easily change them, as all of them are snap-on. The first two combined will allow you to cover all of your needs and ideas when it comes to buttons. While this machine doesn’t have a wide variety of presser feet, these four varieties can already take care of most of your needs. You can also buy additional feet accessories that will fit this machine if you want more options.

LED-lit Work Area

A LED light is included in the JX2517 to allow users to clearly see every detail of their projects. This LED feature is very beneficial especially when sewing in the evening or in places where it is dark. However, even if it is present, it still doesn’t illuminate that much light on the work space.

Free Arm

This feature allows users to easily sew on cuffs, sleeves, collars, and so on. This will definitely save you time and effort, making one of the great features of this machine. There is also an easy-to-reach reverse stitch button. Backstitching will help you keep your stitches neat and tight.

Lightweight Design

This sewing machine just weighs 12 pounds, making it quite portable. This will allow you to store and move it wherever you want with ease. Its lightweight feature makes it an awesome machine for young beginner sewers.

Reverse Stitch

It has been equipped with the useful snap of the reverse stitch that can help the sewers to make the stitches tight enough simply with the press of a button.

Includes Helpful DVD and Good Manual

As it is user-friendly, they ensured customers with a very informative DVD and manual on how to properly set-up and operate the machine. And in buying a new appliance, it’s actually pretty essential to read or watch the instruction manual before doing anything with the machine.

Able To Work On Heavy-Duty Materials

It may not look obvious, but it is actually stronger than you would imagine because it can work on almost all kinds of fabrics. It can even go through three layers of denim and light canvas. As long as you use the right needle, then you’ll be able to sew on various fabrics.

Warranty

The guarantee period begins from the date of order. It includes a 25-year limited warranty which is an advantage if ever your machine needs maintenance.

Other Features

Needle set
Bobbin
Darning plate
Oval screwdriver
Foot controller
Power cord
Operation manual

What Others Are Saying

Customer’s have been enjoying this Brother JX2517 because it performs all its designed features properly and even better than we expected. This machine really is lightweight, portable, and affordable. Its lightweight structure is both an advantage and disadvantage. Most users mentioned the product to be very user-friendly and affordable considering its features. It does have a fair share of pros and cons, and is understandable with its price. Even if it’s not a computerized machine, it still does the job right and on time. This is a good deal for anyone looking to get a sturdy, reliable, and affordable machine.

Alternatives of Brother JX2517

If you don’t have this model in stores near you, you can also check on other options that work similarly or even better.

Singer 9985 Quantum Stylist Touch Sewing Machine

This is a fully computerized sewing machine with advanced features. One of its great features is its 960 built-in stitches. It also has a large LCD touch screen that will enable easy-viewing for users. In addition to that, is the extension table, allowing more work space for larger projects. It comes with a mirror-imaging and elongation function, drop-in bobbin system with clear cover, and an adjustable presser foot.

Brother Innov-is NS80E Sewing Machine

This computerized sewing machine is featured for its portability and compactness. Not only that, but it also includes 80 built-in stitches, 8 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles, LCD screen, automatic needle threader, and a super bright LED light. It does have great features but not enough. Its downside is the lack of an automatic thread cutter and its inability to be used on certain types of fabric, especially heavy-duty ones. Thus, in order to avoid any damage, simply avoid sewing on multi-layered and heavy-duty fabrics.

Janome Sewist 780DC Sewing Machine

This is also a fully computerized sewing machine with 80 built-in stitches, 3 one-step buttonhole styles, free arm, start/stop button, foot pressure adjustment, speed control slider, needle up/down, built-in needle threader, LED light, auto thread cutter, lock stitch, and so on and so forth. What’s great about it is its maximum sewing speed of 820 stitches per minute. For its size, you won’t think that this lightweight machine is packed with tons of features. This is definitely a great investment for sewing enthusiasts and people looking to expand their creativity and projects.

Conclusion

Brother JX2517 sewing machine is ideal for beginners. It’s definitely a machine where affordability meets quality. This sewing machine satisfies all your wants in a sewing machine but much cheaper! Since it’s not computerized, it also lacks certain advanced features. Its user-friendly feature is what makes it so popular, as they are able to teach their kids and grandkids how to sew. Brother made it a point to offer users something that can attract the taste buds of many, and this is one of them. So when you’re ready to make a purchase, click here to check it out.

Resources:

“The First 10 Tools Every Beginning Sewist Needs.” 19 Jan. 2016, https://sewfearless.com/2016/01/first-10-tools-every-beginning-sewist-needs/. Accessed 10 Sep. 2020.
“The Art of Garment Manufacturing: Garment Construction ….” https://www.cottonworks.com/topics/sourcing-manufacturing/garment-manufacturing/the-art-of-garment-manufacturing-garment-construction/. Accessed 7 Sep. 2020.