Brother RLX3817G: Full Size 17 Stitch Sewing Machine, Grey, Refurbished: Full Review

The Brother RLX3817G is a full-sized sewing machine aimed at beginners and intermediate home sewists looking for an affordable and user-friendly model. This machine was originally released in 2018 but has since been discontinued and replaced by newer Brother models. However, refurbished units are still available from various retailers.

Some of the key features of the Brother RLX3817G include:

• 17 built-in stitches including utility and decorative options
• Easy bobbin winding and drop-in top loading bobbin
• Automatic needle threader
• Large extension table for extra sewing space
• Adjustable sewing speed control
• Free arm for sewing sleeves and pant legs
• Built-in thread cutter

With its variety of stitches, automatic features, and accessories, this machine provides good value for money. Its lightweight design makes it portable to take to classes or move around the house. While it lacks some of the more advanced features of higher-end machines, the RLX3817G covers all the basics for clothes construction, alterations, crafts, and home decor projects.

Design & Build Quality

The Brother RLX3817G is a full-sized sewing machine with a sturdy plastic exterior casing. It comes in an attractive grey color that will look nice in any sewing room. The machine feels solid and stable when sitting on a table, thanks to its weight of approximately 15 pounds. There are no loose parts or uneven seams on the exterior, reflecting good overall build quality and construction.

The top flatbed area provides ample space for fabric work up to 17 inches wide. The arm area also has sufficient height and width for most sewing projects. The interior metal framework feels rigid with no flexing. All knobs and levers have a tight fit with smooth rotation and adjustment.

Overall, the Brother RLX3817G has a well-designed exterior case combined with sturdy interior components. The construction quality ensures smooth sewing performance and durability to handle regular use.

For those looking for a versatile and durable sewing machine, consider the Brother ST371HD: 37 Built-in Stitches. This model offers 37 built-in stitches, allowing for a wide range of creative projects from quilting to garment construction. The heavy-duty design makes it ideal for sewing thicker fabrics like denim and canvas. It includes features such as automatic needle threading, a drop-in bobbin system, and various presser feet, enhancing its functionality and ease of use.

Features & Specifications

The Brother RLX3817G sewing machine comes with 17 built-in stitches including a one-step auto-size buttonhole. It has a maximum sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute, making it suitable for both beginners and more advanced home sewers.

The machine features a variety of utility stitches such as blind hem, decorative stitches, an auto-size buttonhole in one step, and a convenient reverse sewing lever. There are 17 stitch options in total:

• 4 basic stitches - straight, zigzag, blind hem, and buttonhole
• 7 stretch stitches - zigzag stretch, blind hem stretch, tricot stitch, straight stretch stitch
• 3 decorative stitches - scallop, wave, hearts
• 3 elastic stitches - overcast, elastic blind hem, elastic stretch stitch

It can handle fabric weights from lightweight to medium, ideal for sewing projects with cotton, linen, rayon, polyester and more. The built-in free arm makes sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other cylindrical items easier.

There are variable speed settings that allow you to sew slowly for better control on detailed areas or zip through straight lines. An automatic needle threader is included for quick set up. The machine has a top drop-in bobbin and clear cover for monitoring bobbin thread supply.

Overall, the Brother RLX3817G offers a good selection of stitches and features for basic sewing and garment construction at an affordable price point. The variety of stitches combined with adjustable speed settings make it versatile for sewing projects from clothing to crafts and home decor.

The Brother SE2100Di: Disney Sewing and Embroidery Machine brings Disney magic to your sewing and embroidery projects. This machine offers a wide range of built-in Disney designs, making it perfect for fans of all ages. It includes advanced features such as an automatic needle threader, an expansive embroidery area, and a variety of sewing stitches. For more information, check out the Brother SE2100Di: Disney Sewing and Embroidery Machine.

Ease of Use

The Brother RLX3817G sewing machine is designed for simplicity and ease of use. Threading the machine is straightforward with easy-to-follow guides printed right on the machine. The top drop-in bobbin is very convenient, eliminating any need to struggle with bobbins.

The control panel is intuitive and user-friendly. It features a back-lit LCD display with easy selection of stitches, stitch length and width adjustments, and other settings. The panel has large buttons and dials that are easy to turn and press. There are no complex menus to navigate.

For beginners, the machine offers a one-step auto-size buttonhole function, making buttonholes easy. There is also a start/stop button so you don't need to use the foot pedal if desired. Jam-resistant technology prevents tangled threads and frustrations.

Overall, the machine is designed to be very easy to thread, wind bobbins, select stitches, and get sewing. The manual is well-written if any guidance is needed, but the machine is quite intuitive even for those new to sewing.

Sewing Performance

The Brother RLX3817G performs well when sewing through a variety of fabrics. The powerful motor allows it to easily handle thicker fabrics like denim, canvas, and multiple layers of quilting cotton. It sews smoothly without hesitation on lighter fabrics like silks and voile as well.

The machine comes with multiple presser feet for handling different projects. The zigzag foot makes it easy to sew appliques, satin stitch, and other decorative stitches. The zipper foot allows you to get nice and close when installing zippers and piping. An included blind hem foot creates nearly invisible hems on skirts and pants.

Stitch quality remains consistent at high speeds, with no skipped stitches. The needle position can be adjusted for sewing specialty techniques like topstitching. Overall, this machine provides excellent stitching performance for both utility sewing and creative projects.

Special Functions

The Brother RLX3817G sewing machine comes equipped with several useful specialty stitches and functions to enhance your sewing projects.

• 7 one-step auto-size buttonholes: This machine can create perfectly sized buttonholes for your buttons with just one step. There are 7 auto-buttonhole styles to choose from.

• Variable needle positions: Adjust the needle position left or right for added convenience when topstitching, quilting, or inserting zippers.

• Drop feed: The feed dogs can be easily lowered for free-motion quilting or embroidery.

• Free arm: The removable flat bed extension allows for free arm sewing on cuffs, sleeves, and other cylindrical pieces.

• Adjustable speed control: The sewing speed can be adjusted based on your needs and comfort level. Sew slowly for tricky projects or increase speed for long seams.

• Reverse sewing capability: Easily reinforce stitches by sewing in reverse. Helpful for securing the stitches at the start and end of seams.

• LED light: The bright LED sewing light illuminates your work area for optimal visibility.

Accessories

The Brother RLX3817G comes with a good selection of accessories to get you started sewing. It includes 7 different presser feet for various techniques like zipper insertion, buttonholes, blind stitch hemming, and more. The all metal frame snap-on presser feet are high quality and allow for easy changes.

Some key accessories include:

• All purpose foot - For general sewing
• Zipper foot - For inserting zippers and piping
• Buttonhole foot - For making buttonholes
• Blind stitch foot - For hemming clothes
• Button sewing foot - For attaching buttons
• Overcasting foot - To finish seam allowances
• Monogramming foot - For decorative stitching

It also comes with 4 bobbins, a twin needle, seam ripper, needle set, screwdriver, spool caps, foot controller, power cord, and instructional DVD. The included accessories provide you with everything you need to get started sewing and complete most common projects. Additional presser feet and accessories are available for purchase separately as well.

Overall, the accessories included with the Brother RLX3817G are very good quality and will satisfy most sewists' needs. The variety of presser feet allows you to tackle many techniques, making this a versatile machine right out of the box.

Maintenance

The Brother RLX3817G sewing machine is relatively easy to maintain to keep it running smoothly.

Cleaning - Keeping the machine free of lint and dust is important. The removable stitch plate allows access to clean out any threads or lint buildup around the bobbin area. The surface can be wiped down with a soft cloth.

Oiling - The machine requires regular oiling to lubricate the moving parts. Putting a few drops of sewing machine oil in the places indicated in the manual every 3-4 months keeps everything operating properly.

Needles - Changing the needle regularly is advised, especially if it becomes bent or dull from hitting pins. Replacing it with a new needle takes just seconds and helps prevent skipped stitches or thread breaks. The machine uses standard home sewing needles, so it's easy to find replacements.

Following the maintenance best practices outlined in the manual will help ensure the Brother RLX3817G continues sewing smoothly for many years. Proper cleaning, oiling, and replacing worn parts when required will maximize the machine's longevity.

Pros & Cons

The Brother RLX3817G sewing machine offers many benefits but also has some downsides to consider.

Pros

• Sturdy and durable construction with metal interior frame
• User-friendly with easy threading, bobbin winding, and tension adjustment
• Automatic needle threader saves time and frustration
• Adjustable stitch length and width for versatility
• One-step buttonhole function sews buttonholes evenly
• Drop feed allows free-motion techniques like quilting
• Wide table provides extra sewing space
• LED-lit work area helps see stitches clearly
• Hard carrying case included for storage and transport

Cons

• Limited to only 17 built-in stitches compared to similar models
• No automatic thread cutter
• Smaller throat space may restrict bulky projects
• Lower max sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute
• Manual thread tension can be tricky for beginners
• Presser foot pressure not adjustable
• Operation can be noisy at high speeds
• Warranty only 90 days for refurbished units

Overall, the Brother RLX3817G is a capable, user-friendly sewing machine for basic projects, garment sewing, and mending. It provides useful features at an affordable price point. The main downsides are the limited stitch selection, lack of an automatic thread cutter, and short warranty period since it is refurbished. For simple sewing needs, it is a solid value, but more advanced sewers may want added capabilities.

Conclusion

Overall, the Brother RLX3817G is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate sewers looking for a full-sized sewing machine with ample features at a budget-friendly price point.

The machine sports a sleek, modern design with a sturdy metal interior frame and easy-to-navigate control panel. It comes loaded with 17 built-in stitches for basic sewing, quilting, and decorative work. While the stitch selection is relatively limited compared to higher-end models, it covers all the basics for most sewing projects.

Performance is smooth and consistent, with few issues of skipped stitches or thread jams reported. The top drop-in bobbin is convenient, and the automatic needle threader is a huge time saver. The machine sews smoothly through multiple layers of fabric without straining.

For the price, the RLX3817G packs in many convenient functions generally found on more expensive machines - like adjustable speed control, start/stop button, reverse sewing lever, and drop feed for free motion work. The automatic needle up/down and thread cutter are also handy bonuses.

The main downsides are the lack of a hard carrying case, limited accessories, and availability of fewer built-in stitches compared to certain competitors. However, the RLX3817G delivers where it counts for basic sewing needs. For hobbyists and DIY-ers on a budget, it's an excellent entry-level machine that will provide years of reliable service.

Overall, the Brother RLX3817G earns our recommendation as a great value pick for beginners or casual sewers needing a well-rounded, user-friendly machine for general sewing tasks. While more advanced users may desire more stitches and accessories, it's hard to beat the combination of quality and features the RLX3817G provides at this very reasonable price point.