Brother PC 8500 User 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 before changing the light bulb. Replace bulb with same type rated 12V 5 watts.

WARNING – To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

1.Do not allow this machine to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children.

2.Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.

3.Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

4.Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the machine and foot control free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.

5.Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

6.Do not use outdoors.

7.Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.

8.To disconnect, turn the main switch to the symbol “O” position which represents off, then remove plug from outlet.

9.Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

10.Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the machine needle.

11.Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.

12.Do not use bent needles.

13.Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.

14.Switch the machine to the symbol “O” position when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, and the like.

15.Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.

16.This sewing machine is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.

17.Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with this machine.

“SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS”

“This machine is intended for household use.”

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.

NOTE

The plug served from the main lead must be destroyed as a plug with bared flexible cords is hazardous if engaged in a live socket outlet. 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.

WARNING

DO NOT CONNECT EITHER WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL WHICH IS MARKED WITH THE LETTER ‘E’, BY THE EARTH SYMBOL OR COLOURED GREEN OR YELLOW.

The wires in this main lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

Blue Neutral

Brown Live

As the colours of the wiring in the main lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows.

The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘N’ or coloured black or blue.

The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘L’ or coloured red or brown.

CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSING

OUR MACHINE

Your machine is the most advanced computerized home use this machine available. To fully enjoy all the features incorporated we suggest that you study this booklet.

PLEASE READ BEFORE USING THIS MACHINE

For safe operation

1.Be sure to keep your eye on the needle while sewing. Do not touch the pulley, thread take-up, needle, or other moving parts.

2.Remember to turn off the power switch and unplug the cord when: c Operation is completed

c Replacing or removing the needle or any other parts c A power failure occurs during use

c Maintaining the machine

c Leaving the machine unattended.

3.Do not store anything on the foot controller.

4.Plug the machine directly into the wall. Do not use extension cords.

For a longer service life

1.When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not store the machine beside a space heater, iron, or other hot objects.

2.Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the case. Benzene, thinner, and scouring powders can damage the case and machine, and should never be used.

3.Do not drop or hit the machine.

4.Always consult the operation manual when replacing or installing any assemblies, the presser feet, needle, or other parts to assure correct installation.

For repair or adjustment

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 nearest authorized Brother service center.

1

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

SETTING UP

__________________________5

PRINCIPAL PARTS _______________________5 OTHER INCLUDED ACCESSORIES __________7 OPTIONS _______________________________8 POWER SUPPLY _________________________9 SELECTION KEYS _______________________10

Screen messages guide you through each operation____________________________10

OPERATION BUTTONS___________________11 Using the operation buttons _____________11 USING THE SCREEN KEYS _______________12

Examples of the keys on LCD ___________12

About the screen______________________12

If the LCD is hard to see when the power is turned on____________________________13

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD _______13

HOW TO USE THE LANGUAGE SELECTION KEY___________________________________14

How to clear the language selection_______15

BOBBIN WINDING / BOBBIN THREAD

SETTING ______________________________16

Winding the bobbin and setting the bobbin thread ______________________________16

Setting the bobbin_____________________18

UPPER THREADING _____________________19

Thread according to number and arrow

marks on machine ____________________19

Auto-threading device__________________20

Using the extra spool pin and the net ______21

START/STOP ___________________________22

“START/STOP” button _________________22 Foot controller________________________22 Mounting and Using the Knee Lifter _______23

STITCH WIDTH AND STITCH LENGTH ______24

Stitch width __________________________24 Stitch length _________________________25

Quick adjustment reference chart for stitch width and stitch length _________________27

THREAD TENSION ______________________29

Correct tension _______________________29 Loosen tension by touching “ ” (Weak)___29 Tighten tension by touching “ ” (Strong) __30 Except “UTILITY STITCH” ______________30

CHANGING THE PRESSER FOOT __________31

Change the presser foot according to

the LCD message _____________________31

Installing embroidery foot “Q” ____________31 Changing the embroidery foot ___________32 Feed dog adjustment __________________33

CHANGING THE NEEDLE _________________34 Setting the needle securely _____________34

Checking needle ______________________34 MACHINE OPERATION KEYS______________35

CHAPTER 2

1. SEWING

_________________________36

TRIAL SEWING _________________________36

Sewing by using “UTILITY STITCH”_______36

Up Setting

AUTOMATIC REINFORCEMENT STITCHING _38

Cancelling automatic reinforcement stitching_____________________________38

AUTOMATIC THREAD CUTTING ___________39

Cancelling programmed automatic thread cutting ______________________________39

Sewing curves _______________________43 Sewing thick fabric ____________________44 Sewing thin fabric _____________________44

2. UTILITY STITCHES

_________________________45

STRAIGHT STITCHES ____________________45

For reinforcement stretching on stretch

fabric _______________________________46 Changing the stitch length ______________46 Changing the needle position ____________46

ADAPTER FOR LOW SHANK ATTACHMENTS 47

Included accessories __________________47

Installation of walking foot_______________47

ZIGZAG STITCHES ______________________48 Overcasting (using a zigzag stitch)________48 Applique (using a zigzag stitch) __________48

Patchwork (for crazy quilt) ______________48

OVERCASTING _________________________49

When using , or stitches ________49 When using , or stitches ________49

OVERCASTING (When using the side cutter) __50

BLIND HEM STITCHES ___________________52

Adjusting the needle drop position ________53 BUTTONHOLE STITCHES_________________54

Order of one cycle ____________________56

Sewing stretch fabrics__________________56

Buttons that do not fit into the guide plate (Odd-shaped buttons)__________________57

Changing the stitch length ______________57

Changing the stitch width _______________57

BAR TACKING __________________________58 Thick fabrics _________________________59 Changing the bar tack stitch length _______59 Changing the bar tack stitch width ________59 DARNING ______________________________60 Changing the length of the darning stitch ___61 Changing the bar tack stitch width ________61 Darning stitch cycle____________________61 TAPE ATTACHING _______________________62

EYELET STITCH ________________________63

Size of eyelet (Actual size) ______________63 BUTTON SEWING _______________________64 Attaching buttons with four holes _________65

Attaching a shank to the button __________65

BASTING ______________________________66

ZIPPER INSERTION (CENTERED

AND SIDE APPLICATION) _________________67

Centered application___________________67 Side application ______________________68 DART SEAM ____________________________70 GATHERING____________________________71

Pulling out the bobbin thread ____________72 PINTUCK ______________________________73

2

FLAT FELL SEAM _______________________75

Finished flat fell seam __________________76 APPLIQUES ____________________________77 Sewing the applique around corners ______77 APPLIQUE QUILTS ______________________78

SCALLOP STITCH _______________________79

SMOCKING STITCH______________________80 PATCHWORK STITCH____________________81 FAGOTING _____________________________82 DECORATIVE STITCHING ________________83 Decorative stitching ___________________83 Shell tacking _________________________83 HEM-STITCH (HEIRLOOM STITCH) _________84

“” hem-stitching ____________________84

“” hem-stitching ____________________85 LATERAL SEWING (STRAIGHT/ZIGZAG)_____86

3.CHARACTERS AND DECORATIVE STITCHES

_________________________88

CHARACTER SEWING ___________________88

Combinations of characters _____________89

DECORATIVE STITCHES _________________90 DECORATIVE STITCHES (7 mm) ___________91

SATIN STITCHES________________________92

CROSS STITCHING ______________________93

CHARACTER AND

DECORATIVE STITCH ADJUSTMENT _______94

Changing the pattern size (Actual size) ____94

Single/repeat sewing __________________94

Elongation___________________________95

Changing the stitch length and

the stitch width _______________________96

Customize patterns by combining satin

stitches using the “ ” and “ ” keys ____97

Changing Mirror Image [Left and Right (the

“

” key), and Top and Bottom (the “

”

key)] _______________________________99

Confirming entry of combined

stitch patterns _______________________100 Saving combined stitch patterns_________100

SEWING ______________________________102

Sewing attractive finishes ______________102 Using a pattern sheet _________________102 Sewing ____________________________103

ADJUSTING STITCH PATTERNS __________105

4. EMBROIDERING

________________________106

PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING _________106

Attaching embroidery foot “Q”___________106 Fitting embroidery unit ________________107

Removing the embroidery unit __________108 Placing the embroidery unit into its case __108 Initializing the embroidery unit __________109 SELECTING AND SEWING PATTERNS _____110

Selecting alphabetical characters ________110 Selecting one-point patterns ____________111

Selecting frame patterns_______________112 Selecting floral alphabets ______________113 Selecting patterns from a memory card ___114 MEMORY _____________________________116

Saving a pattern combination in memory __116

Up Setting

EMBROIDERING _______________________117 Embroidering attractive finishes _________117

Setting the fabric into the embroidery frame______________________________117

Fitting the embroidery frame to

the embroidery unit ___________________119

Embroidering _______________________120

Embroidering a single color pattern

when “MULTI COLOR” is displayed ______122

Changing the stitch density for characters

and some frame patterns ______________122 MOVING THE LOCATION (LAYOUT) _______123 Moving the embroidery location _________124

Checking the embroidering area_________124 Embroidering from a specific starting point_125

Changing the pattern direction __________125 Reversing patterns ___________________126 Using the “IMAGE” key ________________126

Changing the size of characters, frame patterns and pattern __________________127

ADJUSTMENTS DURING THE EMBROIDERY PROCESS ____________________________129

If the thread breaks during embroidering __129

Continuing a pattern after the power

has been momentarily turned off ________129 When sewing again from the beginning.......130

EMBROIDERY APPLICATIONS____________131

Linking characters____________________131

Embroidering appliques

(using a frame pattern) ________________132

Embroidering onto small pieces

of fabric or onto corners _______________134

5. EDITING EMBROIDERY PATTERNS

________________________135

EMBROIDERY EDITING CAPABILITIES _____135 Explanation of the Editing Functions _____135

HOW TO EDIT _________________________136

Character Editing ____________________137

One-point Editing ____________________143 Border Pattern Editing ________________145

Editing Patterns on Embroidery Cards

(sold separately) _____________________146 Editing Combinations _________________147

SAVING A PATTERN COMBINATION TO MEMORY _____________________________151

Let's Sew __________________________153

CORRECTING EDITED PATTERNS ________154

Correcting another stitch pattern during

editing _____________________________154 Correcting stitch patterns after editing ____155

6. RETRIEVING

________________________156

RETRIEVING CHARACTERS AND

PATTERNS ____________________________156

RETRIEVING AN EMBROIDERY PATTERN __157 RETRIEVING AN EDITED PATTERN _______158 DELETING A STORED PATTERN __________159

3

Up Setting

7.MY CUSTOM STITCHTM

(Function for making own stitch Designs)

________________________160

MAKING THE ILLUSTRATION _____________160 GENERATING THE DATA ________________162 EDITING AN EXISTING “ ” ________164

Moving a point ______________________164

Moving part or all of a pattern ___________165

Inserting new points __________________165

Once you have finished editing__________166

STORING THE “	” WHICH YOU HAVE
ENTERED _____________________________167
RETRIEVING A “	” ______________168

MAINTENANCE

________________________169

CLEANING ____________________________169

Cleaning the screen __________________169 Cleaning the machine surface __________169

Cleaning the shuttle __________________169

CHANGING THE LIGHT BULB_____________171

RELATED CHART OF SEWING FABRICS, THREAD AND NEEDLE __________________172

ERROR MESSAGES

________________________173

Warning messages ___________________173 Instruction messages _________________178 Alarms_____________________________179

TROUBLESHOOTING

________________________180

USING THE “OPERATION GUIDE” KEY _____180

Trouble with threads and stitches ________181

Mechanical trouble ___________________182

SEWING CHART

________________________183

PATTERNS

(PROGRAMMED IN MACHINE)

________________________186

Utility stitches _______________________186 Character sewing ____________________186 Character embroidering chart ___________190 Frame pattern embroidering chart _______190

PATTERNS (MEMORY CARD)

________________________191

One point mark embroidery pattern ______191

*MY CUSTOM STITCHTM is under application for a registered trademark in the United States of America.

4

SETTING UP			CHAPTER 1
PRINCIPAL PARTS
	2	1	12
	3
			C
D			13
4			14
5
6	E		15
7

8

9

10		16	A
	11	B
		17

1– Handle 2– Spool cap

3– Thread guide for bobbin winding 4– Needle threader lever

5– Thread cutter 6– Buttonhole lever 7– Needle threader 8– Presser foot

9– Feed dog 10– Bobbin cover

11– Feed dog adjustment lever 12– Bobbin winder device

13– Balance wheel

14– Speed range control lever 15– Presser foot lever

16– Knee Lifter Mounting Slot 17– Knee Lifter

A–Main power switch and connectors B–Accessory compartment C–Selection keys (Refer to page 10) D–L.C.D. (Liquid Crystal Display) E–Operation buttons (Refer to page 11)

Up Setting

5

1
		3
2
		4
I		II	1
			J
2
1
III
2	A		1
			9
3
4			0
5
6		7	8
6

Up Setting

A. MAIN POWER SWITCH AND CONNECTORS

1 Card slot

Slot for memory card insertion.

2Main power switch

Use to turn on/off the main power.

3Controller jack

Insert for foot controller operation.

4Power cord

Use to connect machine to power supply.

CAUTION

–When leaving the machine unattended, the main switch of the machine must be switched off or the plug must be removed from the socket-outlet.

–When servicing the machine, or when removing covers or changing bulbs, the machine or the electrical set must be unplugged.

–For U.S.A. only

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one way.

If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.

B. FLAT BED ATTACHMENT WITH ACCESSORY COMPARTMENT

ITilt the lid of the accessory compartment toward you to open.

II Each presser foot has a symbol. 1 Presser foot symbol

IIIACCESSORY LIST

The location of each accessory is shown in figure

III.

No.	Part Name	Part Code
1	Buttonhole foot “A”	X57789-101
2	Embroidery foot “Q”	XA5891-101
3	Overcasting foot “G”	X51162-001
4	Monogramming foot “N”	X53840-301
5	Zipper foot “I”	X59370-051
6	Zigzag foot “J”	137748-101
7	Blind stitch foot “R”	X56409-001
8	Seam ripper	X54243-001
9	Button fitting foot “M”	130489-001
0	Bobbin	136492-101
A	Needle set	X58358-001

*Always use the plastic bobbin which is supplied with machine or in accessory compartment.

*Always use BROTHER accessories recommended for this machine.

OTHER INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

1	2	3
4	5	6
7	8	9
10	11	12
13	14	15
	17
16	18	19
	21
20	22	23
24
25	26	27
28	29	30
31	32

	No. Part Name		Part Code
			U.S.A.	Others
	1	Bobbin (3)	136492-101
	2	Seam ripper	X54243-001

3Screw

4Scissors

5Chalk pen

6Cleaning brush

7	Eyelet punch	135793-001
8	Screwdriver (Large)	X55467-051
9	Screwdriver (Small)	X55468-051
10	Spool cap (Small)	130013-003
11	Spool cap (Large)	130012-003
12	Extra spool pin*	XA3336-051
13	Spool felt	X57045-001
14	Disc-shaped screwdriver	XA2005-051
15	Walking foot*	X81064-001
16	Side cutter	X80943-001
17	Embroidery set (Regular)	SA422	X80903-002
18	Embroidery frame (Regular)	XA2171-101
19	Embroidery sheet (Regular)	XA2212-001
20	Net*	127610-000
21	Embroidery set (Large)	SA423	X80902-002
22	Embroidery frame (Large)	XA2168-201
23	Embroidery sheet (Large)	XA2209-001
24	Embroidery set (Small)	SA421	X80904-102
25	Embroidery frame (Small)	XA2174-101
26	Embroidery sheet (Small)	XA2215-101
27	Screw*	XA4813-051
28	Foot controller	234522-001
29	Pattern Sheet	XA4595-001
30	Hard case	XA1821-106
31	Knee Lifter	XA6941-001
32	Embroidery bobbin thread	SA-BTS	X81164-001

*Use the same screw when installing both the side cutter and the walking foot.

*If using special threads which wind quickly off the thread spool, place a net on the spool before using.

*If using the walking foot, please refer to the explanatory sheet which is inserted in the instruction

book.

* The extra spool pin which is provided as an accessory

should be attached to the end of the bobbin winder

shaft during use.

Note (For U.S.A. only)

Foot controller: Model J2

This foot controller can be used for this machine model PC-8500.

Up Setting

7

OPTIONS

1

2

3

4

5

6

Up Setting

	No.	Part Name		Part Code
				U.S.A.	Others
	1	Brother poly 40 color thread set		SA740	X80928-100
	2	Brother poly #60 bobbin thread		SA-BTS	X81164-001
	3	Backing material (Stabilizer material)		SA519	X81185-001
	4	Country bag		SA152	X80922-002
	5	Grid sheet set		SA500	X80948-001
		Memory card*
			No. 1 Alphabet	SA298	X58317-001
			No. 2 Flower	SA299	X58321-001
			No. 3 Dinosaur	SA300	X58362-001
			No. 6 Moskowitz’s World	SA303	X58497-001
			No. 7 Country Life	SA304	X59322-001
			No. 8 Holiday	SA305	X59357-001
	6		No. 9 Hobby Craft	SA306	X59511-001
			No. 10 Monogram Emblem	SA307	X59567-001
			No. 11 Frame	SA311	XA0257-001
			No. 12 Transportation	SA312	XA0275-001
			No. 13 Sports Emblem	SA313	XA0517-001
			No. 14 Large Floral	SA314	XA1223-001
			No. 15 Cute Kids	SA315	XA1325001
			No. 16 Dogs & Cats	SA316	XA1406-001
			No. 17 Nintendo	SA317	XA1434-001
			No. 19 Marine	SA319	XA2452-001
			No. 20 Petite Designs	SA320	XA2869-001
			No. 21 Needlework	SA321	XA2873-001
			No. 26 Snoopy	SA326	XA3826001
			No. 27 Birds	SA327	XA4289001
			No. 28 Christmas	SA328	XA4502001
			No. 29 Lace	SA329	XA4664001
			No. 30 Wildlife animals	SA330	XA4771001
			No. 31 Large flower II	SA331	XA5037001
			No. 32 Musical instrument	SA332	XA5386001
			No. 33 Trees	SA333	XA5567001
			No. 35 Cats & dogs II	SA335	XA5629001
			No. 36 Fruits & vegetables	SA336	XA5659001
			No. 37 Applique alphabet	SA337	XA5753001
			No. 38 Angel	SA338	XA5781001
			No. 39 Doll face	SA339	XA5978001
			No. 40 Sports 3	SA340	XA6111001

*This unit cannot be used in conjunction with the memory card S-1.

WARNING

–Embroidery Card purchased in foreign countries may not work with your machine.

8

POWER SUPPLY

WARNING

–When leaving the machine unattended or when it is not being used, turn off the main power switch of the machine or remove the plug from the wall outlet.

CAUTION

–Do not use this sewing machine with extension cords or multi-plug adaptors, otherwise a fire or an electric shock may occur.

–Do not remove the plug from the wall outlet with wet hands, otherwise an electric shock may occur.

–When unplugging the power cord, turn off the main power switch of the machine, then grasp the plug and pull to unplug the cord. Pulling on the cord may damage it or cause a fire or an electric shock.

–Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modified, forcefully bent, pulled, twisted or bundled. In addition, do not place heavy objects on the cord or subject it to heat, otherwise the cord may be damaged or a fire or an electric shock may occur.

If the power cord or plug are damaged, contact your nearest authorized Brother dealer or service center.

–If the machine is not to be used for a long period of time, unplug the power cord, otherwise a fire may occur.

1.Insert the plug into a wall outlet.

1 Main power switch

2. Set the main power switch to “I ”.

3. To turn off the machine, set the main power switch to “O ”.

1

Up Setting

9

SELECTION KEYS

Screen messages guide you through each operation

UTILITY

STITCH

CHARACTER

DECORATIVE

STITCH

EMBROIDERY

EMBROIDERY

EDIT

OPERATION

GUIDE

MEMORY

RECALL

1

C. SELECTION KEYS

*Depending on the country of destination, the selection keys may be displayed by means of characters or by illustrations.

1“UTILITY STITCH” KEY

Use this key when you sew utility stitches such as straight stitches, buttonholes, etc.

2“CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH” KEY

Use this key to sew alphabetical characters and other decorative stitches.

3“EMBROIDERY” KEY

Use this key when using a memory card and when embroidering pre-programmed patterns. When you insert or remove the memory card from the machine, the main power switch should always be turned off.

4“EMBROIDERY EDIT” KEY

Use this key for embroidering patterns which are combinations of other patterns.

5“OPERATION GUIDE” KEY

Use this key if you would like information on how to use machine functions such as upper threading, bobbin winding and bobbin thread setting.

6“MEMORY RECALL” KEY

Use this key to retrieve combined patterns which have been saved in memory.

Up Setting

10

OPERATION BUTTONS

Using the operation buttons

	1
	2
	3
STARTSTOP	4

1

2

3 4

D. OPERATION BUTTONS

1“THREAD CUTTER” BUTTON

When you press this button, both upper bobbin threads are cut automatically.

2“NEEDLE POSITION” BUTTON

Press to change the needle position from to down or from down to up.

3“REVERSE STITCH” BUTTON

The reverse stitch button is used to secure and end stitching with a reverse stitch or reinforcement stitch. The reverse stitch function stitches backward. The reinforcement stitch function stitches three times in the same position. (See page 38 for full instructions.)

4“START/STOP” BUTTON

The button illuminates green when the machine is ready to be started and while sewing or embroidering. If starting is not possible, it illuminates red. In addition, it illuminates orange when the bobbin thread is being wound onto the bobbin (when the bobbin winder shaft is to the right).

*Sewing continues at low speed while the button is pressed.

*The needle will drop to its lowest position when the machine is stopped.

Up Setting

11

USING THE SCREEN KEYS

Touch a key on the screen with your finger to select the pattern which appears inside the key or to start the function or operation indicated inside the key.

CAUTION

Be sure to touch the key with your finger only. Never use a pointed instrument such as a sharp pencil or a screwdriver or a hard object to touch the key.

Furthermore, do not press down too hard on the screen, otherwise problems may result.

Examples of the keys on LCD

“”:

Touch this key to return to the previous page.

“”:

Touch this key to move to the next page. “CHECK”:

If an error message appears, touch this to return to the original screen. “CLOSE”:

If another screen is being displayed over the top of an advice screen, for example, touch this key to remove the topmost screen.

“RETURN”:

Touch this key to return to the previous screen. “END”:

Touch this key to stop using the function. “CONFIRM”:

Touch this key to start a function working.

About the screen

NOTES

–All or parts of the screen may become darker or lighter at times because of changes in the ambient temperature around the screen. This is normal and is not the sign of a malfunction. Adjust the screen if it is difficult to read.

–The screen may be dark, immediately after the power is turned on. This is a feature of the light which illuminates the screen, and is not the sign of a malfunction. The screen will return to its normal level of brightness after approximately 10 minutes.

Up Setting

12

Up Setting

If the LCD is hard to see when the power is turned on

UTILITY

STITCH

CHARACTER

DECORATIVE

STITCH

EMBROIDERY

EMBROIDERY

EDIT

OPERATION

GUIDE

MEMORY

RECALL

UTILITY

STITCH

CHARACTER

DECORATIVE

STITCH

EMBROIDERY

EMBROIDERY

EDIT

OPERATION

GUIDE

MEMORY

RECALL

1.While touching the LCD (anywhere is OK), turn the power off and then back on again.

*The START/STOP button will not illuminate at this time.

2.Touch any one of the lower three selection keys (EMBROIDERY EDIT, OPERATION GUIDE or MEMORY RECALL). The LCD will become darker each time one of these keys is touched. If you would like to make the LCD lighter, touch any one of the upper three selection keys (UTILITY STITCH, CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH or EMBROIDERY).

3.After you have finished adjusting, turn the power off and back on again once more.

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD.

1. Touch the “OPERATION GUIDE” key.

2. Touch the “BRIGHTNESS OF LCD” key.

1 Touch this key to make contrast less (lighter). 2 Touch this key to make contrast greater

(darker).

3 Touch this key to return to the screen which was previously being displayed.

1

2

3

13

HOW TO USE THE LANGUAGE SELECTION KEY

You can use the “ ” key to easily change the display language for all the keys and messages on the LCD screen to the language you need.

1. Touch the “OPERATION GUIDE” key.

2. Touch the “

” key.

3. The language display screen will then appear. Touch the key which corresponds to the desired language.

Example: To change the display language to

	Spanish
1.	Touch the “	” key.
2.	Touch “ESPAÑOL (SPANISH).
	This will change the language setting to
	Spanish.
3.	The display will then return to the screen
	which was previously being displayed.
Note
*	When the “	” key is used to set the
	display language, error messages will also be
	displayed in the language selected.
*	The display language can be selected from a
	list of 13 languages (English, German,
	French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Danish,
	Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, Portuguese,
	Turkish and Chinese).

Up Setting

14

Up Setting

How to clear the language selection

Example: To change the display language from Spanish back to English

1.	Touch the “OPERATION GUIDE” key.
2.	Touch the “	” key.
3.	Touch the “ENGLISH” key.
	This will cancel the Spanish language setting
	and return all screen displays and error
	messages to the English language.

CAUTION

– This function should not be used as a translation function.

– If the power supply is turned off, the current language setting will be retained and will not be cleared.

15

BOBBIN WINDING / BOBBIN THREAD SETTING

Winding the bobbin and setting the bobbin thread

3 2

4, 8

5

6

7

9

1

3
	1	2
3		1

2

1.Connect the machine to the power supply and turn on the main power.

2.Place the spool of thread on the spool pin. The thread end should come from the bottom front of the spool. The spool cap closest to the thread spool size should be used to hold the spool securely on the spool pin.

1 Spool cap

2 Spool

3 Spool pin

*The spool cap should be pushed on as far as it will go.

Note

If using a fine thread such as cross wound thread, slightly separate the spool cap (small) from the spool of thread before using it.

1 Cross wound thread

2 Spool cap (small)

3 Gap

16

3.Steady the spool thread in your right hand, take the end of the thread in your left hand, and pass it through the guides in the order shown by the numbers.

Up Setting

Up Setting

2
1
1
2
1
2
3
1

4.Align the groove in the bobbin with the spring on the shaft and place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft. Then, push the bobbin winder shaft to the right.

1 Spring on the shaft

2 Groove of the bobbin

5.Wind the thread clockwise around the bobbin four or five times, pass the end of the thread through the slit in the bobbin winder seat, and then pull the thread in the direction shown in the illustration. Use the cutter to cut the thread.

1 Bobbin winder seat

6.Slide the speed range control lever to its maximum (as far to the right as possible).

7.Press the “START/STOP” button. The machine will stop automatically when the bobbin is full.

8.After the bobbin has stopped moving, press the “START/STOP” button to stop the machine.

9.Cut the thread, slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left and remove the bobbin.

17

Up Setting

Setting the bobbin

1. Slide open the bobbin cover.

1

1 Bobbin cover

2 Bobbin cover release button

2

2.Insert the bobbin into the shuttle with the thread direction as noted in the diagram.

1

3.Guide the thread end through the slit, then pull the thread toward you to cut off any excess thread.

1 Built-in thread cutter

1	2

4.Close the bobbin cover by placing the left end in place and pressing down lightly on the right end so that it snaps into place.

*Sewing can begin without pulling out the bobbin thread.

18

UPPER THREADING

Thread according to number and arrow marks on machine.

3

4

1

6

5 2

*

1.Raise the presser foot lever. (If the presser foot is not raised, the upper thread cannot be threaded.)

2. Press the “NEEDLE POSITION” button to raise the needle to the up position.

3.Set the thread spool. The thread end should come from the bottom front of the spool. The spool cap closest to the thread spool size should be used to hold the spool securely

on the spool post.

Up Setting

19

Up Setting

Insert the thread firmly to the bottom of the guide. 1

2

4.Steady the spool thread in your right hand, take the end of the thread in your left hand, and keep it taut while passing it through the guides in the order shown by the numbers.

Note

Incorrect threading may cause damage.

	Threading the take-up lever	1 Thread take-up lever
4	4
	1
5

5.Lower the presser foot.

6.Thread the needle manually or using the auto-threading

device.

*You do not need to pull the bobbin thread up before you

start sewing.

7. Pass the thread underneath the presser foot and pull it out from the rear of the machine by about 5 cm.

Note

Always raise the presser foot before removing the upper thread from the machine or damage may occur to the auto thread tension unit.

Auto-threading device

1

3

2

5

1 1

2

1.Guide the thread through the wire loop and gently pull the thread towards you.

1 Needle threader lever

2 Guide (Large hook)

3 Wire loop

*Lowering the presser foot will engage the automatic tension and will allow you to grip the thread as you proceed.

2.Lower the needle threader lever all the way down using your left index finger. Check that the thread is held by the guide (large hook) and that the hook on the needle threader has passed through the eye of the needle.

1 Second set of hooks

2 Third hook

3.As you lower the needle threader lever drape the thread to the left and the large hook will catch the thread. When the needle threader lever is in the lowest position, drape the thread across the eye of the needle.

20

Up Setting

*Rotating your right hand slightly to check that the thread is engaged.

4.While gently holding the thread, raise the needle threader lever.

3

5

5.Pull the thread towards the rear to finish the upper threading.

6.Pass the thread underneath the presser foot and pull it out from the rear of the machine by about 5 cm (1-15/16”).

Using the extra spool pin and the net

Extra spool pin

Use when embroidering with metallic thread.

1.Insert the extra spool pin into the end of the bobbin winder shaft.

2.Install the spool felt and the thread spool in that order, and then thread the upper thread.

1 Insert the extra spool pin into the end of the bobbin winder shaft 2 Spool felt

3 Thread spool

*When setting the thread spool, set it so that the thread winds off from the front of the spool.

*If using metallic thread, we recommend that you use a 90/14 home sewing

machine needle.

Note

This method keeps the thread from twisting as it comes off the spool pin.

3

2

1

Net

If using special threads which wind quickly off the thread spool, attach a net to the spool before using.

*Cut the net to match the size of the spool.

1	Net		1
2	Thread spool		4
3	Spool pin
4	Spool cap
		2	3	4

Needle	Thread (cotton)
65/9	#30, 50, 60
75/11	#30
90/14	#30
100/16	#20

Note

The auto-threading device cannot be used with the combinations shown at left.

Transparent nylon thread can be used regardless of the chart providing needle used in 90/14 to 100/16.

21

START/STOP

“START/STOP” button

Foot controller

1

2

Up Setting

1Place the fabric under the presser foot, lower the presser foot, and then press the “START/STOP” button. This machine starts sewing.

*Hold down the “START/STOP” button to sew at a slow speed.

2. Press the “START/STOP” button to stop this machine.

Note

Do not allow fabric pieces and dust to collect in the foot controller. Doing so could cause a fire or an electric shock.

1.With this machine turned off, insert the foot controller plug into its jack on this machine.

1 Foot controller

2 Foot controller jack

2.Turn on this machine, then slowly depress the foot controller to start sewing.

*The speed set using the speed range control lever is the foot controller’s maximum sewing speed.

3. Release the foot controller to stop this machine.

*When the foot controller is being used, the “START/STOP” button has no effect on the sewing.

Note (For U.S.A. only)

Foot controller: Model J2

This foot controller can be used for this machine model PC8500.

22

Up Setting

Mounting and Using the Knee Lifter

Align the knee lifter with the mounting slot and insert.

Use your knee to raise the knee lifter to the right in order to free both your hands for other tasks.

23

STITCH WIDTH AND STITCH LENGTH

Stitch width

Increasing the stitch width

Touch the “ ” stitch width setting key.

The stitch width setting value will increase each time you touch the key.

Decreasing the stitch width

Touch the “ ” stitch width setting key.

The stitch width setting value will decrease each time you touch the key.

Up Setting

24

Up Setting

Sewing characters and patterns using satin stitches

Touch the “CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH” key from the selection keys in the right side of the machine. Touch

“” key on the LCD screen.

*If you touch the “CLOSE” key, the display will return to the previous screen.

Stitch length

Increasing the stitch length

Touch the “ ” stitch length setting key.

The stitch length setting value will increase each time you touch the key.

25

Up Setting

Decreasing the stitch length

Touch the “ ” stitch length setting key.

The stitch length setting value will decrease each time you touch the key.

*When sewing straight stitches, if the fabric thickness is less than 1 mm, the stitch length is automatically changed to 4.0 mm at the sewing start to prevent gathering, even if you set the length to 5.0 mm.

Sewing characters and patterns using satin stitches

Press the “CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH” key from the selection keys on the right side of the machine. Touch the

“” key to adjust.

*If you touch the “CLOSE” key, the display will return to the previous screen.

26

Up Setting

Quick adjustment reference chart for stitch width and stitch length

STITCH		Stitch width	[mm (inch.)]	Stitch length	[mm (inch.)]	STITCH		Stitch width	[mm (inch.)]	Stitch length	[mm (inch.)]
		Auto.	Manual	Auto.	Manual			Auto.	Manual	Auto.	Manual
Straight		[0.0	0.0–7.0	2.5	0.2–5.0
(Left)		(0.0)]	(0–1/4)	(3/32)	(1/64–3/16)
								7.0	3.0–7.0	0.5	0.3
Straight		–	–	2.5	0.2–5.0
(Middle)				(3/32)	(1/64–3/16)			(1/4)	(1/8–1/4)	(1/32)	(1/64
		[0.0	0.0–7.0	2.5	1.5–2.5
		(0.0)]	(0–1/4)	(3/32)	(1/16–3/32)
Stretch stitch
		1.0	1.0–3.0	2.5	1.0–4.0
		(1/16)	(1/16–1/8)	(3/32)	(1/16–3/16)			7.0	2.5–7.0	2.0	0.4–2.5
						Darning
Zigzag		3.5	0.0–7.0	1.4	0.0–4.0			(1/4)	(3/32–1/4)	(1/16)	(1/64–1/16)
		(1/8)	(0–1/4)	(1/16)	(0–3/16)
		5.0	1.5–7.0	1.0	0.2–4.0	Bar tack		2.0	1.0–3.0	0.4	0.3–1.0
		(3/16)	(1/16–1/4)	(1/16)	(1/64–1/16)			(1/16)	(1/16–1/8)	(1/64)	(1/64–1/16)
Elastic zigzag
		5.0	1.5–7.0	1.0	0.2–4.0	Tape attaching		4.0	0.0–7.0	1.0	0.2–4.0
		(3/16)	(1/16–1/4)	(1/16)	(1/64–1/16)			(3/16)	(0.0–1/4)	(1/16)	(1/61–3/16)
		3.5	2.5–5.0	2.0	1.0–4.0	Eyelet		7.0	7.0 6.0 5.0	7.0	7.0 6.0 5.0
		(1/8)	(3/32–3/16)	(1/16)	(1/16–3/16)			(1/4)	(1/4–3/16)	(1/4)	(1/4–3/16)
		5.0	2.5–5.0	2.5	1.0–4.0	Button sewing		3.5	2.5–4.5	–	–
		(3/16)	(3/32–3/16)	(3/32)	(1/16–3/16)			(1/8)	(3/32–3/16)
		5.0	0.0–7.0	2.5	0.5–3.0	Basting		0.0	0.0–7.0	20	5–30
		(3/16)	(0.0–1/4)	(3/32)	(1/32–1/8)			(0.0)	(0–1/4)	(13/16)	(3/16–1-3/16)
Overcasting
		5.0	3.5–5.0	2.5	1.0–4.0			3.5	2.5–5.0	2.5	1.6–2.5
		(3/16)	(1/8–3/16)	(3/32)	(1/16–3/16)			(1/8)	(3/32–3/16)	(3/32)	(1/16–3/32)
						Applique
		5.0	0.0–7.0	2.5	0.5–3.0			1.5	0.5–3.5	1.4	0.8–4.0
		(3/16)	(0.0–1/4)	(3/32)	(1/32–1/8)			(1/16)	(1/32–1/8)	(1/64)	(1/16–3/16)
		4.0	0.0–7.0	4.0	1.0–4.0	Scallop		5.0	2.5–7.0	0.4	0.1–1.0
		(3/16)	(0.0–1/4)	(3/16)	(1/16–3/16)			(3/16)	(3/32–1/4)	(1/64)	(1/64–1/16)
						Smocking stitch		5.0	1.5–7.0	1.6	0.2–4.0
		0.0	+3 – –3	2.0	1.0–3.5			(3/16)	(1/16–1/4)	(1/16)	(1/64–1/16)
Blind hem stitch
		(0.0)		(1/16)	(1/16–1/8)			5.0	2.5–7.0	2.5	1.0–2.5
								(3/16)	(3/32–1/4)	(3/32)	(1/16–3/32)
		5.0	3.0–5.0	0.4	0.2–1.0	Patchwork stitch		4.0	0.0–7.0	1.2	0.2–4.0
		(3/16)	(1/8–3/16)	(1/64)	(1/64–1/16)			(1/16)	(0.0–1/4)	(1/16)	(1/64–1/16)
		5.0	3.0–5.0	0.4	0.2–1.0			5.0	0.0–7.0	1.2	0.2–4.0
		(3/16)	(1/8–3/16)	(1/64)	(1/64–1/16)			(3/16)	(0.0–1/4)	(1/16)	(1/64–1/16)
		5.0	3.0–5.0	0.4	0.2–1.0			5.0	0.0–7.0	2.5	2.5–3.0
		(3/16)	(1/8–3/10)	(1/64)	(1/64–1/10)			(3/16)	(0.0–1/4)	(3/32)	(3/32–1/8)
						Fagoting
Buttonhole		5.0	3.0–5.0	0.4	0.2–1.0			5.0	2.5–7.0	2.5	1.0–2.5
		(3/16)	(1/8–3/16)	(1/64)	(1/64–1/16)			(3/16)	(3/32–1/4)	(3/32)	(1/16–3/32)
		6.0	3.0–6.0	1.0	0.5–2.0
		(1/4)	(1/8–1/4)	(1/16)	(1/32–1/16)
		6.0	3.0–6.0	1.5	1.0–3.0
		(1/4)	(1/8–1/4)	(1/16)	(1/16–1/8)
		5.0	0.0–6.0	2.0	0.2–5.0
		(3/16)	(0.0–1/4)	(1/10)	(1/64–3/16)

27