GETTING READY SEWING BASICS UTILITY STITCHES APPENDIX Operation Manual Computerized Sewing Machine Product Code: 888-V15 Be sure to read this document before using the machine. We recommend that you keep this document nearby for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Please read these safety instructions before attempting to use the machine. DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock: 1 Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using, when cleaning, when making any user servicing adjustments mentioned in this manual, or if you are leaving the machine unattended. WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
Always keep your work area clear: • Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot control free from the build up of lint, dust, and loose cloth. • Do not store objects on the foot controller. • Do not use extension cords. Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet. • Never drop or insert any object into any opening. • Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
8 For repair or adjustment: • If the Light unit (light-emitting diode) is damaged, it must be replaced by authorized dealer. • In the event a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, first follow the troubleshooting table in the back of the operation manual to inspect and adjust the machine yourself. If the problem persists, please consult your local authorized Brother dealer. Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual.
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 dealer to obtain the correct lead.
Contents IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................... 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 8 Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions ..................................................................... 8 Machine ....................................................................................................................................
Sewing curves ................................................................................................................................................ 48 Sewing thick fabrics ....................................................................................................................................... 48 Sewing thin fabrics ......................................................................................................................................... 49 Sewing stretch fabrics ......
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................ 93 Frequent troubleshooting topics ..................................................................................................................... 93 Upper thread tightened up ............................................................................................................................. 93 Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric .................................
Introduction Thank you for choosing this product. Before using this sewing machine, carefully read “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. Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions Machine a Bobbin winder (page 15) Use the bobbin winder when winding the bobbin.
Needle and presser foot section a Needle threader lever Use the needle threader to thread the needle. b Buttonhole lever Lower the buttonhole lever when sewing buttonholes and bar tacks. c Presser foot holder The presser foot is attached to the presser foot holder. 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 to the fabric during sewing. Attach the appropriate presser foot for the selected stitch.
Operation panel The operation panel, located on the front of the sewing machine, allows you to select a stitch and specify how the stitch will be sewn. a LCD (liquid crystal display) The number of the selected stitch (1), the presser foot to be used (2), the stitch length (mm) (3), and the stitch width (mm) (4) are displayed here. b Stitch length key (page 40) Use to adjust the length of the stitch. (Press the “–” side for a shorter stitch length, or press the “+” side for a longer stitch length.
Accessories After opening the box, check that the following accessories are included. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your dealer. Included accessories The following items should also be included in the box. Note (For U.S.A. only) ● Foot controller: Model T This foot controller can be used on the machine with product code 888-V15. The product code is mentioned on the machine rating plate. ● The screw for the presser foot holder is available through your authorized dealer.
Optional accessories The following are available as optional accessories to be purchased separately. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. No. Part Name Americas 1 Side cutter SA177 2 Quilting guide SA132 3 Wide table SA552 4 Walking foot SA140 5 Quilting foot SA129 6 Adjustable zipper/piping foot SA161 Part Code Others F054 (XC3879-152) F016N (XC2215-052) WT8 (XE2472-001) F033N (XC2214-052) F005N (XC1948-052) F036N (XC1970-052) No.
1 GETTING READY 1 Turning the Machine On/Off This section explains how to turn the sewing machine on and off. 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. ● Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the power supply jack on the machine.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Turning on the machine Prepare the included power cord. Make sure that the sewing machine is turned ”), and then plug the power cord into the power supply jack on the right side of the machine. a off (the main power switch is set to “ Insert the plug of the power cord into a b household electrical outlet.
Preparing for Upper and Lower Threading Winding the bobbin 1 Wind the thread onto the bobbin. a Hook of the bobbin-winding thread guide b Pretension disk c Bobbin winder shaft d Bobbin CAUTION ● 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.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — 1 CAUTION 2 ● If the spool is not positioned so that the thread unwinds correctly, the thread may become tangled around the spool pin. 3 f With the slightly rounded side of the spool cap Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin.
Pull the thread to the right, pass it under the i hook of the bobbin-winding thread guide, and Slide the sewing speed controller to the right l to increase the bobbin winding speed and then wind the thread counterclockwise between the discs, pulling it in as far as possible. slide to left to decrease. 1 a Sewing speed controller a Hook of the bobbin-winding thread guide b Pretension disk m Press (start/stop button) once.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Press (needle position button) once or a twice to raise the needle, and then raise the 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.
CAUTION ● Be sure to hold down the bobbin with your finger and install the bobbin so that the thread unwinds in the correct direction, otherwise the needle may break or the thread tension will be incorrect. Memo ● The direction for feeding the bobbin thread is indicated by marks around the needle plate cover. Be sure to thread the machine as indicated. While lightly holding down bobbin with your e right hand as shown, guide the thread through the slit (1 and 2).
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Threading the upper thread In this section, the procedures for installing the spool for the upper thread and threading the needle are described. b a a Spool pin b Mark on handwheel CAUTION ● When threading the machine, carefully follow the instructions.
h Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin. 1 a a Mark on handwheel e Memo ● When sewing with fine, cross-wound thread, use the small spool cap, and leave a small space between the cap and the spool. Turn off the sewing machine. b c Swing up the spool pin, and then remove the f spool cap. a a b a Spool pin b Spool cap Fully insert the spool for the upper thread g onto the spool pin Slide the spool onto the pin so that the spool is horizontal and the thread unwinds to the front at the bottom.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — While holding the spool with your right hand, i and then pass the thread under the thread Slide the thread into the thread take-up lever l from the right to the left. guide. a 1 a Thread take-up lever a Thread guide Memo Pass the thread under the thread guide cover j from the back to the front.
While lowering the needle threader lever, o hook the thread onto the guide. Raise the presser foot lever, pass the end of r the thread through the presser foot, and then pull out about 5 cm (2 inches) of thread toward the rear of the machine. 1 a a 5 cm (2 inches) X The upper threading is finished. ■ Manually threading the needle a Needle threader b Thread c Guide p Catch the thread on the hook as shown below.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — c Raise the presser foot lever. Install the twin needle. a • For details on installing a needle, refer to “Replacing the needle” (page 29). Thread the upper thread for the left needle. a through m of “Threading the upper thread” (page 20). b • For details, refer to steps a c upper thread.
Thread the upper thread for the right side in f the same way that the upper thread for the Select a stitch. j • For details on selecting a stitch, refer to left side was threaded. “Selecting a stitch” (page 40). • For details on the stitches that can be sewn with the twin needle, refer to “Stitch settings” (page 86). 1 CAUTION a Thread guide cover • For details, refer to step i through l of “Threading the upper thread” (page 20).
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Start sewing. l • For details on starting to sew, refer to “Starting to sew” (page 42). X Two lines of stitching are sewn parallel to each other. Note ● When using the twin needle, the stitches may become bunched together, depending on the types of thread and fabric that are used. If this occurs, increase the stitch length.
Replacing the Needle This section provides information on sewing machine needles. 1 Needle precautions Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the handling of the needle. Failure to observe these precautions is extremely dangerous, for example, if the needle breaks and fragments are dispersed. Be sure to read and carefully follow the instructions below. CAUTION ● Only use home sewing machine needles. Use of any other needle may bend the needle or damage the machine.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — 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.
Checking the needle Sewing with a bent needle is extremely dangerous since the needle may break while the machine is being operated. Before using the needle, place the flat side of the needle on a flat surface and check that the distance between the needle and the flat surface is even. Replacing the needle Replace the needle as described below. Use the screwdriver and a correct needle, as described in “Checking the needle”. 1 a twice to raise the needle.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Loosen the needle clamp screw and remove d the needle. Hold the needle with your left hand, and then turn the screwdriver counterclockwise with your right hand. a b a Needle clamp screw b Screwdriver • Do not apply extreme force when loosening or tightening the needle clamp screw, otherwise damage to the machine may result.
Replacing the Presser Foot Presser foot precautions 1 Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the presser feet. CAUTION ● 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.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Place the presser foot to be installed below the e holder so that the presser foot pin is aligned Raise the presser foot lever to check that the g presser foot is securely attached. with the notch in the holder. Position the presser foot so the letter indicating the presser foot type (J, A, etc.) is positioned to be read.
■ Attaching the presser foot holder Align the presser foot holder with the presser a bar. a Using the optional walking foot With the optional walking foot, both pieces of fabric are fed evenly by the feed dogs and the teeth on the presser foot. This is useful when sewing fabrics that are hard to feed such as vinyl and leather and when sewing fabrics that easily slip such as velvets or when quilting. Use the screwdriver to attach the walking foot.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Lower the presser foot lever, insert the presser c foot holder screw, and then tighten the screw c Raise the presser foot lever. with the screwdriver. a a a Presser foot lever a Presser foot holder screw CAUTION X The presser foot is raised. With a screwdriver, loosen the presser foot d holder screw, and then remove the walking foot.
Useful Functions Functions useful in improving sewing efficiency are described below. ■ When the needle stops in the raised position The needle stops in the raised position when sewing ends. Changing the needle stop position Normally, the sewing machine is set to leave the needle in the fabric when sewing is stopped. Instead, the machine can be set to leave the needle raised when sewing is stopped. a Turn off the sewing machine. Memo ● After sewing is finished, the fabric can be pulled out.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Changing the initial needle position Normally, the straight stitch (left needle position) is automatically selected when the sewing machine is turned on. The machine can be set so that the straight stitch (center needle position) is automatically selected when it is turned on. a Turn off the sewing machine. b key), turn on the sewing machine.
Sewing Cylindrical or Large Pieces When sewing cylindrical or large pieces of fabric, remove the flat bed attachment. Stitching cylindrical pieces Removing the flat bed attachment makes it easier to sew cylindrical pieces such as cuffs and pant legs. a 1 Sewing large pieces of fabric The optional wide table makes sewing large pieces of fabric easier. Pull the flat bed attachment off to the left. Open up the legs at the bottom of the wide a table. Pull out the four legs until they snap into place.
GETTING READY————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Install the wide table. c Keeping the wide table level, fully slide it into place. The lower right corner section of the wide table extends over the front section of the sewing machine bed. 2 1 a Lower right corner b Sewing machine bed Note ● The optional wide table is available through your Brother dealer.
2 SEWING BASICS Starting to Sew Basic sewing operations are described below. Before operating the sewing machine, read the following precautions. 2 CAUTION ● While the machine is in operation, pay special attention to the needle. In addition, keep your hands away from all moving parts such as the needle, handwheel, and thread take-up lever, otherwise injuries may occur. ● Do not pull or push the fabric too hard while sewing, otherwise injuries may occur or the needle may break. ● Never use bent needles.
SEWING BASICS ————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Selecting a stitch Select each stitch by using the pattern selection dial. a Turn on the sewing machine. Adjusting the stitch length and width ■ Example: To select stitch Turn the pattern selection dial until “05” a appears in the LCD. Press “+” or “–” side of (stitch length b key) to adjust the stitch length.
Press “+” or “–” side of (stitch width c key) to adjust the stitch width. Positioning the fabric – + 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. a a b c d Stitch width key Stitch width Narrow Wide Turn on the sewing machine. The straight stitch (left needle position) is automatically selected.
SEWING BASICS ————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — While holding the end of the thread and the d fabric with your left hand, turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) with your right hand to lower the needle to the starting point of the stitching. Starting to sew Once you are ready to start sewing, you can start the sewing machine.
b Press (start/stop button) once. Insert the foot controller plug into its jack on b the side of the sewing machine. a Start/stop button The machine starts sewing. 2 a Foot controller jack c Turn on the sewing machine. • If you continue pressing the (start/stop button) immediately after the sewing starts, the machine will sew at a slow speed. When the end of the stitching is reached, (start/stop button) once. c press X The machine stops sewing with the needle down (in the fabric).
SEWING BASICS ————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Once you are ready to start sewing, slowly e press down on the foot controller. Pressing down on the foot controller increases the sewing speed; releasing the pressure on the foot controller decreases the sewing speed.
After sewing 3 to 5 stitches, press c (reverse/reinforcement stitch button). Keep (reverse/reinforcement stitch button) held down until you reach the beginning of the stitching. After 3 to 5 reverse stitches have been sewn, (reverse/reinforcement stitch button). g release X The machine stops sewing. Press (start/stop button), or press down on h the foot controller. At this time, if (start/stop button) is held down, the machine sews at a slow speed.
SEWING BASICS ————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Cutting the thread a sewing machine is stopped, press When you wish to finish the stitching and the (needle position button) once to raise the needle. 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.
After reaching the end of the stitching, press e the reverse/reinforcement stitch button once. a Reverse/reinforcement stitch button • This step is not necessary if a stitch such as those for sewing buttonholes and bar tacks is selected where reinforcement stitches are automatically sewn. X After reverse/reinforcement stitches are sewn, the sewing machine stops. Memo ● Reverse/reinforcement stitches WILL NOT be sewn until (reverse/reinforcement stitch button) is pressed.
SEWING BASICS ————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Useful Sewing Tips Various ways to achieve better sewing results are described below. Refer to these tips when sewing. Trial sewing After a stitch is selected, the machine automatically sets the stitch width and length for the stitch that was selected.
■ If thick seams are being sewn and the fabric does not feed at the beginning of stitching The fabric may not feed when thick seams are being sewn and the presser foot is not level, as shown below. In this case, use the presser foot locking pin (black button on the left side of zigzag foot “J”) so that the presser foot remains level while sewing, allowing the fabric to be fed smoothly. a CAUTION ● The thickness of fabric differs depending on the fabric type.
SEWING BASICS ————— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———— ———— ——— ———— ——— —— —— —— ——— ——— —— —— — —— — ——— ———— ——— — —— — —— — —— —— ——— ——— ——— — —— ———— —— — ——— ———— — Sewing hook-and-loop fastener CAUTION ● Use only the ungummed hook-and-loop fastener which is for sewing. If the glue is attached to the needle or the bobbin hook race, it may cause malfunction. ● If the hook-and-loop fastener is sewn with the thin needle (65/9-75/11), the needle may bend or break.
Pulling up the bobbin thread When making gathers or before free-motion quilting, first pull up the bobbin thread as described below. a • Refer to steps a through d of “Installing the Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case. f out the end of the bobbin thread. Carefully pull the upper thread upward to pull bobbin” on page 18. b Do not cut the thread with the cutter. Pass the bobbin thread through the slot. a 2 b a Upper thread b Bobbin thread • Leave the bobbin cover removed.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— 3 UTILITY STITCHES Overcasting Zigzag stitch 3-point zigzag stitch J Overcasting and attaching appliqués Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Twin Needle Application Walking Foot Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitching Auto Manual Auto Manual 3.5 (1/8) 0.0–7.0 (0–1/4) 1.4 (1/16) 0.0–4.0 (0–3/16) Overcasting on medium weight or J stretch fabrics, attaching elastic, darning, etc. 5.0 (3/16) 1.5–7.
Sewing overcasting stitches using zigzag foot “J” Sewing overcasting stitches using overcasting foot “G” a Turn on the machine. a Turn on the machine. b With the pattern selection dial, b With the pattern selection dial, select , or select . , or . Attach overcasting foot “G”. c • For details, refer to “Replacing the presser Attach zigzag foot “J”. c • For details, refer to “Replacing the presser foot” (page 31). foot” (page 31).
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Basic Stitching Straight stitch Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Basic stitching, J sewing gathers or pintucks, etc. Left Attaching zippers, basic stitching, and J sewing gathers or pintucks, etc.
Blind Hem Stitching Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Application Manual Twin Needle Stitch Name Presser Foot Pattern The bottoms of skirts and pants are hemmed. Two stitches are available for blind hem stitching. Walking Foot Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitching Auto Manual Auto Blind hem stitching R on medium weight fabrics 0 (0) –3 – 3 2.0 (1/16) 1.0–3.5 No No Reinforcement (1/16–1/8) Blind hem stitching on stretch fabrics 0 (0) –3 – 3 2.0 (1/16) 1.0–3.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Position the fabric with the edge of the folded e hem against the guide of the presser foot, and Memo then lower the presser foot lever. If the needle is incorrectly positioned, the stitching results will be as shown below. Correct each result as described below. R a b ● If the needle catches too much of the hem fold The needle is positioned too far to the left.
Buttonhole Stitching Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Application Horizontal buttonholes on thin and A medium weight fabrics Buttonhole stitch Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Auto Manual 5.0 (3/16) 3.0-5.0 (1/8-3/16) Auto Manual Twin Needle Presser Foot Stitch Name Pattern Buttonholes can be sewn. Five stitches are available for sewing buttonholes. Walking Foot Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitching 0.5 0.2-1.0 Automatic No No (1/32) (1/64-1/16) Reinforcement Secured button5.0 3.0–5.0 0.5 0.2–1.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Buttonholes with a maximum length of 30 mm (1-3/16 inches) (diameter + thickness of the button) can be sewn. Buttonholes are sewn as shown below. a a a a Reinforcement stitching CAUTION ● Before replacing the presser foot, be sure to turn off the sewing machine, otherwise injuries may occur if a button is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
Use chalk to mark on the fabric the position a and length of the buttonhole. a 2 b a 10 mm (3/8 inch) b 15 mm (9/16 inch) 1 X The size of the buttonhole is set. c Turn on the machine. d With the pattern selection dial, select a stitch. Attach buttonhole foot “A”. e • For details, refer to “Replacing the presser a Marks on fabric b Button hole sewing Pull out the button guide plate of buttonhole b foot “A”, and then insert the button that will be put through the buttonhole. foot” (page 31).
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as h possible. Use the enclosed seam ripper to cut towards m the pin and open the buttonhole. a a a Buttonhole lever The buttonhole lever should be positioned behind the bracket on the buttonhole foot.
■ Changing the stitch width Press the “+” or “–” side of the stitch width key to adjust the stitch width. – + d Attach buttonhole foot “A”. • For details, refer to “Replacing the presser foot” (page 31). Adjust the stitch width to the thickness of the e gimp thread. Lower the presser foot lever and the f buttonhole lever, and then start sewing. a b c d Stitch width key Stitch width Narrow Wide When sewing is finished, gently pull the gimp g thread to remove any slack.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Button sewing g Place the button into button fitting foot “M”. Buttons can be sewn on with the sewing machine. Buttons with 2 or with 4 holes can be attached. Measure the distance between the holes in the a button to be attached. a a Button X The button is held in place.
Start sewing. i Set the sewing speed controller to the left (so that the speed will be slow). ■ Attaching a shank to a button To sew the button with a shank, attach the button with space between it and the fabric, and then wind the thread by hand. This attaches the button securely. Place the button into button-sewing foot “M”, a and then pull the shank lever toward you. 1 X The sewing machine automatically stops after sewing reinforcement stitches.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Zipper Insertion Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Application Attaching zippers, basic stitching, and J sewing gathers or pintucks, etc. Straight Center stitch Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Auto Manual 3.5 (1/8) 0.0–7.0 (0–1/4) Auto Manual Twin Needle Presser Foot Stitch Name Pattern A zipper can be sewn in place. Walking Foot 2.5 0.2–5.
Align the seam with the center of the zipper, e and then baste the zipper in place. h Topstitch around the zipper. a c b b a d c a Wrong side of fabric b Basting stitching c Zipper f With the pattern selection dial, select stitch 3 a b c d . g of the pin of zipper foot “I”. Attach the presser foot holder to the right side CAUTION a I b ● When sewing, be sure that the needle does not touch the zipper, otherwise the needle may bend or break.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— a Turn on the machine. Align the zipper teeth with the pressed edge of f the fabric having the extra 3 mm (1/8 inch), b stitches up to the zipper opening. Attach zigzag foot “J” and sew straight and then baste or pin the zipper in place. • With the right sides of the fabric facing each other, sew reverse stitches after reaching the zipper opening.
Sew the zipper to the piece of fabric with the i extra 3 mm (1/8 inch), starting from the base of the zipper. Attach the presser foot holder to the other side l of the pin of zipper foot “I”. If the presser foot holder was attached to the right side of the pin in step h, change it to the left side of the pin. a I b CAUTION ● When sewing, be sure that the needle does not touch the zipper, otherwise the needle may bend or break.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Sewing Stretch Fabrics and Elastic Tape Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Twin Needle Presser Foot Stitch Name Pattern Stretch fabrics can be sewn and elastic tape can be attached. Walking Foot Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitching Stretch stitch Sewing stretch fab1.0 J rics and decorative (1/16) stitching 1.0–3.0 (1/16–1/8) 2.5 1.0–4.
c With the pattern selection dial, select stitch . Attach zigzag foot “J”. d • For details, refer to “Replacing the presser foot” (page 31). Sew the elastic tape to the fabric while e stretching the tape so that it is the same length as the fabric. While pulling the fabric behind the presser foot with your left hand, pull the fabric at the pin nearest the front of the presser foot with your right hand.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Appliqué, Patchwork and Quilt Stitching Zigzag stitch Application J Overcasting and attaching appliqués Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Auto Manual Auto Manual 3.5 (1/8) 0.0–7.0 (0–1/4) 1.4 (1/16) 0.0–4.0 (0–3/16) Twin Needle Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Presser Foot Stitch Name Pattern Eight stitches are available for sewing appliqués and patchwork quilts.
Turn the handwheel toward you, and then g begin sewing around the edge of the appliqué, Appliqué stitching Cut out the appliqué, leaving a seam a allowance of between 3 and 5 mm (1/8 and 3/ 16 inch). making sure that the needle drops just outside of the appliqué. a a Seam allowance b back of the appliqué, and then fold over the 3 Place a pattern made of thick paper on the seam allowance using an iron.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Piecing Quilting 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 the right side of the presser foot. Baste or pin along the seam allowance of the a fabric that you wish to piece together. b Turn on the machine.
Insert the stem of the quilting guide into the a hole at the rear of the walking foot or presser foot holder. Walking foot Free-motion quilting With free-motion quilting, lower the feed dogs (using the feed dog position switch) so that the fabric is not fed. The optional quilting foot is needed for free-motion quilting. Presser foot holder Note ● Thread the needle manually when using the quilting foot, or only attach the quilting foot after threading the needle using the needle threader.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Hold the quilting foot in place with your right h then move the fabric to follow the pattern. screw using the enclosed screwdriver in your left hand. Reinforcement stitches are sewn at the beginning and end of stitching.
Reinforcement Stitching Triple stretch stitch Bar tack stitch Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Application Attaching sleeves, sewing inseams, J sewing stretch fabrics and decorative stitching Reinforce openings and areas A where the seam easily comes loose Auto Manual Twin Needle Presser Foot Stitch Name Pattern Reinforce points that will be subject to strain, such as sleeve holes, inseams and pocket corners. Walking Foot Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitching Auto Manual 0.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— c Bar tack stitching With the pattern selection dial, select stitch Bar tacks are one type of reinforcement stitching used to strengthen points subject to strain, such as pocket corners and openings. As an example, the procedure for sewing bar tacks at pocket corners is described below. . Attach buttonhole foot “A”. d • For details, refer to “Replacing the presser foot” (page 31).
Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as g possible. a a Buttonhole lever The buttonhole lever should be positioned behind the metal bracket on the buttonhole foot. a 3 b a Buttonhole lever b Bracket Gently hold the end of the upper thread in h your left hand, and then start sewing. X Once sewing is completed, the machine automatically sews reinforcement stitches, then stops. i and then remove the fabric. Raise the presser foot lever, cut the threads, j position.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Decorative stitching Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Twin Needle Presser Foot Stitch Name Pattern Various decorative stitches can be sewn with this sewing machine. Walking Foot Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitching Fagoting, smocking 5.0 J and decorative (3/16) stitching 0.0-7.0 (0-1/4) 2.5 1.0-4.
Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Application Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitching Manual Decorative hemming on thin, medium weight N and plain weave fabrics, heirloom stitching, etc. 5.0 (3/16) 1.5-7.0 (1/16-1/4) Ladder stitch J Decorative stitching 4.0 (3/16) 0.0-7.0 (0-1/4) 3.0 (1/8) Rick-rack stitch J Decorative stitching 4.0 (3/16) 0.0-7.0 (0-1/4) 2.5 1.0-4.0 Yes No Reinforcement (3/32) (1/16-3/16) (J) Decorative stitch J Decorative stitching 5.5 (7/32) 0.0-7.0 (0-1/4) 1.6 1.0-4.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— c Attach monogramming foot “N”. Sew parallel stitching at intervals of 1 cm (3/8 d inch). 1 Stitch along the edge of the fabric, making d sure not to sew directly on the edge of the fabric. a 1 cm (3/8 inch) • Do not sew reverse/reinforcement stitches or cut the thread. Pull the bobbin threads to create gathers. e Smooth the gathers by ironing them.
Unfold the fabric, and then iron the tucks f down to one side. Shell tuck stitching The gathers that look like shells are called “shell tucks”. They are used to decorate trims, the front of blouses or cuffs made of thin fabrics. a Fold the fabric along the bias. Joining Decorative bridging stitches can be sewn over the seam allowance of joined fabrics. This is used when making a crazy quilt. b Turn on the machine. c Select stitch tension.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— e Heirloom stitching Start sewing. 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. CAUTION ■ Drawnwork (Example 1) ● The needle threader cannot be used with the wing needle, otherwise the sewing machine may be damaged.
With the right side of the fabric facing up, sew d along the right edge of the frayed section. c Select stitch . • For details, refer to “Selecting a stitch” (page 40). d N Sew along the center of the unfrayed section. Turn the fabric around to sew the opposite e side. N Sew along the other edge of the frayed section f so that it looks like the previous stitching.
UTILITY STITCHES ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Using the side cutter (optional) Presser Foot Stitch Name Pattern By using the optional side cutter, overcasting stitching can be sewn while the edge of the fabric is cut off. Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitching Application Auto Manual Auto Manual Basic stitching, S sewing gathers or pintucks, etc. 0.0 (0) 0.0–2.5 (0–3/32) 2.5 (3/32) 0.2–5.
Position the side cutter so that the side cutter j foot holder, and then slowly lower the presser foot lever. Position the fabric so that the right side of the cut is on top of the guide plate and the left side of the cut is underneath the presser foot. f pin is aligned with the notch in the presser Position the fabric. b a a Notch in presser foot holder b Pin X The side cutter is attached. a a Guide plate Raise the presser foot lever to check that the g side cutter is securely attached.
APPENDIX ———————————— — — —— — —— — —— — — —— — —— — —— — — —— — —— — —— —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— ——————— — 4 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 ● When using the twin needle, be sure to attach zigzag foot “J”, otherwise the needle may break or the machine may be damaged.
Overcasting stitch Application Preventing fraying in G thick fabrics and fabrics that fray easily Auto Manual Walking Foot Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Twin Needle Presser Foot Pattern Stitch Name Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitching Auto Manual 5.0 (3/16) 3.5–5.0 (1/8–3/16) 2.5 1.0–4.0 No No Reinforcement (3/32) (1/16–3/16) J Overcasting on stretch fabrics 5.0 (3/16) 0.0–7.0 (0–1/4) 2.5 0.5–4.
Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Application Manual Fagoting, smocking J and decorative stitching 5.0 (3/16) 2.5-7.0 (3/32-1/4) Ladder stitch J Decorative stitching 4.0 (3/16) 0.0-7.0 (0-1/4) 3.0 (1/8) Rick-rack stitch J Decorative stitching 4.0 (3/16) 0.0-7.0 (0-1/4) 2.5 1.0-4.0 Yes No Reinforcement (3/32) (1/16-3/16) (J) Decorative stitch J Decorative stitching 5.5 (7/32) 0.0-7.0 (0-1/4) 1.6 1.0-4.0 Yes No Reinforcement (1/16) (1/64-3/16) (J) Decorative stitching and elastic-attaching 5.
Bar tack stitch Decorative stitch Satin stitches A Keyhole buttonholes for thick or furry fabrics Auto Manual Walking Foot Application Stitch Length [mm (inch)] Twin Needle Presser Foot Buttonhole stitch Pattern Stitch Name Stitch Width [mm (inch)] Reverse/ Reinforcement Stitching Auto Manual 7.0 (1/4) 3.0–7.0 (1/8-1/4) 0.5 0.3–1.0 Automatic No No (1/32) (1/64-1/16) Reinforcement Reinforcing openings and areas where the A seam easily comes loose 2.0 (1/16) 1.0–3.0 (1/16-1/8) 0.4 0.
APPENDIX —— — ——— — —— ———— ——— ——— ————— ——— ——————— ———————— ————— ——— ——— — ——— ——— — —— — —— ——— —— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— —— ——— —— ———— — —— — —— — — Maintenance Simple sewing machine maintenance operations are described below. Restrictions on oiling In order to prevent damaging this machine, it must not be oiled by the user. This machine was manufactured with the necessary amount of oil applied to ensure correct operation, making periodic oiling unnecessary.
Use the enclosed cleaning brush or a vacuum g cleaner to remove any lint and dust from the CAUTION race and its surrounding area. a b a Cleaning brush b Race • Do not apply oil to the race or bobbin case. ● Never use a bobbin case that is scratched, otherwise the upper thread may become tangled, the needle may break, or sewing performance may suffer. For a new bobbin case, contact your nearest authorized service center.
APPENDIX —— — ——— — —— ———— ——— ——— ————— ——— ——————— ———————— ————— ——— ——— — ——— ——— — —— — —— ——— —— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— —— ——— —— ———— — —— — —— — — Return the needle plate to its original position, d and then tighten the screws with the disc- shaped screwdriver. Note ● Align the two screw holes on the needle plate with the two holes on the machine. e 92 Follow steps g through i on page 91.
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://solutions.brother.com ” . If the problem persists, contact your dealer or the nearest authorized service center.
APPENDIX —— — ——— — —— ———— ——— ——— ————— ——— ——————— ———————— ————— ——— ——— — ——— ——— — —— — —— ——— —— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— —— ——— —— ———— — —— — —— — — While holding the bobbin in place with your d finger, pass the thread through the slit in the needle plate. • Hold down the bobbin with your right hand, and then pull the end of the thread around the tab with your left hand. Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric ■ Symptom • The thread becomes tangled on the lower side of the fabric.
Raise the presser foot using the presser foot d lever. Pass the thread under the thread guide cover g from the back to the front. Hold the thread with your right hand so that there is no slack in the thread that is pulled out, and then pass the thread under the thread guide cover with your left hand. a Presser foot lever • If the presser foot is not raised, the sewing machine cannot be threaded correctly. Press a (needle position button) once or e twice to raise the needle.
APPENDIX —— — ——— — —— ———— ——— ——— ————— ——— ——————— ———————— ————— ——— ——— — ——— ——— — —— — —— ——— —— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— —— ——— —— ———— — —— — —— — — Incorrect thread tension ■ Symptoms • Symptom 1: The lower thread is visible from the upper side of the fabric. • Symptom 2: The upper thread appears as a straight line on the upper side of the fabric. • Symptom 3: The upper thread is visible from the lower side of the fabric.
Cut out the tangled threads, and then remove g the bobbin. Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed If the fabric is caught in the sewing machine and cannot be removed, the thread may have become tangled under the needle plate. Follow the procedure described below to remove the fabric from the machine. If the operation could not be completed according to the procedure, instead of attempting to complete it forcefully, contact your nearest authorized service center.
APPENDIX —— — ——— — —— ———— ——— ——— ————— ——— ——————— ———————— ————— ——— ——— — ——— ——— — —— — —— ——— —— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— —— ——— —— ———— — —— — —— — — Use the enclosed disc-shaped screwdriver to j loosen the two screws on the needle plate. Note ● Be careful not to drop the removed screws in the machine. Turn the handwheel to check that the feed dogs move smoothly and do not contact the edges of the slots in the needle plate.
CAUTION ● Never use a bobbin case that is scratched, otherwise the upper thread may become tangled, the needle may break or sewing performance may suffer. For a new bobbin case (part code: XE7560-001), contact your nearest authorized service center. ● Make sure that you fit the bobbin case properly, otherwise the needle may break. ■ Checking machine operations If the needle plate has been removed, check machine operations to confirm that installation has been completed correctly. a Turn on the machine.
APPENDIX —— — ——— — —— ———— ——— ——— ————— ——— ——————— ———————— ————— ——— ——— — ——— ——— — —— — —— ——— —— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— —— ——— —— ———— — —— — —— — — Correctly thread the machine. g • For details on threading the machine, refer to “Threading the upper thread” on page 20. Note ● The thread may have become tangled as a result of incorrect upper threading. Make sure that the machine is correctly threaded.
Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left, and c then remove the bobbin from the shaft. Hold the thread end with your left hand, and d wind off the thread clockwise near the bobbin with your right hand as shown below. 4 e Wind the bobbin again. Note ● Make sure that the thread passes under the pretension disk of the bobbin-winding thread guide correctly (page 17).
APPENDIX —— — ——— — —— ———— ——— ——— ————— ——— ——————— ———————— ————— ——— ——— — ——— ——— — —— — —— ——— —— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— —— ——— —— ———— — —— — —— — — List of symptoms Symptom The sewing machine does not operate. Probable Cause Remedy The plug of the power cord is not inserted into an electrical outlet. Insert the plug of the power cord into page 14 a household electrical outlet. The machine is not turned on. Turn on the machine. page 14 The bobbin winder shaft is moved to the right.
Symptom Probable Cause Remedy Reference The upper thread was incorrectly threaded (for example, the spool is incorrectly installed or the thread has Correct the upper threading. come out of the needle bar thread guide). page 20 There are knots or tangles in the thread. – Remove any knots or tangles. The selected needle is not Select a needle that is appropriate for page 28 appropriate for the thread being used. the type of stitch being used. The upper thread tension is too tight.
APPENDIX —— — ——— — —— ———— ——— ——— ————— ——— ——————— ———————— ————— ——— ——— — ——— ——— — —— — —— ——— —— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— —— ——— —— ———— — —— — —— — — Symptom The thread tension is incorrect. The fabric is puckered. Stitches are skipped. A high-pitched sound is produced while sewing. A rattling noise is produced. 104 Probable Cause Remedy Reference The upper thread is incorrectly installed. Correct the upper threading. page 20 The bobbin thread is incorrectly installed.
Symptom The thread does not pass through the eye of the needle. The stitch is not sewn correctly. The fabric does not feed. While winding the bobbin, the bobbin thread was wound below the bobbin winder seat. Probable Cause Remedy Reference The needle was not raised. Press (needle position button) once or twice to raise the needle. page 20 The needle is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the needle.
APPENDIX —— — ——— — —— ———— ——— ——— ————— ——— ——————— ———————— ————— ——— ——— — ——— ——— — —— — —— ——— —— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— —— ——— —— ———— — —— — —— — — Error messages If the sewing machine is incorrectly operated or if the sewing machine malfunctions, an error message appears in the LCD. The message can be cleared by pressing any key in the operation panel, turning any dial, or performing the operation correctly.
Operation beep Each time a key is pressed or an incorrect operation is performed, a beep is sounded. ■ For a correct operation One beep is sounded. ■ If an incorrect operation is performed Two or four beeps are sounded. ■ If the machine locks up, for example, because the thread is tangled The sewing machine continues to beep for three seconds, and then the machine automatically stops. Be sure to check for the cause of the error, and correct it before continuing to sew.
Index Numerics M 1/4 inch quilting foot......................................................12 1/4 inch quilting foot with guide ....................................12 main power switch......................................................... 14 maintenance .................................................................. 90 monogramming foot....................................................... 11 A accessory bag.................................................................
smocking........................................................................80 spool cap .......................................................................11 spool net ........................................................................11 spool pin ........................................................................20 stitch guide foot..............................................................12 stitch length....................................................................
Please visit us at http://solutions.brother.com where you can get product support and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
