Definitely heavy duty

I really like this machine for its simplicity and heavy duty capabilities. I am a novice sewer and use it mostly for home decor (tea towels, oven mitts, pillows etc). I used it for hemming jeans and it worked great with a little help across the double seams. I’m still trying to control the speed. It seems to run really fast when starting out.

OK, if you like sewing in reverse.

This was not an easy machine to learn how to use. I've sewn for 60 years, but this machine feels awkward, clunky and not user friendly. But I kept trying, even though it causes a lot of frustration. I have not used it on heavy duty fabric, mostly just for mending. Today I decided to make a pillow cover. Halfway through, the machine began to work only in reverse. I followed the trouble-shooting instructions on the Brother website but that did not fix it. I called Joann store where I bought it, but I'm a 2 months past the 90 day return policy. They said I have to deal with Brother. When I called them, they were very polite, but after going through their process of information and trouble shooting, it still doesn't work right. My only recourse is to take it to their authorized dealer, which is an hour away from my home. Hopefully they will acknowledge the warranty.

Broken machine

I believe this machine to be broken, after working with a sewing teacher to try and fix it without success. The thread breaks every 10-40 seconds, even after multiple times verifying it’s being threaded properly under supervision, reseating the bobbin multiple times, and adjusting the tension to its highest and lowest settings as well as the middle grounds in between. These issues began within the first 2-3 times of using it, within 1-2 months of it being purchased. If it weren’t broken, this product might be good, but I’m not sure.

Works well

Strong motor . Sewing through many layers was easy

Just what i Needed

Just started using it. Very quiet. Sews well. Haven't used the other stitches and I'm still trying to figure out auto threader but I Love it.

BEAUTIFUL MACHINE!! THANK YOU!!!

BEAUTIFUL MACHINE!! THANK YOU!!!

Great in everything you want

I bough a Brother machine even do is not for heavy duty, mine works perfect, I know if I go slow I don’t hurt my machine mechanism. I love works with everything. Is perfect.

Gotta love a Brother!

I bought this as a replacement for a Brother I bought over 20 years ago. Actually I bought another "HEAVY DU T Y" machine that was horrible. I returned that and went back to Brother. Anyway I needed something that can handle multiple layers of materials, sometimes up to 6 layers as well as Denim. I have used it on the multiple layers but haven't tackled Denim yet. So far this machine is doing much better then I expected. I love the needle threader! My only complaint is that I haven't been able to find an extension table for this model.

[Rewarded Review] Brother sewing machine

This was the best sewing machine I have ever bought can do so many things with it. It’s really smooth. It was the best thing I’ve ever bought. Love love love.

[Rewarded Review] Wonderfully versatile

Love the different stitch patterns and that it does different types of materials.

[Rewarded Review] Brother Sewing Machine perfect for this Seamstress

I had a Brother limited Edition Project Runway machine for 6 years before getting this ST531hD sewing machine. It was all the bells and whistles I need for everyday projects and sewing. Most impressive is how quiet it is.

Great if it works as intended

It’s great when it works but mostly it randomly sews in reverse with no way of correcting this issue

[Rewarded Review] It's a workhorse

So far it's a workhorse. I folded a scrap cotton fabric to test it out and it went through 8 layers without a problem. Of course it is louder than my other Brother computerized machine but I expected it to be. I'm enjoying my sewing machine.

[Rewarded Review] Great first sewing machine

Love it! Bought this as my first sewing machine and it's been very fun, it has all the features I need for basic projects and then some for when I get more advanced. The manual is very detailed and was very helpful for me when it came to setting up the machine for the first time (threading, winding the bobbin, proper tension, etc). It can also hold up to sewing bulky fabrics! I've used it to sew linings into crochet bags (very bulky, heavyweight yarn) and it handles it no problem.

[Rewarded Review] Couldn’t be happier!

I love the weight of this machine, lightweight yet heavy duty. Very easy to operate and I love love love the automatic threader!! Picture of my first project!

[Rewarded Review] Good Brother

I set up the machine - and it was sewing ready. I lined my Christmas stockings with no problem!

[Rewarded Review] Perfect!

Bought this when it was on sale after going back and forth for a month. Saw good reviews and went for it. I’m so happy I did! I’ve already altered a lot of my clothes and it expanded my closet to make everything more wearable. It’s a nice, straightforward, heavy duty machine that’s perfect for a beginner like me.

Amazing stitch...if you can sew in reverse

Ever since I bought it, it will randomly get stuck in reverse. It is so frustrating. Save yourself some money, time, and pain and don't buy this machine.

Indeed strong and tough

Bought this machine for price not expecting it to do more than mending. Boy was I wrong!! Seven years later after making outdoor curtains for large covered porch, upholstered numerous outdoor chair cushions with cording using heavy duty Sunbrella fabric, many many double sided flannel blankets for homeless shelters, and day-to-day projects my machine is still going. My fear now is my machine breaking.

[Rewarded Review] I wanted a new Brother sewing machine and it was simple to use!

Brother Sewing machine is great