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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS When using this machine, basic safety precautions should always be taken, including the following: Read all instructions before using. DANGER To reduce the risk of electric shock: 1. The machine should never be left unattended while plugged in. Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
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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 Optional accessories ............................
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE NAMES OF MACHINE PARTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS The main parts a Bobbin winder (page 11) j Operation panel (page 7) This winds the thread onto the bobbin for use as the This is used to select the stitch and specify the various lower thread.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Needle and presser foot section d Presser foot holder screw Use the presser foot holder screw to hold the presser foot holder in place. e Presser foot The presser foot applies pressure consistently on the fabric as the sewing takes place.
Operation panel Flat bed attachment The operation panel, located on the front of the The accessories are stored in a compartment inside sewing machine, allows you to select a stitch and the flat bed attachment. specify how the stitch will be sewn. Slide the flat bed attachment to the left to open it.
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) ● Foot controller: Model T This foot controller can be used on the following machine models: CS-100, CS-6000, CS-6000i, CS-4000, ES-2400, ES-2000, EX-660, CE-4000, BC-1000, HS-1000, XR-7700, CE-5000PRW, SM-6500PRW, CS-770 ●...
USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE Power supply precautions Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the power supply. 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. ●...
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Sewing speed controller Foot controller (for models equipped with Insert the foot controller plug into its jack/socket on the start/stop button) the rear side of the sewing machine. Slide the sewing speed controller to the left or right to select the desired sewing speed.
THREADING THE MACHINE Winding the bobbin This section describes how to wind the thread onto the bobbin. • For details on the fast bobbin winding, see page 13. a Pre-tension disk b Bobbin winder shaft c Bobbin CAUTION ● Only use bobbins (part code: SA156, SFB: XA5539-151) that have been designed for this sewing machine.
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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— While holding the end of the thread, gently Press the foot controller or press (start/ press the foot controller or press (start/ stop button) (for models equipped with the stop button) (for models equipped with the start/stop button) to start.
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■ For models equipped with the fast bobbin Slide the sewing speed controller to the right (to set the speed to fast) (for models equipped winding system with the sewing speed controller). Follow steps 1 through 2 of the procedure in “Winding the bobbin”...
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Slide the button and open the cover. 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.
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the right side (see arrow b) until the cover • Make sure that the thread is correctly clicks into place. inserted through the tension-adjusting spring of the bobbin case. If it is not inserted, re- insert the thread. • 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).
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Upper threading Set the upper thread and thread the needle. • For details on the needle threader, see page 17. a Spool pin b Thread guide c Mark on the handwheel CAUTION ● Make sure you thread the machine properly. Otherwise, the thread could tangle and break the needle. Raise the presser foot using the presser foot Raise the needle by turning the handwheel lever.
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Pull up the spool pin as far as possible, and then put a spool of thread on this pin. Note ● If the thread take-up lever is lowered, the CAUTION upper thread cannot be wrapped around the thread take-up lever. Make sure you raise ●...
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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Fully lower the needle threader lever. Pull out about 5 cm (2 inch) of thread through the needle toward the back of the sewing machine. The end of the needle threader rotates toward you and the hook passes through the eye of the needle.
Drawing up the lower thread Lightly hold the end of the upper thread. Pull out about 10 cm (4 inch) of both threads and pull them toward the back of the machine under the presser foot. a Upper thread While holding the end of the upper thread, a Upper thread raise the needle either by turning the b Lower thread...
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— REPLACING THE NEEDLE This section provides information on sewing machine needles. Needle precautions Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the handling of the needle. Failure to observe these precautions is extremely dangerous. Be sure to read and carefully follow the instructions below. CAUTION ●...
CAUTION Replacing the needle ● The appropriate fabric, thread and needle Replace the needle as described below. Use the combinations are shown in the table on the screwdriver and a needle that has been determined previous page. If the combination of the to be straight according to the instructions in fabric, thread and needle is not correct, “Checking the needle”...
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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— 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 screwdriver to tighten the needle screw counterclockwise to remove the clamp screw by turning it clockwise.
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 ●...
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— REPLACING THE PRESSER FOOT CAUTION ● Always turn off the power before you change the presser foot. If you leave the power on and step on the controller, the machine will start and you may be injured. ●...
■ Attaching the presser foot holder Slowly lower the presser foot lever so that the presser foot pin snaps into the shank in the presser foot holder. Align the presser foot holder with the lower- left side of the presser bar. a Presser foot lever The presser foot is attached.
SEWING BASICS ——————————————————————————————————————————————————— 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.
■ [Example] Selecting stitch Selecting stitching Press the stitch selection keys to select stitch 04. Using the stitch selection keys, select the desired With on the right, select “4”, and with stitch. on the left, select “0”. When the sewing machine is turned on, the straight stitch ( left needle position) is selected.
SEWING BASICS ——————————————————————————————————————————————————— Lower the presser foot lever. 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 Presser foot lever On models equipped with a sewing speed...
Pull the fabric to the left side of the machine, Thread tension and then pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them. The thread tension will affect the quality of your stitches. You may need to adjust it when you change fabric or thread.
SEWING BASICS ——————————————————————————————————————————————————— USEFUL SEWING TIPS Various ways to achieve better results for your sewing projects are described below. Refer to these tips when sewing your project. Lower the presser foot lever and continue Trial sewing sewing. After you select a stitch, the machine automatically Sewing curves sets the stitch width and length for the stitch that is selected.
■ If thick seams are being sewn and the fabric does Sewing thin fabrics not feed at the beginning of stitching Zigzag foot “J” is equipped with a feature that When sewing thin fabrics, the stitching may become keeps the presser foot level. misaligned or the fabric may not feed correctly.
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. Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto...
BASIC STITCHING Straight stitches are used for sewing plain seams. Three stitches are available for basic stitching. Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Basic stitching, sewing 0.0–7.0 0.2–5.0 Left Rev.
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. Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application...
BUTTONHOLE SEWING Buttonholes can be sewn and buttons can be sewn on. Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Horizontal buttonholes 3.0-5.0 0.2-1.0 Auto on thin and medium (3/16) (1/8-3/16) (1/64) (1/64-1/16) Rfc.
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UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— ■ If the button does not fit in the button guide The names of parts of buttonhole foot “A”, which is used for sewing buttonholes, are indicated below. plate Add together the diameter and thickness of the button, and then set the button guide plate to the calculated length.
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• When lowering the presser foot, do not push Raise the presser foot lever, remove the in the front of the presser foot, otherwise the fabric, and cut the thread. buttonhole will not be sewn with the correct size. Raise the buttonhole lever to its original position.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— ■ Sewing buttonholes on stretch fabrics Button sewing When sewing buttonholes on stretch fabrics, use a gimp thread. Buttons can be sewn on with the sewing machine. Buttons with 2 or with 4 holes can be attached. Hook the gimp thread onto the part of buttonhole foot “A”...
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Place a button between the presser foot and Turn the handwheel toward you the fabric. (counterclockwise) to check that the needle correctly goes into the two holes of the button. Adjust the stitch width to the distance between the button holes. •...
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. Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Sewing stretch fabrics 1.0–3.0 1.0–4.0 Stretch stitch Rfc.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— APPLIQUÉ, PATCHWORK AND QUILT STITCHING The stitches that can be used for sewing appliqués, patchwork and quilts are described below. Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Overcasting and attach- 0.0–7.0 0.0–4.0...
Carefully sew around the edge of the design. Piecing Sewing together two pieces of fabric is called “piecing”. The fabric pieces should be cut with a 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) seam allowance. Sew a piecing straight stitch 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) from either the right side or the left side of the presser foot.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— Place one hand on each side of the presser Quilting foot, and then evenly guide the fabric while sewing. 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.
Slide the feed dog position lever, located at the Free-motion quilting rear of the machine on the base, to the right as seen from the front of the machine). With free-motion quilting, the feed dogs can be lowered (using the feed dog position lever) so that the fabric can be moved freely in any direction.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— REINFORCEMENT STITCHING Reinforce points that will be subject to strain, such as sleeve holes, inseams and pocket corners. Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Attaching sleeves, sew- Triple ing inseams, sewing 0.0-7.0...
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Select stitch Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible. 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.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— DECORATIVE STITCHING Various decorative stitches can be sewn with this sewing machine. Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Fagoting, smocking and 0.0-7.0 1.0-4.0 Rfc. decorative stitching (3/16) (0-1/4) (3/32)
Fagoting Scallop stitching Stitching across an open seam is called “fagoting”. It The wave-shaped repeating pattern that looks like is used on blouses and children's clothing. This stitch shells is called “scalloping”. It is used on the collars is more decorative when thicker thread is used. of blouses and to decorate the edges of handkerchiefs.
UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————— Pull out the threads for the straight 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.
Unfold the fabric, and then iron the tucks Heirloom stitching down to one side. When sewing with the wing needle, the needle holes are enlarged, creating a lace-like decorative stitch. This is used to decorate hems and tablecloths on thin or medium weight fabrics in addition to plain weave fabrics.
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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Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Blind hem stitching on 1.0–3.5 3 – –3 Rfc. medium weight fabrics (1/16) (1/16–1/8) Blind hem stitch Blind hem stitching on 1.0–3.5 3 – –3 Rfc.
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APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Decorative hemming on thin, medium weight and 1.5-7.0 1.5-4.0 Rfc. plain weave fabrics, heir- (3/16) (1/16-1/4) (3/16) (1/16-3/16) ( J ) loom stitching, etc.
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Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Attaching appliqués and 0.5–5.0 1.0–4.0 Rfc. binding (1/16) (1/32–3/16) (1/16) (1/16–3/16) Appliqué stitch (for quilting) Attaching appliqués and 0.5–5.0 1.0–4.0 Rfc. binding (1/16) (1/32–3/16) (1/16) (1/16–3/16)
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APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Stitch Width Stitch Length Pattern No. [mm (inch.)] [mm (inch.)] Stitch Name Application Auto Manual Auto Manual 2.5–7.0 0.1–1.0 For decoration, etc. Rfc. (1/4) (3/32–1/4) (1/64) (1/64–1/16) ( J ) 2.5–7.0 0.1–1.0 For decoration, etc. Rfc. (1/4) (3/32–1/4) (1/64) (1/64–1/16) ( J )
MAINTENANCE Simple sewing machine maintenance operations are described below. Cleaning the bobbin case Cleaning the machine surface Sewing performance will suffer if dust collects in the bobbin case; therefore, it should be cleaned If the surface of the machine is dirty, lightly soak a periodically.
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APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Remove the bobbin case. Grasp the bobbin case, and then pull it out. mark mark c Bobbin case a Bobbin case • Make sure that the indicated points are Use the cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner to aligned before installing the bobbin case.
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 How to put it right Reference The machine is not plugged in. Plug the machine in.
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APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Symptom Possible cause How to put it right Reference You have not inserted the needle Insert the needle properly. page 21 properly. Replace the needle plate. The area around the hole in the nee- Contact your retailer or the nearest –...
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Symptom Possible cause How to put it right Reference You have not threaded the upper Correct the upper threading. page 16 thread properly. You have not used the right combi- Choose a thread and needle that are page 20 nation of fabric, thread and needle. appropriate for the type of fabric.
APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— 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.