The Brother AE1700 comes with a 51 watt motor similar to the Brother AE2500. Compared to the similar priced Singer 1507, which has a 85 watt motor, the difference in power is noticeable. That been said, you will have no problems sewing through multiple layers with this machine. Brother are well-known for their high-quality motors and although they may be less powerful in terms of Wattage than similar priced machines, they are always capable of doing their job. Stitch Quality and Speed

As like most of Brother's sewing machines, the LS14S features a traditional metal chassis sewing machine. This not only gives the machine the ability to support all of its internal mechanisms with ease, but the rigid metal frame provides stability to prevent accidents. This machine provides a variety of zig zag stitches which can be used to close open edges of fabrics preventing it from fraying. This is a handy stitch to use during dressmaking or general clothes making projects. Another handy feature for beginners are the thread guides, these are arrows on the machine which basically guide you on how to thread the upper thread.

Three bobbins, all plastic as metal bobbins will affect the stitch quality and in some cases could damage the machine which would invalidate the three year warranty A four-step button hole feature is easy to use although more complicated than a one-step buttonhole which is usually found on mostly medium range sewing machines and not on budget sewing machines. If you require a machine for this purpose the LS14 is not the machine for you! While there is a detachable front section on the machine, it can not be used for storage due to the compact design. While this does not really affect the machine, it can be a little inconvenient and is kind of a pointless feature. See here for other ways to store your sewing equipment. Brother is so confident with their machines that they provide a three year manufactures warranty. This ensures that any breakages with the machine or any new parts that are needed for the machine within these three years are supported through this warranty.

Although not really suitable for heavy fabrics such as denim or leather, it copes quite well with upholstery fabrics for curtains or cushions providing you use the right needle and stitch. It would be hard to find a sewing machine that is as easy to use as the Brother LS14. Due to it been a budget sewing machine and therefore rather limited in terms of features, it is obviously going to be far easier to use than a computerised sewing machine. It is however, the limitations of the Brother LS14 that make it a good model for both beginners and kids. To select a stitch all that has to be done is to simply turn the dial to the required stitch, it couldn’t be easier. For more information on how to operate the LS14, see the official manual from Brother. Stitches and Buttonholes This sewing machine has a free arm design, which provides easy access to the cuffs, collars, and other difficult-to-reach areas of garments. The LS14 also features a stitch length control dial, allowing users to adjust the stitch length according to their preferences. We class the Brother LS14 as “Very Basic“, meaning that this machine has features that are suitable for a sewer working at a Very Basic skill level. In general, machines that are classed as "Very Basic" tend to have only the bare minimum of features needed for sewing and are best suited for those who only sew occasionally, or who are only just learning to sew and do not need more than the most essential features.Included in the box apart from the machine itself are a foot pedal, power leads, spare needles and bobbins, attached is the zigzag/straight stitch foot plus an additional zipper and buttonhole foot, so no need to buy any extras. This means that your machine has less chance of breaking or causing simple problems that you may find with other brands as Brother have the innovation and knowledge behind them to implement systems that would prevent this. What Are Common Issues That Customers Have Found When Buying This Machine? The Brother LS14 is one of the cheapest and most reliable sewing machines on the UK market which makes it a versatile learning tool for a young sewer or even children, with its value for the money price tag it’s a great place to start your sewing journey. For experienced sewers, it’s also a great model because of the metal chassis and reliability. With various stitches and an easy to follow instructional DVD, this machine is ideal for those who are new to the sewing world. Not only is this machine easy to set up and use, but it also allows you to learn and test a variety of skills that will allow you to grow as a sewer and craftsperson. Weighing in at 6.6kg, this sewing machine isn’t the best choice for those that regularly go to sewing classes. This is a good indicator of a well-built sewing machine and is always a good sign that you aren’t buying a cheap sewing machine made mainly of plastic components. Included Accessories

We class the Brother LS14 as a Full-Size machine. Standard or full-size machines are the most versatile machine size as they work for a range of sewing applications. Full-size machines are usually wider than compact machines and this gives you slightly more space to manoeuvre the fabric around the needle area. All of the stitches provide for you are easily interchangeable via the clearly marked jog dial located on the front of the machine. What Accessories Are Included With This Model? Basic stitches include a straight stitch which while the most elementary of stitches, is useful for securing the start and end of seams as well as sewing two pieces of fabric together. The top thread tension can be adjusted easily via the tension dial directly above the needle bar. This gives you the ability to control the strength and the balance of your stitches as and when you need it.

The Brother LS14 is a sewing machine designed for home use. It is known for its user-friendly features and versatile functionality. With its mechanical design, the LS14 offers reliable performance for various sewing projects. The LS14 includes a variety of stitches, allowing users to choose from multiple decorative and utility options. It features a front-loading bobbin system, which makes it easy to insert and remove the bobbin. Additionally, the machine has an automatic four-step buttonhole function, enabling users to create professional-looking buttonholes effortlessly. A drop in bobbin system means that unlike other methods of loading a bobbin, this machine is jam proof. A clear view cover allows you to see how much of the bobbin is left during sewing, meaning you can plan your time accordingly. Weighing in at 6.2 Kg the Brother LS14 sewing machine can easily be taken pretty much anywhere you want to take it. With beginners in mind, the portability of this model is great if you are new to sewing. Having a sewing machine that can easily be taken to sewing classes or a friend’s home has its obvious benefits. Included Accessories Freehand stitching is not available on this sewing machine as the feed dogs that grip your fabric underneath cannot be lowered allowing freedom in stitching.