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You’re considering the Brother ST371HD sewing machine.
Reviews highlight its heavy-duty capabilities.
With 37 built-in stitches, a metal needle plate, and 800 stitches-per-minute speed, it’s built for serious projects.
Accessory highlights include a free arm, non-stick foot, and spring-action zigzag foot ideal for thick fabrics.
Reviews praise its heavyweight needles, smooth fabric feed, and ability to glide over thick seams effortlessly.
While comparing to other machines, many find it a reliable workhorse.
You’ll see why as we examine its features.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Brother ST371HD sewing machine is praised for its heavy-duty capabilities, including a metal needle plate and spring-action zigzag foot, making it ideal for handling thick fabrics and multiple layers.
- It offers a wide range of 37 built-in stitches, catering to both utility and decorative sewing needs, enhancing its versatility for various projects.
- Features such as the 800 stitches-per-minute speed, 1-step buttonhole, and automatic needle threader contribute to its efficiency and ease of use, making it a reliable choice for home sewing projects.
- Despite its slower stitch speed compared to some models like the Singer 4452, the Brother ST371HD is considered a reliable workhorse with a robust build and is well-equipped for heavy-duty tasks, offering good value for its price.
Brother ST371HD Machine Highlights
The Brother ST371HD sewing machine boasts an impressive array of features, including 37 built-in stitches, a metal needle plate, and an 800 stitches-per-minute speed. You’ll also appreciate the one-step buttonhole and automatic needle threader, making this machine a reliable choice for your home sewing projects.
37 Built-in Stitches
The Brother ST371HD sewing machine boasts an impressive range of 37 built-in stitches, ensuring versatility for various sewing projects. These stitches include both utility and decorative options, such as blind hems, stretch stitches, buttonholes, and zipper insertion. The built-in stitches cater to a wide array of applications, enhancing the machine’s functionality and convenience for sewers.
Metal Needle Plate
The metal needle plate in the Brother ST371HD sewing machine is a significant feature that contributes to its heavy-duty capabilities. This plate is designed to guarantee smooth fabric feed, which is essential for handling thicker fabrics and multiple layers. The metal needle plate also helps in aligning the fabric properly, allowing for accurate stitching.
The metal thread hook is another component that enhances the machine’s durability and performance. It’s designed to hold the thread securely, preventing any tangling or breakage during the sewing process.
The spring action zigzag foot is another heavy-duty feature that allows the machine to glide over thick seams and handle non-woven fabrics effectively.
Overall, the metal needle plate, metal thread hook, and spring action zigzag foot contribute to the ST371HD’s reputation as a robust and reliable sewing machine.
800 Stitches-Per-Minute Speed
The Brother ST371HD sewing machine boasts a maximum stitch speed of 800 stitches per minute, making it a versatile and efficient choice for various sewing projects. This speed is suitable for both lightweight and heavyweight fabrics, ensuring a high-quality stitch regardless of the material’s thickness. The machine’s powerful motor allows it to handle heavy fabrics like denim, canvas, and leather with ease, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty sewing tasks.
Compared to other machines, the Brother ST371HD’s stitch speed is slightly slower than the Singer 4452, which operates at 1,100 stitches per minute. However, it offers more stitch options than the Janome HD3000, which has 23 stitches covering basic, stretch, and buttonhole. The ST371HD’s spring-action zigzag foot also makes it more capable of handling tricky fabrics than the Janome HD3000.
In terms of performance, the Brother ST371HD delivers an average long straight stitch on jersey knit cotton, with a lackluster zigzag stitch and average scalloped stitches. The sewing on a zipper is also average. Despite these limitations, the machine’s ease of use and setup make it a suitable option for most home sewers.
The Brother ST371HD is an economical choice for those seeking a heavy-duty sewing machine, but it may not offer the best value compared to other options in the market.
1. Step Buttonhole
The Brother ST371HD sewing machine offers a convenient 1-step buttonhole feature, which simplifies the process of creating buttonholes. This feature is designed to provide neat and precise buttonholes in a single step, making it ideal for beginners or those who want to save time. The buttonhole stitch is automated, ensuring consistent and accurate results. The machine also includes a buttonhole foot, which is specifically designed for buttonhole sewing. To use the 1-step buttonhole function, follow these steps:
- Mark the buttonhole position and length on the fabric using chalk or a laundry pen.
- Attach the buttonhole foot to the machine.
- Select the buttonhole stitch on your machine.
- Position the fabric with the front end of the buttonhole mark aligned with the red marks on the side of the buttonhole foot, and then lower the presser foot lever.
- Pass the upper thread down through the hole in the presser foot.
- Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible.
- Gently hold the end of the upper thread in your left hand, and then start sewing.
- Once sewing is completed, the machine automatically sews reinforcement stitches, then stops.
- Cut the threads, raise the presser foot lever, and then remove the fabric.
- Raise the buttonhole lever to its original position.
- Insert a pin along the inside of one bar tack at the end of the buttonhole stitching to prevent the stitching from being cut.
- Use the seam ripper to cut in the direction of the pin and open the buttonhole.
Automatic Needle Threader
The Brother ST371HD sewing machine features an automatic needle threader, which makes threading the needle less challenging and more convenient for users. This feature is particularly helpful for beginners who may find traditional needle threading difficult. To use the automatic needle threader, follow these steps:
- Make certain the presser foot is down and the needle is in the up position.
- Locate the needle threader handle and grip the thread around it.
- Pull the threader handle down to align the thread with the needle’s eye.
- Pull the threader handle in the direction of you to thread the needle.
- Once the needle is threaded, remove the threader and lower the presser foot.
If you encounter any issues with the automatic needle threader, such as it not working or not threading the needle properly, it may be due to an I/O error, which is a common issue for some users. In this case, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check if you have completed all the necessary steps for threading the needle, including threading the presser foot and making sure that the needle is in the up position.
- Double-check the needle threader guide to ensure that the thread is properly aligned with the needle’s eye.
- If the threader handle isn’t moving or not threading the needle, try pulling the handle in the direction of you to see if it’s stuck or not functioning properly.
- If the threader handle isn’t threading the needle, try adjusting the tension on the thread to ensure that it isn’t too tight or too loose.
For more detailed instructions and visual demonstrations, you can refer to the video tutorials available online, such as the one provided by Lindee Goodall on the Echidna Club YouTube channel. Additionally, the Brother Sewing Machine: How to Thread Mechanical and Automatic Machines video by Angela Wolf provides a step-by-step guide on threading both mechanical and automatic sewing machines.
Accessories and Features of the Brother ST371HD
The Brother ST371HD comes packed with a range of useful accessories that enhance your sewing experience. From the free arm and 6 interchangeable feet to the nonstick foot and spring-action zigzag foot, this machine has everything you need to tackle a variety of sewing projects with ease.
Free Arm
The Brother ST371HD sewing machine is equipped with a free arm, which is a useful feature for sewing cuffs and sleeves. This feature allows for more flexibility and ease when sewing these types of garments. The free arm is removable, providing the option to use it only when needed.
Additionally, the ST371HD comes with a convertible free arm, which can be converted to a flatbed for sewing larger projects. This versatility makes the machine suitable for a variety of sewing tasks.
6 Interchangeable Feet
The Brother ST371HD comes with six interchangeable feet, providing you with a variety of options to suit your sewing needs. These include a buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, zigzag foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, and a nonstick foot.
The quick-change presser feet make it easy to switch between them, while the foot storage and maintenance features help them last longer.
The stitch width and needle compatibility vary between the feet, making them essential tools for your sewing machine.
Nonstick Foot
When tackling tough fabrics, your Brother ST371HD’s nonstick foot glides like a dream, ensuring reliable stitching without a hitch. Ideal for special projects involving durable materials, this foot handles creative uses with ease. It’s a heavy-duty sewing champ, paired with a metal thread hook, ready to take on those sticky situations where standard feet would falter.
Spring-Action Zigzag Foot
The Brother ST371HD sewing machine is equipped with a spring-action zigzag foot. This feature makes it more capable of handling tricky fabrics compared to the Janome HD3000.
The spring-action zigzag foot is particularly useful when dealing with thick fabrics like denim, canvas, and leather, which can be challenging to sew through. The spring-action zigzag foot glides over thick seams, ensuring ease of use and reducing the risk of fabric bunching or damage.
Extra Needles and Bobbins
Extra needles and bobbins are indispensable accessories for any sewing machine, and the Brother ST371HD is no exception. These accessories guarantee that you can continue sewing without interruption when your current needle or bobbin runs out.
The Brother ST371HD includes extra needles and bobbins, providing you with a variety of options for different fabric types and stitch patterns. The needle set includes heavyweight needles for thick fabrics like denim, canvas, and duck cloth, as well as needles for sewing layers of fabric and everyday sewing. The twin needle is also included, which is perfect for sewing multiple layers or creating decorative stitches.
As for bobbins, the Brother ST371HD uses a drop-in top bobbin, which is easy to load and rethread. The machine includes four bobbins, ensuring you have enough for larger projects. Additionally, the Brother ST371HD is compatible with Class 15 clear bobbins, which are made of durable plastic and suitable for most makes and models.
When it comes to thread types and stitch patterns, the Brother ST371HD offers a wide range of options. The machine has 37 built-in stitches, including straight stitches, buttonholes, decorative stitches, and zigzag stitches. You can adjust the stitch length and width manually to create different effects for your creative expression.
In terms of fabric compatibility, the Brother ST371HD can handle a variety of fabrics, from lightweight silks to heavyweight denim. However, it’s crucial to use the correct needle and thread combination to achieve the best results.
Top 3 Brother Sewing Machines
If you’re in the market for a high-quality Brother sewing machine, you’ve got a few excellent choices to contemplate. The Brother ST371HD, Brother Strong Tough Sewing Machine, and Brother Strong Tough 53 Stitch Sewing Machine are all premium models that offer impressive features and capabilities for home sewers.
1. Brother Sewing Machine ST371HD
The Brother ST371HD is a strong and tough sewing machine that offers a variety of stitches and heavy-duty performance.
With 37 built-in stitches, a metal needle plate, and a maximum stitch speed of 800 stitches per minute, this machine is designed to handle a wide range of fabrics and sewing projects.
The ST371HD also includes features such as a 1-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, and a drop-in top bobbin.
Additionally, it comes with 6 interchangeable feet, including a spring-action zigzag foot and a nonstick foot, which are useful for handling different types of fabrics.
Best For: Experienced sewists who want a heavy-duty machine for a variety of projects.
- 37 built-in stitches
- Metal needle plate
- Maximum stitch speed of 800 stitches per minute
- May be too heavy for some users
- Not as many decorative stitches as some other models
- Pricey
2. Brother Strong Tough Sewing Machine
The Brother Strong Tough Sewing Machine is a reliable and versatile sewing machine designed to handle a wide range of fabric weights and thicknesses. It’s packed with heavy-duty features and accessories, making it a great choice for both new and experienced sewers. Some of its key features include:
- Heavyweight Needles: The machine is equipped with heavyweight needles that can handle thick fabrics and multiple layers.
- Metal Needle Plate: The metal needle plate facilitates smooth fabric feed and alignment.
- Spring Action Zigzag Foot: This foot is designed to glide over thick seams, making it ideal for handling tricky fabrics.
- Nonstick Foot: The nonstick foot is useful for moving over non-woven fabrics, which can be challenging for some sewing machines.
Additionally, the Brother Strong Tough Sewing Machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty and support for the life of the product. It’s a robust and dependable machine that can tackle a wide range of sewing projects with ease.
Best For: Crafters and sewists of all skill levels who prioritize durability and versatility.
- Heavy-duty construction and heavyweight needles for handling thick fabrics
- Smooth fabric feeding and alignment thanks to the metal needle plate
- Spring action zigzag foot and nonstick foot for handling tricky materials
- Intended for sale only in the US at 120 volts
- Dimensions may not be suitable for all workspaces
- Weight of 14.52 lbs may be challenging for some users
3. Brother Strong Tough 53 Stitch Sewing Machine
Exploring the realm of sewing machines, the Brother Strong Tough 53 Stitch Sewing Machine emerges as a veritable powerhouse.
Envision a steadfast companion that can conquer any terrain, from denim frontiers to silk meadows, effortlessly.
This machine is your steadfast ally for conquering those intricate projects, boasting 53 innate stitches and a sturdy metallic framework built to endure.
It’s akin to having a versatile tool in your sewing arsenal; whether you’re mending denim trousers or fashioning a delicate silk scarf, this machine has you covered.
With its obstruction-resistant bobbin and effortless needle insertion, it’s a breeze to operate, transforming you into a sewing virtuoso in no time.
So, prepare and unleash your boundless creativity with this versatile sewing companion at your disposal.
Best For: Beginners and experienced sewers looking for a durable and versatile machine that can handle a variety of fabrics.
- Durable metal frame, needle plate, and needles
- 53 built-in stitches and automatic buttonholer
- Easy needle threading and jam-resistant bobbin
- No recommended case
- May not appreciate cheap thread
- Needle threading mechanism may stick with sheer needles
Heavy Duty Features of the Brother ST371HD
You’ll appreciate the Brother ST371HD’s heavy-duty features that make it suitable for sewing thick fabrics with ease. It comes equipped with heavyweight needles designed for multiple layers, a metal needle plate for smooth fabric feed and alignment, a spring action zigzag foot to glide over thick seams, and a nonstick foot ideal for non-woven materials.
Heavyweight Needles for Thick Fabrics
The Brother ST371HD is a versatile sewing machine that’s suitable for most home sewers. It’s designed to handle a variety of fabrics, including thick ones like denim and canvas. One of its key features is the inclusion of heavyweight needles, which are ideal for sewing through multiple layers of fabric. These needles guarantee that the machine can handle tough fabrics without any issues. Here are five key points about heavyweight needles for thick fabrics in the Brother ST371HD:
- Durable: The heavyweight needles are designed to be strong and durable, enabling the machine to handle thick fabrics without any problems.
- Efficient: The needles are designed to be efficient, ensuring that the machine can sew through multiple layers of fabric quickly and smoothly.
- Versatile: The heavyweight needles aren’t just for thick fabrics. They can also be used for sewing layers of fabric, making the Brother ST371HD a versatile machine for a wide range of sewing projects.
- Compatibility: The Brother ST371HD is compatible with a range of needles, including needles for everyday sewing and light-weight fabrics like silks, as well as needles for heavy-weight fabrics like denim, canvas, and duck cloth.
- Ease of Use: The heavyweight needles are easy to use and can be changed quickly and easily, making the Brother ST371HD a convenient machine to use for a variety of sewing projects.
Metal Needle Plate for Smooth Fabric Feed
The metal needle plate of the Brother ST371HD is designed to provide a smooth fabric feed, ensuring that thick materials are handled with ease.
This feature is particularly important for heavy-duty sewing machines, as it contributes to the overall durability and reliability of the machine.
The metal needle plate also helps in maintaining alignment, which is essential for achieving accurate and consistent stitching. This is especially beneficial when working with multiple layers of fabric or thick materials like denim, canvas, or leather.
The metal needle plate is just one of the many heavy-duty features that make the Brother ST371HD a robust and versatile sewing machine.
Spring Action Zigzag Foot for Gliding Over Thick Seams
Spring Action Zigzag Foot: Gliding Over Thick Seams
The Brother ST371HD sewing machine comes with a spring action zigzag foot, which is perfect for handling thick seams and various fabric thicknesses. This foot is designed to glide over thick seams smoothly, making it ideal for heavy-duty projects. Here are three key points about the spring action zigzag foot:
- Versatility: The spring action zigzag foot can handle a wide range of fabric thicknesses, making it suitable for various sewing projects.
- Gliding Over Thick Seams: The foot is designed to glide over thick seams without causing any issues, ensuring a smooth sewing experience.
- Ease of Use: The foot is easy to attach and use, with a leveling button that locks the foot in place when sewing over seams or thick fabric sections.
Nonstick Foot for Moving Over Non-Woven Fabrics
The nonstick foot is a crucial accessory for sewing with non-woven fabrics such as interfacing or fusible interfacing. This accessory enables the Brother ST371HD to glide effortlessly over these materials without adhering or causing harm. Whether you’re crafting drapery or other non-woven projects, the nonstick foot guarantees a smooth sewing experience.
Finding the Right Brother ST371HD for You
You have a few buying options for the Brother ST371HD sewing machine:
Purchasing directly from Brother
Purchasing through authorized retailers like Amazon, Joann, and Walmart
When deciding which model is right for you:
Compare the ST371HD’s features to other popular machines in the same price range, such as the Singer 4452 or Janome HD3000
Read customer reviews to gauge satisfaction levels
Buying Options
To find the right Brother ST371HD sewing machine for you, consider the following buying options:
- Availability: The ST371HD is available at various retailers, including Amazon, Joann Fabrics, Pocono Sew & Vac, SewingMachinesPlus, and Walmart. You can also find it at Bed Bath & Beyond and Tractor Supply Co.
- Sales and Discounts: Look for discounts and promotions. For example, Joann Fabrics offers a discounted price of $199.99, and Walmart has a sale price of $229.99.
- Shipping: Most items ship within 1-3 business days, with delivery within 6-10 business days. Some retailers, like Walmart, may offer free shipping.
- Financing: Synchrony offers financing options for the ST371HD.
- Mechanical Sewing Machine: If you prefer a mechanical sewing machine, the ST371HD is a suitable choice.
- Leather Sewing: The ST371HD can handle layers of heavier fabrics, including leather.
- Singer Sewing Machine Comparison: The ST371HD has more built-in stitches than the Singer 4452.
- Brother ST371HD vs. Janome HD3000: The ST371HD has more stitch options and a spring-action foot that can handle tricky fabrics better than the Janome HD3000.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: Check customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the machine’s performance and user experience.
- Buying Essentials Package: Consider adding an Essentials Package to your purchase, which includes additional accessories and tools.
- Long Arm Machine: If you’re interested in long arm machines, check out the ST371HD’s long arm essentials package.
- Embroidery Machine: For embroidery machines, there’s an Embroidery Essentials Package available.
- Quilting Machine: If you’re into quilting, there’s a Quilting Essentials Package that might be useful.
Comparing to Other Machines
When evaluating the Brother ST371HD sewing machine, it’s imperative to compare it to other models.
Reviews from users indicate that the Brother ST371HD has a more extensive assortment of stitches than the Singer HD4452.
However, it has a slower stitch speed.
The Brother ST371HD offers a wider variety of stitch options than the Janome HD3000.
It has a spring-action zigzag foot that enhances its ability to handle challenging fabrics.
The Brother ST531HD is an alternative option, featuring a built-in handle for portability.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
When diving into customer reviews and ratings for the Brother ST371HD, you’re in for a treat. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Accessories Galore: From bobbins to presser feet, it’s like Christmas morning for your sewing projects.
- Variety is the Spice: Tackles everything from denim to silk, making it a jack-of-all-trades.
- Reliability on a Budget: This machine doesn’t break the bank or your spirit.
- Beginner-Friendly: It’s like having a patient sewing guru by your side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the warranty period for the Brother ST371HD sewing machine?
The Brother ST371HD sewing machine comes with an impressive 25-year limited warranty, so you can sew with confidence, knowing your investment is protected for years to come. Pretty sweet deal, if you ask me!
Can the Brother ST371HD be used for quilting?
While the Brother ST371HD isn’t specifically designed for quilting, it can certainly handle the task. Its metal construction, wide range of stitches, and spring-action foot make it a capable quilting companion for most home sewists.
How does the Brother ST371HD compare to other heavy-duty sewing machines in terms of performance?
The Brother ST371HD holds its own against other heavy-duty machines. Its metal construction, spring-action zigzag foot, and nonstick foot make it a capable performer on thick fabrics, though it may lack some high-end features found in pricier models.
What is the maximum stitch speed of the Brother ST371HD?
The Brother ST371HD can zip along at a brisk 800 stitches per minute, giving you the power to breeze through sewing projects with lightning speed. It’s a real speedster, folks!
What is the recommended thread tension for the Brother ST371HD?
The suggested thread tension for the Brother ST371HD differs depending on the fabric and thread type utilized. As a broad principle, commence with an even tension arrangement and make amendments as imperative for the best stitch proficiency.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the Brother ST371HD sewing machine is a true workhorse that will revolutionize your sewing experience. With its unparalleled heavy-duty features, lightning-fast speed, and versatile accessory lineup, this machine is an enthusiast’s dream come true.
Whether you’re tackling thick fabrics or delicate projects, the ST371HD will glide through them effortlessly, leaving you with professional-grade results every time.
Invest in this remarkable sewing machine, and prepare to witness a transformation in your sewing prowess.
- sewingfromhome.com
