ST531HD Strong & Tough 53 Stitch Sewing Machine with Finger Guard 16x8x12

If you are looking for a workhorse, simple to use machine, this is the machine for you!! I own 4 Computerized Brother Sewing and Embroidery machines. This one sews over many layers with seams without bogging down and breaking needles. The Stitch quality is beautiful. I do all kinds of sewing and appliqueing. It was simple to set up and directions are very clear to understand. I may have left another review but had to tell you, if you want simple that does the job, get this machine.

This is an excellent basic mechanical machine. Easy to use. The foot is about 1/4 inch above the plate when raised, so thickness is limited. Will hem jeans but will not pass over the side seam. Otherwise, good buy.

I really like this machine. I tried out several models and brands and kept a different one over the deadline for which I could return, so had to send this one back; didn't need two !!! This model has many great features, works well and you're getting a lot for the price.

I've managed to center the needle and am now very satisfied with the machine - it appeared to default to the right position, making certain presser feet unusable. The instructions on how to fix this may be in the manual, but I was unable to find it. I do recommend this machine for heavy work; it's been a champ sewing through 4 layers of upholstery fabric. If you find yourself in the same fix I was in, select #2 stitch and then set your zig zag width to about 3. The machine will neither zig nor zag with that stitch setting. This may be common now, but I hadn't sewn in years and it's the first time I've encountered it.

The machine is really strong and tough as the name implies. I liked all of the simple features it had on it. The drawback to me was the buttonhole attachment. When you start the buttonhole you'll have to adjust your zig zag stitch to make tight lines. When the buttonhole has finished one two and three the last stitch which is a zig zag stitch doesn't stop as other machines do. It just keeps sewing down. So the adjustment is to look through the tiny hole of the needle plate and make sure your stitch stops and you are not able to backtack to secure the stitch. You just have to cut the thread and try to pull it through the fabric so that you can tie a knot. Not to my liking. Sending it back. Other than that I thought it was a great machine and it will sew through eight denim fabric pieces and then land on a single cotton fabric and the stitches look great. I am going to upgrade to the computerized one which does a lot of other things but also makes nice buttonholes. Good job two brother for making a incredible machine.

I am very disappointed to complain about this new Brother Strong & Tough Sewing Machine, but I must. The needle when in straight stitch position is right of center. This means the measurements on the throat plate are all off center by 1/8”. I am struggling to deal with this issue by trying to locate center on all stitches.. This is a Very Serious Flaw in the machine. I see no option but to return this machine and request another machine without this flaw. I am trying to complete Christmas gifts at this time. Ugh! To clarify to straight stitch I must place the fabric edge at the 5/8”” measure in order to make a 1/2” seam.

My sewing machine broke in the middle of a project. I spent only one day researching reviews and product descriptions for a replacement. I selected this one. There were a lot of reviews for it, but none mentioned that it could applique. I don't mean embroider. This is not an embroider machine. I use Pelon heat bond with a zigzag stitch. That type of applique is something that I do a lot of: quilts (the top designs not the actual quilting of the finished quilt top), costumes, pillows, etc. I was worried that it wouldn't let me applique smoothly. Well, it does applique smoothly. The stitches are beautiful and are not puckered. The control buttons seem a little confusing to me. I'm still not used to which one controls thickness, etc. I have to stop and look it up, and do some testing. Yes, I'm still getting used to this new machine. Don't be afraid that because it is not computerized and it's specialty is for sewing heavy fabric, that it can't do applique or sew small paper pieced quilt fabric together. I will try to drop the feed dog and do quilting at some point. So far, the machine is working great. I'm happy with my purchase.

I’m surprised at how much I love this machine! I’d recommend this for new sewists that have limited experience, intermediate and even as a backup machine if you have an expensive and more complicated machine already. It’s very easy to learn, thread and simple to operate. Sometimes simple Is best. If you’re new to sewing, just review the manual and watch a few YouTube videos on threading, settings/stitches/tension you’ll be up and running pretty quickly. I bought a set of additions 32 presser feet because I sew apparel. Not necessary as a newbie, but an inexpensive investment. I’d recommend this machine overall for performance, ease and it’s appealing look.

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We bought it in the middle of May after we used it. The pedal smells like burning plastic. I tried to contact Brother, but there is no email nor any other way I could contact our seller. When I contacted Brother in Switzerland, they asked us to contact our seller (means Brother from Amazon.de) So the only thing I could do is give a one-star review and see if Brother (our seller) can contact us.

Product is not meant for Europe. The voltage is wrong so the pedal is a full power all the time if you use a plug converter.

I was bought this sewing machine as a Christmas present to replace a Singer sewing machine but am very disappointed when going to use it that it had a American plug on it so am unable to use it I cannot return it to Amazon as did not check it immediately and returns date has expired This was not mentioned inthe write-up for the machine now i have a sewing machine I am unable to use Very disappointed with this

Al principio tuve mis dudas sobre el desempeño de la máquina pero tan pronto la use, pude ver que mi compra fue extraordinaria, tiene mucha fuerza, no hace nada de ruido, cose muy parejito las telas gruesas. Recomiendo ampliamente este producto!!!