The Brother SH40 is a computerized sewing machine aimed at beginners and hobby sewists who want more convenience than a basic mechanical model, without a huge stitch menu to wade through. It sits as a refreshed take on the popular Brother FS40: same general idea, with a few everyday upgrades that make setup and stitching less fiddly. If you sew garments, mending, and light home projects, it is a sensible place to start.
Street pricing moves around by retailer. Check the product box below for the current dollar price before you buy.
Key features and specs
At its core, the SH40 is a lightweight computerized machine with 40 built-in stitches (including five one-step buttonhole styles), a small LCD for stitch selection and length/width tweaks, a start/stop button plus foot pedal, and a speed slider. Brother lists a top speed of about 750 stitches per minute, a maximum stitch width of 7 mm (about 1/4″), and a maximum stitch length of 5 mm (about 3/16″). The machine weighs about 4.5 kg (roughly 9.9 lb) and measures about 413 x 178 x 307 mm (roughly 16.3 x 7.0 x 12.1″). Workspace to the right of the needle is modest at around 10 x 16 cm (about 4 x 6.3″), which suits smaller projects better than big quilts.
Main features at a glance
- 40 built-in stitches: Utility, decorative, and five one-step buttonhole styles for everyday sewing.
- LCD screen: Shows the selected stitch and lets you adjust width and length.
- Start/stop button and foot pedal: Sew with or without the pedal.
- Speed control slider: Cap the top speed while you learn or when you need more control.
- Built-in needle threader and drop-in bobbin: Faster threading and bobbin changes, with a clear cover so you can see thread supply.
Setup and ease of use
Out of the box, the SH40 is easy to get running. The threading path is marked on the machine, the needle threader is straightforward once you get the angle right, and the top-loading bobbin drops in under a clear cover. You do not need to pull the bobbin thread up by hand before sewing, which removes one common beginner snag.
You can sew with the foot pedal as usual, or use the start/stop button on the front. The button is handy for longer seams or when a pedal feels awkward in a tight space. The speed slider lets you keep things slow for curves and corners, then open it up for long, straight seams. Controls sit where you expect them, so the learning curve stays short.
Sewing performance
With 40 stitch patterns, the SH40 covers straight, zigzag, and stretch stitches, plus a useful set of decorative options and five one-step buttonholes. That is enough for most general sewing and garment work without feeling limited. Brother publishes a full stitch chart here.
The default straight stitch is clean and even. Length adjustments are simple on the LCD, and reverse/reinforcement stitching is there to lock seams. Zigzag and buttonholes are a matter of selecting the stitch and fitting the right presser foot. The one-step buttonhole is consistent and does not ask you to turn dials mid-cycle.
The monochrome LCD is small but readable. It is not backlit, so bright room light helps. You use it to pick stitches and tweak width and length. Labels are clear, which keeps setup from becoming a hunt through a thick manual every time.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- 40 practical stitches, including five one-step buttonholes
- Start/stop button plus foot pedal, with a useful speed slider
- Lightweight and easy to carry or store
- Clear threading path, built-in needle threader, and drop-in bobbin
- Beginner-friendly controls and LCD stitch selection
Limitations
- Not built for heavy-duty fabrics or advanced techniques day after day
- No free-motion embroidery foot in the box
- LCD is basic and not backlit
- Workspace is compact, so large quilting pieces feel cramped
Manuals, warranty, and registration
Manuals: Search your exact model on Brother Support or Brother USA Support for the Operation Manual and Quick Reference Guide (or Sewing Guide).
US: US limited warranty periods vary by model (often a long chassis period with shorter coverage for electronics and labor). Register at Brother USA product registration. Keep your dated receipt.
UK / EU: See the Brother Sewing & Craft warranty page and register at sewingcraft.brother.eu product registration. UK Brother Online: atyourside.brother.co.uk/register-your-device.
Official site: Brother USA.
Who it is best for
The SH40 suits beginners who want computerized stitch selection without a steep learning curve, and intermediate sewists who need a light second machine for mending, garments, and everyday projects. It is a weaker fit if you regularly sew thick denim stacks, upholstery, or large quilts, or if you want free-motion work included from day one.
Verdict
The Brother SH40 is a solid, straightforward machine with the features most people actually use: clear threading, a drop-in bobbin, speed control, and enough stitches for real projects. It hits a useful middle ground for beginners who want to grow, and for more experienced sewists who want a portable backup. We recommend the SH40 as one of the best starter and beginner machines available right now. Check the product box for the current dollar price if you are shopping in the US.
Feature list
The table below lists the Brother SH40’s published features so you can see the full scope of what the machine offers.
| Specifications | Brother SH40 Sewing Machine |
|---|---|
| Machine Size | Compact and Lightweight |
| Product Type | Sewing |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Additional Features | |
| Quick Set Bobbin | Yes |
| Rotary Hook | Metal |
| General Features | |
| Accessory Compartment | Yes |
| Bobbin Type | Horizontal |
| Case | Soft Case |
| Machine Type | Electronic |
| Insertion of Bobbin | Quick Set Bobbin |
| Lighting | LED |
| Number Of Needles | 1 |
| Display | |
| Stitch Selection | Entering Code of Numbers |
| Type of Screen | LCD Monochrome |
| Environment | |
| Consumption Power | 40 W |
| Voltage | 220 – 240V |
| Sewing Features | |
| Automatic reverse / reinforcement stitch | Yes |
| Buttonholes | 5 |
| Drop feed setting | Manual |
| Electronic slide speed control | yes |
| Extension Wide Table | Optional |
| Free arm sewing | Yes |
| Max. Sewing Speed (Stitches per minute) | 750 |
| Mechanical Dual Feed | Optional |
| Needle Stop Position Control Up/Down | Yes |
| Number of sewing stitches *incl. buttonholes | 40 |
| Presser Foot Levelling Button | Yes |
| Snap on Presser Feet System | Yes |
| Stippling Function | Free Hand Quilting |
| Stitch Length (mm) | 5 |
| Stitch Width (mm) | 7 |
| Workspace (cm) | 10 x 16 |
| Warranty Information | |
| Warranty | Brother 3 year Warranty *Commercial use only 1 year warranty |
| Threading | |
| Adjustable Thread Tension | Manual |
| Bobbin Winder | Yes |
| Needle Threading System | Standard |
| Weight and Measurements | |
| Machine Dimension (mm) | 413 x 178 x 307 |
| Weight (kg) | 4.5 |