Product · Brother
Brother SH40: 40 stitches, 5 one-step buttonholes
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The Brother SH40 is a computerised starter machine for people who want to learn without fighting the foot pedal. Slide speed control and a start/stop button let you set a slow, steady pace and keep both hands guiding the fabric, which suits nervous beginners and children learning with an adult. At 4.5 kg it is also the lightest machine in the beginner guide, easy to carry to a class or stow in a cupboard.
- Stitches
- 40
- Buttonhole
- 1-step, 5 styles
- Needle threader
- Yes
- Weight
- 4.5 kg
In its favour
- Slide speed control and a start/stop button let a nervous beginner sew slowly without relying on the pedal.
- Five one-step buttonhole styles are listed, so buttonholes are sized by the machine rather than by eye.
- At 4.5 kg it is the lightest machine here and easy to carry to a class or put away.
Good to know
- The listing does not say which presser feet come in the box beyond the basics.
- A light machine can move about on the table when you push thick denim through it.
Our take
Stitches and buttonholes
Brother lists 40 stitches, including 5 styles of one-step buttonhole. Forty stitches covers straight, zigzag, stretch, blind hem and a handful of decorative options, which is more than enough for first garments, cushions and bags. One-step buttonholes are sized by the machine, avoiding the guesswork of a four step dial.
Stitch length and width are adjustable, shown on an LCD screen.
Controls for learning
The speed slider sets a maximum speed, so even if you press the pedal hard, the machine will not race. Start/stop lets you sew without the pedal entirely. For beginners these two features make the biggest difference to confidence, because most early mistakes come from sewing too fast.
A quick set bobbin and a needle threader take care of the other fiddly jobs. Drop feed is listed for darning and free motion work.
Build and warranty
The spec table lists an aluminium material, 4.5 kg, and dimensions of about 41 cm wide, 18 cm deep and 31 cm high, with a 3 year limited warranty. A light machine is easy to move but can shift on the table when sewing thick denim, so a non-slip mat helps.
Against the Janome 725S and Juki HZL-LB5020
The Janome 725S is a mechanical machine with 25 stitches, foot pressure adjustment and an extra-high presser foot lift, with no speed slider. The Juki HZL-LB5020 adds needle up or down positioning and a 7 point feed dog at 8.21 kg. The SH40 offers the most stitches and the lightest body of the three.
Who should choose differently
If you will mostly sew heavy fabrics such as canvas or upholstery, a heavier machine such as the Janome 725S will stay put better. Anyone who wants needle up or down for quilting should look at the Juki HZL-LB5020.
Verdict
Pick the Brother SH40 if you are learning to sew and want a light machine with speed control, start/stop and one-step buttonholes. If you prefer dials and a sturdier feel, the Janome 725S is the alternative, and for needle up or down, the Juki HZL-LB5020.
Compared with alternatives in: Best sewing machines for beginners
Amazon listing title: Brother SH40 Computerised Sewing Machine