XL_brother_cover_Eng 1 KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE 2 STRAIGHT AND ZIGZAG STITCHING 3 ENGLISH XXX-XXX XXXXXX-XXX Printed in China BUILT-IN STITCHES 4 SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND BUTTONS 5 USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS 6 APPENDIX Operation Manual
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. 2. Always unplug the machine before you change the light bulb. Replace the bulb with same type rated 15 watts.
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. With alternative plugs an approved fuse must be fitted in the plug.
UNPACKING/REPACKING INSTRUCTIONS Keep the carton and packing materials. You may have to take or send the machine to be repaired. If you do not pack it properly, or do not use the right packing material, the machine could be damaged. Please follow the diagram below to unpack and repack the machine. IMPORTANT ● This packing material is designed to prevent damage. Save this packing material if you need to take or send this machine to be repaired. PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU USE THE MACHINE.
CONTENTS 1. KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ..........................................................5 THE MAIN PARTS ............................................................................................................... 5 ACCESSORIES .....................................................................................................................6 Optional Accessories ...................................................................................................................................
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— 5. USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS .............................................37 Zipper Insertion ............................................................................................................................................... 37 Gathering ........................................................................................................................................................ 38 Darning ............................
1 KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE 1 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. 4 Thread take-up lever (Page 21) 5 Hole for extra spool pin (Page 25) This holds a second spool of thread for sewing with the twin needle.
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. 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. No. 1 Zipper foot (1 pc.) 2 Bobbin (3 pcs.) 3 Needle Pack (Regular Single Needle HAX130 (3 pcs.)) Twin Needle (1 pc.) 4 Part Code USA Others X59370-021 Part Name No. 5. Part Name SA156 SFB: XA5539-151 5 6 7 Buttonhole Foot (1 pc.
USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE WARNING 1 ● 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 ————————————————————————————————————————— Main Power and Sewing Light Switch This switch turns the main power and sewing light on or off. Checking the Needle The sewing needle must always be straight and sharp for smooth sewing. ■ Checking the Needle Correctly Put the flat side of the needle on a flat surface. Check the needle from the top and the sides. Dispose of any bent needles safely.
Hold the needle with your left hand, and then 4 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. CAUTION ● Make sure you insert the needle until it touches the stopper, and securely tighten the needle clamp screw with a coin or screwdriver.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Put a different presser foot on the needle plate 3 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 4 presser foot onto the shank. If the presser foot is in the correct place, the bar should snap in. Flat Bed Attachment The accessories are stored in a compartment inside the flat bed attachment. Slide the flat bed attachment to the left to 1 open it.
THE CONTROLS Pattern Selection Dial To choose a stitch, simply turn the pattern selection dial in either direction. The next section shows recommended stitch lengths and widths. 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 ————————————————————————————————————————— Patterns and Stitch Names Stitch Name Recommended Width (mm (inch)) Recommended Length (mm (inch)) Instruction Manual Page 1-STEP AUTOMATIC BUTTONHOLE 3-5 (1/8 – 3/16) F- 1.
Pattern Stitch Name 35 Stitches 25 Stitches Recommended Width (mm (inch)) ELASTIC OVERLOCK STITCH 3-5 (1/8-3/16) FEATHER STITCH 3-5 (1/8-3/16) ARROWHEAD STITCH ARROWHEAD STITCH DECORATIVE STITCH LEAF STITCH TREE STITCH LEGS STITCH DECORATIVE STITCH 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Recommended Length (mm (inch)) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Instruction Manual Page 1 31 Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) 32 Fixed 2.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Stitch Name Recommended Width (mm (inch)) Recommended Length (mm (inch)) Instruction Manual Page COMB STITCH 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) 31 COMB STITCH 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) 31 DECORATIVE STITCH 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) 33 FAGOTING STITCH 3-5 (1/8-13/64) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) 31 DECORATIVE STITCH 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) 31 DECORATIVE HEM STITCH 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Fixed 2.
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 “ ” or “ ” changes the selected pattern to a stretch stitch. Stitch Width Dial Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the handwheel points directly up.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— THREADING THE MACHINE Winding the Bobbin CAUTION ● 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.
Put the bobbin onto the bobbin winder shaft 3 and slide the bobbin winder shaft to the right. 6 Press the foot controller to start. Turn the bobbin clockwise, by hand, until the spring on the shaft slides into the groove of the bobbin. 1 2 1 1 Spring on the shaft 2 Groove of the bobbin When the bobbin seems full and begins 7 spinning slowly, take your foot off the foot controller. 8 to the left and remove the bobbin.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Raise the needle to its highest position by 1 turning the handwheel toward you Lower Threading (counterclockwise) and raise the presser foot lever. • For more details on using the quick-set bobbin, see page 19. 2 CAUTION Slide the button and open the cover. 1 2 ● Not winding the bobbin properly may cause the thread tension to loosen, and may break the needle. 1 Cover 2 Slide button 3 the direction shown by the arrow.
Hold the end of the thread, push the bobbin 4 down with your finger, pass the thread through the slit, and then pull out a short length of thread, as shown. Lower Threading (for models equipped with a quick-set bobbin) This feature is only available on certain models. 1 CAUTION ● Winding the bobbin improperly may cause the thread tension to loosen, breaking the needle and resulting in injury. 5 place (see arrow 1), and then press lightly on Reattach the bobbin cover.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— 1 Follow steps 1 and 2 from “Lower Threading”. 2 through the slit, and then pull the thread to cut it. Put the bobbin in, feed the end of the thread Reattach the bobbin cover. Put the left tab in 3 place (see arrow 1), and then press lightly on the right side (see arrow 2) until the cover clicks into place. 2 1 • Only use bobbins that were designed to be used with this machine.
Upper Threading 1 1 2 3 4 5 Spool pin Thread guide (back) Thread guide (front) Thread take-up lever Mark on the handwheel Pull up the spool pin and put a spool of thread 3 on this pin. CAUTION ● Make sure you thread the machine properly. Otherwise, the thread could tangle and break the needle. IMPORTANT: 1 Raise the presser foot using the presser foot lever.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Put the thread behind the guide above the 6 needle. • The thread can easily be passed behind the needle bar thread guide by holding the thread in your left hand, then feeding the thread with your right hand. Using the Needle Threader (for models equipped with a needle threader) This feature is only available on certain models. Turn the power off and lower the presser foot 1 lever.
Pull down the needle threader lever as much 4 as possible, and then turn the lever toward the back of the machine (away from you). Make sure that the hook passes through the eye of the needle and grabs the thread. 1 Raise the needle threader lever and pull out 6 about 5 cm (2 inch) of thread through the needle toward the back of the sewing machine. 1 2 1 1 Hook 2 Thread • Hold the thread in front of the needle to make sure that the hook grabs it.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Drawing up the Lower Thread 1 thread, slowly turn the handwheel toward you While lightly holding the end of the upper (counterclockwise) by hand to lower and then raise the needle. ■ Quick-set Bobbin Threading This is only available on certain models. You can begin sewing immediately without drawing up the bobbin thread. When sewing gathers or darts, you can draw up the lower thread by hand so that some thread will be left over.
■ 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. Put the second spool of thread onto the extra spool pin. Thread Tension The tension of the thread will affect the quality of your stitches. You may need to adjust it when you change fabric or thread.
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— FABRIC, THREAD, AND NEEDLE COMBINATIONS Fabric Type Medium weight fabrics Lightweight fabrics Heavyweight fabrics Stretch fabrics Thread Type Size Broadcloth Cotton Taffeta Thread synthetic mercerized 60–80 Flannel, Gabardine Silk or silk finished 50–80 75/11–90/14 Lawn, Batiste Cotton Georgette Thread synthetic mercerized 60–80 Challis, Satin Silk 50–80 Denim Cotton 30–50 Corduroy Thread synthetic mercerized
2 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. 2 ● Do not stretch or pull the fabric during sewing, otherwise the needle may be damaged and you may be injured. ● Do not use bent or broken needles, otherwise you may be injured. ● Take care that the needle does not hit basting pins or other objects during sewing. The needle may break and you may be injured.
STRAIGHT AND ZIGZAG STITCHING —————————————————————————————————————————— ■ Changing Sewing Direction 1 to change direction with the needle still in the Stop the machine at the point where you want fabric. Raise the presser foot and turn the fabric to its 2 new direction using the needle as a pivot. To prepare the machine for the next seam, 4 pull about 10 cm (4 inch) of thread through the toes of the presser foot toward the back of the machine.
3 BUILT-IN STITCHES When the fabric is unfolded you will have a 5 Blind Hem Stitch as shown in Fig. D. Blind Hem Stitching 3 2 Stitch Name Stitch Stitch Pattern Length Width [mm (inch)] [mm (inch)] Blind Hem Stitch F-2 (1/64-1/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Stretch Blind Hem Stitch F-1.5 (1/64-1/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Stretch Blind Hem Stitch F-1.
BUILT-IN STITCHES 4 ————————————————————————————————————————————————— ■ Sewing Elastic Sew at a slow speed. 1 Place the elastic on the fabric. As you sew, stretch the elastic in front of and 2 behind the presser foot. Elastic Stitching Stitch Name Pattern Elastic Stitch Stitch Stitch Length Width [mm (inch)] [mm (inch)] F-2.5 (1/64-3/32) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) You can use the Elastic Stitch for mending, sewing elastic or joining fabric. Each is explained below.
Set the pattern selection dial to the Smocking 2 Stitch, Fagoting Stitch, or Decorative Stitch. Double Action Stitching Stitch along the edge, pulling both threads Stitch Name Stitch Stitch Pattern Length Width [mm (inch)] [mm (inch)] Double Action Stitch F-3 (1/64-1/8) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Bridging Stitch F-3 (1/64-1/8) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Rampart Stitch F-3 (1/64-1/8) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) These stitches are used for joining two pieces of fabric, such as when making patchwork.
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. Feather Stitching Stitch Name Pattern Set the pattern selection dial to an overedge 1 stitch. Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Feather Stitch Fixed 2.
Decorative Stitching Stitch Name Triangle Stitch Decorative Stitch Leaf Stitch Tree Stitch Legs Stitch Decorative Stitch Pattern Stitch Stitch Length Width [mm (inch)] [mm (inch)] F-1.5 (1/64-1/16) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) Fixed 2.5 (3/32) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Stretch Overlock Stitch Fixed 2.
SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND BUTTONS 4 ——————————————————————————————————————— SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND BUTTONS 4 Making a Buttonhole (1-Step Automatic Buttonhole) Pattern Stitch Stitch Length Width [mm (inch)] [mm (inch)] F-1.5 (1/64-1/16) 3-5 (1/8-3/16) Open the button plate and insert the button. Foot Buttonhole Foot 1 Starting mark on the fabric 2 Marks on the foot 3 Button plate 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 1 buttonhole on the fabric, and then attach the buttonhole foot and set the pattern selection dial to “F”. Adjusting Buttonholes If the stitching on the two sides of the buttonhole is not the same, you can make the following adjustments.
SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND BUTTONS ——————————————————————————————————————— If the left side is too open or tight compared 4 with the right side, adjust the buttonhole fine- 4 Place the darning plate on the needle plate. 5 Turn on the machine. adjustment screw as described below. If the left side is too open, turn the buttonhole fine-adjustment screw with a large screwdriver in the – direction.
USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS 5 Fold the edge of the material 2 cm (3/4 inch) 4 and place the zipper under the folded section. Zipper Insertion Stitch Name Pattern Straight Stitch Stitch Stitch Length Width [mm (inch)] [mm (inch)] 2-3 (1/16-1/8) 2.5 (center) (3/32) Lower the needle into the notch located either on the left or right side of the zipper foot.
USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS —————————————————————————————————————— Gathering Stitch Name Straight Stitch Darning Pattern Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Stitch Name 4 (3/16) Straight Stitch 1 Stitch. Set the pattern selection dial to Straight Pattern Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Any Foot Other Zigzag Presser Darning Plate Foot 1 Place the darning plate on the needle plate, Turn off the machine. then turn on the machine.
Appliqués Stitch Name Pattern Zigzag Stitch Monogramming and Embroidering Stitch Length Stitch Width [mm (inch)] [mm (inch)] F-2 (1/64-1/16) Any You can create an applique by cutting a different piece of fabric into a shape and using it as a decoration. 1 Baste the cut design to the fabric. Carefully sew around the edge of the design 2 with a zigzag stitch.
USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS —————————————————————————————————————— Grip the hoop with your thumbs and ■ Embroidering middle and third fingers and supporting the outside of the hoop with your little fingers. 1 embroidery hoop. 7 forefingers while pressing the fabric with your Stitch the outline of the design by moving the Fill in the design alternating from the outline CAUTION ● Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially needles.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES Attach the forked section of the connecting 4 lever to the needle clamp, and fit the walking Using the Walking Foot Stitch Name Stitch Stitch Pattern Length Width [mm (inch)] [mm (inch)] Straight Stitch 1-4 (1/16-3/16) 2-3 (1/16-1/8) Zigzag Stitch 1-4 (1/16-3/16) 0-5 (0-3/16) 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.
USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS —————————————————————————————————————— Attach the quilting foot, making sure that part 4 A shown in the illustration is above the 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 7 stretched and move the fabric to sew over the Attach the 1/4-inch Quilting Foot. 3 Turn on the machine. drawn design. Position the presser foot over the fabric and 4 sew as shown in the illustration below. ■ Achieving an Accurate Seam Allowance 1 2 1 1 Quilting design The length of the stitch depends on how 8 quickly you move the fabric and on the 3 machine’s sewing speed. Sew while moving the fabric slowly.
APPENDIX 6 ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— APPENDIX MAINTENANCE Changing the Light Bulb 4 Put the light cover back on and fasten the screw. 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. If the machine is on and you step on the foot controller, you may be injured. ● To avoid burns, let the light bulb cool down before you change it.
Using a coin, remove the two screws. 5 Lift up the needle plate as shown in the Insert the bobbin case so that the projection 8 on the bobbin case aligns with the spring. 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 6 the left. 1 Projection 2 Spring Install the needle plate, sliding it to the right 9 to secure it, and then tighten the screws.
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 sewing machine does not work. How to put it right Plug the machine in. The upper thread breaks. 46 page 7 The main power switch is turned off. Turn on the main power switch.
Symptom Possible cause How to put it right Reference The area around the hole in the nee- Replace the needle plate. Contact your retailer or the nearest dle plate is scratched. authorized service center. – The area around the hole in the presser foot is scratched. Replace the presser foot. Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center. – The bobbin case is scratched, or has a burr on it. Replace the bobbin case. Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center.
APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Symptom Stitches are skipped. There is a highpitched noise while sewing. The needle threader can not be used. The stitch is not sewn correctly. The fabric does not feed. The sewing light bulb does not come on. 48 Possible cause How to put it right Reference You have not threaded the upper thread properly. Correct the upper threading. page 21 You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle.
INDEX Numerics N 1/4-inch quilting foot ....................................................43 1-Step Automatic Buttonhole ................................... 5, 34 Needle checking .................................................................... 8 combinations with fabric and thread .......................... 26 replacing ................................................................... 8 A Accessories .....................................................................6 optional ................
XL_brother_cover_Eng 1 KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE 2 STRAIGHT AND ZIGZAG STITCHING 3 ENGLISH 885- S28/S29 XD1931- 021 Printed in China BUILT-IN STITCHES 4 SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND BUTTONS 5 USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS 6 APPENDIX Operation Manual