The Brother ST371HD Strong & Tough Sewing Machine is designed with durability in mind and caters to those who regularly work with thick or tricky fabrics. Based on the well-regarded HF-27 model, this model offers a solid mix of toughness and ease of use, making it appealing to both beginners and more experienced sewists. Below, we’ll take a closer look at how it performs in everyday use, what features stand out, and where there’s still room for improvement.
Key Features and Functionalities
Let’s start with what the ST371HD brings to the table. It’s built to handle heavier fabrics while still offering features that make everyday sewing simple and approachable.
Sturdy Construction
Weighing about 8.4 kg, the ST371HD feels stable and well-built without being overly bulky. The body is a mix of metal and durable plastic, giving it the strength to sew through multiple layers of denim or canvas without rattling around. It’s clearly designed to hold up under regular use, especially for projects involving tougher materials.
Stitch Options
With 37 built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, and a one-step buttonhole, the machine offers a solid range for general sewing tasks. The adjustable stitch width and length are useful for customizing your work, whether you’re sewing garments or doing light home décor.
Easy-to-Use Design
The machine comes fully assembled, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. Threading is simplified with a built-in needle threader, and the side thread cutter is a nice touch that speeds up the process. You’ll also find a see-through bobbin cover and a drop feed for free-motion sewing or quilting.
Helpful Extras
For bulkier fabrics, the extra-high presser foot lift is a big help. The 6-point feed dog system does a good job keeping fabric moving smoothly under the needle, even when layers get thick. Other conveniences include an electronic foot controller for steady speed and a built-in thread trimmer.
Real-World Performance: Personal User Experience
After testing the ST371HD on a variety of fabrics—including leather, denim, polyester, and spandex—it’s clear this machine lives up to its “Strong & Tough” branding. It handles multi-layer projects well and offers consistent performance across different material types.
Stitch Quality
Stitching comes out clean and precise. Whether it’s a basic straight stitch or something more decorative, the results look neat. The machine especially stands out when working with medium-weight leather or thick seams in denim—it pushes through without skipping or stalling.
Fabric Handling
This machine works well with stretchy and slippery fabrics too, as long as you use the right needle. When sewing spandex, for example, a switch to a stretch or ballpoint needle made a noticeable difference in how smoothly the fabric fed through. The feed dogs grip fabric well, even when it’s soft or slinky.
Areas for Improvement
While the ST371HD is strong in many areas, a few features could be better. The stitch selection dial feels a little dated and could be laid out more clearly. There’s also no automatic thread tension or needle up/down button, which are features many newer models offer. Beginners might need a bit of extra time to get used to these limitations.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick summary of the main strengths and drawbacks based on hands-on experience.
Pros:
- Good stitch variety for general sewing
- Strong performance on thick fabrics like denim and leather
- Built-in needle threader and thread cutter for convenience
- Arrives fully assembled and ready to use
- Feels solid and well-built
Cons:
- No automatic tension control
- No needle up/down button
- Heavier than other models in its range, which may affect portability
- Some controls and stitch settings aren’t as intuitive as they could be
Pricing
In the UK, the Brother ST371HD generally falls into the mid-range price category. You’ll usually find it priced between £250 and £300, depending on the seller and whether accessories are included.
Conclusion
The Brother ST371HD is a dependable, well-rounded sewing machine that’s built to handle tough materials while still being approachable for everyday sewing. It may not have every modern feature, but its strong construction, smooth performance, and versatile stitch options make it a solid choice for anyone working on a mix of heavy-duty and general projects. If you’re looking for a machine that’s reliable and easy to work with, especially on thicker fabrics, the ST371HD is worth considering.