Operation Manual Embroidery Machine Product Code: 888-M36/M37 Be sure to read this document before using the machine. We recommend that you keep this document nearby for future reference.
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing this machine. Before using this machine, carefully read the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS”, and then study this manual for the correct operation of the various functions. In addition, after you have finished reading this manual, store it where it can quickly be accessed for future reference. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Please read these safety instructions before attempting to use the machine.
• The plastic bag that this 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. • Do not use outdoors. 8 For a longer service life: • When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not use or store the machine near a space heater, iron, halogen lamp, or other hot objects. • Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the case.
FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY IMPORTANT • In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362, i.e. carrying the mark, rating as marked on plug. • Always replace the fuse cover. Never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted. • If the available electrical outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, you should contact your authorized Brother dealer to obtain the correct lead. Trademarks App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
CONTENTS CONTENTS Chapter 1 GETTING READY 5 Names of Machine Parts....................................... 5 Included accessories .............................................................. 7 Optional accessories .............................................................. 8 Turning the Machine On/Off................................ 9 LCD Operation ................................................... 10 Settings screen......................................................................
Names of Machine Parts Chapter 1 GETTING READY Names of Machine Parts ■ Main parts c b d a e f l g k 1 Bobbin winding thread guide and pretension disk (page 13) 2 Thread guide (page 12) 3 Spool cap (page 11) 4 Spool pin (page 11) 5 Bobbin winder (page 11) 6 LCD (liquid crystal display) (page 10) 7 Operation panel (page 6) 8 Operation buttons (page 6) 9 Embroidery unit (page 19) 0 Thread cutter (page 16) A Needle threader lever (page 17) B Thread tension dial (page 28) C Handwheel 1 D Thread gu
Names of Machine Parts ■ Needle and presser foot section ■ Operation panel and operation keys a a b f c b g c d e 1 2 3 4 5 h Needle bar thread guide (page 16) Needle plate Needle plate cover (page 14) Bobbin cover/bobbin case (page 14, 37) Embroidery foot The embroidery foot helps control fabric flexibility for better stitch consistency.
Names of Machine Parts Included accessories Included accessories may differ from the table below depending on the machine model you purchased. For more details on included accessories and their part codes of your machine, refer to the additional sheet “Included Accessories”. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Bobbin Pre-wound bobbin (90 weight Bobbin clip white embroidery bobbin thread) Seam ripper Q *1 Needle set 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Names of Machine Parts Optional accessories The following are available as optional accessories to be purchased separately. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Part Code No. Part Name Americas Europe Others 1. Embroidery frame set SA434 (large)* 17 cm (H) × 10 cm (W) (6-7/10 inches (H) × 4 inches (W)) EF71: EF71 XF2410-001 EF71CN 2. Embroidery frame set SA431 (small) 2 cm (H) × 6 cm (W) (1 inch (H) × 2-1/2 inches (W)) EF61: EF61 XF2419-001 EF61CN 3.
Turning the Machine On/Off Turning the Machine On/Off WARNING Make sure that the machine is turned off (the main ”), and then plug the power cord into the power supply jack on the right side of the machine. a power switch is set to “ Insert the plug of the power cord into a household b electrical outlet.
LCD Operation ■ General settings LCD Operation 0 A B Settings screen Press to change the default machine settings (needle stop position, opening display, etc.). Press changed necessary settings. or C , after you D E Memo • You can save the current settings screen image in a USB flash drive by pressing when the USB flash drive is inserted into the USB port. The files are saved in a folder labeled “bPocket”.
Winding/Installing the Bobbin Adjusting input sensitivity for operation keys Winding/Installing the Bobbin You can adjust the sensitivity of the operation keys to 5 levels. Display the settings screen to set desired level. a Press b Display page 5 by pressing c Press [Start]. CAUTION to display the settings screen. / • Only use the plastic bobbin that comes with this machine or bobbins of the same type (SA156/SFB: XA5539-151/SFB). The bobbin's height is 11.5 mm (approx. 7/16 inch).
Winding/Installing the Bobbin c Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin. Slide the spool cap as far as possible to the right, as shown, with the rounded side on the left. Memo • When using the spool as shown below, use the small spool cap, and leave a small space between the cap and the spool. 3 CAUTION • If the spool or the spool cap is not installed correctly, the thread may become tangled around the spool pin, causing the needle to break.
Winding/Installing the Bobbin Pass the thread under the hook on the bobbin winding e thread guide, and then wind it counterclockwise under When the bobbin winding becomes slow, press the i “Start/Stop” button once to stop the machine. the pretension disk. 1 CAUTION 2 3 1 Bobbin winding thread guide 2 Pretension disk 3 Pull it in as far as possible • When the bobbin winding becomes slow, stop the machine, otherwise the machine may be damaged.
Winding/Installing the Bobbin Slide the bobbin cover latch to the right and remove e the bobbin cover. While lightly holding down the bobbin with your right i hand (1), continue guiding the thread through the slit with your left hand (2). Then, cut the thread with the cutter (3). Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case so that the f thread unwinds to the left. Memo • Be sure to complete the bobbin threading correctly according to these instructions.
Upper Threading Remove the spool cap and place the spool of thread Upper Threading d onto the spool pin. Slide the spool onto the spool pin so that the thread unwinds to the front from the bottom. Otherwise the thread may become tangled around the spool pin. CAUTION • When threading the upper thread, carefully follow the instructions. If the upper threading is not correct, the thread may become tangled or the needle may bend or break.
Upper Threading g Press . • If the needle threader cannot be used, insert the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back by hand. At this time, be sure to lock all keys and operation buttons described in step g. The screen changes, and all keys and operation buttons are locked (except ).
Upper Threading Lower the needle threader lever on the left side of the o machine as much as possible to make the hook turn. 1 2 3 1 1 Needle threader lever 2 Needle 3 Hook GETTING READY Note • If the needle is not raised to it's highest position, the needle threader cannot thread the needle. Turn handwheel counterclockwise until the needle is at its highest position. The needle is correctly raised when the mark on the handwheel is at the top, as shown under step c on page 15.
Replacing the Needle c Replacing the Needle Press . The screen changes, and all keys and operation buttons are locked (except CAUTION • Only use recommended 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. ■ Thread and needle number The lower the thread number is, the heavier the thread; the higher the needle number, the larger the needle. ).
Embroidering Preparation Chapter 2 EMBROIDERY Attaching the Embroidery Unit Embroidering Preparation Follow the steps below to prepare the machine for embroidery. CAUTION Step 8 • Before attaching the embroidery unit, be sure to turn off the machine. Otherwise, injuries may occur if one of the operation buttons is accidentally pressed and the machine starts embroidering. • Do not move the machine with the embroidery unit in place. The embroidery unit may be dropped and cause injury.
Embroidering Preparation d Be sure that no objects or hands are near the embroidery unit and press . Embroidery Attractive Finishes The carriage moves to its initial position. There are many factors that go into beautiful embroidery. Using the appropriate stabilizer (page 21) and hooping the fabric in the frame (page 21) are two important factors mentioned earlier. Another important point is the appropriateness of the needle and thread being used. See the explanation of threads below.
Embroidering Preparation Hooping the fabric in the embroidery frame CAUTION • Use fabrics with a thickness of less than 2 mm (1/16 inch). Using fabrics thicker than 2 mm (1/16 inch) may cause the needle to break. • Always use a stabilizer material for embroidery when embroidering stretch fabrics, lightweight fabrics, fabrics with a coarse weave, or fabrics which cause pattern shrinkage. Otherwise, the needle may break and cause injury.
Embroidering Preparation Loosen the embroidery frame adjustment screw and a remove the inner and outer frames, placing the outer Tighten the adjustment screw while removing any slack g in the fabric by hand. The goal is to have a drum-like frame on a flat surface. sound when the fabric is struck lightly. Separate the inner and outer frame by removing inner frame upward. a b c 1 Inner frame 2 Outer frame 3 Adjustment screw Place the fabric with the stabilizer material on top of b the outer frame.
Embroidering Preparation Attaching the Embroidery Frame ■ Removing the embroidery frame a Raise the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot. Press the part of the embroidery frame holder in the Note • Wind and insert the bobbin before attaching the embroidery frame making sure to use the recommended bobbin thread. Check that there is enough thread in the bobbin. a Raise the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot. b Pass the embroidery frame under the presser foot.
Embroidering d Embroidering Press . ■ Copyright information The patterns stored in the machine are intended for private use only. Any public or commercial use of copyrighted patterns is an infringement of copyright law and is strictly prohibited. • For details on pattern editing screen, refer to “Editing Patterns (Pattern Editing Screen)” on page 32. You can move the pattern, change the size of pattern, and perform many other editing operations.
Embroidering • After selecting a character if you would like to Memo change the character size press . The size changes each time you press the key, from large to medium to small. After the character size is changed, all characters on the same line will have the new character size. • If [Embroidery Frame Identification View] in the settings screen is set to [ON], the pattern can be edited in the screen as if that embroidery frame is attached. • If you make a mistake, press to erase the mistake.
Embroidering b From , press the key for the position that you want to check. Embroidering a pattern Embroidery patterns are embroidered with a change of thread after each color. Prepare embroidery thread of the color shown on the a screen. 1 1 Selected position 1 The carriage will move to the selected position on the pattern. 1 Embroidery color order Memo • Either the thread color name or the thread number appears in this screen, depending on the setting selected in the settings screen.
Embroidering Lower the presser foot, then press the “Start/Stop” d button to start embroidering. After 5-6 stitches, press the “Start/Stop” button again to stop the machine. ■ Changing the thread color display You can display the name of the thread colors or embroidery thread number. Memo • Colors on the screen may vary slightly from actual spool colors. a Press and use or to display the following settings screen. Trim the excess thread at the end of the seam.
Embroidering ■ If the thread breaks or the bobbin runs out of thread during embroidering a Press the “Start/Stop” button to stop the machine. b Press and set the upper thread or bobbin thread. Adjusting thread tension The upper thread tension is changed using the thread tension dial. When doing machine embroidery, the tension dial should be set somewhere between 2 to 6.
Embroidering Embroidering the appliqué patterns When the color embroidering order display shows [ (APPLIQUE MATERIAL)], [ (APPLIQUE POSITION)] or [ (APPLIQUE)], follow the procedure below. ■ 2. Sewing the appliqué position on the base fabric a Sew the appliqué position.
Embroidering Using a frame pattern to make an appliqué You can use framed patterns of the same size and shape to create an appliqué. Embroider one pattern with a straight stitch and one pattern with a satin stitch. ■ Method 2 Select a straight stitch frame pattern, and embroider a the pattern onto the base fabric. ■ Method 1 Select a straight stitch frame pattern. Embroider the a pattern onto the appliqué material, then cut neatly around the outside of the shape.
Embroidering Split embroidery patterns Split embroidery patterns created with PE-DESIGN Ver.7 or later, or PE-DESIGN NEXT can be embroidered. With split embroidery patterns, embroidery designs larger than the embroidery hoop are divided into multiple sections, which combine to create a single pattern after each section is embroidered. For details on creating split embroidery patterns and for more detailed embroidery instructions, refer to the Instruction manual included with PE-DESIGN Ver.
Editing Patterns (Pattern Editing Screen) Display Editing Patterns (Pattern Editing Screen) No. 5 Rotate key When a pattern is selected in the pattern selection screen and Explanation Key Name is pressed, the pattern editing screen appears. After pressing any of the keys to edit the pattern, press to return to the previous screen. To finish all the editing, press Press this key to rotate the pattern. You can rotate a pattern one degree, ten degrees or ninety degrees at a time.
Editing Patterns (Embroidery Settings Screen) ■ Font editing screen Display Font editing screen appears by pressing editing screen. on the pattern No. Explanation Key Name 6 1 2 3 4 Split text key Press this key to split text between characters so that they can be edited separately. 5 7 8 6 Use to select where the pattern is to be separated, and then Display No. Explanation press to separate it. Any pattern that is split cannot be recombined.
Editing Patterns (Embroidery Settings Screen) Display No. Explanation Key Name 2 Rotate key d Use to align the needle and the mark on the fabric, press Press this key to rotate the entire pattern. You can rotate a pattern one degree, ten degrees or ninety degrees at a time. and begin embroidering the pattern. Press to return the pattern to its original position. 3 Embroidery key 4 Memory key 5 Trial key 6 Press this key to enter the embroidery screen.
Using the Memory Function Reposition the fabric in embroidery frame so that the g right side of the letter “C” will be partially inside the embroidery frame; being careful so letters remain straight and level. Then reattach frame again so that the remaining characters (“DEF”) can be embroidered.
Using the Memory Function Saving embroidery patterns Retrieving embroidery patterns You can save embroidery patterns that you have customized in the machine's memory or USB flash drive. Retrieve embroidery patterns saved in the machine's memory or USB flash drive. When retrieving the embroidery patterns from a USB Note • Do not turn the main power to OFF while the [Saving...] screen is displayed. You will lose the pattern you are saving.
Care and Maintenance Chapter 3 APPENDIX Care and Maintenance CAUTION • Unplug the power cord before cleaning the machine, otherwise injuries or an electric shock may occur. If the surface of the machine is dirty, lightly soak a cloth in neutral detergent, squeeze it out firmly, and then wipe the surface of the machine. After cleaning it once with a damp cloth, wipe it again with a dry cloth.
Care and Maintenance Insert the bobbin case so that the mark on the mark on the machine. j bobbin case aligns with the a b Lightly touch the center of each +, in order from 1 to 5. c Turn the main power to OFF, then turn it back to ON. b a b • Align the and marks.
Care and Maintenance ■ Bobbin thread is too loose Bobbin thread appears slightly on the right side (top) of fabric. 1 Right side (top) of fabric 2 Wrong side (bottom) of fabric If this occurs, turn the slotted-head screw (-) clockwise, being careful not to over-tighten the screw, approximately 30-45 degrees to increase bobbin tension. Replacing the Embroidery Foot CAUTION • Only use embroidery feet designed specifically for this machine.
Care and Maintenance Secure embroidery foot “Q” with the embroidery foot f screw, making sure that embroidery foot “Q” is vertical. If the thread becomes tangled under the bobbin winder seat If the bobbin winding starts when the thread is not passed under the pretension disk of the bobbin-winding thread guide correctly, the thread may become tangled under the bobbin winder seat.
Troubleshooting Symptom, Cause/solution Troubleshooting 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:// s.brother/cpjaf ”. If the problem persists, contact your Brother dealer or the nearest Brother authorized service center. List of symptoms Nothing appears in the LCD.
Troubleshooting Symptom, Cause/solution Reference Symptom, Cause/solution Reference A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used. 11 Upper threading is incorrect. 15 There is a mistake in the upper or bobbin threading. 11, 15 Bobbin is set incorrectly. 13 Spool of thread is set incorrectly. 11 Embroidery foot is attached incorrectly. 39 Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 18 Stabilizer is not attached to fabric being embroidered.
Troubleshooting Symptom, Cause/solution Reference Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound. 13 Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 18 A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used. 11 Embroidery pattern does not embroider correctly. – Thread tension is set incorrectly. 28 Fabric was not inserted into the frame correctly (fabric was loose, etc.). 21 Stabilizing material was not attached.
Troubleshooting Error messages When erroneous operations are performed messages and advice on operation will be displayed on the LCD. Follow what is displayed. If you press or do the operation correctly while the error message is displayed, the message disappears. Error messages A malfunction occurred. Turn the machine off, then on again. This message is displayed if some malfunction occurs. Turn the machine off, then back on again. If this message continues to appear, the machine may be malfunctioning.
Troubleshooting Error messages The bobbin thread is almost empty. 15 16 Cause/solution This message is displayed when the bobbin thread is running out. Although a few stitches can be embroidered when the “Start/Stop” button is pressed, replace with a wound bobbin immediately. When embroidering, press (Thread cutter button) to cut the threads, raise the presser foot, remove the embroidery frame, and then replace the bobbin with one wound with plenty of embroidery bobbin thread.
Upgrading your machine’s software Operation beeps If a correct operation is performed, the machine beeps one time. If an incorrect operation is performed, the machine beeps two or four times. If the machine locks up, for example, because the thread is tangled, the machine continues to beep for four seconds, and then the machine automatically stops. Be sure to check for the cause of the error, and correct it before continuing to embroider.
Index Index A Rotate .................................................................................. 32, 34 Aligning the position ................................................................... 34 Appliqué ............................................................................. 29, 30 S B Bobbin ........................................................................................ Bobbin case .................................................................................
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