brother st371hd sewing machine manual

The Brother ST371HD is a heavy-duty mechanical sewing machine designed for a wide range of fabrics, from delicate silks to heavy denim. It features 37 built-in stitches, a one-step automatic buttonhole, a drop feed for free-motion sewing, a built-in needle threader, and a heavy-duty metal frame for stability. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Heavy-duty metal frame, 37 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, drop feed dog lever, free arm, built-in stitch selector dial, and reverse sewing lever.

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, flat surface at a comfortable height.

1. Remove machine and accessories from packaging. Check for all listed parts.
2. Attach power cord: Plug the foot controller into the machine, then plug the machine power cord into a 120V AC outlet.
3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
4. Wind bobbin: Place thread spool on spool pin, guide thread through bobbin winding tension disk, wind bobbin evenly.
5. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop bobbin into case with thread running counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.
6. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine, use automatic needle threader if desired.

WARNING! Keep hands away from needle area during setup and operation. Ensure machine is unplugged when threading needle or changing accessories.

First-Time Operation

Plug in machine and power on. Practice on scrap fabric first.

1. Select stitch: Turn stitch selector dial to desired stitch number.
2. Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed for your fabric.
3. Position fabric: Lower presser foot lever to engage tension.
4. Start sewing: Press lightly on foot controller to begin; guide fabric gently.
5. Reverse: Hold reverse lever to sew backwards for reinforcement.
6. Finish: Raise needle to highest position, raise presser foot, and remove fabric.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to avoid timing issues. Never pull fabric forcefully; let feed dogs move it.

Specifications

• Model: Brother ST371HD
• Type: Heavy-Duty Mechanical Sewing Machine
• Stitches: 37 Built-in Stitches
• Buttonholes: 1-Step Automatic Buttonholer
• Max Stitch Length: 6mm
• Max Stitch Width: 7mm
• Needle Positions: Left, Center, Right
• Presser Feet: Includes Zigzag Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Zipper Foot, Blind Stitch Foot, Button Sewing Foot
• Bobbin: Top Drop-in, Class 15 Transparent Bobbin
• Lighting: Built-in LED Light
• Power Supply: 120V, 60Hz
• Weight: Approximately 17.6 lbs (8 kg)

Controls and Functions

Access controls via dials and levers on the front and side of the machine.

Front Panel: Stitch Selector Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Sewing Lever, Feed Dog Drop Lever, Bobbin Winder Spindle.

Side/Other: Handwheel, Power/Light Switch, Foot Controller Jack, Presser Foot Lever, Needle Threader Lever, Free Arm Release.

Stitch Settings: Use dials to select stitch pattern (1-37), adjust length (0-6mm for straight stitches, 0-4mm for zigzag), and adjust width (0-7mm).

Tension: Thread tension dial (0-9); default is 4 for balanced stitches.

Stitch Selection & Settings

Refer to stitch chart on machine or manual for recommended uses.

1. Utility Stitches (1-6): Straight, zigzag, stretch stitches for seams and finishing.
2. Decorative Stitches (7-30): Various patterns for embellishment.
3. Buttonhole Stitch (31): One-step automatic; use buttonhole foot.
4. Blind Hem Stitch (32): For nearly invisible hems on garments.
5. Elastic Stitches (33-37): For knit fabrics and elastic applications.

Tip: Test stitch settings on a scrap of your project fabric to check tension and appearance.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Supports a variety of sewing tasks from simple seams to buttonholes.

1. Straight Seam: Select straight stitch (1), adjust length (2.5mm standard). Align fabric edges, lower presser foot, and sew.
2. Zigzag Finish: Select zigzag stitch (3) to finish raw edges and prevent fraying.
3. Buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot, select stitch 31. Place fabric under foot, lower lever, and sew automatically.
4. Zipper Installation: Use zipper foot for centered or invisible zippers.
5. Free-Motion Sewing: Lower feed dogs, attach darning foot, move fabric manually for quilting or darning.
6. Blind Hem: Fold fabric as instructed, select stitch 32, and sew for nearly invisible hem.

WARNING! Always use the correct presser foot for the technique. Do not sew over pins.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before any maintenance. Regular cleaning prevents lint buildup.

1. Remove needle plate screws; lift off needle plate.
2. Use small brush to remove lint from feed dogs and bobbin area.
3. Wipe metal surfaces with a soft, dry cloth.
4. Oil machine as instructed in manual (specific points indicated). Use only sewing machine oil.
5. Replace needle regularly (after 8-10 hours of sewing or with each new project).

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint deeper. Never use household oils or lubricants.

Accessories

Standard accessories included: Zigzag Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Zipper Foot, Blind Stitch Foot, Button Sewing Foot, Needle Set, Bobbins (Class 15), Seam Ripper/Lint Brush, Screwdriver, Spool Pin Felt, Instruction Manual.

Optional accessories available: Walking Foot, Quilting Guide, Extension Table, Additional Bobbins, Carrying Case.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Keep hands away from moving parts. Always unplug machine when not in use, when changing needles, or when cleaning. Use only with provided foot controller. Do not operate if cord or plug is damaged. Intended for household use.

Important: The needle is extremely sharp. Store machine and accessories out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug machine for 60 seconds to reset electronic components (if applicable).

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Brother service center. Visit support.brother.com or call 1-877-888-5525.