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FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY If this machine is fitted with a three-pin non-rewireable BS plug then please read the following. IMPORTANT If the available socket outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, it should be cut off and an appropriate three-pin plug fitted.
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If the problem persists, please consult your local authorized Brother dealer. For additional product information and updates, visit our web site at www.brother.com The contents of this manual and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.
CONTENTS 1. KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ...5 NAMES OF MACHINE PARTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS ... 5 The main parts ... 5 Needle and presser foot section ... 6 Operation buttons ... 6 Operation panel ... 7 Flat bed attachment ... 7 ACCESSORIES ...8...
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE NAMES OF MACHINE PARTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS The main parts a Bobbin winder (page 11) This winds the thread onto the bobbin for use as the lower thread. b Spool pin (pages 11 and 16) This holds the spool of thread.
Presser foot holder The presser foot is installed onto the presser foot holder. Operation buttons The operation buttons help you to easily perform various basic sewing machine operations. The operation buttons differ depending on the sewing machine model. a Presser foot lever Raise and lower the presser foot lever to raise and lower the presser foot.
Operation panel The operation panel, located on the front of the sewing machine, allows you to select a stitch and specify how the stitch will be sewn. a LCD (Liquid crystal display) The selected stitch ( ), presser foot that should be used...
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— ACCESSORIES The following accessories are stored in the flat bed attachment. We have designed these accessories to help you be able to carry out most sewing tasks. Note (For U.S.A. only) G Foot controller: Model T...
Note ● If a power outage occurs while the sewing machine is being operated, turn off the sewing machine and unplug the power supply cord. When restarting the sewing machine, follow the necessary procedure to correctly operate the machine.
Changing the needle stop position Normally, the sewing machine is set to leave the needle in the fabric when sewing is stopped. Instead, the machine can be set to leave the needle raised when sewing is stopped.
Turn the bobbin clockwise, by hand, until the spring on the shaft slides into the groove of the bobbin. a Spring on the shaft b Groove of the bobbin Turn on the sewing machine.
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Then stop the machine. Note ● If the sewing machine is to be operated using the foot controller, connect the foot controller before turning on the machine. ● When the foot controller is plugged in, the...
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(for models equipped with the start/stop button) to start. Note ● If the sewing machine is to be operated using the foot controller, connect the foot controller before turning on the machine. ● When the foot controller is plugged in, the...
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Memo ● When the sewing machine is started or the handwheel is turned after winding the thread around the bobbin, the machine will make a clicking sound; this is not a malfunction. ● The needle bar does not move when you slide the bobbin winding shaft to the right.
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the right side (see arrow b) until the cover clicks into place. • Replace the cover so that the end of the thread comes out from the left side of the cover (as shown by the line in the diagram). ■...
Mark • If the needle is not correctly raised, the sewing machine can not be threaded. Be sure to turn the handwheel so that the mark on the wheel points up before threading the sewing machine.
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CAUTION ● The needle threader can only be used with home sewing machine needles size 75/11- 100/16. Check the table on page 20 for the appropriate needle and thread combinations. If you are using transparent nylon mono- filament thread, you can only use needles in the range of 90/14-100/16.
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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Fully lower the needle threader lever. The end of the needle threader rotates toward you and the hook passes through the eye of the needle. Catch the thread on the hook as shown below. a Hook...
Drawing up the lower thread Lightly hold the end of the upper thread. a Upper thread While holding the end of the upper thread, raise the needle either by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up or by pressing (needle position button) (for models equipped with the needle position...
Be sure to read and carefully follow the instructions below. CAUTION ● Only use home sewing machine needles. Use of any other needle may bend the needle or damage the machine. ● Never use bent needles. Bent needles can easily break, possibly resulting in injury.
Turn off the sewing machine. CAUTION ● Before replacing the needle, be sure to turn off the sewing machine, otherwise injuries may occur if the foot controller or the start/ stop button is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Hold the needle with your left hand, and then use a screwdriver to turn the needle clamp screw counterclockwise to remove the needle. Note ● The needle can be removed by simply loosening the needle clamp screw about one turn.
Sewing with a twin needle We have designed your machine so you can sew with this needle and two top threads. You can use the same color or two different colors of thread for making decorative stitches. For details on the stitches that can be sewn with the twin needle, refer to “Stitch settings” (page 52). CAUTION ●...
(needle position button), raise the needle by pressing a Mark b Needle position button If the sewing machine has been turned on, turn it off. CAUTION ● Before replacing the presser foot, be sure to turn off the sewing machine, otherwise...
Removing the presser foot holder Remove the presser foot holder when cleaning the sewing machine or when installing a presser foot that does not use the presser foot holder, such as the quilting foot. Use the screwdriver to remove the presser foot holder.
SEWING BASICS SEWING Basic sewing operations are described below. Before operating the sewing machine, read the following precautions. CAUTION ● While the machine is in operation, pay special attention to the needle location. In addition, keep your hands away from all moving parts such as the needle and handwheel, otherwise injuries may occur.
Selecting stitching Using the stitch selection keys, select the desired stitch. When the sewing machine is turned on, the straight stitch ( left needle position) is selected. Turn on the sewing machine. Press (stitch selection keys). The number of the selected stitch is displayed.
SEWING BASICS ——————————————————————————————————————————————————— Starting to sew Raise the needle by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up. (With models equipped with (needle position button), raise the needle by pressing once or twice.) a Mark b Needle position button Raise the presser foot lever.
Pull the fabric to the left side of the machine, and then pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them. a Thread cutter Memo ● When the foot controller is plugged in, (start/stop button) cannot be used to start or stop sewing.
Changing the sewing direction When the stitching reaches a corner, stop the sewing machine. Leave the needle lowered (in the fabric). If the needle was raised, lower the needle either by turning the handwheel toward you...
■ If thick seams are being sewn and the fabric does not feed at the beginning of stitching Zigzag foot “J” is equipped with a feature that keeps the presser foot level. a Sewing direction When you encounter a seam that is too thick to feed under the foot, raise the presser foot lever.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— UTILITY STITCHES OVERCASTING STITCHES You can use the overcasting stitches to join together seams and finish them in one operation. They are also useful for sewing stretch materials. Pattern No. Stitch Name Zigzag stitch 3-point zig- zag stitch Overcasting stitch *Rev.: Reverse...
BASIC STITCHING Straight stitches are used for sewing plain seams. Three stitches are available for basic stitching. Pattern No. Stitch Name Left Center Triple stretch stitch *Rev.: Reverse **Rfc.: Reinforcement Basic stitching Baste or pin together the fabric pieces. Attach zigzag foot “J”. Select a stitch.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— BLIND HEM STITCHING You can use the Blind Hem Stitch to finish the edge of a project, like the hem of a pair of trousers, without the stitch showing. Pattern No. Stitch Name Blind hem stitch *Rfc.: Reinforcement Fold the fabric along the desired edge of the hem, and then baste it about 5 mm (3/16 inch) from the edge of the fabric.
BUTTONHOLE SEWING Buttonholes can be sewn and buttons can be sewn on. Pattern No. Stitch Name Buttonhole stitch – – Zigzag stitch – (for quilting) *Auto Rfc.: Automatic Reinforcement The maximum buttonhole length is about 28 mm (1-1/8 inch) (diameter + thickness of the button). Buttonholes are sewn from the front of the presser foot to the back, as shown below.
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UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— The names of parts of buttonhole foot “A”, which is used for sewing buttonholes, are indicated below. a Button guide plate b Presser foot scale c Pin d Marks on buttonhole foot e 5 mm (3/16 inch) Use chalk to mark the position and length of the buttonhole on the fabric.
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• When lowering the presser foot, do not push in the front of the presser foot, otherwise the buttonhole will not be sewn with the correct size. a Do not reduce the gap. Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible.
Trim off any excess of the gimp thread. Button sewing Buttons can be sewn on with the sewing machine. Buttons with 2 or with 4 holes can be attached. Measure the distance between the holes in the button to be attached.
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• When attaching four-hole buttons, first sew the two holes closest to you. Then, slide the button so that the needle goes into the two holes toward the rear of the sewing machine, and then sew them in the same way. Select a stitch .
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— ZIPPER INSERTION You can use the zipper foot to sew different types of zippers, and can easily position it to the right or left side of the needle. When sewing the right side of the zipper, attach the shank to the left pin of the zipper foot. When sewing the left side of the zipper, attach the shank to the right pin of the zipper foot.
SEWING STRETCH FABRICS AND ELASTIC TAPE Stretch fabrics can be sewn and elastic tape can be attached. Pattern No. Stitch Name Stretch stitch 3-point zigzag stitch *Rfc.: Reinforcement Observe the corresponding precautions when performing each of the following stitching operations. Stretch stitching Attach zigzag foot “J”.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— APPLIQUÉ, PATCHWORK AND QUILT STITCHING The stitches that can be used for sewing appliqués, patchwork and quilts are described below. Pattern No. Stitch Name Zigzag stitch Zigzag stitch (for quilting) Appliqué 11 Appliqué stitching stitch Appliqué stitch (for quilting) Piecing straight...
Carefully sew around the edge of the design. Cut away any fabric that is left outside the stitching. Remove the basting, if necessary. Memo ● Make reinforcing straight stitches at the beginning and the end of stitching. CAUTION ● Be careful that the needle does not hit a pin during sewing, as the needle can break.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— Quilting Sandwiching batting between the top and bottom layers of fabric is called “quilting”. Quilts can easily be sewn using the optional walking foot and the optional quilting guide. Note ● Only use the walking foot with straight or zigzag stitches.
Feed dog position lever (as seen from the rear of the machine) The feed dogs are lowered. Turn on the sewing machine, and then select a stitch. Use both hands to hold the fabric taut, then move the fabric to follow the pattern.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— REINFORCEMENT STITCHING Reinforce points that will be subject to strain, such as sleeve holes, inseams and pocket corners. Pattern No. Stitch Name Triple stretch stitch Bar tack stitch *Rfc.: Reinforcement **Auto Rfc.: Automatic Reinforcement Triple stretch stitching Use triple stretch stitching to reinforce sleeve holes and inseams.
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Select stitch Position the fabric so that the opening of the pocket faces toward you, and then lower the presser foot lever so that the needle drops 2 mm (1/16 inch) in front of the pocket opening. a 2 mm (1/16 inch) Pass the upper thread down through the hole in the presser foot.
Fagoting Stitching across an open seam is called “fagoting”. It is used on blouses and children's clothing. This stitch is more decorative when thicker thread is used. Use an iron to fold the two pieces of fabric along their seams. Baste the two pieces of fabric, separated by about 4.0 mm (3/16 inch), onto thin paper or a sheet of water-soluble stabilizer.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— Smocking The decorative stitch created by stitching or embroidering over gathers is called “smocking”. It is used to decorate the front of blouses or cuffs. The smocking stitch adds texture and elasticity to fabric. Attach zigzag foot “J”. Select the straight stitch, and then adjust the stitch length to 4.0 mm (3/16 inch) and loosen the thread tension.
CAUTION ● The needle threader cannot be used with the wing needle, otherwise the sewing machine may be damaged. Manually pass the thread through the eye of the needle from the front to the back. For details, refer to “Upper threading”...
APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— APPENDIX STITCH SETTINGS Applications, stitch lengths and widths and whether the twin needle can be used are listed for utility stitches in the following table. CAUTION ● Select a stitch width of 5.0 mm (3/16 inch) or less, otherwise the needle may break or the machine may be damaged.
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Pattern No. Stitch Name Blind hem stitch Appliqué 11 Appliqué stitching stitch Shell tuck 12 Shell tuck stitching stitch Satin scallop 13 Scallop stitching stitch Joining stitch 16 Patchwork stitching and Fagoting stitch 19 Decorative stitching 20 Decorative stitching Decorative stitch *Rfc.: Reinforcement **Select a stitch width of 5.0 mm (3/16 inch) or less.
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APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Pattern No. Stitch Name Decorative stitch Buttonhole stitch – – Bar tack stitch Piecing straight stitch Hand-look quilting Zigzag stitch (for quilting) *Rfc.: Reinforcement **Auto Rfc.: AutomaticReinforcement ***Select a stitch width of 5.0 mm (3/16 inch) or less. Stitch Width [mm (inch.)] Application...
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Pattern No. Stitch Name Appliqué stitch (for quilting) Quilting stippling 32 For decoration, etc. 33 For decoration, etc. Decorative stitch 34 For decoration, etc. *Rfc.: Reinforcement Stitch Width [mm (inch.)] Application Auto Manual Attaching appliqués and 0.5–5.0 binding (1/16) (1/32–3/16) Attaching appliqués and 0.5–5.0 binding...
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APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Pattern No. Stitch Name 35 For decoration, etc. 36 For decoration, etc. Satin stitches 37 For decoration, etc. Cross- 38 For decoration, etc. stitches 39 For decoration, etc. *Rfc.: Reinforcement **Select a stitch width of 5.0 mm (3/16 inch) or less. Stitch Width [mm (inch.)] Application...
MAINTENANCE Simple sewing machine maintenance operations are described below. Cleaning the machine surface If the surface of the machine is dirty, lightly soak a cloth in neutral detergent, squeeze it out firmly, and then wipe the surface of the machine. After cleaning it once with a wet cloth, wipe it again with a dry cloth.
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APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Remove the bobbin case. Grasp the bobbin case, and then pull it out. a Bobbin case Use the cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust from the race and its surrounding area. a Cleaning brush b Race •...
TROUBLESHOOTING If the machine stops working properly, check the following possible problems. If the problem it still there, contact your retailer or the nearest authorised service center. Symptom Possible cause The machine is not plugged in. The main power switch is turned off. Turn on the main power switch. The sewing The bobbin winder shaft is pushed to machine does...
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APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Symptom Possible cause You have not inserted the needle properly. The area around the hole in the nee- dle plate is scratched. The area around the hole in the The upper presser foot is scratched. thread breaks. The bobbin case is scratched, or has a burr on it.
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Symptom Possible cause You have not threaded the upper thread properly. You have not used the right combi- nation of fabric, thread and needle. Stitches are The needle is bent or blunt. skipped. You have not inserted the needle properly. Dust has accumulated under the needle plate or in the bobbin case.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————— ERROR MESSAGES If an operation is performed incorrectly before the sewing machine is set up, an error message appears on the operation panel. Follow the instructions indicated in the table. If you press the stitch selection key or do the operation correctly while the error message is displayed, the message disappears.
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