Brother ST371HD: Solid Sewing Machine For Beginners With 37 Stitches
If you are a beginner/intermediate sewist searching for a compact-sized machine with a simple interface, the present Brother ST371HD sewing machine review may be useful for you. It’s a mechanical machine that is offered for the mid price and comes endowed with basic features and even some more.
Dimensions
The Brother ST371HD Strong and Tough sewing machine is a fairly portable model. Its size is 7.9 x 16.1 x 12.2 inches and weighs 18.4 pounds. Thus, this compact model may be just what you need for frequent transportations to your sewing classes, for example. However, with such a weight, this machine is prone to wobble which may cause certain problems during the working process (especially if someone accidentally shakes the table).
Features
The Brother ST371HD is supplied with 37 basic stitches (zigzag, decorative, etc.) that a sewist may need on a daily basis. There is also a large and convenient stitch selector which significantly facilitates the working process.
The machine is also endowed with several features that are vital for quick and hassle-free sewing. They include an automatic needle threader that needs only one touch of a lever and an easily removable drop-in top bobbin. There is also a drop feed option that works for free-motion sewing. The free arm option is designed to provide easy work with hard-to-reach areas of clothing, like cuffs and sleeves. This option also appears to be very convenient when working with tiny baby clothing.
Finding out that the Brother Strong and Tough ST371HD has a metal needle plate was a really pleasant surprise. Normally, most models at similar prices come with plastic plates that are quite problematic and definitely not durable, unlike this one.
The Brother ST371HD has a maximum sewing speed of 800 stitches per/min which is enough for most amateurs but, obviously, isn’t even close to what professionals need.
The kit includes DVD with instructions, 3 needles for lightweight and thicker types of fabrics, and 6 presser feet. Note that the presence of large needles doesn’t automatically make the ST371HD a heavy-duty model. It’s definitely not designed for constant work with such fabrics as dense denim or leather.
Among some additional accessories, you will also find 4 bobbins, spool pin, 2 spool caps, a screwdriver to assemble the machine, and a dust cover.
Design
The machine is mainly made of thick white plastic, but there is a metal interior frame for added sturdiness. It stands on a rubber base which is designed to reduce vibrations. The LED light illuminates the working area, but it’s not bright enough so you may want to get some additional light.
The stitch length and width dials, along with the upper tension-control dial, are located on the top panel. The pattern selector dial and the handwheel can be found on the unit’s right side. The stitch numbers are located right on the machine’s body which means that they will always be at hand.
Conclusion
To sum up this Brother ST371HD review, I can say that it’s a decent model for amateurs with a number of decent features, like 37 most widely used stitches and a lot of other features that ensure quick sewing process. It also goes with a full suite of both extra and essential accessories. However, it is not a heavy-duty model for commercial use or for high volume workload and will probably disappoint the experienced sewists.