If you are looking for comparisons between Brother DZ3400 and Brother ST531HD, you’re at the right place. Which sewing machine is the right choice for you? They’re both solidly built and would be a fantastic machine for anyone who loves to sew.
What are the major differences between the two? Below I will describe the differences in the simplest terms possible.
Table of Contents
Brother DZ3400 vs. Brother ST531HD: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
The Brother DZ3400 is a computerized sewing machine, while the Brother ST531HD is a mechanical sewing machine. Since the machine types decide they differ a lot in features, I won’t make a suggestion.
The decision has to be made on an individual level.
Brother DZ3400 vs. Brother ST531HD : Built-in Stitches
The Brother DZ3400 comes with an attractive amount of built-in stitches, 270 to be exact. Within those 270 stitches you can find standard stitches, decorative stitches and easy-to-use buttonhole stitches. While the Brother ST531HD features 53 stitches. Similar to the Brother DZ3400, these stitches include standard and decorative stitches.
Weight
The Brother DZ3400 sewing machine weighs approximately 9.9 lbs, while the Brother ST531HD sewing machine comes with a weight of 14.3 lbs.
The extra weight can become cumbersome if you don’t have a set location in your home for your sewing machine.
Start/Stop Button
The Brother ST531HD doesn’t come with a start/stop button, while the Brother DZ3400 sewing machine does. A huge number of sewists don’t realize that using the start/stop button effectively can make sewing a whole lot easier. It is very useful for decorative stitches for example, as well as with free-motion quilting.
Speed Control Slider
The Brother DZ3400 arrives with a speed control slider while the Brother ST531HD doesn’t. A speed control slide is a useful feature that allows you to set the maximum speed you are comfortable with.
Automatic Needle Threader
Many sewing machines sold today come with an automatic threader function. This is essentially a lever that will guide the thread through the eye of your sewing needle for you so that you don’t have to do it yourself. Many sewists prefer to thread their own needles, but if you have difficulty performing this task, then a machine with an automatic needle threader might be very useful for you. Fortunately, these two sewing machines both come with automatic needle threader, allowing you to thread the machine with ease.
Drop-in Bobbin
The advantage of easy drop-in, top load bobbins is that you can readily see how much thread is left on the bobbin through the window. You do not have to remove the bobbin case to insert a new bobbin, and you do not have to remove the accessory tray from the free arm to change bobbins. Both the Brother DZ3400 sewing machine and the Brother ST531HD come with this user-friendly feature.
Programmable Needle Up/Down
Unlike the Brother DZ3400, the Brother ST531HD isn’t equipped with a programmable needle up/down function. And using the needle-down function allows the needle to act as a third hand in holding the stitching position, such as when you want to stop and turn a corner or stitching a curve.
Drop Feed
The most common type of feeding mechanism in a home sewing machine (and some industrial machines) is the drop feed, also known as the regular feed system. Both Brother DZ3400 and Brother ST531HD come equipped with a drop feed system, which grabs the fabric and moves it along through the machine.
Free Arm
There is free arm on both the Brother DZ3400 and the Brother ST531HD. The free arm is a very useful feature to all sewing machines as it makes sewing one layer of fabric without catching another. This is because all of the workings around the bobbin race, feed dogs, and needles are housed there.
| Brother DZ3400 | Brother ST531HD | |
| Product Image | |
|
| Sewing Machine Type | Computerized | Mechanical |
| Stitches | 270 | 53 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 8 one-step | 1 one-step |
| Start/Stop Button | Yes | No |
| Built-in Memory | – | No |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | No |
| Monogramming Font | Yes, 2 | No |
| Drop Feed | Yes | Yes |
| Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
| Working Light | Yes LED | Yes 1 LED |
| Speed Control Slider | Yes | No |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs | 14.3 lbs |
| Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | – | – |
| Snap-on Presser Foot | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | No | No |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes |
| Drop-in Bobbin | Yes | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | No | No |
| Stitch Selection | LCD Display and Push Button | Dial on Side |
| Adjustable Stitch Length/Width | Yes | Yes |
| Included Feet | Zigzag foot (on machine), Buttonhole foot, Zipper foot, Button sewing foot, Overcasting foot, Blind stitch foot, Monogramming foot, Quilting foot, Walking foot with quilt guide, 1/4 ( piecing ) foot, Stitch Guide foot, Metal Open Toe foot, Adjustable Zipper Piping foot Plus Circular Sewing Attachment. | Buttonhole foot, Button sewing foot, Spring action zigzag foot, Zipper foot, Non stick foot, Blind stitch foot. |
| Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | – | No |
| Tension | Adjustable With Dial | Adjustable With Dial |
| Knee Lifter | No | No |
| Warranty | 25 Year Limited | 25 Year Limited |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Brother DZ3400 Video Review
Brother ST531HD Video Review
The Verdict
While both of these sewing machines are made by great businesses, choosing between them is tough. But my general suggestion is to go with the machine that has the most built-in stitches at a reasonable price.
Q. What are features to look for in a sewing machine?
A. The best features will depend on the type of sewing you plan to do. For a beginner, some features to look for include built-in stitch types, an automatic needle threader, a top drop-in bobbin, and a set of standard presser feet.
Q. Why adjust tension on sewing machine
A. Sewing machine tension adjustment is controlled by devices that separately control the needle thread and the bobbin thread, putting varying amounts of tension (or strength) on the threads they control to form a strong, balanced stitch.
Q. Can i use 3 in 1 oil on my sewing machine
A. You shouldn’t use cooking oil or automotive oil in your machine, since doing so may clog the gears and damage any fabric used in the machine. Also, 3-in-1 oil is not suitable for sewing machines, according to Threads magazine.
Q. Are sewing machines dangerous?
A. Like any machine, a sewing machine can be dangerous if not used correctly. Always follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer when it comes to maintenance, and pay attention while sewing.
Q. Does the machine work well with stretchy materials?
A. The machine works perfectly with all types of fabrics. As long as the user can work with the material, there should be no problem.
Q. Why use a walking foot on a sewing machine
A. A walking foot helps move knit fabrics evenly so they don’t stretch out of shape. The walking foot eliminates the need for excessive pinning when working with slippery fabrics. That is especially useful because most of those slippery fabrics, such as satin, are easily damaged by pins.
