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GETTING READY SEWING BASICS UTILITY STITCHES EMBROIDERY APPENDIX Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine Operation Manual Product Code: 885-U01 http://solutions.brother.com Please visit us at where you can get product support and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
• Do not place this sewing machine on an unstable surface, such as an unsteady or slanted table, otherwise the sewing machine may fall, resulting in injuries.
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• Your close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children. • The plastic bag that this sewing machine was supplied in should be kept out of the reach of children or disposed of. Never allow children to play with the bag due to the danger of suffocation.
Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions The names of the various parts of the sewing machine and their functions are described below. Before using the sewing machine, carefully read these descriptions to learn the names of the machine parts.
Open the bobbin cover to set the bobbin. f Main power switch g Feed dogs Use the main power switch to turn the sewing machine The feed dogs feed the fabric in the sewing direction. ON and OFF. h Presser foot...
Displays the previous screen when there are items that are not displayed on the LCD. i Sewing machine help key Press to get help on using the sewing machine. d Next page key Displays simple explanations of setting upper thread /...
GETTING READY The various preparations required before starting to sew are described in this chapter. Turning the Machine On/Off ..................18 Power supply precautions ..................18 Turning on the machine ..................19 Turning off the machine ..................19 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Operation..............20 Viewing the LCD ....................20 Changing the machine settings................21 Checking machine operating procedures ............23 Winding/Installing the Bobbin.................25...
Turning on the machine Turning off the machine Prepare the included power cord. When you are finished using the sewing machine, turn it off. In addition, before transporting the sewing Make sure that the sewing machine is turned machine to another location, be sure to turn it off.
Refer to “Error messages” (page 201) for messages displayed on the LCD. Depending on the model of sewing machine, an animation may be displayed when the power is turned on. When an animation is displayed, the screen above will be displayed if you touch the LCD with...
Settings that are changed are not lost when The LCD comes on. the power is turned off. Press (Sewing machine help key) on the operation panel. The sewing machine help screen appears. Press the item to be displayed. a Upper threading...
● Only use the Bobbin (part code: SA156, SFB: XA5539-151) designed specifically for this sewing machine. Use of any other bobbin may result in injuries or damage to the machine. ● The included bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — GETTING READY Turn on the sewing machine. Place the spool of thread for the bobbin onto the spool pin.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — While holding the thread near the spool with Memo your right hand, as shown, pull the thread with...
Memo Turn off the sewing machine. When the sewing machine is started or the Slide the bobbin cover latch to the right. handwheel is turned after winding the bobbin, the machine will make a clicking sound;...
Threading the upper thread Set the spool of thread on the spool pin, and then thread the machine. Turn on the sewing machine. Remove the spool cap that is inserted onto the spool pin. Raise the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — While holding the thread lightly with your Note right hand, pull the thread with your left hand,...
Spool Pass the thread through the eye of the needle from the front. • The needle threader cannot be used with the twin needle. If the needle threader is used with the twin needle, the sewing machine may be damaged.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Thread the upper thread for the right side in the Turn on the sewing machine and select a stitch. same way that the upper thread for the left side •...
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 injuries.
Needle types and their uses The sewing machine needle that should be used depends on the fabric and thread thickness. Refer to the following table when choosing the thread and needle appropriate for the fabric that you wish to sew.
CAUTION bent. Do not use a bent needle. ● Before replacing the needle, be sure to turn off the sewing machine, otherwise injuries may occur if (“Start/Stop” button) is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Hold the needle with your left hand, and then While holding the needle with your left hand, use a screwdriver to turn the needle clamp...
● Use the presser foot appropriate for the type of stitch that you wish to sew, otherwise the needle may hit the presser foot, causing the needle to bend or break. ● Only use presser feet designed specifically for this sewing machine. Use of any other presser foot may result in injuries or damage to the machine.
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Presser foot holder b Notch wrong presser foot is installed, turn off the c Pin sewing machine, attach the correct presser d Presser foot type foot, and then select the desired stitch again. Slowly lower the presser foot lever so that the presser foot pin snaps into the notch in 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 embroidery foot and optional quilting foot. Use the screwdriver to remove the presser foot holder.
SEWING BASICS The necessary preparations for sewing are described in this chapter. Sewing........................50 General sewing procedure .................50 Selecting stitching ....................51 Positioning the fabric ..................52 Starting to sew ....................53 Securing the stitching..................55 Cutting the thread ....................56 Setting the Stitch .....................58 Adjusting the stitch width ..................58 Adjusting the stitch length..................59 Adjusting the thread tension ................59 Useful Functions......................61...
● Make sure that the needle does not strike basting pins, otherwise the needle may break or bend. General sewing procedure Follow the basic procedures below to sew. Turn on the sewing machine. For details on turning on the machine, Turn on the machine. refer to “Turning on the machine” (page 19). ↓...
(page 44). Check that the correct presser foot is attached before starting to sew. If the wrong presser foot is installed, turn off the sewing machine, attach the correct presser foot, and then select the desired stitch again.
Be sure that the fabric pieces are sewn in the correct of the stitching. order and that the right and wrong sides of the fabric are aligned correctly. Turn on the sewing machine. Press (“Needle Position” button) once or twice to raise the needle.
Sewing can be started and stopped using the foot controller. Turn off the sewing machine. a “Start/Stop” button When connecting the foot controller, be sure to The machine starts sewing. turn off the sewing machine in order to prevent the machine from accidentally being started. Sewing 53...
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SEWING BASICS Insert the foot controller plug into its jack on When the end of the stitching is reached, the right side of the sewing machine. completely release the foot controller. The machine stops sewing with the needle lowered (in the fabric).
Memo Memo The machine can be set so that the threads will The sewing machine can be set to automatically be cut when sewing is finished. For details on sew reverse or reinforcement stitches at the setting the machine so that the threads are cut beginning and end of the stitching.
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When you wish to finish the stitching and the sewing machine is stopped, press (“Needle Position” button) once to raise the needle. a “Needle Position” button The needle is raised.
The sewing machine can be set so that the stitch width can easily be changed with the sewing speed controller. For details, refer to “Satin stitching using the sewing speed...
(“Start/Stop” button) once. reinforcement stitches The sewing machine can be set to automatically sew reverse or reinforcement stitches at the beginning and end of the stitching. Whether reverse stitches or reinforcement stitches are sewn depends on the stitch that is selected.
(“Start/ Automatically cutting the Stop” button) once. thread The sewing machine can be set to automatically cut the threads at the end of the stitching. This is called “programmed thread-cutting”. If programmed thread- cutting is set, automatic reverse/reinforcement stitching is also set.
• To turn the mirrored stitching off, press Memo Mirroring is not possible for buttonholes and other stitches where shows. When the sewing machine is turned off, the mirroring setting is cancelled. Useful Functions 63...
Adjusting the presser foot pressure When the stitching reaches a corner, stop the The presser foot pressure (the amount of pressure sewing machine. applied to the fabric by the presser foot) can be Leave the needle lowered (in the fabric). If the adjusted.
■ Installing the knee lifter Turn off the sewing machine. Insert the knee lifter into the mounting slot on the front of the sewing machine in the lower- right corner. Align the tabs on the knee lifter with the a Seam...
CAUTION ● While sewing, keep your knee away from the knee lifter. If the knee lifter is pressed while the sewing machine is operating, the needle may break or the machine may be damaged. a Edge of the hook-and-loop fastener...
UTILITY STITCHES The various stitches and their applications are described in this chapter. Stitch Setting Chart ......70 Appliqué, Patchwork and Quilt Stitching ........105 Utility stitches ........ 70 Other stitches......... 74 Appliqué stitching ......106 Patchwork (crazy quilt) stitching..107 Selecting Stitching ....... 77 Piecing..........107 Stitch types........
Patterns saved in the machine's memory You can retrieve a saved pattern. (For details, refer to “Saving patterns” (page 135).) Selecting stitching Turn on the sewing machine. a Utility stitches You can select from 71 utility stitches, including straight line stitching, overcasting, button holes and basic decorative stitches.
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If the the selected stitch type appears. wrong presser foot is installed, turn off the sewing machine, attach the correct presser • To select a different stitch type, press foot, and then select the desired stitch again.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Sewing overcasting stitches using the optional side cutter Using the side cutter, seam allowances can be finished while the edge of the fabric is cut off.
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Pass the upper thread under the side cutter, and then pull it out toward the rear of the sewing machine. a Guide plate • If the fabric is not positioned correctly, the fabric will not be cut.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — UTILITY STITCHES Select stitch Button sewing Buttons can be sewn on with the sewing machine. Buttons with two or with four holes can be attached. Measure the distance between the holes in the button to be attached.
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The sewing machine automatically stops of the stitching. after sewing reinforcement stitches. Tie together the ends of the bobbin thread at the end and at the beginning of the stitching on •...
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — UTILITY STITCHES Press open the seam allowance from the Inserting a side zipper...
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Select stitch When you are about 5 cm (2 inches) from the end of the zipper, stop the sewing machine with the needle lowered (in the fabric), raise the presser foot lever.
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When you are about 5 cm (2 inches) from the end of the zipper, stop the sewing machine with the needle lowered (in the fabric), raise the presser foot lever, and then open the zipper and continue sewing.
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To change the width of the seam allowance When the end of the stitching is reached, stop (needle position), adjust the stitch width. For the sewing machine. details, refer to “Adjusting the stitch width” Sew until the mark at the lower edge of the 1/4 (page 58).
Hold the quilting foot in place with your right Note hand, and then tighten the presser foot holder The optional quilting guide is available screw using the screwdriver in your left hand. through brother dealer. a Presser foot holder screw...
A decorative stitch can be sewn by changing the needle may touch the presser foot, stitch width of a satin stitch. If the sewing machine is causing it to bend or break. set so that the stitch width can be adjusted using the sewing speed controller, the stitch width can quickly and easily be adjusted.
Attach monogramming foot “N”. • For details, refer to “Replacing the Presser After you have sewn to the corner, stop the Foot” (page 44). sewing machine, and then select stitch Start sewing. Select stitch • For details, refer to “Selecting stitching” (page 51).
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The fabric is fed forward. After you have sewn to the corner, stop the sewing machine, and then select stitch Start sewing. The fabric is fed to the left. After you have sewn to the corner, stop the sewing machine, and then select stitch again.
“Replacing the needle” (page 42). Start sewing. • 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.
“Selecting stitching” (page 77). When sewing thin, medium weight or stretch Start sewing. fabrics, use the ball point needle. When sewing thick fabrics, use a 90/14 home sewing machine needle. In addition, #50 to #60 thread should be used. ■ Trial sewing...
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If repeated sewing is set, the pattern is repeatedly sewn until the sewing machine is stopped. Memo If the sewing machine is turned off, the repeated/single sewing setting returns to its Up to 70 patterns can be combined. default setting.
Saving patterns Press Combined patterns can be saved for later use. Since saved patterns are not lost after the sewing machine is Retrieve the saved pattern. turned off, they can be retrieved at any time. Up to 10 patterns can be saved.
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(Settings key) on the operation panel. The settings screen appears. The pattern for making the adjustment is sewn. Press The sewing machine stops after it has To adjust the vertical position, press finished sewing the pattern. vertical pattern adjustment. To adjust the horizontal position, press Check the sewn pattern.
Specify the coordinates of the second point, Entering the pattern data and then press Follow the pattern drawn on the grid sheet and program the pattern into the sewing machine. Attach monogramming foot “N”. Repeat steps through to specify each point.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Specify the various stitching settings, such as reverse/reinforcement stitching, in the same way as with other stitches.
EMBROIDERY The steps for embroidering are described in this chapter. Successful Embroidering....144 Selecting Embroidery Patterns ...159 Copyright information....159 What to prepare......144 Embroidery pattern types .....159 Embroidery step by step ....146 LCD (liquid crystal display) Attaching the Embroidery Foot..147 operation ..........160 Attaching the embroidery foot ..
When embroidering on large pieces of fabric, arrange the fabric so that it does not hang off the table where the sewing machine is placed. If embroidery is done with the fabric hanging off, the embroidery unit movement may be impaired, this could cause the pattern to sew incorrectly.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — ■ Needle Use a 75/11 home sewing machine needle. When embroidering on thick fabrics such as denim, use a 90/14 home sewing machine needle.
Attaching the embroidery foot CAUTION ● Before replacing the presser foot, be sure Attach the embroidery foot when embroidering. Have to turn off the sewing machine, otherwise the included embroidery foot “Q” and a screwdriver injuries may occur if (“Start/Stop”...
• For details, refer to “Attaching the presser foot holder” (page 46). CAUTION ● Before removing the embroidery foot, be sure to turn off the sewing machine. Otherwise, injuries may occur if one of the operation buttons is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
Cautions for the embroidery unit will be explained Get the included embroidery unit ready. below. CAUTION ● Do not move the sewing machine with the embroidery unit in place. The embroidery unit may be dropped and cause injury. ● Keep your hands and other objects away from the embroidery carriage and frame.
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The screen for selecting the embroidery pattern type is displayed. The embroidery unit is attached. Turn on the sewing machine. • For details on the embroidery patterns, refer to “Selecting Embroidery Patterns” (page 159). The confirmation message is displayed.
Removing the embroidery unit the embroidery unit, and slowly pull the embroidery unit to the left. Make sure that the sewing machine is completely stopped and follow the instructions below. Remove the embroidery frame. • For details on removing the embroidery frame, refer to “Removing the embroidery...
Removing the embroidery foot while raising the presser foot lever even further. frame Make sure that the sewing machine is completely stopped and follow the instructions below. Raise the presser foot lever. CAUTION ● Do not hit the needle with your finger or the embroidery frame.
Copyright information 10 shapes, such as squares and circles, can be combined with 12 stitch types. The patterns saved in the sewing machine and • For details, refer to “Selecting a frame embroidery cards are intended for private use only.
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Press this key when you want to change the color character by character in character embroidery. Since the sewing machine stops at the end of each character, the upper thread is changed as you sew. Press this key again to cancel multi-color.
There are various cards with different themes. Note Turn on the sewing machine. Always turn off the sewing machine to insert and remove embroidery cards. Insert the embroidery card into the embroidery card slot, facing it in the right direction.
Lower the presser foot lever, and press (“Start/Stop” button). The cut-out for the appliqué piece is sewn, a Appliqué position b Base fabric and the sewing machine stops. “APPLIQUE“ will be displayed on the screen. a Cut-out line b Appliqué piece fabric Apply a thin layer of fabric glue or spray “APPLIQUE POSITION“...
When the wrong upper thread color has been sewn, it can be resewn with the correct color. When the upper thread or the bobbin thread runs out while sewing, the sewing machine stops. Move the Press (“Start/Stop” button) to stop the needle back about 10 stitches and resume sewing.
If the embroidery is stopped before it is complete, check the current needle count before turning off the sewing machine. Memo When the sewing machine is turned off, the embroidery size and layout return to the The confirmation message is displayed. original setting.
After the pattern is saved, the initial screen appears again. Note The saved pattern is retrieved. Do not turn off the sewing machine while the pattern is being saved, otherwise the The embroidery screen appears, and you pattern data may be lost.
APPENDIX The various maintenance and troubleshooting procedures are described in this chapter. Care and Maintenance ..................184 Restrictions on oiling..................184 Precautions on storing the machine ..............184 Cleaning the machine surface ................184 Cleaning the race .....................184 Troubleshooting ....................186 Frequent troubleshooting topics...............186 Upper thread tightened up................186 Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric............187 Incorrect thread tension...................189 Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed .........190...
• Exposed to extremely low temperatures Unplug the power cord from the power supply • Exposed to extreme temperature changes jack on the right side of the sewing machine. • Exposed to high humidity or steam CAUTION • Near a flame, heater or air conditioner •...
If the machine stops operating correctly, check the following possible problems before requesting service. You can solve most problems by yourself. If you need additional help, the Brother Solutions Center offers the latest FAQs and troubleshooting tips. Visit us at “ http://solutions.brother.com ” .
A needle and thread appropriate for the fabric are not being used. The sewing machine needle that should be used depends on the type of fabric sewn and the thread thickness. If a needle and thread appropriate for the fabric...
If the fabric is caught in the sewing machine and cannot be removed, the thread may have become tangled under the needle plate. Follow the procedure described below to remove the fabric from the machine.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Use the enclosed disc-shaped screwdriver to Turn the handwheel to check that the feed dogs loosen the two screws on the needle plate.
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– hanging off the table. Support the fabric while embroidering. The fabric is catching. It is Stop the sewing machine and set the – pinched. fabric up correctly. If the carriage is moved during the The carriage was moved while the...
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You tried to set a number of characters that will not fit within the frame. The upper thread has become tangled around the bobbin case, and the needle is bent and hitting the needle plate, etc., so the sewing machine stops (refer to page 186).
Turn on the sewing machine while pressing anywhere on the screen. Be sure to check for the cause of the error, and correct it before continuing to sew. Press Turn off the sewing machine, then turn it on again.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Press (Back key). Canceling the operation beep When the sewing machine is purchased, it is set to beep each time an operation panel key is pressed. This setting can be changed so that the machine does not beep.
APPENDIX Upgrading Your Machine’s Software Using USB Media You can use USB media and a computer to download software upgrades for your sewing machine. When an upgrade program is available on our website at “ http://solutions.brother.com ”, please download the file(s) following the instructions on the website and steps listed below.