Brother PQ1500S User Manual

SEWING MACHINE

MACHINE À COUDRE

PQ1500S

OPERATION MANUAL

MANUEL D’UTILISATION

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other) to reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug

“IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS”

“Read all instructions before using.”

When using a sewing machine, basic safety precautions should always be taken,

including the following:

DANGER – To reduce the risk of electric shock:

●The sewing machine should never be left unattended while plugged in. Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.

●Always unplug before changing the light bulb. Replace bulb with same type rated 120V 15 watts for 120V model or rated 240V 15 watts for 220-240V model.

WARNING – To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury:

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

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

●Never operate this sewing 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 sewing machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

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

●Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

●Do not use outdoors.

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

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

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

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

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

●Do not use bent needles.

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

●Turn off power to the machine by flipping the ON/OFF switch to the symbol “O” before making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the bobbin or changing the presser foot etc.

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

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

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

CAUTION For U.S.A. only–

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. “SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS”

“This sewing machine is intended for household use.”

FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA

AND CYPRUS ONLY

If your sewing 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 GREEN AND 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

A BROTHER SEWING MACHINE

Your machine is one of the finest sewing machines available for home use.

To fully enjoy all the features incorporated into it, we suggest that you study this booklet.

PLEASE READ BEFORE USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

For safe operation

●Be sure to watch the placement of your hands in relation to the needle while sewing. Do not touch moving parts such as the balance wheel, thread take-up or needle while the machine is operating.

●Remember to turn off the power switch and unplug the cord when:

●Operation is completed

●Replacing or removing the needle or any other parts

●A power failure occurs during use

●Maintaining the machine

●Leaving the machine unattended

●Do not place anything on the foot controller.

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

For a longer service life

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

●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.

●Do not drop or hit the machine.

●Always consult the operation manual when replacing any accessories, including: the presser feet, needle or other parts to assure correct installation.

For repair or adjustment

In the event that 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.

To find out the name and phone number for your authorised Brother service center visit www.brother.com and use our convenient dealer locator.

CONTENTS

Accessories .......................................................................	1
Machine Features ..............................................................	2
Before You Begin ..............................................................	3
Power Cord and Foot Controller ...............................	3
Power Switch ............................................................	3
Thread Tension Dial..................................................	3
Hand Wheel ..............................................................	3
Stitch Length Regulator ............................................	3
Reverse Stitch Lever.................................................	3
Presser Foot Lift Lever..............................................	4
Knee Lift ....................................................................	4
Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment Dial ....................	4
Fabric Extension Table .............................................	4
Thread Cutter Button ................................................	5
Needle Stop Position Button .....................................	5
Light Switch...............................................................	5
Feed Dog Adjustment Knob ......................................	5
Changing Needles and Light Bulb ...................................	6
Changing the Needle ................................................	6
Changing the Feed Pin .............................................	6
Changing Light Bulbs ................................................	6
Threading ...........................................................................	7
Bobbin Winding .........................................................	7
Bobbin Insertion ........................................................	9
Upper Threading .....................................................	10
Using the Automatic Needle Threader ....................	10

Stitch Samples and Needle Chart ..................................	12
Stitch Samples ........................................................	12
Thread Tension .......................................................	12
Changing Presser Feet ...................................................	13
Changing Presser Feet (Zipper Foot) .....................	13
Presser Feet ...........................................................	13
Basic Sewing ...................................................................	14
Basic Sewing ..........................................................	14
Pin Feeding (for hard-to-handle fabrics) .................	14
Pin Feeding Mechanism .........................................	14
Rolled Hem Foot .....................................................	15
Zipper Foot ..............................................................	16
Invisible Zipper Foot................................................	17
1/4” Foot ..................................................................	17
Quilting Foot ............................................................	18
Walking Foot ...........................................................	18
Fabric Separator (for joining lining to fabric) ...........	19
Seam Guide ............................................................	19
Caring for Your Machine ................................................	20
Cleaning the Machine .............................................	20
Lubrication Points ...................................................	20
Trouble Shooting ............................................................	21

Accessories

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

No.	Part Name		Part Code
1	Cover		XA0917-052
2	Medium Screwdriver		125877-001
3	Small Screwdriver		125878-001
4	Cleaning Brush		XA4527-001
5	Knee Lift		XA0830-051
6	Needles and Case	1 Size 9
	(ORGAN HLX5)	2 Size 11
		1 Size 14	X80805-001
		1 Size 16
	1 Ballpoint Needle
7	Lining Plate Screw (2)		062670-812
8	Fabric Separator		184720-001
9	Feed Pin		138483-001
10	Feed Pin Changer		XC1407-051
11	General Purpose Foot		XA1425-001
12	Bobbin (5)		SA159
13	Spool Cap		XA2111-000
14	Rolled Hem Foot		X57138-001
15	Zipper Foot		112797-001
16	Invisible Zipper Foot		148475-001
17	1/4” Foot		XA7258-001
18	Quilting Foot		XA7255-201
19	Walking Foot		XA7253-001
20	Seam Guide		XA7256-001
21	Foot Controller		XC1220-051
22	Fabric Extension Table		XC1387-051

Note

Foot controller: Model P

This foot controller is used for sewing machine model PQ1500S.

1

Machine Features

	Presser Foot Pressure	Three Holed
	Adjustment Dial (Page 4)	Thread Guide (Page 10)
	Light Switch
	(Page 5)
	Thread Trimmer
	Sewing Area
	Light (Page 6)
	Automatic Needle
	Threader (Page 10 and 11)
		Thread Cutter
		Button (Page 5)
	Quick Bobbin	Thread Tension Dial
	Thread Device (Page 9)
		(Page 3 and 12)

Feed Dogs (Page 5 and 14)

Thread Guide Bar (Page 7)

Bobbin Winder

Stitch Length (Page 7)

Regulator (Page 3)

Hand Wheel (Page 3)

Indicator Lamp

Needle Stop Position

Button (Page 5) Power Switch

(Page 3)

Reverse Stitch

Lever (Page 3)

Power Socket (Page 3)

Feed Dog Adjustment

Knob (Page 5)

Foot Controller Jack (Page 3)

Knee Lift	Air Vents
(Page 4)

Handle	Thread Guide for
	Bobbin Winding (Page 7)

Presser Foot

Lift Lever (Page 4)

Spool Pin (Page 7)

Spool Cushion (Page 7)

2

Before You Begin (1)

Power Cord and Foot Controller

Note

Please use common household current.

●Plug in cord.

●Plug foot controller into machine.

Note

Foot controller: Model P

This foot controller is used for sewing machine model PQ1500S.

Power Switch

●Flip power switch to “I” position to turn on.

●To switch power off, flip switch to “O” position.

Power Cord

Foot Controller

Power Switch

I

O

Hand Wheel

●Position needle using hand wheel.

Always turn hand wheel towards you.

Stitch Length Regulator

●Adjust desired stitch length using stitch regulator dial.

Thread Tension Dial

●When tighter thread tension is desired, turn the tension dial to the right. Upper and bobbin threads will meet on right side of the fabric.

●When looser thread tension is desired, turn tension dial to the left. Upper and lower threads will then meet on wrong side of fabric.

Upper Thread Tension

Loosen

Tighten

Tension Block

Reverse Stitch Lever

●Sewing in reverse is possible when the reverse stitch lever is in the lowered position.

Make sure to push the lever all the way down when reverse sewing is desired.

When the feed adjustment dial is set between 5-7mm, the reverse stitch length is always 5 mm.

Hand Wheel

Stitch Length

Reference Mark

1

7		2	Lower number
			= shorter stitches
6		3	Higher number
			= longer stitches
	5
		4

Stitch Length Regulator

Reverse Stitch

Lever

3

Presser Foot Lift Lever

Lowering the presser foot lift lever lowers the sewing foot down onto the fabric and engages the thread tension function.

When working with heavy fabrics or other fabrics that don’t slide easily under the foot, raise the presser foot lever to position the fabric.

Knee Lift

Using the convenient knee lift to lift and lower the presser foot easily, leaving both your hands free.

Setting up the knee lift.

Push the knee lift bar all the way into the socket.

When knee lift is not in use, it can rest at the bottom of the fabric extension table.

Presser Foot

Lift Lever

Knee Lift

Fabric Extension Table

Knee Lift

Presser Foot Pressure

Adjustment Dial

Turning the pressure adjustment dial raises and lowers the pressure indicator needle as the amount of pressure on the presser foot changes.

See also: “Feed Dog Adjustment Knob” on page 5.

See “Thread Tension” on page 12.

Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment Dial

Pressure Indicator

Needle

Fabric Extension Table

Lower table feet and attach fabric extension table as shown in the below diagram.

2

Hole
Guide pin
	3	Stopper
2		3
1
Table legs	Hook

4

Before You Begin (2)

Thread Cutter Button

	Note
	When the machine stops due to
	jammed threads and so forth, do not
	step on the foot controller, turning the
	power off and moving the needle with
	the hand wheel, check the situation.
		Thread Cutter Button
	Otherwise broken needles could result.
	● The thread cutter trims upper and	Press with the presser lever down.

bobbin threads at the end of seams.

Needle Stop Position Button

●When indicator lamp is lit up, the machine will stop sewing with the needle lowered through the fabric.

●When indicator lamp is off, the needle position when sewing stops, will be random.

●If the safety mechanism is activated, for example if the thread becomes tangled, the red lamp flashes.

Light Switch

●Push light switch to turn the light over the sewing area on and off.

Indicator Lamp

Needle Stop Position Button

Light Switch

Feed Dog Adjustment Knob

● Height of feed dogs can be adjusted to coincide with fabric weights.

Feed Dog Adjustment Knob

Foot Pressure and Feed Dog Position

(Feed Dogs Down)

Velvet

(Pin Feeding)

Lightweight Fabrics

Middleweight Fabrics

Heavyweight Fabrics

Select one of four feed dog positions according to your needs.

Note

If a setting other than is selected, the pin feed mechanism will not operate.

5

Changing Needles and Light Bulb

Note

Please make sure power is off before carrying out the following operations. There is a chance of injury if the machine accidentally starts running during this operation.

Changing the Needle

1Turn the sewing machine off. Raise needle to highest position using hand wheel, and lower presser foot.

2Loosen screw with screwdriver, and remove needle.

3Hold the needle with the flat side to the right, and insert the needle as far as it will go. Make sure needle is screwed in tightly.

If the needle is not adequately inserted or the screw is loose, this may break the needle or cause a breakdown and the needle threader will not work.

Check needles on a flat surface to make sure they are not bent.

Note

Screwdriver

The needle should lay

parallel to a surface.

Flat surface

Lay needle on a flat surface

(such as the needle plate or a plate

of glass).

HLX5 needles should be used; however, Schmetz 130/ 705H may also be used under normal circumstances.

Changing the Feed Pin

1 Set the feed dogs to “velvet” position. (See page 5.)

2 Remove needle, presser foot and needle plate.

3Lower presser foot and turn hand wheel until feed

pin is in its highest position.

4Insert small screwdriver (included) as shown in diagram.

5While holding spring with fingertip, lower the feed pin changer onto the needle to pick it up.

6Attach new feed pin to feed pin changer, lower and attach while holding

spring with fingertip. 7 Remove screwdriver.

8Re-attach needle plate, needle and presser foot.

Note

Please make sure power is off before carrying out the following operation. The glass plate over the light bulb will be hot immediately after using the machine, therefore it is advisable to wait until the light bulb has had a chance to cool down before changing bulbs.

Changing Light Bulbs

1 Turn off power.

2Remove screw from head.

3 Remove bulb housing.

4Unscrew bulb and remove.

5 Screw in new bulb. Sewing Light:

See page 20.

6Re-attach bulb housing and tighten screw.

Screwdriver

230V 120V

Light Light

Bulb Bulb

6

Threading (1)

Bobbin Winding	Note	]1
	Do not move bobbin winding clutch while machine
	is running.	Spool Cap	2 ]2
			Spool Cushion
	3	1
4			1

2

Spool of Thread

1 Raise the thread guide bar all the way.

2 Mount a spool thread on the spool pin.

1 Use spool cap when using parallel-wound thread.2 Use spool cushion when using cross-wound thread.

5 - 0: See the following illustrations.

Thread Notch 1
Thread Notch 2	Bobbin
3	Bobbin Winder
	Shaft

		Guide Pin
3 Pass the thread through the triangu-	4 Pass thread through bobbin winding	5 Run thread through top thread notch
lar hole.	thread guide as shown in drawing.	1, and align bottom thread notch 2 of
		the bobbin with guide pin on bobbin
		winder shaft.

Bobbin Winding Clutch

6Press bobbin winding clutch up against empty bobbin. If the bobbin stop does not slide easily between the top and bottom of the bobbin, check that the bobbin is seated prop-

erly with the guide pin (5) inserted 7 into the lower notch.

	] Place the thread end so that it does		Bobbin Winding Clutch
	not protrude from the bobbin.
	7 While holding the end of the thread, step on	8 Stop winding process when bobbin is	9 Manually move bobbin winding clutch 0 Cut thread and remove bobbin.
	the foot controller for a few seconds. Once	full. Take the foot off foot controller.	back to original position.
	enough thread has wound itself around the
	bobbin to hold itself in place, release the
	foot controller and trim the excess thread.
	Continue to wind the bobbin while pressing
	down on the foot controller.

8

	Bobbin Insertion		CAUTION – Moving parts –
			To reduce risk of injury, switch power off before servicing. Open covers.
			Latch Spring	Quick Bobbin
		Needle Plate
	1			Thread Device
				1
	2		Thread Notch	3
				2
		Bobbin Door	Bobbin should be
			positioned so it
			winds to the left.

1Lift needle plate and open bobbin door.

2

1

5Lower slide plate and close bobbin door, following numbers 1 2 above in order.

2 Put bobbin into the bobbin case.

Run thread through thread notch and under latch spring, so that a length of thread is exposed.

Always use the bobbin case that was supplied with this machine. A secondary bobbin case can be ordered from your dealer.

3Pull the latch lever of the bobbin case out and push the bobbin case into the shuttle race and release the latch lever.

If the latch lever is not set securely on the hook, it may fly off during sewing and cause lower thread breakage.

Rotate the hand wheel one full rotation towards you to check that the bobbin case is set securely.

When the fabric extension table is set in place

Open the bobbin thread setting cover beforehand, then set the bobbin thread in place. (You can set the bobbin thread in place without removing the fabric extension table.)

Bobbin Thread Setting Cover

4Pass the thread through the quick bobbin thread device in the order 1 2, pull in the direction of the arrow 3, then cut the thread.

Quick Bobbin Thread Device

This device cuts the bobbin thread end to an appropriate length after the bobbin has been replaced and holds it at that length, so the operation of pulling out the thread can not be skipped.

9

Threading (2)

Note Please turn off the power before using automatic needle threader. Accidentally stepping on the foot controller during this operation could cause bodily injury or damage to the machine.

1

Upper Threading	7
				1
					6	7
	8	6				2	9
			2		4
		4				3	0
Long			3
	5
Groove
						8	A
Depression				5
Thread	9			Make sure thread take-up lever is in			If the thread is still
	0
				highest position and presser foot is up.			tangles or breaks, run
Needle Hole		A
							the thread through the
				When using polyester thread or thread			holes backwards as
Using the Automatic Needle Threader				that tangles or breaks, run the thread			shown in diagram.
				through all three holes of the thread guide.

Automatic		1
Needle
Threader		Hook
		Pull the thread to
Thread	2	the left and check
		that it is caught on
Pin		the hook.

1 Rotate hand wheel towards you until needle is in the highest position, and lower presser foot.

10 2 Take thread in your left hand, and gently pull it forward.

3 Lower automatic needle threader.

Pull thread along the right side of the pin.

Do not force the needle threader lower than the eye of the needle. Be sure that the needle is in the highest position.

4Turn the needle threader lever all the way in the direction of 1 and when the hook extends from the needle hole, pull the thread in the direction of 2 to catch it on the hook.

5While holding the thread gently, return the needle threader lever to the right. As you do this the hook that has caught the thread will move as well, pulling a loop of thread through the eye of the needle.

Needle (HLX5)	Thread
#9	#20 #30 #50 #60
#11	#20 #30
#14	#20 #30
#16	#20

6 Pull thread loop to the right.

●The automatic needle threader cannot be used with the threadneedle combinations illustrated in the chart to the left. Transparent nylon thread can be used regardless of the chart, providing the needle used is a #14 or #16.

11