Brother st531hd reviews

Are you still unsure whether to buy the Brother ST531HD or not? If so, then you’re in the best place. This Brother ST531HD review will be focused on the specifications, features, pros and cons, and most especially the overall verdict. This is aimed to help sewists, especially beginners to get enough information regarding the machine, and hopefully, conclude whether to make the purchase or not.

Overview

Key Specifications

Dimensions: 19.09 x 14.29 x 10.2 inches
Machine Weight: 18.66 pounds
Built-in Sewing Stitches: 53 stitches
Maximum Sewing Speed: 800 stitches per minute
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Brother sewing machines have been in the business since the 1900’s. However, it didn’t start as “Brother” but was initially named as “Yasui Sewing Machine Co.” which was owned by Kanekichi Yasui, the father of the founders of Brother Industries [1]. They first started as a sewing machine repair and parts manufacturer in Japan. Kanekichi Yasui had two sons which shared the same passion for sewing machines and machines in general. Thus, the Brother company was created. It was in 1932 where they made a breakthrough by inventing the first ever sewing machine from Japan. As a matter of fact, they weren’t just manufacturing sewing machines but all sorts of office-related appliances. This ranges from printers to even computers. Brother has been one of the best electronic machine manufacturers worldwide, and there’s no denying that.

Pros:

One-Step Buttonhole – This feature is highly convenient as it saves you more time in sewing. This will automatically do your buttonhole with just one push of a button.
High-Quality Metal Frame – Singer sewing machines are most likely known to be stable and durable and long-lasting. That’s why once you get a Singer, chances are you’ll have them for years. This is due to the machine’s metal interior frame.
Bright LED Lighting – This feature is highly beneficial when you’re a person with poor eyesight. You’ll really appreciate its bright LED light.

Cons:

Smaller Work Area (no detachable table) – A wide work space is highly beneficial because it allows you to create projects large and small.
Doesn’t Have an Automatic Needle Threader – This feature allows users to save time and effort, as well as, avoid any eye strain. And without this, sewing may be a hassle for people with poor eyesight.
Very Small LCD Display – This provides users with easy-viewing of stitch options, features, and machine settings. But with a small LCD, you won’t be able to see much.

Who Should Consider Getting Brother ST531HD

The Brother ST531HD is actually a mid-range sewing machine which is applicable for basic to medium level sewing and stitching. And when you combine this with durable needles, you’ll also be able to do some embroidery work. This machine can work on a variety of fabrics and thicknesses. As long as you don’t abuse it and constantly use it on thick fabrics, your machine will definitely last. With its features, the machine is likely to be good for beginners but is more recommended for people who have had experience with sewing. So, if you’re a complete beginner, then you must not start with this model, instead buy something that would be compatible for your skills. But if you’ve already tried sewing once, and is looking forward to do everyday sewing and a little but of heavyweight projects, then you shall lean towards the ST531H

Features and Benefits of Brother ST531HD

53 Built-In Stitches

This machine having 53 built-in stitches, is actually a good amount of options that will last you a long time. If you ask anyone in the sewing community[2], and you’re new to sewing, having this much stitches is more than you will actually need. Thus, beginners and experienced sewists will be glad to have these options.

6 Accessory Feet

It also includes 6 different accessory feet such as a zigzag, zipper, blindstitch, buttonhole, and non-stick foot. With this much variety, you’ll be able to expand your sewing capabilities.

Automatic Needle Threader

This great feature is highly beneficial for people with poor eyesight and all sewists in general. Having this feature will remove the eye strain and effort you put whenever you insert a thread through the eye of the needle.

Top Drop-In Quick- Set Bobbin

This is one of the features that this brand is very proud of. This is due to the fact that not all machines include this feature, gladly, this is present on the Brother ST531HD.

Machine Speed

This is a workhorse which can sew up to 800 stitches per minute. This may not be much, but it’s actually enough for a portable machine. This is a fairly good speed if you want more precise and consistent stitches.

Adjustable Stitch Width and Length

The stitch length and width can easily be adjusted using the dial. Not only that, but it also includes an adjustable thread tension feature. With these features, you’ll be able to customize your projects to your own liking.

Reverse Stitching

This is a great feature whenever you want to make a backstitch at the start or end of the seam. It is also beneficial for reinforcing your pattern. All you need to do is turn the designated lever.

Free Arm Capability

This enables users to sew sleeves, cuffs, and other smaller spaces which are difficult to access. This is one of the great features you can use in this machine.

Metal Finger Guard

This feature makes it safer both for adults and kids. At the same time, you may detach it if you don’t need it.

Accessory Storage

It includes a storage compartment which is applicable for accessories such as bobbins, needles, and other sewing-related trinkets. This may be a small compartment, but it actually helps keep your things organized.

Metal Interior Frame

As mentioned previously, this machine has an interior made of metal. This adds to the durability and sturdiness of the machine. To be honest, this machine still does have plastic parts which surround the exterior of the machine. Gladly, with a metal interior, the machine will surely last a long time.

Metal Needle Plate

This will enable you to smoothly feed any fabric. And the good thing about this machine is its metal needle plate which adds to the durability of the machine.

Other Features

Metal finger guard
3 piece needle set – #16, #14, #11
4 bobbins
Machine dust cover
Oval screwdriver
Extra spool pin
Darning plate
An instructional DVD
LED light

What Others Are Saying

This machine seems to do great in everyday sewing and basic stitches. However, it has its fair share of drawbacks. The thread tends to slip through the needle which can be very annoying and let you lose focus. It is highly recommended to bring the machine to your nearest brother franchise and get a consultation on how to solve this problem. But all in all, most customers seem to have a positive experience with the ST531HD, it’s not just about its features but also its reasonable price. Having automated features with a very durable interface is absolutely a machine worth buying.

Alternatives of Brother ST531HD

If you’re looking for an alternative besides Brother ST531HD, you can consider trying these computerized sewing machines I’ll be mentioning shortly.

Singer 9985 Quantum Stylist Touch Sewing Machine

This is a pretty advanced sewing machine which is clearly fully computerized. This includes a large colored LCD touch screen to allow for easy-viewing of designs, stitch options, tutorials, and settings. Other than that, this machine also has an extension table to easily switch from smaller to larger projects. Thus, it highly adds in the versatility of the machine. However, it can’t quite work with heavy-duty fabrics and multi-layered fabrics as it may damage the unit.

Brother Innov-is NS80E Sewing Machine

This is also a computerized sewing machine, and one of its advantages is being portable and compact. It also includes a ton of features namely, 80 built-in stitches, 8 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles, automatic needle threader, LCD screen for easy-viewing, super bright LED light, and so on and so forth. If you’re a regular traveller, then this machine might be the best one yet! Anyone will definitely enjoy using this machine because it’s lightweight, making it easier to move around and store away. The only downside is its lack of features such as an automatic thread cutter, free-motion quilting foot, and inability to sew on heavyweight fabrics.

Janome Sewist 780 DC Sewing Machine

Like the two machines above, this machine is also fully computerized with 80 built-in stitches, automatic thread cutter, auto bobbin winder system, needle threader, easy set bobbin system, needle up/down button, and an auto-lock stitch for precision locking of stitches and patterns. It’s also fairly lightweight as it only weighs 14.3 pounds. You’ll have all the necessary features you’d want in a computerized sewing machine, just with some speed.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to get your hands on a machine with a lot of trinkets and accessories, then you might be in for a bit of disappointment. This is due to the fact that this machine is designed for basic and everyday sewing. Based on all the features and factors I mentioned previously, I’d say that this machine is ideally great for hobbyists or sewing enthusiasts who often tackle projects with quite thicker materials. Yes, it is still not a heavy-duty machine, but it outdoes the average portable machine in the market. Overall, this machine is worth getting if you’re up for a machine that can work for home and industrial usage. For more information and updates regarding the Brother ST531HD, you may check it out here.

Resources:

“Brother Industries Ltd – Company Profile and News ….” https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/6448:JP. Accessed 23 Sep. 2020.
“Sewing Pattern Review Online Sewing Community.” https://sewing.patternreview.com/. Accessed 23 Sep. 2020.