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• The included interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance with the limits for a Class B digital device. • Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
• Always pay close attention to the needle. Do not use bent or damaged needles. • Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the machine needle. • Switch the sewing machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off when making any adjustments in the needle area.
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FOR USERS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND This sewing machine is not intended to be used by young children, and assistance may be required if used by a person with a disability.
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.
Do not cover the air vent while the sewing machine is being used. f Main power switch Use the main power switch to turn the sewing machine ON and OFF. g Foot controller jack Insert the plug on the end of the foot controller cable into the foot controller jack.
Press to set the needle stop position, the buzzer sound, and more. i Sewing machine help key Press to get help on using the sewing machine. Displays simple explanations of setting upper thread / bobbin winding / setting bobbin thread / needle...
GETTING READY The various preparations required before starting to sew are described in this chapter. Turning the Machine On/Off ...16 Power supply precautions ...16 Turning on the machine ...17 Turning off the machine ...17 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Operation...18 Viewing the LCD ...18 Changing the machine settings...19 Checking machine operating procedures ...21 Winding/Installing the Bobbin...23...
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Turning on the machine Prepare the included power cord. Make sure that the sewing machine is turned off (the main power switch is set to “ then plug the power cord into the power supply jack on the right side of the machine.
Refer to “Error messages” (page 187) 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 your finger.
/ presser foot replacement on the LCD. Turn on the sewing machine. The LCD comes on. 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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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Memo When sewing with fine, cross-wound thread, use the small spool cap, and leave a small...
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Remove the spool for the bobbin thread from the spool pin, and then close the top cover. Memo When the sewing machine is started or the handwheel is turned after winding the bobbin, the machine will make a clicking sound; this is not a malfunction.
● 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 included bobbin or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, SFB: XA5539-151).
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — GETTING READY Pass the thread through the slot as shown, and then pull the thread out toward the front.
Memo The order that the machine should be threaded is indicated by a solid line on the sewing machine. Be sure to thread the machine as indicated. About the spool of thread Information about the spools of thread is described below.
GETTING READY Threading the upper thread Set the spool of thread on the spool pin, and then thread the machine. Turn on the sewing machine. Raise the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot. a Presser foot lever Note If the presser foot is not raised, the sewing machine cannot be threaded.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — While holding the thread lightly with your right hand, pull the thread with your left hand, and then pass the thread behind the thread...
• 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. Insert the extra spool pin onto the bobbin winder shaft.
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“J”. If bunched stitches occur, use presser foot “N” or attach stabilizer material. Turn on the sewing machine and select a stitch. • For stitch selection see “Selecting stitching” (page 49). • See “Stitch Setting Chart” (page 68) for stitches that use a twin needle.
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.
“Needle Position” button Turn off the sewing machine. CAUTION ● 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 use a screwdriver to turn the needle clamp screw toward you (counterclockwise) to...
● 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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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. Buttonhole foot “A”...
Removing and attaching 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...48 General sewing procedure ...48 Selecting stitching ...49 Positioning the fabric ...50 Starting to sew ...51 Securing the stitching...53 Cutting the thread ...54 Setting the Stitch ...56 Adjusting the stitch width ...56 Adjusting the stitch length...57 Adjusting the thread tension ...57 Useful Functions...59...
Position the fabric. Start sewing. Cut the thread. Turn on the sewing machine. For details on turning on the machine, refer to “Turning on the machine” (page 17). ↓ Select the stitch appropriate for the area to be sewn. For details on selecting a stitch, refer to “Selecting stitching”...
(page 42). 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 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. When connecting the foot controller, be sure to turn off the sewing machine in order to prevent the machine from accidentally being started. (“Start/Stop” Sewing 51...
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — SEWING BASICS Insert the foot controller plug into its jack on the right side of the sewing machine. a Foot controller jack Note (For U.S.A.
Reverse stitching b Reinforcement stitching Memo The sewing machine can be set to automatically sew reverse or reinforcement stitches at the beginning and end of the stitching. For details, refer to “Automatically sewing reverse/ reinforcement stitches” (page 59).
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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...
Functions useful in improving sewing efficiency are described below. Automatically sewing reverse/ 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.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — SEWING BASICS Automatically cutting the 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 When the sewing machine is turned off, the mirroring setting is cancelled. shows. Useful Functions 61...
Changing the sewing direction When the stitching reaches a corner, stop the sewing machine. Leave the needle lowered (in the fabric). If the needle remained up when the machine stopped sewing, press (“Needle Position”...
■ 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 notches in the mounting slot, and then insert the knee lifter as far as possible.
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Release the knee lifter. The presser foot is lowered. 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.
UTILITY STITCHES The various stitches and their applications are described in this chapter. Stitch Setting Chart ...68 Utility stitches ... 68 Other stitches... 72 Selecting Stitching ...75 Stitch types...75 Selecting stitching ... 75 Saving stitch settings ...77 Overcasting Stitches... 79 Sewing overcasting stitches using overcasting foot “G”...
Patterns saved in the machine's memory You can retrieve a saved pattern. (For details, refer to “Saving patterns” (page 133).) Turn on the sewing machine. • When an animation is displayed on the screen, touch the screen with your finger.
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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. Memo For details on adjusting the stitch width and length, refer to “Adjusting the stitch width”...
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 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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Raise the presser foot lever to check that the side cutter is securely attached. Pass the upper thread under the side cutter, and then pull it out toward the rear of the sewing machine. Select a stitch. • For details, refer to “Selecting stitching” (page 49).
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — UTILITY STITCHES 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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Start sewing. Set the sewing speed controller to the left (so that the speed will be slow). The sewing machine automatically stops after sewing reinforcement stitches. • Do not press • If additional strength is needed to secure the button, perform the button-sewing operation twice.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — UTILITY STITCHES Inserting a side zipper Stitching is visible on only one piece of fabric.
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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.
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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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Seam (3.2 mm (1/8 inch)) Start sewing. When the end of the stitching is reached, stop the sewing machine. Sew until the mark at the lower edge of the 1/4 inch quilting foot aligns with the lower edge of the fabric.
Note The optional quilting guide is available through brother dealer. Free-motion quilting With free-motion quilting, lower the feed dogs (using the drop feed lever) so that the fabric can be moved freely in any direction.
A decorative stitch can be sewn by changing the stitch width of a satin stitch. If the sewing machine is set so that the stitch width can be adjusted using the sewing speed controller, the stitch width can quickly and easily be adjusted.
The fabric is fed toward the back of the machine, as usual. After you have sewn to the corner, stop the sewing machine, and then select stitch Start sewing. The fabric is fed to the right. After you have sewn to the corner, stop the...
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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.
• For details on installing a needle, refer to “Replacing the needle” (page 40). • 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.
■ Needles and threads When sewing thin, medium weight or stretch 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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Note If repeated sewing is set, the pattern is repeatedly sewn until the sewing machine is stopped. If the sewing machine is turned off, the repeated/single sewing setting returns to its default setting. Sewing the Various Built-in Decorative Patterns 131 (single sewing).
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Saving patterns Combined patterns can be saved for later use. Since saved patterns are not lost after the sewing machine is turned off, they can be retrieved at any time. Up to 10 patterns can be saved.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Start sewing. The pattern for making the adjustment is sewn. The sewing machine stops after it has finished sewing the pattern. Check the sewn pattern. If the part of the pattern indicated in the illustration is sewn uniformly, the pattern is correctly aligned.
EMBROIDERY The steps for embroidering are described in this chapter. Embroidering Neatly ... 142 What to prepare... 142 Embroidery step by step ... 144 Attaching the Embroidery Foot... 145 Attaching the embroidery foot ... 145 Removing the embroidery foot... 147 Attaching the Embroidery Unit...
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.
“Needle Position” button The needle goes up. Turn off the sewing machine. ● Before replacing the presser foot, be sure to turn off the sewing machine, otherwise injuries may occur if button) is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
Press (“Needle Position” button) once or twice to raise the needle. a “Needle Position” button Turn off the sewing machine. Raise the presser foot lever. a Presser foot lever The presser foot is raised. While pressing in the lever at the back of the...
Cautions for the embroidery unit will be explained 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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Slide the embroidery unit onto the sewing machine arm. Push it in until it clicks and stops. The embroidery unit is attached. Turn on the sewing machine. The confirmation message is displayed. Be sure that no objects or hands are near the embroidery unit and press •...
This section provides details on the various types of embroidery patterns available and the procedure for selecting a pattern. Copyright information The patterns saved in the sewing machine and embroidery cards are intended for private use only. Any public or commercial use of copyrighted patterns is an infringement of copyright law and is strictly prohibited.
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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 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, and the sewing machine stops. a Cut-out line b Appliqué piece fabric “APPLIQUE POSITION“ will be displayed on the screen.
Thread runs out partway through a design When the upper thread or the bobbin thread runs out while sewing, the sewing machine stops. Move the needle back about 10 stitches and resume sewing. Set up the upper or bobbin thread.
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 original setting. Press (“Start/Stop” button) to stop the sewing machine.
• Compatible operating systems: Microsoft Windows Me/2000/XP (Windows 98SE requires a driver. Download the driver from our web site (www.brother.com).) ■ Precautions on Using the Computer to Create and Save Data • If the file name of embroidery data cannot be identified, for example, because the name contains special characters, the file is not displayed.
After selecting the pattern to be saved, press (Memory key). After the pattern is saved, the initial screen appears again. Note Do not turn off the sewing machine while the pattern is being saved, otherwise the pattern data may be lost. ■ Retrieving a pattern. Press The saved patterns are displayed.
APPENDIX The various maintenance and troubleshooting procedures are described in this chapter. Care and Maintenance ...180 Cleaning the machine surface ...180 Cleaning the race ...180 Troubleshooting ...182 Error messages ...187 Adjusting the LCD ...190 Operation beep ...190 Canceling the operation beep ...191 Upgrading Your Machine’s Software...192 Index ...193...
Turn off the sewing machine. Unplug the power cord from the power supply jack on the right side of the sewing machine. CAUTION ● Unplug the power cord before cleaning the machine, otherwise injuries or an electric shock may occur.
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— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Insert the bobbin case so that the projection on the bobbin case aligns with the spring.
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If embroidery is done with the fabric hanging off the table, the embroidery unit movement will be impaired. Support the fabric while embroidering. Stop the sewing machine and set the fabric up correctly. If the carriage is moved during the process, the pattern may be misaligned.
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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 182).
Turn off the sewing machine. Turn on the sewing machine while pressing anywhere on the screen. Press Turn off the sewing machine, then turn it on again. Operation beep Each time a key is pressed you will hear one beep. If an incorrect operation is performed you will hear two or four beeps.
Upgrading Your Machine’s Software You can use a computer to download software upgrades for your sewing machine. Visit our website at www.brother.com for notification of available updates. Note There are two upgrade files. Be sure to download both files successively.