Brother Sewing Machine Manual ST371HD

The Brother ST371HD is a heavy-duty, mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 37 built-in stitches, a one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, built-in LED light, and heavy-duty metal frame construction. It operates on 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection and Adjustment 7. Threading and Bobbin Winding 8. Maintenance and Cleaning 9. Accessories and Parts 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Heavy-duty metal frame, stitch selection dial, stitch length/width controls, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin, free arm, built-in LED light, accessory storage.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	37 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch
One-Step Buttonhole	Automatically creates buttonholes in one step
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads needle with lever mechanism
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, jam-resistant bobbin system
Free Arm	Removable accessory compartment for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Length/Width Control	Adjustable dials for customizing stitch size
Built-in LED Light	Illuminates sewing area
Heavy-Duty Metal Frame	Provides stability and reduces vibration
Power/Speed Control	Foot pedal with adjustable sewing speed
Accessory Storage	Built-in compartment for feet, bobbins, and tools

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on stable, flat surface.

Remove machine from box: Lift using handles; avoid lifting by accessory compartment.
Install foot pedal: Connect pedal cord to machine port (usually front or side).
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine, then into 120V AC outlet.
Attach accessory compartment: Slide onto free arm until it clicks into place.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care using both hands. Ensure power is off during setup.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; LED light will illuminate.

Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winding tension, press bobbin onto winder shaft.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread running counterclockwise; pull thread through slot.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides on machine, use automatic needle threader if available.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
Test sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, gently press foot pedal to start sewing.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from needle during operation. Always turn handwheel toward you.

Specifications

Model: Brother ST371HD.
Type: Mechanical, heavy-duty sewing machine.
Stitches: 37 built-in stitches (straight, zigzag, decorative, stretch).
Buttonhole: One-step automatic buttonhole.
Needle Threader: Automatic.
Bobbin System: Drop-in, top-loading.
Max Stitch Length: 4mm.
Max Stitch Width: 5mm.
Free Arm: Yes, with removable accessory compartment.
Lighting: Built-in LED.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Included Accessories: All-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, blind hem foot, bobbins, needles, seam ripper, brush, screwdriver.

Controls and Settings

Access controls via dials and levers on front panel. Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select stitch pattern (numbered 1-37). Stitch Length Dial: Adjust from 0-4mm (0 for bobbin winding). Stitch Width Dial: Adjust from 0-5mm (0 for straight stitch). Reverse Stitch Lever: Hold for backstitching. Handwheel: Manual control of needle; turn toward you only. Presser Foot Lever: Raises/lowers presser foot. Thread Tension Dial: Adjust upper thread tension (usually 4-5 for normal fabrics).

Foot Pedal: Controls sewing speed; press lightly for slow, firmly for fast.

Stitch Selection and Adjustment

Select stitch via dial; adjust length/width as needed.

Straight Stitch: Dial 1; length 2-2.5mm for general sewing.
Zigzag Stitch: Dial 2-6; adjust width for satin stitch or appliqué.
Decorative Stitches: Dial 7-30; use for embellishments.
Stretch Stitches: Dial 31-37; for knits and elastic fabrics.
Buttonhole: Dial buttonhole symbol; follow markings on foot for sizing.

Tip: Test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing project. Adjust tension if stitches loop or skip.

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Upper Threading: Follow numbered guides (1-6) from spool to needle. Use automatic needle threader: Lower lever, hook thread, release lever to pull thread through eye. Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, wrap thread around bobbin 2-3 times, push bobbin onto winder shaft, press pedal to wind. Stop when bobbin is full; cutter will trim thread.

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading. Always use same thread type in bobbin and needle.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Unplug before maintenance. Clean lint from bobbin area and feed dogs after each project. Oil moving parts per manual instructions (use sewing machine oil only). Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or if bent/dull.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint into mechanics. Never oil without unplugging machine.

Accessories and Parts

Included: All-purpose foot (on machine), buttonhole foot, zipper foot, blind hem foot, 3 bobbins, assorted needles, seam ripper/brush, screwdriver, duster. Optional: Walking foot, quilting guide, extension table. Order parts from Brother authorized dealers.

Warranty Information

Limited warranty: 25 years for mechanical parts, 2 years for electronic components, 1 year for labor. Warranty valid only with proof of purchase from authorized dealer. For service, contact Brother Customer Support at 1-800-284-4357 or visit www.brother-usa.com. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Needle breaks	Incorrect insertion/bent needle	Reinsert needle flat side to back; replace bent needle; avoid pulling fabric.
Thread bunches underneath	Bobbin threaded incorrectly	Rethread bobbin ensuring thread runs counterclockwise; check upper threading.
Skips stitches	Wrong needle/thread combo	Use ballpoint needle for knits; ensure needle is sharp and properly inserted.
Machine won't run	Power/pedal issue	Check power cord connection; ensure pedal is plugged in; test outlet.
Uneven stitches	Tension incorrect	Adjust tension dial; rethread top and bobbin; clean tension discs.
Buttonhole misformed	Stabilizer missing/foot not attached	Use stabilizer on lightweight fabrics; ensure buttonhole foot is securely attached.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur.

Service: 1-800-284-4357; www.brother-usa.com