Brother 885-U24 User Manual

GETTING READY

Read before use.

Read when additional information is required.

SEWING BASICS

UTILITY STITCHES

APPENDIX

Computerized Sewing Machine

Product Code: 885-U24

Operation Manual

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Please read these safety instructions before attempting to use the machine.

DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock:

1Always 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.

2Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when making any adjustments mentioned

in the instruction manual:

• To unplug the machine, switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off, then grasp

the plug and pull it out of the electrical outlet. Do not pull on the cord.

• Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord.

• Always unplug your machine if the power is cut.

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 water is spilled on the unit. Return the machine to the nearest

authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

• While the machine is stored or in use if you notice anything unusual, such an odor, heat, discoloration or deformation, stop using the machine and immediately unplug the power cord.

• When transporting the machine, be sure to carry it by its handle. Lifting the machine by any other part may damage the machine or result in the machine falling, which could cause injuries.

• When lifting the machine, be careful not to make any sudden or careless movements, otherwise you may injure your back or knees.

4 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.

• Do not use the machine near a heat source, such as a stove or iron; otherwise, the machine, power cord or garment being sewn may ignite, resulting in fire or an electric shock.

• Do not place this machine on an unstable surface, such as an unsteady or slanted table, otherwise the machine may fall, resulting in injuries.

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5 Special care is required when sewing:

• Always pay close attention to the needle. Do not use bent or damaged needles.

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

• Switch the sewing machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off when making any adjustments in the needle area.

• Do not use a damaged or incorrect needle plate, as it could cause the needle to break.

• Do not push or pull the fabric when sewing, and follow careful instruction when freehand stitching so that you do not deflect the needle and cause it to break.

6 This machine is not a toy:

• Your close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children.

• The plastic bag that this machine was supplied in should be kept out of the reach of children or disposed of. Never allow children to play with the bag due to the danger of suffocation.

• Do not use outdoors.

7 For a longer service life:

• When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not use or store the machine near a space heater, iron, halogen lamp, or other hot objects.

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

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

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.

Use accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.

The contents of this manual and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.

For additional product information, visit our web site at www.brother.com

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This machine is intended for household use.

This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

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.

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Contents

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ...............................................................................1

Introduction ........................................................................................................................7

Sewing Machine Features .................................................................................................... 7

Accessories .......................................................................................................................... 8

Included accessories .........................................................................................................................................8

Optional accessories.........................................................................................................................................9

Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions ................................................................... 10

Front view.......................................................................................................................................................10

Needle and presser foot section ..................................................................................................................... 11

Right-side/rear view ........................................................................................................................................11

Operation buttons...........................................................................................................................................12

Operation panel..............................................................................................................................................13

GETTING READY 15

Turning the Machine On/Off............................................................................................. 16

Power supply precautions ...............................................................................................................................16

Turning on the machine.................................................................................................................................. 17

Turning off the machine..................................................................................................................................17

Understanding the LCD Screens........................................................................................ 18

Changing the Machine Settings .........................................................................................19

Changing the settings ......................................................................................................................................19

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD ............................................................................................................... 21

Changing the screen language.................................................................................................................................. 21

Winding/Installing the Bobbin........................................................................................... 22

Bobbin precautions .........................................................................................................................................22

Winding the bobbin ........................................................................................................................................22

Installing the bobbin .......................................................................................................................................26

Upper Threading ...............................................................................................................28

Threading the upper thread .............................................................................................................................28

Threading the needle ...................................................................................................................................... 31

Threading the needle manually (without using the needle threader) ............................................................... 33

Using the twin needle ..................................................................................................................................... 33

Pulling up the bobbin thread...........................................................................................................................36

Replacing the Needle ........................................................................................................37

Needle precautions.........................................................................................................................................37

Needle types and their uses.............................................................................................................................38

Checking the needle ....................................................................................................................................... 39

Replacing the needle.......................................................................................................................................39

Replacing the Presser Foot ................................................................................................41

Presser foot precautions .................................................................................................................................. 41

Replacing the presser foot...............................................................................................................................41

Adjusting the pressure of the presser foot ....................................................................................................... 43

Removing the presser foot holder................................................................................................................... 43

Using the walking foot .................................................................................................................................... 44

Sewing Cylindrical or Large Pieces.................................................................................... 46

Stitching cylindrical pieces.............................................................................................................................. 46

Sewing large pieces of fabric........................................................................................................................... 46

SEWING BASICS 49

Sewing............................................................................................................................... 50

General sewing procedure ..............................................................................................................................50

Positioning the fabric ......................................................................................................................................51

Starting to sew.................................................................................................................................................52

Securing the stitching......................................................................................................................................54

Cutting the thread ...........................................................................................................................................55

Adjusting the Thread Tension ............................................................................................ 57

Thread tension ................................................................................................................................................57

Changing the tension of the upper thread ....................................................................................................... 58

Adjusting the Stitch Width and Length .............................................................................. 59

Adjusting the stitch width................................................................................................................................ 59

Adjusting the stitch length ............................................................................................................................... 60

Useful Functions................................................................................................................61

Changing the needle stop position ................................................................................................................. 61

Automatically sewing reverse/reinforcement stitches............................................................................................... 61

Automatically cutting the thread .................................................................................................................... 63

Saving stitch settings .......................................................................................................................................64

Hands-free raising and lowering of the presser foot........................................................................................ 65

Useful Sewing Tips ............................................................................................................ 66

Trial sewing ....................................................................................................................................................66

Changing the sewing direction................................................................................................................................. 66

Sewing curves.................................................................................................................................................66

Sewing thick fabrics ........................................................................................................................................67

Sewing thin fabrics..........................................................................................................................................67

Sewing stretch fabrics......................................................................................................................................67

Sewing leathers or vinyl fabrics...................................................................................................................... 68

Sewing an even seam allowance.................................................................................................................... 68

Sewing hook-and-loop fastener ....................................................................................................................... 68

UTILITY STITCHES 69

Selecting Stitching .............................................................................................................70

Selecting stitch types and patterns.................................................................................................................. 70

Selecting stitching ...........................................................................................................................................72

Overcasting Stitches ..........................................................................................................76

Sewing overcasting stitches using overcasting foot “G” ...................................................................................76

Sewing overcasting stitches using zigzag foot “J”............................................................................................. 77

Sewing overcasting stitches using the side cutter............................................................................................. 78

Basic Stitching ................................................................................................................... 80

Basting............................................................................................................................................................80

Basic stitching.................................................................................................................................................81

Blind Hem Stitching ..........................................................................................................82

Buttonhole Stitching/Button Sewing.................................................................................. 84

Buttonhole sewing ..........................................................................................................................................85

Button sewing .................................................................................................................................................89

Zipper Insertion................................................................................................................. 91

Inserting a centered zipper ..............................................................................................................................91

Inserting a side zipper .....................................................................................................................................93

Zipper/piping Insertion .....................................................................................................96

Inserting a centered zipper ..............................................................................................................................96

Inserting a piping ............................................................................................................................................97

Sewing Stretch Fabrics and Elastic Tape ............................................................................ 98

Stretch stitching...............................................................................................................................................98

Elastic attaching ..............................................................................................................................................98

Appliqué, Patchwork and Quilt Stitching ........................................................................100

Appliqué stitching .........................................................................................................................................101

Patchwork (crazy quilt) stitching .................................................................................................................. 102

Piecing..........................................................................................................................................................102

Quilting ........................................................................................................................................................104

Free-motion quilting......................................................................................................................................105

Satin stitching using the sewing speed controller.......................................................................................... 106

Reinforcement Stitching .................................................................................................. 108

Triple stretch stitching...................................................................................................................................108

Bar tack stitching...........................................................................................................................................108

Darning......................................................................................................................................................... 110

Eyelet Stitching ................................................................................................................ 112

Horizontal Stitching ........................................................................................................113

Decorative Stitching ........................................................................................................115

Fagoting........................................................................................................................................................116

Scallop stitching............................................................................................................................................117

Smocking......................................................................................................................................................117

Shell tuck stitching ........................................................................................................................................118

Joining ..........................................................................................................................................................119

Heirloom stitching ........................................................................................................................................119

Sewing the Various Built-In Decorative Patterns ............................................................. 122

Sewing beautiful patterns ..............................................................................................................................122

Sewing patterns.............................................................................................................................................122

Combining patterns.......................................................................................................................................123

Repeat sewing patterns.................................................................................................................................. 124

Checking the selected pattern ....................................................................................................................... 124

Changing the pattern size..............................................................................................................................125

Changing the stitch density ........................................................................................................................... 126

Changing the pattern length ..........................................................................................................................127

Shifting patterns ............................................................................................................................................128

Mirror imaging the pattern ............................................................................................................................ 129

Saving patterns..............................................................................................................................................130

Retrieving a pattern .......................................................................................................................................130

Realigning the pattern ...................................................................................................................................131

Designing a Pattern ......................................................................................................... 133

Drawing a sketch of the pattern.................................................................................................................... 133

Entering the pattern data ...............................................................................................................................134

Examples of designs ......................................................................................................................................136

APPENDIX 137

Stitch Settings.................................................................................................................. 138

Utility stitches ...............................................................................................................................................138

Other stitches................................................................................................................................................144

Care and Maintenance ....................................................................................................149

Restrictions on oiling.....................................................................................................................................149

Cleaning the machine surface................................................................................................................................ 149

Cleaning the race..........................................................................................................................................149

Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................151

Frequent troubleshooting topics ....................................................................................................................151

Upper thread tightened up ..................................................................................................................................... 151

Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric ........................................................................................................ 152

Incorrect thread tension ................................................................................................................................ 154

Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed...............................................................................155

When the thread became tangled under the bobbin winder seat .................................................................. 158

List of symptoms ...........................................................................................................................................160

Error messages ..............................................................................................................................................165

Nothing appears in the LCD.......................................................................................................................... 166

Operation beep.............................................................................................................................................166

Cancelling the operation beep ............................................................................................................................... 166

Index ................................................................................................................................ 168

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this sewing machine. Before using this sewing machine, carefully read the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” (page 1), 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.

Sewing Machine Features

a Easy upper threading

Since the spool can be installed at the front of the sewing machine, the upper thread can easily be threaded. In addition, the needle can be threaded with a simple operation (page 28).

b Full auto upper thread tension

The thread tension is adjusted automatically.

c Automatic thread-cutting

The sewing machine can be set to automatically cut the thread at the end of the stitching (page 63).

d One-touch lower threading

You can start sewing without pulling up the bobbin thread (page 26).

e Simple bobbin-winding

The bobbin can quickly and easily be wound with thread (page 22).

f Built-in stitches

You can select from the built-in stitches available, including utility stitches, character stitches and decorative stitches.

g Knee lifter

Use the knee lifter to raise and lower the presser foot with your knee, leaving both hands free to handle the fabric (page

65).

Introduction 7

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Note

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.

(For U.S.A. only)

z Foot controller: Model N5V

This foot controller can be used on this machine model NX-650/ NX-800.

z The screw for the presser foot holder is available

through your authorized dealer. (Part code: XA4813-051)

z The organized accessory tray is available through your

authorized dealer. (Part code: XC4489-051)

■ Attaching the stitch pattern plate

The stitch pattern plate shows the stitch numbers and the patterns available with each stitch mode. Attach the stitch pattern plate to the handle as shown in the illustration below.

Memo

1. 2. 3. 4.

10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

20.

21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.

30. 31. 32.

15.

33.

6. 7.

16. 17. 18. 19.*

28.

34. 35.

36. 37. 38. *75/11 2 needles

90/14 2 needles 90/14 2 needles: Ball point needle (gold colored)

No. Part Name

1 Buttonhole foot “A” XC2691-023 21 Cleaning brush X59476-021 2 Overcasting foot “G” XE6305-101 22 Eyelet punch XZ5051-001 3 Monogramming foot “N” XD0810-031 23 Screwdriver (large) XC8349-021 4 Zipper foot “I” X59370-021 24 Screwdriver (small) X55468-021

Zigzag foot “J” (on

machine) 6 Blind stitch foot “R” XE2650-001 26 Spool cap (medium)(2) XE1372-001 7 Button fitting foot “M” XE2643-001 27 Spool cap (small) 130013-124 8 Walking foot SA140 9 Quilting foot SA129

10 Stitch guide foot “P” SA160 11

Adjustable zipper/piping foot

12 Non stick foot SA114 13 Open toe foot SA186 14 1/4 inch quilting foot SA125 15 Side cutter SA177 16 Quilting guide SA132 17 Seam ripper XZ5082-001 36 Accessory bag XC4487-021 18 Bobbin (4) SA156 19 Needle set X58358-021 38 Stitch pattern plate ** 20 Twin needle X59296-121

Part Code

Americas

SA161

Others

XC3021-031 25 Spool cap (large) 130012-024

F033N (XC2214-052) F005N (XC1948-052) F035N (XC1969F036N (XC1970-052) F007N (XC1949-052)

F060 (XE1094-101)

F001N (XC1944-052)

F054 (XC3879-152)

F016N (XC2215-052)

SFB (XA5539-151)

No. Part Name

28 Extra spool pin XC4654-151 29 Spool net XA5523-020

052

)

30 Foot controller

31 Grid sheet set XC4549-020 32 Knee lifter XA6941-052 33 Operation manual XE0371-301 34 Quick reference guide XE0360-001 35 Hard case XC9701-052

37 Disc-shaped screwdriver XC1074-051

Part Code

Americas

XD0496-221(EU area)

XC6651-321(other areas)

Others

** Contact your dealer or the nearest authorized service center.

29.

Optional accessories

The following are available as optional accessories to be purchased separately.

1. 2.

1. Wide table

Part code: SA551, WT5(XC9567-222)

z To obtain optional accessories or parts, contact your sales representative or the nearest authorized

service center.

2. 1/4 inch quilting foot with guide

Part code: SA185, F057(XC7416-252)

Accessories 9

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Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions

The names of the various parts of the sewing machine and their functions are described below. Before using the sewing machine, carefully read these descriptions to learn the names of the machine parts.

Front view

a Thread guide plate

Pass the thread under the thread guide plate.

b Thread guide cover

Pass the thread behind the thread guide cover when threading the upper thread.

c Spool pin

Place a spool of thread on the spool pin.

d Bobbin winding thread guide and pretension disk

Pass the thread under this thread guide and around the pretension disk when winding the bobbin thread.

e Top cover

Open the top cover to place the spool of thread on the spool pin.

f Bobbin winder

Use the bobbin winder when winding the bobbin.

g Operation panel

Use for stitch selection and various stitch functions. (page 13)

h Knee lifter mounting slot

Insert the knee lifter into the knee lifter mounting slot.

i Operation buttons and sewing speed controller

Use these buttons and the slide to operate the sewing machine. (page 12)

j Flat bed attachment with accessory compartment

Store presser feet and bobbins in the accessory compartment of the flat bed attachment. When sewing cylindrical pieces, remove the flat bed attachment.

k Thread cutter

Pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them.

l Needle threader lever

Use the needle threader to thread the needle.

m Thread take-up lever check window

Look through the window to check the position of the take-up lever.

Memo

Needle and presser foot section

a Buttonhole lever

The buttonhole lever is used with the one-step buttonhole foot to create buttonholes.

b Thread guide disk

Pass the thread through the thread guide disk when using the needle threader to thread the needle.

c Needle bar thread guide

Pass the upper thread through the needle bar thread guide.

d Needle plate

The needle plate is marked with guides to help sew straight seams.

e Needle plate cover

Remove the needle plate cover to clean the bobbin case and race.

f Bobbin cover

Open the bobbin cover to set the bobbin.

g Feed dogs

The feed dogs feed the fabric in the sewing direction.

h Presser foot

The presser foot applies pressure consistently on the fabric as sewing takes place. Attach the appropriate presser foot for the selected stitch.

i Presser foot holder

The presser foot is attached onto the presser foot holder.

Right-side/rear view

a Presser foot dial

Use the presser foot dial to adjust the amount of pressure that the presser foot applies to the fabric.

b Handle

Carry the sewing machine by its handle when transporting the machine.

c Handwheel

Turn the handwheel toward you to raise and lower the needle. The handwheel should be turned towards you (counterclockwise).

d Air vent

The air vent allows the air surrounding the motor to circulate. Do not cover the air vent while the sewing machine is being used.

e Main power switch

Use the main power switch to turn the sewing machine ON and OFF.

f Foot controller jack

Insert the plug on the end of the foot controller cable into the foot controller jack.

g Power supply jack

Insert the plug on the power cord into the power supply jack.

h Feed dog position switch

Use the feed dog position switch to lower the feed dogs.

i Presser foot lever

Raise and lower the presser foot lever to raise and lower the presser foot.

z Refer to pages 9 through 12 while you are

learning to use your machine.

Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions 11

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CAUTION

Note

Operation buttons

The operation buttons help you to easily perform various basic sewing machine operations.

a “Start/Stop” button

Press the “Start/Stop” button to start or stop sewing. The machine sews at a slow speed at the beginning of sewing while the button is depressed. When sewing is stopped, the needle is lowered in the fabric. For details, refer to “Starting to sew” (page 52). The button lights up in green, red or orange, depending on how the sewing machine is being operated.

Green: When the machine is ready to start

sewing or while it is sewing

Red: When the machine is not ready to

start sewing

Orange: When the bobbin winder shaft is

moved to the right for winding the bobbin thread onto the bobbin

b “Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” button

Press the “Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” button to sew reverse stitches or reinforcement stitches. Reverse stitches are sewn by keeping the button pressed down to sew in the opposite direction. Reinforcement stitches are sewn by sewing 3 to 5 stitches on top of each other. For details, refer to “Securing the stitching” (page 54).

c “Needle Position” button

Press the “Needle Position” button to raise or lower the needle. Pressing the button twice sews one stitch.

d “Thread Cutter” button

Press the “Thread Cutter” button after stopping sewing to cut both the upper and the bobbin threads. For details, refer to “Cutting the thread” (page 55).

e Sewing speed controller

Slide the sewing speed controller to adjust the sewing speed.

● Do not press (“Thread Cutter” button) after the threads have already been cut, otherwise the needle may break, the threads may become tangled or damage to the machine may occur.

z Do not press (“Thread Cutter” button) if

there is no fabric under the presser foot or while the machine is sewing, otherwise damage to the machine may occur.

z When cutting thread thicker than #30, nylon

thread or other special threads, use the thread cutter on the side of the machine. For details, refer to “Cutting the thread” (page

55).

1 2

3 4

5 6

Operation panel

The operation panel, located on the front at the right of the sewing machine, consists of the LCD (liquid crystal display) and keys for specifying various sewing settings.

a LCD (liquid crystal display)

Settings for the selected stitch and error messages for incorrect operations appear in the LCD. Use keys b and g through s, described below, to display various items and select the settings. For details, refer to “Understanding the LCD Screens” (page 18).

b Settings key

Press this key to select sewing settings, such as for left/ right mirror imaging, or other settings such as the operation beep.

c Needle stop position key

Press this key to select where the needle is positioned when the sewing machine is stopped.

d Automatic thread cutting key

Press this key to select the automatic thread cutting setting. Press this key again to cancel the setting.

e Automatic reverse/reinforcement stitch key

Press this key to select the automatic reverse/ reinforcement stitching setting. Press this key again to cancel the setting.

f Needle mode selection key (single/twin)

Press this key to select the twin needle sewing setting. Each time this key is pressed, the setting switches between that for single needle sewing and for twin needle sewing.

g Thread tension keys

The thread tension is usually set automatically. Press

or to adjust the thread tension setting.

h Stitch width keys

Press or to adjust the stitch width setting.

i Stitch length keys

Press or to adjust the stitch length setting.

■ Stitch mode keys (j-m)

j Preset utility stitch/saved pattern key

Press this key to select the utility stitch assigned to a numeric key or to retrieve a pattern that has been saved. Each time this key is pressed, the machine switches between the preset utility stitch mode and the saved pattern mode.

k Utility stitch key

Press this key to select a straight stitch, zigzag stitch, buttonhole, blind hem stitch, or other stitches commonly used in garment sewing. Use the numeric keys to type in the number of the desired stitch.

l Decorative stitch key

Press this key to select a decorative stitch, satin stitch, crossstitch or decorative satin stitch. Each time this key is pressed, the stitch group switches between and .

m Character stitch key

Press this key to select a character stitch. Each time this key is pressed, the font switches to one of the three available.

n Manual memory key

Press this key to save the adjusted thread tension and stitch width and length settings.

o Reset key

Press this key to reset the selected stitch to its original settings.

p Memory key

Press this key to save stitch patterns, such as combined patterns and My Custom Stitch patterns, in the sewing machine's memory.

q OK key

Press this key to apply the selection or perform the operation.

r Cancel/clear key

Press this key to cancel the operation and return to the previous screen. In addition, pressing this key removes the last pattern added when combining characters or decorative stitches.

s Numeric keys

Use these keys to quickly select one of the ten most often used stitches. When selecting other stitches, use these keys to type in the number of the desired stitch.

Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions 13

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1 GETTING READY

The various preparations required before starting to sew are described in this chapter.

Turning the Machine On/Off .................................................................................. 16

Power supply precautions .................................................................................. 16

Turning on the machine ..................................................................................... 17

Turning off the machine .....................................................................................17

Understanding the LCD Screens..............................................................................18

Changing the Machine Settings ...............................................................................19

Changing the settings ......................................................................................... 19

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD ...................................................................21

Changing the screen language

Winding/Installing the Bobbin.................................................................................22

Bobbin precautions ............................................................................................ 22

Winding the bobbin ...........................................................................................22

Installing the bobbin ..........................................................................................26

Upper Threading ..................................................................................................... 28

Threading the upper thread................................................................................28

Threading the needle..........................................................................................31

Threading the needle manually (without using the needle threader)..................33

Using the twin needle ........................................................................................33

Pulling up the bobbin thread..............................................................................36

Replacing the Needle ..............................................................................................37

Needle precautions ............................................................................................ 37

Needle types and their uses................................................................................38

Checking the needle........................................................................................... 39

Replacing the needle ..........................................................................................39

Replacing the Presser Foot ......................................................................................41

Presser foot precautions ..................................................................................... 41

Replacing the presser foot .................................................................................. 41

Adjusting the pressure of the presser foot .......................................................... 43

Removing the presser foot holder ...................................................................... 43

Using the walking foot .......................................................................................44

Sewing Cylindrical or Large Pieces..........................................................................46

Stitching cylindrical pieces.................................................................................46

Sewing large pieces of fabric..............................................................................46

..............................................................................21

GETTING READY — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

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WARNING

CAUTION

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.

● 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.

● Do not insert the plug on the power cord into an electrical outlet that is in poor condition.

● Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances:

• When you are away from the machine

• After using the machine

• When the power fails during use

• When the machine does not operate correctly due to a bad connection or a disconnection

• During electrical storms

● Use only the power cord included with this machine.

● Do not use extension cords or multi-plug adapters with many other appliances plugged in to

them. Fire or electric shock may result.

● Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Electric shock may result.

● When unplugging the machine, always turn off the main power first. Always grasp the plug to

remove it from the outlet. Pulling on the cord may damage the cord, or lead to fire or electric shock.

● Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modified, forcefully bent, pulled, twisted, or bundled. Do not place heavy objects on the cord. Do not subject the cord to heat. These things may damage the cord and cause fire or electric shock. If the cord or plug is damaged, take the machine to your authorized dealer for repairs before continuing use.

● Unplug the power cord if the machine is not to be used for a long period of time. Otherwise a fire may result.

Memo

Note

Turning on the machine

Prepare the included power cord.

Make sure that the sewing machine is turned

off (the main power switch is set to “ ”), and then plug the power cord into the power supply jack on the right side of the machine.

Insert the plug of the power cord into a

household electrical outlet.

a Power supply jack

Press the right side of the main power switch

on the right side of the machine (set it to “|”).

Turning off the machine

When you are finished using the sewing machine, turn it off. In addition, before transporting the sewing machine to another location, be sure to turn it off.

Make sure that the machine is not sewing.

Press the left side of the main power switch on

the right side of the machine (set it to “ ”).

X The sewing lamp and the LCD go off when

the machine is turned off.

Unplug the power cord from the electrical

outlet.

Grasp the plug when unplugging the power cord.

Unplug the power cord from the power supply

jack.

X The sewing lamp and the LCD come on

when the machine is turned on.

z When the machine is turned on, the needle

and the feed dogs will make sound when they move; this is not a malfunction.

z If a power outage occurs while the sewing

machine is being operated, turn off the sewing machine and unplug the power cord. When restarting the sewing machine, follow the necessary procedure to correctly operate the machine. (For U.S.A. only)

z This appliance has a polarized plug (one

blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electrical 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.

Turning the Machine On/Off 17

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5 6

Understanding the LCD Screens

The LCD screen, located on the front at the right of the sewing machine, displays the settings for the selected stitch and error messages if operations are performed incorrectly.When the sewing machine is turned on, the LCD comes on and the following screen appears.

a Presser foot that should be used b Stitch mode c Selected stitch d Stitch length (mm) e Stitch width (mm) f Upper thread tension

z For details on the error messages that appear when an operation is performed incorrectly, refer to “Error

messages” (page 165).

Changing the Machine Settings

Various sewing machine operations and sewing settings can be changed.

Press or (Stitch length keys) until the

Changing the settings

The general procedure for changing machine settings is described below.

Turn on the sewing machine.

X The LCD comes on.

Press (Settings key) in the operation

panel.

X The settings screen appears.

stitch or machine attribute that you wish to set

is displayed.

a Stitch length keys

Press or (Stitch width keys) until the

desired setting is selected.

X The setting is changed.

Press (OK key) or (Cancel/clear

key).

X The initial stitch screen appears again.

Changing the Machine Settings 19

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■ List of stitch or machine attributes

The stitch or machine attributes that can be set are listed below. For details on each attribute, refer to the corresponding reference page.

Attribute Icon Details Reference

Check pattern Allows combined patterns to be checked. page 124

Mirror imaging Mirror images patterns along a vertical axis. page 129

Pattern length Adjusts the length of satin stitches. page 127

Pattern size Sets the size of patterns to be large or small. page 125

Repeated/ single sewing

Stitching density

Initial needle position

Stitch width control

Language

Buzzer

LCD brightness Adjusts the brightness of the LCD. page 21

Vertical pattern adjustment

Horizontal pattern adjustment

Specifies whether the pattern will be sewn once or repeatedly.

Specifies the sewing density of the stitching. page 126

Select the straight stitch that is automatically selected when the machine is turned on.

Allows the stitch width to be adjusted with the sewing speed controller.

Allows the language used in the screens to be changed.

Specifies whether or not a beep is sounded with each operation.

Adjusts the up and down position of the pattern. page 131

Adjusts the left and right position of the pattern. page 131

page 124

page 106

page 21

page 166

z The icon shown highlighted above is the default setting. z The default display language is English.

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD

The brightness of the LCD can be adjusted.

Press (Settings key) in the operation

panel, and then press or (Stitch length

keys) until is displayed.

X The screen for changing the brightness of the

LCD appears.

To make the LCD brighter, press (Stitch

width key). To make the LCD darker, press

(Stitch width key).

Changing the screen language

The language used in the screens that are displayed can be changed to one of the many available.

Press (Settings key) in the operation

panel, and then press or (Stitch length

keys) until the language is displayed.

X The screen for changing the language of the

screens appears.

Press or (Stitch width keys) until the

desired language is selected.

The language can be changed to one of the available: English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean or others.

X The brightness of the LCD is changed.

Press (OK key) or (Cancel/clear

key).

X The initial stitch screen appears again.

X The language of the screens is changed.

Press (OK key) or (Cancel/clear

key).

X The initial stitch screen appears again.

Changing the Machine Settings 21

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CAUTION

Memo

11.5 mm

Actual size

This model

Other model

(7/16 inch)

Winding/Installing the Bobbin

This section describes how to wind the thread onto the bobbin, and then insert the bobbin thread.

Bobbin precautions

Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the bobbin.

● 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. If bobbins from other models are used, the machine will not operate correctly. Use only the included bobbin or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, SFB(XA5539-151)).

Winding the bobbin

Wind the thread around the bobbin to prepare the bobbin thread.

a Bobbin winder

z The order that the machine should be threaded for winding the bobbin is indicated by a broken line on

the sewing machine. Be sure to thread the machine as indicated.

CAUTION

Turn on the sewing machine.

Open the top cover.

Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft so

that the spring on the shaft fits into the notch in the bobbin. Press down on the bobbin until it snaps into place.

Place the spool of thread for the bobbin 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.

• If the spool is not positioned so that the thread unwinds correctly, the thread may become tangled around the spool pin.

Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin.

Slide the spool cap as far as possible to the right, as shown, with the rounded side on the left.

a Notch b Bobbin winder shaft spring

Slide the bobbin winder in the direction of the

arrow until it snaps into place.

• (“Start/Stop” button) lights up in orange.

Remove the spool cap that is inserted onto the

spool pin.

a Spool pin b Spool cap

● If the spool or the spool cap is not positioned correctly, the thread may become tangled around the spool pin and the needle may break.

● Three spool cap sizes are available (large, medium and small), allowing you to choose a spool cap that best fits the size of spool being used. If the spool cap is too small for the spool being used, the thread may catch on the slit in the spool or the machine may be damaged.

Winding/Installing the Bobbin 23

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Note

While holding the thread near the spool with

your right hand, as shown, pull the thread with

z When sewing with fine, cross-wound thread,

use the small spool cap, and leave a small

your left hand, and then pass the thread behind the thread guide cover and to the front.

space between the cap and the spool.

a Spool cap (small) b Spool (cross-wound thread) c Space

z When using thread that winds off quickly,

a Thread guide cover

Pass the thread under the thread guide plate,

and then pull it to the right.

such as transparent nylon thread or metallic thread, place the spool net over the spool before placing the spool of thread onto the spool pin. If the spool net is too long, fold it to fit the size of the spool. When the spool net is used, the tension of the upper thread will slightly increase. Be sure to check the thread tension. For details, refer to “Adjusting the Thread Tension” (page 57).

a Thread guide plate

Pass the thread under the hook on the thread

guide, and then wind it counterclockwise under the pretension disk.

a Spool net b Spool c Spool cap d Spool pin

a Thread guide b Pretension disk c Pull it in as far as possible

z Make sure that the thread passes under the

pretension disk.

Note

CAUTION

Memo

While holding the thread with your left hand,

wind the thread that was pulled out clockwise around the bobbin five or six times with your right hand.

z Make sure that the thread between the spool

and the bobbin is pulled tight.

z Be sure to wind the thread clockwise around

the bobbin, otherwise the thread will become wrapped around the bobbin winder shaft.

Pass the end of the thread through the guide

slit in the bobbin winder seat, and then pull the thread to the right to cut it.

Slide the sewing speed controller to the right

to increase the bobbin winding speed and slide to left to decrease.

a Sewing speed controller

Press (“Start/Stop” button) once.

When the foot controller is plugged in, press down on the foot controller.

a “Start/Stop” button

• When the bobbin winding becomes slow,

press (“Start/Stop” button) once to stop

the machine. When the foot controller is plugged in, remove your foot from the foot controller.

a Guide slit in bobbin winder seat

(with built-in cutter)

X The thread is cut to a suitable length.

● Be sure to cut the thread as described. If the bobbin is wound without cutting the thread using the cutter built into the slit in the bobbin winder seat, the thread may become tangled in the bobbin and the needle may bend or break when the bobbin thread starts to run out.

● When the bobbin winding becomes slow, stop the machine, otherwise the sewing machine may be damaged.

Use scissors to cut the end of the thread

wound around the bobbin.

Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left.

z If the bobbin winder shaft is set to the right

side, the needle will not move. (Sewing is impossible.)

Winding/Installing the Bobbin 25

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CAUTION

Memo

CAUTION

Actual size

11.5 mm

This model Other model

(7/16 inch)

Remove the bobbin from the shaft.

z When the sewing machine is started or the

handwheel is turned after winding the bobbin, the machine will make a clicking sound; this is not a malfunction.

Installing the bobbin

Install the bobbin wound with thread.

● Use a bobbin that has been correctly wound with thread, otherwise the needle may break or the thread tension will be incorrect.

●

The bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine. If bobbins from other models are used, the machine will not operate correctly. Use only the included bobbin or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, SFB(XA5539-151)).

Press (“Needle Position” button) once or

twice to raise the needle, and then raise the presser foot lever.

Turn off the sewing machine.

Slide the bobbin cover latch to the right.

a Bobbin cover b Latch

X The bobbin cover opens.

Remove the bobbin cover.

Hold the bobbin with your right hand and hold

the end of the thread with your left.

• Be careful not to drop the bobbin.

Insert the bobbin with your right hand so that

the end of the thread is on the left, and then, after pulling the thread firmly around the tab with your left hand as shown, lightly pull the thread to guide it through the slit.

z The order that the bobbin thread should be

passed through the bobbin case is indicated by marks around the bobbin case. Be sure to thread the machine as indicated.

a Tab

● Be sure to install the bobbin so that the thread unwinds in the correct direction, otherwise the thread may break or the thread tension will be incorrect.

Memo

Note

Memo

z The order that the bobbin thread should be

passed through the bobbin case is indicated by marks around the bobbin case. Be sure to thread the machine as indicated. The marks around the bobbin case differ depending on the model.

While lightly holding down bobbin with your

right hand as shown, guide the thread through the slit (a and b).

• At this time, check that the bobbin easily rotates counterclockwise.

z Make sure that the thread is correctly

inserted through the tension-adjusting spring of the bobbin case. If it is not inserted correctly, reinsert the thread.

a Tension-adjusting spring

Reattach the bobbin cover.

Insert the tab in the lower-left corner of the bobbin cover, and then lightly press down on the right side.

Then, pull the thread toward you to cut it with the cutter (c).

a Slit b Cutter (Cut the thread with the cutter.)

X The lower threading is finished.

Next, thread the upper thread. Continue with the procedure in “Upper Threading” (page 28).

z You can begin sewing without pulling up the

bobbin thread. If you wish to pull up the bobbin thread before starting to sew, pull up the thread according to the procedure in “Pulling up the bobbin thread” (page 36).

Winding/Installing the Bobbin 27

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Upper Threading

In this section, the procedures for positioning the spool for the upper thread and threading the needle are described.

● When threading the upper thread, carefully follow the instructions. If the upper threading is not correct, the thread may become tangled and the needle may bend or break.

z The order that the machine should be

threaded is indicated by a solid line on the sewing machine. Be sure to thread the machine as indicated.

Threading the upper thread

Set the spool of thread on the spool pin, and then thread the machine.

Turn on the sewing machine.

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