The Brother HF27 sewing machine, which features a robust metal chassis, is designed to handle both everyday sewing tasks and more complex projects. Perfect for beginners, it provides a great mix of high-quality performance and user-friendly convenience. This mechanical sewing machine offers a selection of 27 stitches, making it versatile for a variety of sewing projects.
Overview Brother HF27 Strong & Tough
In today’s post, I’m sharing my experience with the Brother HF-27, an electronic sewing machine designed for beginners that’s been touted for its heavy-duty performance. With 27 stitches and described as ‘strong and tough’, I was curious to find out whether it lived up to these claims.
Packaging and Unboxing
The machine arrived in a soft book cover type package, dimensions measuring H37.5 x W48 x D25.8cm, and weighing in at 7.29kg. As I began unpacking the machine, the first thing I noticed was the sheer amount of plastic used in the packaging. Considering the increasing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, the plastic seemed somewhat excessive. That said, the box did a good job protecting the machine, and I was ready to get a closer look.
Aesthetics and Build
Upon unwrapping, the Brother HF-27 immediately stood out with its sleek, attractive design. The machine’s structure, made of a combination of metal and plastic, conveyed a sense of durability that certainly fit with the ‘tough’ part of its branding. Despite its simplicity, the machine exhibited a robust look and feel.
What’s Inside the Box?
The box included the sewing machine itself, the pedal, an assortment of bobbins, a DVD containing instructions, a handful of additional tools and gauges, and a plastic cover for the machine. The included manual is of course a must read but the manual can also be found online.
Exploring the Brother HF-27
The Brother HF-27 comes with 27 stitch options that can be easily selected using a dial on the side of the machine. A conveniently placed reverse button is included, and it also has a lock stitch facility. An integrated needle threader and a thread cutter add to the convenience. The free arm compartment hid an integrated drop feed slider, which was a nice touch. Although there’s no stitch memory, it does have a width adjustment feature.
The hand wheel was designed with a glossy finish and grooves for improved grip, making it a user-friendly feature for both beginners and experienced sewers. And, quite importantly, the machine has a view-through bobbin cover which is useful for keeping an eye on your bobbin thread.
Features and Design
The Brother HF-27 is a beginner-friendly, electronic sewing machine made of metal and plastic. Despite its ‘strong and tough’ branding, its size (H37.5 x W48 x D25.8cm) and weight (7.29kg) make it relatively compact and lightweight, enabling easy storage and transportation. A soft dust cover is provided to keep the machine scratch-free when not in use, although it doesn’t come with a hard case. The HF-27 model is designed for use with AC power only.
The sewing machine’s offers 27 stitch options. The user can make 1-step buttonholes and adjustments to the stitch width. The machine comes with a rotary hook movement and the capability to handle twin needles. Though the HF-27 lacks automatic thread tension and stitch memory, it compensates with an integrated needle threader, thread cutter, reverse button, and lock stitch facility.
One of the standout features of the Brother HF-27 is its ability to handle a wide range of fabrics, including denim, stretch materials, and leather. A denim needle is advised when working with denim for best results. When dealing with ‘sticky’ fabrics like PVC or leather, a non-stick foot is included in the accessory box to ease the process. This feature also makes the machine suitable for heavy-duty tasks, such as bag making with heavy canvas or thick fur materials.
A view-through bobbin cover is another helpful feature, allowing users to monitor the bobbin thread. The machine is also fitted with an integrated drop feed, allowing the feed mechanism to be lowered for free-motion sewing.
Key Features
Versatile Stitching Options
The Brother HF-27 boasts an array of 27 stitch options, making it versatile for various sewing tasks. It doesn’t offer any embroidery options, but its range of stitches is suitable for most home sewing projects.
1-Step Buttonhole Type
The machine features a 1-step buttonhole style, simplifying the process of creating buttonholes. This feature saves time and ensures that every buttonhole is consistent.
Integrated Needle Threader
The integrated needle threader makes the task of threading the needle quick and hassle-free. This feature is quite useful for beginners and those with impaired vision.
Free Arm and Free Motion Sewing
This machine provides a free arm sewing feature with a circumference of 29.5cm, ideal for cylindrical items like sleeves or pants legs. Moreover, the feed mechanism can be lowered, allowing free-motion sewing, which is particularly useful for stippling or other creative sewing techniques.
Built-in Light
For those who prefer sewing in low-light conditions or need additional lighting for intricate details, the Brother HF-27 comes with a built-in light. This feature can enhance the user’s accuracy when working with dark fabrics or during the evening.
Manual Tension Control
Unlike machines with automatic tension settings, the Brother HF-27 provides more control over thread tension. A manual tension wheel is located on top of the machine to adjust according to the user’s requirements and the nature of the fabric.
Accessories and Extras
The Brother HF-27 was accompanied by a range of accessories. These included a blind hem foot, a seam ripper, a one-step buttonhole foot, needles, and more. Although there was no felt for the threads included, the overall accessory package was a welcome addition and brought value to the purchase.
- Zigzag foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Zipper foot
- Button sewing foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Non-stick foot (for thicker and ‘sticky’ fabrics like Nylon, PVC, or Leather)
- Extra spool pin
- Spool caps
- Bobbin
- Needle set (denim needle advised for denim fabrics)
- Disc-shaped screwdriver
- Seam ripper
- Cleaning brush
- Foot controller
Pros and Cons
Despite the many positive aspects, I had some reservations about the Brother HF-27. The machine’s power was rated at just 51 watts, which was somewhat underwhelming for a so-called heavy-duty machine, especially at this price point. Moreover, the machine lacked a presser foot pressure dial, leading me to question its ability to handle a wide range of fabric weights, from heavy-duty materials to lightweight fabrics.
Pros
- Three-year guarantee: The machine comes with a three-year guarantee, providing assurance to users about its durability and after-sales service.
- Suitable for multiple fabric types: The machine can handle a variety of fabrics, from delicate to heavy ones like denim, canvas, and fur. It even includes a Non-Stick foot for sewing ‘sticky’ fabrics like Nylon, PVC, or Leather.
- Included accessories: This machine comes with a variety of accessories including a zigzag foot, a buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, blind stitch foot, extra spool pin, spool caps, bobbin, needle set, disc-shaped screwdriver, seam ripper, cleaning brush, foot controller, a non-stick foot and a soft cover.
Cons
- No automatic tension: Users need to manually adjust the tension with a wheel, which can require a bit of practice to get right for different types of fabrics.
- No hard case: The machine comes with a soft dust cover, but no hard plastic case for enhanced protection.
- Speed regulated by foot pressure: The lack of a speed control option means that users need to regulate sewing speed by applying varying pressure on the foot controller. This might pose a challenge for beginners.
Conclusion
Despite some reservations, the Brother HF-27 is overall a solid machine. The ‘strong and tough’ branding might be a bit overstated, but it still offers a range of features and accessories that could meet the needs of beginners and experienced sewers alike.
The versatile stitch options, along with the machine’s ability to handle a wide range of fabric types – from delicate, stretch materials to heavy-duty fabrics like denim and leather – make it suitable for an array of sewing tasks. Whether it’s altering clothes, crafting bags, or sewing home decor items, the Brother HF-27 can accomplish the task efficiently.
The integrated drop feed and ability to work with a walking foot are added advantages that enhance its flexibility and adaptability. This machine is an excellent choice for those interested in free-motion sewing or working on multi-layered or ‘sticky’ fabrics.
The accessories included provide added value. The range of feet, including a non-stick foot and a zipper foot, as well as the essential sewing tools such as a seam ripper and a cleaning brush, equip users with everything they need to get started on their sewing journey.
However, like any other product, it isn’t without its drawbacks. The lack of some features like an auto thread tension and electronic foot speed control might be limiting for some users. Plus, the absence of a hard case could be inconvenient for those looking for added protection and portability.
Despite these, the Brother HF-27 remains a good choice for individuals looking for a reliable, versatile, and beginner-friendly sewing machine. The user-friendly design, combined with its range of stitch options and robust capabilities, make it a machine that can grow with you as you enhance your sewing skills. Its ability to handle a wide array of fabrics and tasks also ensures that it’s a machine that won’t be easily outgrown. This makes the Brother HF-27 a worthwhile investment for any budding seamstress or experienced sewer.
What voltage is this sewing machine please? I live in Spain and need it to be 240v a/c