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Operation Manual KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE STRAIGHT AND ZIGZAG STITCHING BUILT-IN STITCHES SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND BUTTONS USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS APPENDIX...
15. Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual. 16. This sewing machine is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision. (For Australia and New Zealand only) 17.
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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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Appendix to inspect and adjust the machine yourself. If the problem is still there, consult your local authorized 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 THE MAIN PARTS ... 5 ACCESSORIES ...6 Optional Accessories ... 6 USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ...7 Connecting Plugs ... 7 Main Power and Sewing Light Switch ... 8 Foot Controller ... 8 Checking the Needle ... 8 Replacing the Needle ...
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—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— 5. USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS ...37 Zipper Insertion ... 37 Gathering ... 38 Darning ... 38 Appliqués ... 39 Monogramming and Embroidering ... 39 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ... 41 Using the Walking Foot ... 41 Using the Quilting Foot ... 42 Using the 1/4-inch Quilting Foot ...
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE THE MAIN PARTS 1 Bobbin winder (Page 16) This winds the thread onto the bobbin for use as the lower thread. 2 Spool pin (Page 16, 21) This holds the spool of thread. 3 Thread guide (Page 16, 21) This is used when winding the thread onto the bobbin and then threading the machine.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— ACCESSORIES The following accessories are stored in the flat bed attachment. We have designed these accessories to help you easily perform most sewing tasks. Part Name Zipper foot (1 pc.) Bobbin (3 pcs.) SA156 Needle Pack (Regular Single Needle HAX130 (3 pcs.))
USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE WARNING ● Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sources may result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine. ● Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances: •...
● Foot Controller: Model KD-1902 This foot controller can be used on the following machine models: XL-3500, XL-3500i XL-2600, XL-2600i XL-3510, XL-3510i XL-2610, XL-2610i XL-3520, XL-3520i XL-2620, XL-2620i Checking the Needle The sewing needle must always be straight and sharp for smooth sewing.
Hold the needle with your left hand, and then use a coin or screwdriver to turn the needle clamp screw counterclockwise to remove the needle. 1 Use a coin or screwdriver 2 Needle clamp screw • Do not use excessive force when loosening or tightening the needle clamp screw, otherwise certain parts of the sewing machine may be damaged.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Put a different presser foot on the needle plate so that the bar on the presser foot is in line with the slot on the shank. Lower the presser foot lever and fix the presser foot onto the shank. If the presser foot is in the correct place, the bar should snap in.
THE CONTROLS Pattern Selection Dial CAUTION ● When you use the pattern selection dial to choose a pattern, turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to set the needle in the highest position. If the needle is in the down position when you turn the pattern selection dial, the needle, presser foot or fabric may be damaged.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Pattern Stitch Name 35 Stitches 25 Stitches COMB STITCH COMB STITCH DECORATIVE STITCH FAGOTING STITCH DECORATIVE STITCH DECORATIVE HEM STITCH DECORATIVE STITCH Stitch Length Dial Depending on the selected stitch, you may need to adjust the stitch length for best results.
Stretch Stitching Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the handwheel points directly up. ■ 35 Stitches Selecting a Stretch Stitch Setting the stitch length dial to “ changes the selected pattern to a stretch stitch.
● Only use bobbins (part code: SA156, SFB (XA5539-151)) that have been designed for this sewing machine. Using other bobbins may cause damage to the machine. ● We designed the bobbin that comes with this machine. If you use bobbins from other models, the machine will not work properly.
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Put the bobbin onto the bobbin winder shaft and slide the bobbin winder shaft to the right. Turn the bobbin clockwise, by hand, until the spring on the shaft slides into the groove of the bobbin. 1 Spring on the shaft 2 Groove of the bobbin Note ●...
1 Wound evenly 2 Wound poorly ● The bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine. If bobbins from other models are used, the machine will not operate correctly. Use only the enclosed bobbin or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, SFB (XA5539-151)).
1 Wound evenly 2 Wound poorly ● The bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine. If bobbins from other models are used, the machine will not operate correctly. Use only the enclosed bobbin or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, SFB (XA5539-151)).
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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Follow steps from “Lower Threading”. Put the bobbin in, feed the end of the thread through the slit, and then pull the thread to cut it. • Only use bobbins that were designed to be used with this machine.
(counterclockwise) so that the mark on the handwheel points directly up. • 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.
IMPORTANT: Thread the needle from front to back leaving a thread tail of about 5 cm (2 inch). • If your sewing machine is equipped with a needle threader, use the needle threader to thread the needle (see next section).
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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 26 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.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Drawing up the Lower Thread While lightly holding the end of the upper thread, slowly turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) by hand to lower and then raise the needle. Pull on the upper thread to draw up the lower thread.
■ Attaching the Twin Needle Attach the twin needle in the same way as a single needle (see page 8). The flat side of the needle should face toward the back and the rounded side should face toward you. ■ Attaching the Extra Spool Pin Put the extra spool pin in the hole on the top of the machine.
STRAIGHT AND ZIGZAG STITCHING Please Read Before Sewing CAUTION ● To avoid being injured, watch the needle carefully while you are using the machine. Keep your hands away from moving parts. ● Do not stretch or pull the fabric during sewing, otherwise the needle may be damaged and you may be injured.
STRAIGHT AND ZIGZAG STITCHING —————————————————————————————————————————— ■ Changing Sewing Direction Stop the machine at the point where you want to change direction with the needle still in the fabric. Raise the presser foot and turn the fabric to its new direction using the needle as a pivot. Lower the presser foot and start sewing in the new direction.
BUILT-IN STITCHES Blind Hem Stitching Stitch Stitch Name Pattern Length [mm (inch)] Blind Hem Stitch (1/64-1/16) Stretch Blind F-1.5 Hem Stitch (1/64-1/16) Stretch Blind F-1.5 Hem Stitch (1/64-1/16) 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.
BUILT-IN STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————— Sew at a slow speed. Elastic Stitching Stitch Stitch Name Pattern Length [mm (inch)] F-2.5 Elastic Stitch (1/64-3/32) You can use the Elastic Stitch for mending, sewing elastic or joining fabric. Each is explained below. Set the pattern selection dial to the Elastic Stitch. ■...
Double Action Stitching Stitch Stitch Name Pattern Length [mm (inch)] Double Action Stitch (1/64-1/8) Bridging Stitch (1/64-1/8) Rampart Stitch (1/64-1/8) These stitches are used for joining two pieces of fabric, such as when making patchwork. Set the pattern selection dial to the Double Action Stitch, Bridging Stitch, or Rampart Stitch.
BUILT-IN STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————— You can use these stitches to join together seams and finish them in one operation. The Overlock Stitches are also useful for sewing stretch materials while the Arrowhead Stitch is ideal for sewing the edge of a blanket.
SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND BUTTONS SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND BUTTONS Making a Buttonhole (1-Step Automatic Buttonhole) Stitch Stitch Pattern Length Width [mm (inch)] [mm (inch)] F-1.5 (1/64-1/16) (1/8-3/16) Memo ● We recommend that you practice making a buttonhole on a scrap piece of fabric before you try it on an actual garment.
■ Making a Buttonhole on Stretch Fabrics When sewing buttonholes on stretch fabric, the buttonhole stitching is sewn over a gimp thread. Using tailor’s chalk, mark the position of the buttonhole on the fabric, and then attach the buttonhole foot and set the pattern selection dial to “F”.
SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND BUTTONS If the left side is too open or tight compared with the right side, adjust the buttonhole fine- adjustment screw as described below. If the left side is too open, turn the buttonhole fine-adjustment screw with a large screwdriver –...
USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS Zipper Insertion Stitch Stitch Stitch Pattern Length Width Name [mm (inch)] [mm (inch)] Straight (center) Stitch (1/16-1/8) (3/32) 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.
USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS —————————————————————————————————————— Gathering Stitch Name Pattern Straight Stitch Set the pattern selection dial to Straight Stitch. Loosen the tension of the upper thread so that the lower thread lies on the underside of the material. Sew a single row (or many rows) of straight stitches.
Appliqués Stitch Length Stitch Name Pattern [mm (inch)] Zigzag Stitch (1/64-1/16) You can create an applique by cutting a different piece of fabric into a shape and using it as a decoration. Baste the cut design to the fabric. Carefully sew around the edge of the design with a zigzag stitch.
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USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS —————————————————————————————————————— Grip the hoop with your thumbs and forefingers while pressing the fabric with your middle and third fingers and supporting the outside of the hoop with your little fingers. CAUTION ● Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially needles.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES Using the Walking Foot Stitch Stitch Name Pattern Length [mm (inch)] Straight Stitch (1/16-3/16) Zigzag Stitch (1/16-3/16) This foot is very useful for sewing materials such as vinyl cloth, synthetic leather, thin leather, etc. These materials are difficult to feed when sewing. The walking foot prevents these materials from crumpling, slipping or sticking between the presser foot and the material.
USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS —————————————————————————————————————— CAUTION ● Use a coin or screwdriver to tighten the screw securely. If the screw is loose, the needle may hit the presser foot and you may be injured. ● Before you start sewing, make sure you turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to check that the needle does not hit the presser foot.
Use both hands to keep the fabric firmly stretched and move the fabric to sew over the drawn design. 1 Quilting design The length of the stitch depends on how quickly you move the fabric and on the machine’s sewing speed. Sew while moving the fabric slowly.
APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— APPENDIX MAINTENANCE Changing the Light Bulb CAUTION ● Turn off the main power switch and unplug the machine before you change the light bulb. If the main power switch is on when you change the light bulb, you may get an electric shock.
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Using a coin, remove the two screws. Lift up the needle plate as shown in the illustration, and then slide the needle plate to the left to remove it. 1 Use a coin or screwdriver Grasp the bobbin case, and then lift it out to the left.
APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Troubleshooting If the machine stops working properly, check the following possible problems. If the problem is still there, contact your retailer or the nearest authorized 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 machine does...
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Symptom Possible cause The area around the hole in the nee- dle plate is scratched. The area around the hole in the presser foot is scratched. The upper thread breaks. The bobbin case is scratched, or has a burr on it. You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.
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APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— 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.