MODEL REFERENCE

Brother ST531HD

12 troubleshooting topics

The checks and guides below come from the official manuals for this model.

Find a code or problem on this model

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing

Sewing machine does not run3 checks

The main power switch is turned off: Turn on the main power switch.
The bobbin winder shaft is pushed to the right: Move the bobbin winder shaft to the sewing position.
You have not used the foot controller properly: Connect and press the foot controller correctly.

Fabric is stuck in the machine1 check

Thread is tangled below the needle plate: Lift the fabric, cut the trapped thread, and clean the race.

Needle breaks12 checks

The needle is incorrectly installed: Install the needle correctly.
The needle clamp screw is loose: Tighten the needle clamp screw.
The needle is bent or blunt: Replace the bent or blunt needle.
The upper thread was not threaded correctly: Rethread the upper thread.
You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle: Match the needle and thread to the fabric.
The presser foot you are using is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you want to sew: Attach a presser foot suited to the stitch.
The upper thread tension is too tight: Reduce the upper thread tension.
You are pulling the fabric too much: Guide the fabric gently without pulling it.
You have not fitted the spool properly: Fit the thread spool correctly.
The area around the hole in the needle plate or the presser foot is scratched: Attach a presser foot suited to the stitch.
The bobbin case is scratched: Replace the scratched bobbin case or contact a service center.
You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine: Use a bobbin designed for this model.

Upper thread breaks9 checks

You have not threaded the upper thread properly. (For example, you have not fitted the spool properly, or the thread has come out of the guide above the needle.): Rethread the upper thread.
There are knots or tangles in the thread: Remove knots and tangles from the thread.
The needle is not appropriate for the thread you are using: Fit a needle suitable for the thread.
The upper thread tension is too tight: Reduce the upper thread tension.
The needle is bent or blunt: Replace the bent or blunt needle.
The needle is incorrectly installed: Install the needle correctly.
The area around the hole in the needle plate or the presser foot is scratched: Attach a presser foot suited to the stitch.
The bobbin case is scratched, or has a burr on it: Replace the scratched bobbin case or contact a service center.
You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine: Use a bobbin designed for this model.

Lower thread tangles or breaks5 checks

You have not wound the bobbin thread properly: Wind the bobbin again, following the manual.
The bobbin is scratched or does not turn smoothly: Replace the scratched bobbin.
The thread is tangled: Remove the tangled thread and clean the bobbin area or race.
You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine: Use a bobbin designed for this model.
Bobbin is set incorrectly: Insert the bobbin correctly.

Thread tension is incorrect7 checks

You have not threaded the upper thread properly: Rethread the upper thread.
You have not wound the bobbin thread properly: Wind the bobbin again, following the manual.
You have not threaded the right combination of thread and needle for the fabric you are using: Match the thread and needle to the fabric.
You have not attached the presser foot holder properly: Attach the presser foot holder correctly.
The thread tension is incorrect: Adjust the thread tension.
You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine: Use a bobbin designed for this model.
Bobbin is set incorrectly: Insert the bobbin correctly.

Fabric wrinkles while sewing8 checks

You have not threaded the upper thread properly or fitted the bobbin properly: Rethread the upper thread.
You have not fitted the spool properly: Fit the thread spool correctly.
You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle: Match the needle and thread to the fabric.
The needle is bent or blunt: Replace the bent or blunt needle.
If thin fabrics are being sewn, the fabric is not being fed correctly: Use stabilizer or tissue paper under thin fabric while sewing.
If thin fabrics are being sewn, the stitch is too coarse: Shorten the stitch for thin fabric.
The presser foot you are using is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you want to sew: Attach a presser foot suited to the stitch.
The thread tension is incorrect: Adjust the thread tension.

Stitches are skipped5 checks

You have not threaded the upper thread properly: Rethread the upper thread.
You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle: Match the needle and thread to the fabric.
The needle is bent or blunt: Replace the bent or blunt needle.
The needle is incorrectly installed: Install the needle correctly.
Dust has accumulated under the needle plate or in the bobbin case: Remove the needle plate and clean the feed dogs and bobbin area.

Needle threader does not work2 checks

The needle has not been raised to the correct position: Raise the needle with the handwheel until its mark points up.
You have not inserted the needle properly: Install the needle correctly.

Stitch forms incorrectly3 checks

The presser foot that you are using is not correct for the type of stitch: Attach a presser foot suited to the stitch.
The thread tension is incorrect: Adjust the thread tension.
The thread is tangled: Remove the tangled thread and clean the bobbin area or race.

Fabric does not feed5 checks

The stitch is too fine: Increase the stitch length.
The feed dogs are lowered: Raise the feed dogs with the feed dog position switch.
You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle: Match the needle and thread to the fabric.
The thread is tangled, for example, in the race: Remove the tangled thread and clean the bobbin area or race.
The presser foot you are using is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you want to sew: Attach a presser foot suited to the stitch.

High-pitched or rattling sewing noise1 check

Dust has accumulated in the feed dogs or in the bobbin case: Remove the needle plate and clean the feed dogs and bobbin area.