Operation Manual
Sewing Machine
Product Code: 888-X53/X54/X55/X56
Please visit us at http://solutions.brother.com where you can get product |
support and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). |
—
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
Please read these safety instructions before attempting to use the machine.
DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock:
1 Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using, when cleaning, when making any user servicing adjustments mentioned in this manual, or if you are leaving the machine unattended.
WARNING - To
reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
2 Always 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 as 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 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.
5 Special care is required when sewing:
•Always pay close attention to the needle. Do not use bent or damaged needles.
1
•Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the machine needle.
•Do not turn on the machine while pressing down the foot controller. The machine may start unexpectedly and cause personal injury or damage to the machine.
•Switch the 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.
This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.
2
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.
CONTENTS |
|
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........... |
1 |
1. KNOWING YOUR SEWING |
|
MACHINE .................................. |
4 |
ACCESSORIES ................................................. |
4 |
Optional accessories .......................................... |
4 |
THE MAIN PARTS ........................................... |
5 |
Flat bed attachment ............................................ |
5 |
USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ................ |
6 |
Connecting plugs ............................................... |
6 |
Main power and sewing light switch .................. |
7 |
Foot controller .................................................... |
7 |
Checking the needle ........................................... |
7 |
Replacing the needle .......................................... |
7 |
Changing the presser foot ................................... |
8 |
THE CONTROLS ............................................. |
9 |
Pattern selection dial .......................................... |
9 |
Patterns and stitch names ................................... |
9 |
Reverse sewing lever ........................................ |
10 |
THREADING THE MACHINE ....................... |
11 |
Winding the bobbin ......................................... |
11 |
Lower threading ............................................... |
13 |
Upper threading ............................................... |
14 |
Drawing up the lower thread ............................ |
16 |
FABRIC, THREAD, AND NEEDLE |
|
COMBINATIONS ......................................... |
17 |
2. SEWING BASICS ...................... |
18 |
Please read before sewing ................................ |
18 |
Starting sewing ................................................. |
18 |
Trial sewing ...................................................... |
19 |
Changing the sewing direction ......................... |
19 |
Sewing thick fabrics ......................................... |
19 |
Sewing thin fabrics ........................................... |
20 |
Sewing stretch fabrics ....................................... |
20 |
Stitching cylindrical pieces ............................... |
20 |
Thread tension ................................................. |
20 |
—
•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.
3. BUILT-IN STITCHES ................. |
22 |
Straight stitching ............................................... |
22 |
Zigzag stitching ................................................. |
22 |
Blind hem stitching ........................................... |
23 |
Overedge stitching ............................................ |
24 |
Elastic stitching ................................................. |
24 |
Double action stitching ..................................... |
25 |
4. SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND |
|
BUTTONS ............................... |
26 |
Making a buttonhole ......................................... |
26 |
Adjusting buttonholes ....................................... |
27 |
5. USING ATTACHMENTS AND |
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APPLICATIONS ....................... |
28 |
Zipper insertion ................................................ |
28 |
Gathering .......................................................... |
29 |
Appliqués ......................................................... |
29 |
USING OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ............... |
30 |
Sewing buttons ................................................. |
30 |
Darning ............................................................ |
31 |
Using the blind stitch foot ................................. |
32 |
6. APPENDIX ................................ |
33 |
MAINTENANCE ........................................... |
33 |
Restrictions on oiling ........................................ |
33 |
Precautions on storing the machine .................. |
33 |
Cleaning ........................................................... |
33 |
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................. |
35 |
INDEX .......................................................... |
38 |
3
1
We have designed these accessories to help you easily perform most sewing tasks.
1. |
2. |
3. |
4. |
5. |
6.7.
No. |
Part Name |
Part Code |
||
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Americas |
Others |
|
1 |
Zigzag foot “J” |
XC4901-121 |
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(on machine) |
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2 |
Buttonhole foot “A” |
X59369-321 |
||
3 |
Zipper foot “I” |
XE9369-001 |
||
4 |
Bobbin |
SA156 |
SFB: |
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(One is on machine) |
XA5539-151 |
|||
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No. |
Part Name |
Part Code |
||
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Americas |
Others |
|
5 |
Needle set |
3-piece set: |
XE5328-001 |
|
(90/14 needle) |
2-piece set: XE7064-001 |
|||
|
||||
6 |
Screwdriver |
XF3557-001 |
||
7 |
Foot controller |
See page 5 |
Note
● The included accessories vary depending on the machine model.
The following are available as optional accessories to be purchased separately. Depending on the model you purchased, the following accessory may be included with your machine.
1. |
2. |
3. |
4. |
5. |
6. |
7. |
8. |
|
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No. |
Part Name |
Part Code |
||
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Americas |
Others |
|
1 |
Darning Plate |
XC6063-021 |
||
2 |
Button sewing foot “M” |
XE2137-001 |
||
3 |
Walking Foot |
SA107 |
F034N: |
|
XC2165-002 |
||||
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4 |
Quilting Foot |
SA129 |
F005N: |
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XC1948-052 |
||||
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5 |
1/4-inch Quilting Foot |
SA125 |
F001N: |
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XC1944-052 |
||||
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No. |
Part Name |
Part Code |
||
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|
Americas |
Others |
|
6 |
Narrow Hemmer Foot |
SA127 |
F003N: |
|
XC1945-052 |
||||
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||
7 |
Blind Stitch Foot |
SA134 |
F018N: |
|
XC1976-052 |
||||
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||
8 |
Quilting guide |
SA132 |
F016N: |
|
XC2215-052 |
||||
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|
4
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE |
— |
3 2 1
4
A
5 0
6 |
9 |
|
7 |
8 |
1Bobbin winder (Page 11)
This winds the thread onto the bobbin for use as the lower thread.
2Spool pin (Page 11, 14)
This holds the spool of thread.
3Thread guide (Page 11, 14)
This is used when winding the thread onto the bobbin and then threading the machine.
4 Thread take-up lever (Page 15)
5Upper tension-control dial (Page 21)
This controls the tension of the upper thread.
6Thread cutter (Page 19)
Pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them.
7Flat bed attachment with accessory compartment (Page 5)
8 Presser foot (Page 8)
9Reverse sewing lever (Page 10)
Push this lever to stitch in the reverse direction.
0 Buttonhole fine-adjustment screw (Page 27)
APattern selection dial (Page 9)
Rotate the dial in either direction to choose the stitch you want.
BHandwheel
Used to manually raise and lower the needle.
CMain power and sewing light switch (Page 7)
You can turn the main power and sewing light switch on and off.
DFoot controller jack / socket (Page 6)
Plug in the foot controller plug and connect the machine to the power supply.
E Presser foot lever (Page 14)
Used to raise and lower the presser foot.
B
E
C
FD
FFoot controller (Page 7)
You can use this to control the sewing speed, and to start and stop sewing.
Foot Controller:
Model KD-1902 for 110-120V area
KD-1902 for 110-127V area (Brazil only) Model KD-2902 for 220-240V area
The foot controller part code differs depending on the country or region. Contact your dealer or the nearest authorized service center.
The accessories can be stored in a compartment inside the flat bed attachment.
1 Slideopen theit. flat bed attachment to the left to
1
2
1 Flat bed attachment
2 Storage compartment
5
1
WARNING
●Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sources may result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine.
●Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the power supply jack on the machine.
●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
CAUTION
●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.
1Connect the foot controller plug to the machine.
2Connectoutlet. the power supply plug to a wall
Note
●If a power outage occurs while the sewing machine is being operated, turn off the main power and unplug the power supply cord. When restarting the sewing machine, follow the necessary procedure to correctly operate
the machine. (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.
6
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE |
— |
This switch turns the main power and sewing light on or off.
1
2
1 Turn on (toward the ‘I’ mark)
2 Turn off (toward the ‘O’ mark)
CAUTION
●Do not turn on the machine while pressing down the foot controller. The machine may start unexpectedly and cause personal injury or damage to the machine.
When you press the foot controller down lightly, the machine will run at a low speed. When you press harder, the machine’s speed will increase. When you take your foot off the foot controller, the machine will stop.
1
2
1 Slower
2 Faster
You should make sure that nothing is placed on the foot controller when the machine is not in use.
CAUTION
●Do not allow pieces of cloth and dust to build up on the foot controller. Doing so could cause a fire or an electric shock.
Note
(For U.S.A. only)
●Foot Controller: Model KD-1902
This foot controller can be used on the machine with product code 888-X53/X54/ X55/X56.
The product code is mentioned on the machine rating plate.
The sewing needle must always be straight and sharp for smooth sewing.
■Checking the needle correctly
Put the flat side of the needle on a flat surface. Check the needle from the top and the sides. Dispose of any bent needles safely.
1
2
1 Parallel space
2 Level surface (bobbin cover, glass, etc.)
CAUTION
●Always turn off the machine before you change the needle. Otherwise, injuries may occur if the foot controller is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
●Only use sewing machine needles for home use. Other needles may bend or break and cause injury.
●Never sew with a bent needle. A bent needle will easily break and cause injury.
1Turn off the machine.
2Raise the needle by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up.
3Lower the presser foot lever.
1
1 Presser foot lever
7
CAUTION
●Before replacing the needle, place fabric or paper under the presser foot to prevent the needle from falling into the hole in the needle plate.
4Hold the needle with your left hand, and then use a screwdriver to turn the needle clamp screw counterclockwise to remove the needle.
1
1 Use a screwdriver
•Do not use excessive force when loosening or tightening the needle clamp screw, otherwise certain parts of the sewing machine may be damaged.
5With the flat side of the needle toward the back of the machine, insert the needle until it touches the needle stopper. Next, tighten the needle clamp using a screwdriver.
2 |
|
3 |
1 |
|
1 Use a screwdriver
2 Needle stopper
3 Needle
CAUTION
● Make sure you insert the needle until it 1 touches the stopper, and securely tighten
the needle clamp screw with a screwdriver, otherwise the needle may break or the machine may be damaged.
CAUTION
●Always turn off the machine before you change the presser foot. If you leave the power on and step on the controller, the machine will start and you may be injured.
●Always use the correct presser foot for the stitch pattern you have chosen. If you use the wrong presser foot, the needle may strike the presser foot and bend or break, and may cause injury.
●Only use presser feet that have been designed to be used with this machine. Using any other presser foot may cause accident or injury.
You will have to change the presser foot depending on what you want to sew and how.
1Turn off the machine. Raise the presser foot lever.
2Raise the needle by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up.
3Remove the presser foot by pulling it vertically downward.
1
2
1 Presser foot holder
2 Presser foot
4Put a different presser foot on the needle plate so that the bar on the presser foot is in line with the slot on the shank.
8
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE |
— |
5Lower the presser foot lever and fix the presser foot onto the shank. If the presser foot is in the correct place, the bar should snap in.
1 2
1 Shank
2 Bar
■ Presser foot installation orientation
CAUTION
●If the presser foot is not installed with the correct orientation, the needle may strike the presser foot, which may bend or break the needle and cause injury.
CAUTION
●When you use the pattern selection dial to choose a pattern, raise the needle by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up. If the needle is in the down position when you turn the pattern selection dial, the needle, presser foot or fabric may be damaged.
To choose a stitch, simply turn the pattern selection dial in either direction.
2 11
1
1 Pattern selection dial
2 Chosen pattern number
1
2 3 4 5 6 7
*1 *1 *1
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
*1 : Stitch nos. 15-17 are only available on certain models.
Pattern |
Preset Length |
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(mm (inch)) |
Reference |
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Stitch Name |
Preset Width |
Page |
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(mm (inch)) |
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1 |
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0.5 (1/32) |
26 |
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4-STEP AUTOMATIC |
5 (3/16) |
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BUTTONHOLE |
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2 |
0.7 (1/32) |
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22, 29, 30, |
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32 |
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ZIGZAG STITCH |
1.8 (1/8) |
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3 |
1.5 (1/16) |
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22, 29, 30, |
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32 |
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ZIGZAG STITCH |
3.3 (3/16) |
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9
Pattern |
Preset Length |
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(mm (inch)) |
Reference |
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Stitch Name |
Preset Width |
Page |
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(mm (inch)) |
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4 |
2 (1/16) |
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22, 29, 30, |
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32 |
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ZIGZAG STITCH |
5 (3/16) |
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5 |
0.5 (1/32) |
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22, 29 |
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ZIGZAG (SATIN) |
5 (3/16) |
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STITCH |
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6 |
1.6 (1/16) |
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STRAIGHT STITCH |
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22, 31 |
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(Center Needle |
— |
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Position) |
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7 |
1.8 (1/8) |
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STRAIGHT STITCH |
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22, 31 |
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(Center Needle |
— |
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Position) |
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8 |
2 (1/16) |
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STRAIGHT STITCH |
|
22, 31 |
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(Center Needle |
— |
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Position) |
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9 |
3 (1/8) |
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22, 28, 29, |
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STRAIGHT STITCH |
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31, 32 |
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(Center Needle |
— |
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Position) |
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10 |
4 (3/16) |
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STRAIGHT STITCH |
|
22, 31 |
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(Center Needle |
— |
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Position) |
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11 |
2.5 (3/32) |
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22, 29, 31 |
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STRAIGHT STITCH |
— |
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(Left Needle Position) |
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12 |
2 (1/16) |
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23, 32 |
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BLIND HEM STITCH |
5 (3/16) |
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13 |
1 (1/16) |
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24 |
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ELASTIC STITCH |
5 (3/16) |
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Pattern |
Preset Length |
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(mm (inch)) |
Reference |
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1 |
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Stitch Name |
Preset Width |
Page |
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(mm (inch)) |
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14 |
2 (1/16) |
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23, 32 |
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STRETCH BLIND |
5 (3/16) |
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HEM STITCH |
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15 |
2 (1/16) |
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24 |
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OVEREDGE STITCH |
5 (3/16) |
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16 |
1.2 (1/16) |
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25 |
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DOUBLE ACTION |
5 (3/16) |
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STITCH |
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17 |
1.2 (1/16) |
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25 |
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BRIDGING STITCH |
5 (3/16) |
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You can use reverse sewing for back tacking and reinforcing seams.
To sew in reverse, push the reverse sewing lever in as far as possible and hold it in that position while you lightly push the foot controller. To sew forward, release the reverse sewing lever. The machine will then sew forward.
The length of reverse stitches is fixed at 2 mm (1/16 inch).
1
1 Reverse sewing lever
10
KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE |
— |
CAUTION
●We designed the bobbin that comes with this machine. If you use bobbins from other models, the machine will not work properly. Only use the bobbin that comes with this machine or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, SFB: XA5539-151). Using other bobbins may cause damage to the machine.
Actual size
11.5 mm (7/16 inch)
This model |
Other models |
1
2
1 Pull the thread in completely.
3
1 Pre-tension disk |
2 Bobbin winder shaft |
3 Bobbin |
1Pull up the spool pin and put a spool of thread on this pin.
2While holding the thread from the spool with your right hand, pass the thread toward you, in the groove on the thread guide. Then, pass the thread around the pre-tension disk and pull the thread in completely.
CAUTION
●If the spool of thread is in the wrong place, or is set incorrectly, the thread may tangle on the spool pin.
11