You’ve landed on the right spot if you are trying to compare Brother HC1850 and Brother ST531HD. Which one is right for you? Their excellent quality makes them a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys sewing.
What are the main differences between them? Allow me to simplify my answers here.
Table of Contents
Brother HC1850 vs. Brother ST531HD: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
The Brother HC1850 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.
You should choose carefully based on your sewing skills and goal.
Brother HC1850 vs. Brother ST531HD : Built-in Stitches
The Brother HC1850 has 130 stitches. The Brother ST531HD on the other hand comes with 53 built-in stitches. The apparent difference is in the buttonhole styles, where Brother HC1850 comes with 8 one-step buttonhole(s), Brother ST531HD sewing machine has only 1 one-step buttonhole(s).
Weight
The Brother HC1850 sewing machine weighs approximately 13.2 lbs, while the Brother ST531HD comes with a weight of 14.3 lbs.
When you don’t have a specific spot in your home where your sewing machine belongs, the extra weight can become burdensome.
Start/Stop Button
The Brother ST531HD sewing machine doesn’t come with a start/stop button, while the Brother HC1850 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 HC1850 sewing machine arrives with a speed control slider while the Brother ST531HD sewing machine 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 HC1850 and the Brother ST531HD sewing machine come with this user-friendly feature.
Programmable Needle Up/Down
Unlike the Brother HC1850, 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 HC1850 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 HC1850 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 HC1850 | Brother ST531HD | |
| Product Image | |
|
| Sewing Machine Type | Computerized | Mechanical |
| Stitches | 130 | 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 1 | No |
| Drop Feed | Yes | Yes |
| Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
| Working Light | Yes LED | Yes 1 LED |
| Speed Control Slider | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.2 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 | Buttonhole foot, Overcasting foot, Monogramming foot, Zipper foot, Zigzag foot, Blind stitch foot, Button fitting foot, Spring action quilting foot | Buttonhole foot, Button sewing foot, Spring action zigzag foot, Zipper foot, Non stick foot, Blind stitch foot. |
| Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | No | 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 HC1850 Video Review
Brother ST531HD Video Review
The Verdict
The Brother HC1850 and the Brother ST531HD have a number of differences in terms of features. The stitch quality, however, is a common aspect. These two machines sew on a range of materials with reliable results. Any of these two machines would be my first choice if you asked me to choose an affordable, sophisticated sewing machine. I won’t offer a recommendation and the choice should be based on your sewing ability and experience.
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 a regular sewing machine sew vinyl?
A. Yes, with the same modifications listed above for leather.
Q. Can i use clipper oil on my sewing machine
A. Yes, you can as some people do recommend it as an alternative to sewing machine oil.
Q. How to use double needle on sewing machine
- STEP 1: PREP YOUR EDGE.
- STEP 2: PREP YOUR SEWING MACHINE.
- STEP 3: TEST ON A SCRAP OF FABRIC.
- STEP 4: SEW THE DOUBLE NEEDLE HEM.
Q. Can I interchange metal and plastic bobbins if they are the same size?
A. Metal bobbins and plastic bobbins of the same size can NOT be swapped. Machines are set for a very precise tension setting. If they are set for a lighter plastic bobbin, the tension will change if a heavier metal bobbin is used.
Q. Do you need a special sewing machine for leather?
A. No, although a heavy-duty machine will make it easier. However, any good-quality home sewing machine can handle leather with a few special accessories. You will need a Teflon presser foot, a needle designed for sewing leather, and heavy-duty thread.
