Started out great , after few monthd started Stitching uneven. Thread balls up in bobbin area. I have to stop repeatedly to get material out of bobbin thread and reset where stitches were missing.

Atcmom2002

Mo

I had not sewn for many years and was looking to get back into it last November, 2008.  My husband bought this machine for me as an early Christmas gift and I was thrilled with it. I had originally wanted a machine with several stitch functions, but we didn't have it in our budget, so he got me this one, instead.  Basically, it has two stitches: straight and zig-zag, but you can vary those stitches by using the knob while sewing to created different styles. However, I found it tiring to turn the knob back and forth to create the fun stitches while sewing and stopped using it. Yes, you read that right. In order to create extra stitches (other than the zig-zags), you have to turn the knob back and forth while sewing. So, basically, what you're doing is sewing one-handed, timing your turns, and messing with fabric all at the same time. A real pain if you really want to use fancy stitches. I've discovered that the tension is getting a little cranky, and the attachment that covers the bulb is coming loose. When I sew, the bobbin thread is looser than the top thread, and no matter what I do, it doesn't correct. I've used this machine a LOT during the past year, and it doesn't seem to want to last. Also, the feeder is obnoxiously jerky, and when you press down on the foot, the machine starts fast. It doesn't ease into the stitch, it gallops like Seabiscuit before he knew how to race....all over the place. It's difficult to control the stitch this way and if you don't have a very firm hand, the alignment will go off and you'll have to rip out the stitch and start over and try again for a straight line. It also has a tendency to jam and bunch thread in the understitches. This poor little machine has worn out its welcome in my home. I'm going to sell it soon and upgrade.

cactuslil

Chicago, IL

I received this as a gift from my father in law. I have made many projects with this sewing machine and overall works pretty well. Every now and then the thread tensioner will start catching the thread and it will snap right in the middle of sewing. Also many times where the bobbin is located, for some reason the thread will suddenly tangle with the thread in the needle and screw up the material bad enough to have to use seam ripper to remove sections and start over. It can be frustrating but doesn't happen all the time. I have had it looked at a couple of times and they can't figure out why either.

Heidikc

Vine Grove, KY

Brother LS - 1217 is a great starter machine for those who do not know sewing at all or have just started learning. It is light weight, portable, easy to carry, has a light attached to it - although that is not enough. You still need additional lighting. The needles can be changed easily, it is easy to thread the needle, and sew basic stitches. The manual is easy to understand and is also available online in case you misplace yours like I did. I have been using it for 2 years for simple stitching like household projects, repairing minor tears or unravelled stitches on clothes, adjusting hems of pants and skirts. It is not very expensive and does everything that I was expecting it to do. The reason I give it 4 stars because when I fill the bobbins, the spools of thread keep falling off. Also the tension on the thread keeps changing even though I have not touched the adjustment button. However, since I am not doing any major sewing, I am able to get away with a few uneven stitches. Now I want to learn quilting and am looking for a better machine that would not have these problems. This is definitely not the machine for people who sew a lot or stitch dresses and other complicated projects.

lovetoteachsanu

Lancaster, PA

I have this Brother portable sewing machine that does wonders for me, it has the different  stitch settings. I can use it to just mend things or in most cases make quilt tops with it. I can carry it from room to room depending on which room I want to sew in. It cames with several attachments that I often use, all my family brings what they need sewing to me and my machine has never let me down, I have owed several cabinet model sewing machines but I prefer the Brothers portable.  It's sews quitely and the zig zag stitches always turn out great. My instruction book show me how to do different designs with the stitches which is good for all types of craft projects. The bobbin is very easy to replace, just stick it on top, fill it and put it back in the machine, the needle picks up the thread the first time so you don't loose a lot of time fooling with it. When you need to secure a stitch, just push the reverse button and it will continue to sew and your stitches will be secured. If something happened to my Brother machine I would definently buy another one. Good product, good brand.

xoxo29

Brush Creek, TN

This machine gives big bang for it's low cost.  I use my machine for anything from toymaking to drapery making which has me sewing a variety of materials and thickeness's.  I have never had a problem with any of these items.  The instructions are clear and concise on how to load the bobbin and sewing needle guides, they offer several usable stitching options that allow you to do most projects out there.  I would strongly recommend this machine for any member of the sewing community from beginner to a expert.

teratopaz

Colorado Springs, CO

This is a pretty inexpensive machine, but does pretty well for what you pay for it.  I really liked it as I learned to sew as it was very easy to learn to use and to set up.  It definately doesn't compare to more expensive machines made by Brother or other companies, but I didn't expect it to with the price I paid for it.  It is inadequate for more complex sewing projects and more experienced seamstresses and I have found it harder and harder to do some of the projects I'd like as I am becoming more proficient.  It has all the basic functions that you'd need on a machine and not much more.  This is definately the "stripped down" model with no bells and whistles, but it is also within the budget of nearly anyone that would like to learn to sew.  I would recommend it to any person that would like to learn the basics of sewing and doesn't want to spend a lot of money until they know if they are going to like their new hobby.  If you are more experienced and like to work on more complex patterns and projects then this is not the machine for you.  It is very user friendly and the instruction manual was easy to read and therefore the machine is easy to set up.  I did find that at times the tension got a little tight even without any adjustments to the knob, but that seemed to only become a problem as I tried to do more complex stitch work so I don't think it would be an issue if you used this machine for basic sewing.  It makes a great starter machine!

utahmommy2008

Ogden, UT

The Brother LS-1217 is a GREAT machine for the money. It sews very neatly, and the stitches are always perfect. I find that the machine is very easy to thread and run, and that I being a realitively new sewer, figured it out with very little effort and the booklet is VERY easy to understand and use! I have had no problems with simple sewing projects.    The only drawbacks to the machine is that the thread seems to break easily with "fast" sewing. If you are doing "serious" sewing, you may have to stop and rethread often, but honestly, for the price that you pay for the machine, it's not that big a deal. I have had no problems otherwise, and I do sew pretty much every day.

HillbillyMama

Toccoa, GA

Is not as easy as I had hoped.  The threading is inconvenient and loses the tension easy, which means uneven stitching. Perhaps a different model would have been more to my liking.  It was cost effective at the time, but not the best choice, in my opinion. If you plan to do a lot of sewing, this is not the one for you.

Cyp

Springfield, MO

I'm a avid craftsperson in the need of a sewing machine.  So, my machine is threaded and really to go all of the time. My need is for a straight stitch with forward and backward stitching.  I work mostly with cotton fabric and the settings are always where they're suppose to be.  So, the basic sewig machine, as the Brother LS-12-17, is just what I need.  I haven't had any trouble with my Bother, but if and when I do, it is so afordable that I will buy another one.  When the time comes to buy another, most stores sell it.  So, I know I can easily replace it and that is very important to me as I live away from national brand stores. I like the weight as it is light and I can pick it up and carry it without a struggle. It is easy to clean and oil.  The power cord is long enough to reach the wall socket with ease.  My foot feels good on the foot pedal when operating the Brother LS-12-17. I would tell anyone that uses a straight stitch machine about the Brother LS-1217 sewing machine, because I wouldn't think about buying any other sewing machine.   

SassieGal

Salem, AR