Brother 888-E30, 888-E31, 888-E37, 888-E38, 888-E39 User's Guide

...

Operation Manual

Sewing Machine

Product Code: 888-E30/E31/E37/E38/E39/V61/V63/V65/V67

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

SEWING BASICS

UTILITY STITCHES

APPENDIX

Be sure to read this document before using the machine. We recommend that you keep this document nearby for future reference.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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

DANGER

- To reduce the risk of electric shock:

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 Electrical Hazards:

• This machine should be connected to an AC power source within the range indicated on the rating label. Do not connect it to a DC power source or inverter. If you are not sure what kind of power source you have, contact a qualified electrician.

• This machine is approved for use in the country of purchase only.

4 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.

5 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.

6 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 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.

7 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.

8 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.

9 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. FOR USERS IN COUNTRIES EXCEPT CENELEC COUNTRIES

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 CENELEC COUNTRIES

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.

FOR USERS IN THE UK,

EIRE, MALTA AND

CYPRUS ONLY

IMPORTANT

• In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362, i.e.

carrying the mark, rating as marked on

plug.

• Always replace the fuse cover. Never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted.

• If the available electrical outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, you should contact your authorized dealer to obtain the correct lead.

CONTENTS

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

CONTENTS .........................................................3

1. KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ..... 4

ACCESSORIES .....................................................4

Included accessories ............................................... 4

Optional accessories ................................................ 4

Accessory compartment .......................................... 5

NAMES OF MACHINE PARTS AND THEIR

FUNCTIONS .......................................................5

The main parts ......................................................... 5

Needle and presser foot section .............................. 6

Operation buttons .................................................... 6

Operation panel ....................................................... 6

Spool pin .................................................................. 7

USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE .................... 7

Power supply precautions ........................................ 7

Power supply ........................................................... 8

Foot controller .......................................................... 8

Sewing speed controller (for models equipped

with the start/stop button) ......................................... 9

Changing the needle stop position ........................... 9

Changing the initial needle position ......................... 9

Cancelling the operation beep

(for models equipped with the operation beep) ........ 9

THREADING THE MACHINE ........................... 10

Winding the bobbin ................................................ 10

Lower threading ..................................................... 13

Upper threading ..................................................... 15

Drawing up the lower thread .................................. 18

REPLACING THE NEEDLE ................................. 18

Needle precautions ................................................ 18

Needle types and their uses .................................. 19

Checking the needle .............................................. 19

Replacing the needle ............................................. 20

Sewing with the twin needle ................................... 21

REPLACING THE PRESSER FOOT ..................... 22

Replacing the presser foot ..................................... 22

Removing the presser foot holder .......................... 23

2. SEWING BASICS ...................................... 24

SEWING ...........................................................24

General sewing procedure ..................................... 24

Selecting a stitch .................................................... 24

Adjusting the stitch length and width ...................... 24

Starting to sew ....................................................... 25

Thread tension ....................................................... 26

USEFUL SEWING TIPS ...................................... 27

Trial sewing ............................................................ 27

Changing the sewing direction ............................... 27

Sewing curves ........................................................ 27

Sewing thick fabrics ............................................... 27

Sewing hook-and-loop fastener ............................. 28

Sewing thin fabrics ................................................. 28

Sewing stretch fabrics ............................................ 28

Stitching cylindrical pieces ..................................... 28

3. UTILITY STITCHES ................................... 29

OVERCASTING STITCHES ................................ 29

Using zigzag foot .................................................... 29

Using overcasting foot ............................................ 29

BASIC STITCHING ........................................... 30

Basic stitching ........................................................ 30

BLIND HEM STITCHING .................................. 30

BUTTONHOLE SEWING .................................. 32

Button sewing ......................................................... 35

ZIPPER INSERTION .......................................... 36

SEWING STRETCH FABRICS AND ELASTIC

TAPE ................................................................. 37

Stretch stitching ...................................................... 38

Elastic attaching ..................................................... 38

APPLIQUÉ, PATCHWORK AND QUILT

STITCHING ...................................................... 38

Appliqués ............................................................... 39

Patchwork (crazy quilt) stitching ............................. 39

Piecing ................................................................... 39

Quilting ................................................................... 39

Free-motion quilting ............................................... 40

REINFORCEMENT STITCHING ........................ 41

Triple stretch stitching ............................................ 41

Bar tack stitching .................................................... 41

DECORATIVE STITCHING ............................... 42

Fagoting ................................................................. 43

Scallop stitching ..................................................... 44

Smocking ............................................................... 44

Shell tuck stitching ................................................. 45

Joining .................................................................... 45

Heirloom stitching ................................................... 45

SEWING CHARACTERS (For models equipped

with character stitches) .................................... 46

Selecting characters ............................................... 46

Checking characters .............................................. 48

Deleting characters ................................................ 48

Sewing the character stitches ................................ 48

ADJUSTING STITCHES (For models equipped

with character stitches) .................................... 49

4. APPENDIX ................................................50

STITCH SETTINGS ............................................ 50

Utility stitches ......................................................... 50

Character stitches (for models equipped with

character stitches) .................................................. 56

MAINTENANCE ................................................ 57

Restrictions on oiling .............................................. 57

Precautions on storing the machine ....................... 57

Cleaning the machine surface ................................ 57

Cleaning the race ................................................... 57

TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................... 58

Frequent troubleshooting topics ............................. 58

Upper thread tightened up ..................................... 59

Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric .................. 59

Incorrect thread tension ......................................... 59

Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be

removed ................................................................. 60

List of symptoms .................................................... 63

ERROR MESSAGES ........................................... 68

Operation beep (for models equipped with the

operation beep) ...................................................... 68

INDEX .............................................................. 69

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Note

Memo

a Black button

1 KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

ACCESSORIES

Included accessories

After opening the box, check that the following accessories are included. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your dealer.

(For U.S.A. only)

● Foot controller: Model T This foot controller can be used on the machine with product code 888-E30/E31/E37/E38/E39/V61/ V63/V65/V67. The product code is mentioned on the machine rating plate.

● The screw of the presser foot holder is available through your authorized dealer. (Part code: 132730-122)

● The included accessories vary depending on the machine model.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

No. Part Name

1 Zigzag foot “J” (on machine) XC3021-031 2 Buttonhole foot “A” XC2691-033 3 Overcasting foot “G” XC3098-031 4 Monogramming foot “N” XD0810-031 5 Zipper foot “I” X59370-021 6 Blind stitch foot “R” XE2650-001 7 Button fitting foot “M” XE2137-001 8 Seam ripper XF4967-001

Bobbin (4)

(One is on machine.) 10 Needle set XC8834-021 11 Twin needle 131096-121

Ball point needle 12

(gold colored) 13 Cleaning brush X59476-051 14 Disc-shaped screwdriver XC1074-051 15 Spool cap (large) 130012-024

Spool cap (medium) 16

(on machine) 17 Spool cap (small) 130013-124 18 Extra spool pin XE2241-001

Foot controller

Part Code

Americas

SA156

XD0501-121 (EU area)

XC8816-071 (Other areas)

Others

SFB:

XA5539-151

XD0360-021

XE1372-001

● About zigzag foot “J”;

Press the black button on the left side of the foot when it is difficult for thick seams to be fed, for example, at the beginning of sewing thick fabrics. (page 27)

10.

75/11 1 needle 90/14 1 needle 100/16 1 needle

11. 12.

13. 14. 15.

16. 17. 18.

19.

90/14 1 needle

Optional accessories

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.

Note

No. Part Name

1 Walking Foot SA140

2 Quilting Foot SA129

3 1/4-Inch Quilting Foot SA125

4 Quilting guide SA132

5 Eyelet punch XZ5051-001

Americas

Part Code

Others

F033N:

XG6623-001

F005N:

XC1948-052

F001N:

XC1944-052

F016N:

XC2215-052

Accessory compartment

The accessories are stored in a compartment inside the flat bed attachment. Slide the flat bed attachment to the left to open it.

a Flat bed attachment b Storage compartment

● Put the accessories in the bag, and then store the bag inside the compartment. If the accessories are not in a bag, they may fall out, and be lost or damaged.

NAMES OF MACHINE PARTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

The illustrations in this operation manual may differ from the actual machine.

The main parts

a Bobbin winder (page 10) b Upper tension-control dial (page 26) c Bobbin-winding thread guide and pretension disc

(page 10)

d Thread take-up lever (page 16) e Thread cutter (page 26) f Flat bed attachment with accessory compartment (page 5

and 28)

g Operation buttons (page 6) h Operation panel (page 6) i Spool pin (page 7, 10 and 15) j Handwheel

This is used to manually raise and lower the needle.

k Air vent

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

l Main power and sewing light switch (page 8) m Jack/socket connector (page 8) n Foot controller (page 8) o Foot controller jack/socket (page 8) p Feed dog position lever (page 35 and 41) q Presser foot lever (page 15) r Thread guide (page 11 and 16) s Thread guide cover (page 11 and 16) t Handle

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

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Needle and presser foot section

a Needle threader (for models equipped with the needle

threader) (page 17)

b Buttonhole lever (page 34 and 42) c Presser foot holder

The presser foot is installed onto the presser foot holder.

d Presser foot holder screw

Use the presser foot holder screw to hold the presser foot holder in place.

e Presser foot

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

f Needle plate cover release

Use when removing the needle plate cover.

g Needle plate cover h Feed dogs

The feed dogs feed the fabric in the sewing direction.

i Quick-set bobbin (for models equipped with the quick-set

bobbin)

You can start sewing without pulling up the bobbin thread.

j Bobbin cover k Needle plate

The needle plate is marked with guides for sewing straight seams.

l Needle bar thread guide (page 16) m Presser foot lever

Raise and lower the presser foot.

n Needle clamp screw

Operation buttons

The operation buttons differ depending on the sewing machine model.

Press the reverse/reinforcement stitch button to sew reverse stitches. Reverse stitches are sewn by keeping the button pressed down to sew in the opposite direction. For details, refer to “Sewing reinforcement stitches” (page 26).

■ Buttons provided on some models

b 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 25).

c Needle position button

Press this button to raise or lower the needle.

d Sewing speed controller

Slide this controller to adjust the sewing speed.

Operation panel

The operation panel allows you to select a stitch and specify how the stitch will be sewn. The operation panel differs depending on the sewing machine model.

a LCD (liquid crystal display)

The number of the selected stitch ( type to be used ( stitch width (mm) (

b Stitch selection keys (page 24)

Select the number for the stitch that you wish to use.

c Stitch length adjustment key

Press the “–” side to reduce the stitch length; press the “+” side to increase the stitch length.

d Stitch width adjustment key

Press the “–” side to reduce the stitch width; press the “+” side to increase the stitch width.

■

Keys and indicators provided on some models

2), the stitch length (mm) (3), and the

4) are displayed here.

1), the presser foot

a Reverse/reinforcement stitch button

e Utility stitch key (page 24)

a Hole b Tab

f Utility stitch indicator

This indicator lights up when the utility stitch key is pressed.

g Character stitch key (page 46)

Press this key to sew character stitches.

h Character stitch indicator

This indicator lights up when the character stitch key is pressed.

Spool pin

As shown, press down on the spool pin lever with your finger to raise the spool pin.

CAUTION

● Do not grab the bar to raise the spool pin, otherwise, the spool pin may bend or break.

■ Installing the spool pin

Insert the tab on the spool pin into the hole.

Push the spool pin down until it locks into place.

■ Storing the spool cap

The included spool cap (large, medium, small) can be stored by attaching it to the spool pin as shown in the illustration.

■ Storing the spool pin

When placing the cover on the sewing machine or if the spool pin will not be used, return the spool pin to its storage position.

Press until it clicks.

USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Power supply precautions

Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the power supply.

WARNING

● Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sources may result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine.

● Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the power supply jack on the machine. Otherwise, a fire or electric shock may result.

● 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

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Note

Slower

Faster

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.

Power supply

Insert the plug into a wall outlet.

● If a power outage occurs while the sewing machine is being operated, turn off the sewing machine 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.

Foot controller

Insert the foot controller plug into its jack/socket.

a Main power switch b Jack/socket connector

Set the main power switch to “I”.

 The sewing lamp comes on when the machine

is turned on.

To turn off the machine, set the main power

switch to “

 The sewing lamp goes off when the machine

is turned off.

”.

a Foot controller jack/socket

CAUTION

● When connecting the foot controller, be sure to turn off the sewing machine in order to prevent the machine from accidentally being started.

Depress the foot controller to start sewing, and adjust the sewing speed by changing the pressing force.

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

● When the foot controller is plugged in, the start/

Memo

stop button cannot be used to start sewing (only for models equipped with the start/stop button).

Sewing speed controller (for models equipped with the start/stop button)

Slide the sewing speed controller to select the

desired sewing speed.

a Sewing speed controller

• The speed set using the sewing speed controller is the foot controller’s maximum sewing speed.

Changing the initial needle position

Normally, the straight stitch (left needle position) is automatically selected when the sewing machine is turned on. The initial needle position can be changed to the straight stitch (center needle position).

Turn off the sewing machine.

Hold down the “+” side of (b) and turn on

the sewing machine.

After turning on the sewing machine, release the

“+” side of (

 The initial needle position changes to the

center needle position.

b).

Changing the needle stop position

Normally, the sewing machine is set to leave the needle in the fabric when sewing is stopped. Instead, the machine can be set to leave the needle raised when sewing is stopped.

Turn off the sewing machine.

Hold down the “–” side of (a) and turn on the

sewing machine.

After turning on the sewing machine, release the

“–” side of (

 The needle stop position changes to the raised

position.

• Perform the same operation to change the needle stop position to the lowered position.

a).

● The specified initial needle position is maintained even after the machine is turned off.

● Perform the same operation to change the initial needle position to the left needle position.

Cancelling the operation beep (for models equipped with the operation beep)

When the sewing machine is purchased, it is set to beep each time a key is pressed. This setting can be changed so that the machine does not beep.

Turn off the sewing machine.

Hold down the “–” side of (c) and turn on

the sewing machine.

After turning on the sewing machine, release the

“-” side of (c).

 The machine is now set so that it will not

beep.

● Perform the same operation to change the setting so that machine beeps.

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Memo

a Bobbin-winding thread guide b Bobbin winder shaft c Bobbin

Actual size

This model Other models

11.5 mm

(7/16 inch)

a Spool cap (small) b Spool

(cross-wound thread)

c Space

THREADING THE MACHINE

Winding the bobbin

This section describes how to wind the thread onto the bobbin.

• For details on the fast bobbin winding, see page 12.

CAUTION

● Use bobbins (part code: SA156, SFB: XA5539-

151) that have been designed for this sewing machine.

● We designed the bobbin that comes with this machine. If you use bobbins from other models, the machine will not work properly. Use the bobbin that comes with this machine or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, SFB: XA5539-151).

CAUTION

● Do not grab the bar to raise the spool pin, otherwise, the spool pin may bend or break.

● Be sure to raise the spool pin when winding the bobbin. The thread may become tangled if the bobbin winder is used without raising the spool pin.

Fully insert the spool of thread for the bobbin,

and then slide the spool cap onto the spool pin.

• The thread should be unwound from the bottom to the front.

CAUTION

● If the spool or the spool cap is not positioned correctly, the thread may become tangled around the spool pin or the machine may be damaged.

● Three spool cap sizes are available, 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.

Press down on the spool pin lever to swing up

the spool pin. Then remove the spool cap.

a Spool pin b Spool cap

● When sewing with fine, cross-wound thread, use the small spool cap, and leave a small space between the cap and the spool.

Pass the thread as illustrated bellow.

Note

● Make sure that the thread is pulled as far as possible into the pretension disk, otherwise the bobbin may not be wound cleanly.

a Thread guide

b Thread guide cover

Put the bobbin onto the bobbin winder shaft and

slide the bobbin winder shaft to the right. Turn the bobbin clockwise, by hand, until the spring on the shaft slides into the notch in the bobbin.

• Make sure to pull out 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches) of thread from the hole on the bobbin.

a Spring on the shaft b Notch c 7-10 cm (3 to 4 inches)

CAUTION

● Pull the thread taut and hold the end of the thread straight up. If the thread is too short, not pulled taut or held at an angle, injuries may occur when the thread is wound around the bobbin.

Turn on the sewing machine.

While holding the end of the thread, gently

press the foot controller or press (start/stop button) (for models equipped with the start/stop button) to wind the thread around the bobbin a few times. Then stop the machine and trim the excess thread.

c Bobbin-winding thread guide

Make sure that the thread passes under the pretension disk.

d Hook e Pretension disk f Pull it in as far as possible.

● If the sewing machine is to be operated using the foot controller, connect the foot controller before turning on the machine.

● When the foot controller is plugged in, the start/ stop button cannot be used to start sewing (only for models equipped with the start/stop button).

a 1 cm (3/8 inch)

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Memo

a Sewing speed

controller

a Sewing speed

controller

CAUTION

●

Make sure you follow the instructions carefully. If you do not cut the thread completely, and the bobbin is wound, when the thread runs low it may tangle around the bobbin and cause the needle to break.

Slide the sewing speed controller to the right (to

set the speed to fast). (For models equipped with the sewing speed controller.)

Press the foot controller or press (start/stop

button) (for models equipped with the start/stop button) to start.

■ For models equipped with the fast bobbin winding system

Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft so

that the spring on the shaft fits into the notch in the bobbin. Then slide the shaft to the right.

a Notch b Spring

Follow steps a through c of the procedure in

“Winding the bobbin” to pass the thread around the pretension disk (page 10).

Wind the free end of the thread clockwise around

the bobbin five or six times.

When the bobbin seems full and begins spinning

slowly, take your foot off the foot controller or press (start/stop button) (for models equipped with the start/stop button).

Cut the thread, slide the bobbin winder shaft to

the left and remove the bobbin. Slide the sewing speed controller back to its

original position (for models equipped with the sewing speed controller).

● When the sewing machine is started or the handwheel is turned after winding the thread around the bobbin, the machine will make a clicking sound; this is not a malfunction.

● The needle bar does not move when you slide the bobbin winding shaft to the right.

CAUTION

●

Not winding the bobbin properly may cause the thread tension to loosen, and may break the needle.

Pull the thread to the right and pass it through

the slit in the bobbin winder seat.

a Slit (with built-in cutter)

 The thread is cut to a suitable length.

CAUTION

● 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 or the needle may bend or break when the bobbin thread starts to run out.

Slide the sewing speed controller to the right (to

set the speed to fast) (for models equipped with the sewing speed controller).

a Wound evenly b Wound poorly

Turn on the sewing machine.

Note

Memo

a Cover b Slide button

Press the foot controller or press (start/stop

button) (for models equipped with the start/stop button) to start.

● If the sewing machine is to be operated using the foot controller, connect the foot controller before turning on the machine.

● When the foot controller is plugged in, the start/ stop button cannot be used to start sewing (only for models equipped with the start/stop button).

When the bobbin begins spinning slowly, take

your foot off the foot controller or press (start/stop button) (for models equipped with the start/stop button).

Cut the thread, slide the bobbin winder shaft to

the left, and then remove the bobbin from the shaft.

CAUTION

● Winding the bobbin improperly may cause the thread tension to loosen, breaking the needle and resulting in injury.

a Wound evenly b Wound poorly

● Make sure you turn the power off while threading the machine. If you accidentally step on the foot controller and the machine starts to sew, you could be injured.

● The direction for feeding the bobbin thread is indicated by marks on the needle plate cover. Be sure to thread the machine as indicated.

Slide the sewing speed controller back to its

original position (for models equipped with the sewing speed controller).

● When the sewing machine is started or the handwheel is turned after winding the thread around the bobbin, the machine will make a clicking sound; this is not a malfunction.

● The needle bar does not move when you slide the bobbin winding shaft to the right.

Lower threading

Install the bobbin wound with thread.

• For more details on quick-set bobbin, see page 14.

Raise the needle to its highest position by turning

the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) or press (needle position button) (for models equipped with the needle position button), and raise the presser foot lever.

Turn off the sewing machine.

Slide the button and open the cover.

Put the bobbin in so the thread comes out in the

direction shown by the arrow.

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Memo

Note

a Cover b Slide button

a Slit b Cutter

CAUTION

● Make sure you set the bobbin so the thread unrolls in the right direction. If the thread unrolls in the wrong direction, it may cause the thread tension to be incorrect or break the needle.

Hold the end of the thread, push the bobbin

down with your finger, and then pass the thread through the slit, as shown.

• If the thread is not correctly inserted, it may cause incorrect thread tension (page 26).

Turn off the sewing machine.

Slide the button and open the cover.

Put the bobbin in so the thread comes out in the

direction shown by the arrow.

CAUTION

●

Make sure you set the bobbin so the thread unrolls in the right direction. If the thread unrolls in the wrong direction, it may cause the thread tension to be incorrect or break the needle.

Replace the bobbin cover.

• Replace the cover so that the end of the thread comes out from the left side of the cover (as shown by the line in the diagram).

■ For models equipped with the quick-set bobbin

● The direction for feeding the bobbin thread is

indicated by marks on the needle plate cover. Be sure to thread the machine as indicated.

While lightly holding down the bobbin, guide

the thread through the slit (

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

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

● If the thread is not correctly inserted through the tension-adjusting spring of the bobbin case, it may cause incorrect thread tension (page 26).

c).

a and b).

Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) or press (needle position button) (for models equipped with the needle position button), and raise the presser foot lever.

a Tension-adjusting spring

Replace the bobbin cover.

Memo

● You can begin sewing immediately without drawing up the bobbin thread. If you want to draw up the bobbin thread before you start to sew, follow to the procedure in “Drawing up the lower thread” (page 18).

Upper threading

Set the upper thread and thread the needle.

• For details on the needle threader, see page 17.

a Spool pin b Mark on the handwheel

Raise the needle by turning the handwheel

toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up, or press (needle position button) (for models equipped with the needle position button) once or twice to raise the needle.

a Mark b Needle position button

• If the needle is not correctly raised, the sewing machine can not be threaded. Be sure to turn the handwheel so that the mark on the wheel points up before threading the sewing machine.

Press down on the spool pin lever to swing up

the spool pin. Then remove the spool cap.

CAUTION

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

● Never use a thread weight of 20 or lower.

● Use the needle and the thread in the correct

combination. For details on the correct combination of needles and threads, refer to “Needle types and their uses” (page 19).

Turn on the sewing machine.

Raise the presser foot using the presser foot

lever.

a Presser foot lever

CAUTION

● If the presser foot is not raised, the sewing machine cannot be threaded correctly.

a Spool pin b Spool cap

CAUTION

● Do not grab the bar to raise the spool pin, otherwise, the spool pin may bend or break.

● Be sure to raise the spool pin before use. If the spool of thread is in the wrong place, or is set incorrectly, the thread may tangle on the spool pin and cause the needle to break.

Fully insert the spool for the upper thread onto

the spool pin. Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin.

• The thread should be unwound from the bottom to the front.

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Memo

a Spool cap (small) b Spool

(cross-wound thread)

c Space

CAUTION

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

● When sewing with fine, cross-wound thread, use the small spool cap, and leave a small space between the cap and the spool.

Feed the upper thread as illustrated below.

Make sure to guide the thread through the

thread take-up lever from right to left.

Pass the thread as illustrated below.

a Thread guide

a Thread take-up lever

● If the needle is not raised, the thread take-up lever cannot be threaded. Be sure to press the needle position button to raise the needle before threading the thread take-up lever.

Put the thread behind the needle bar thread

guide.

a Needle bar thread guide

b Thread guide cover

Turn off the sewing machine.

Note

a 5 cm (2 inches)

a Needle holder b Needle threader

lever

c Guide

CAUTION

● Make sure you turn the power off while threading the machine without using the needle threader (for models equipped with the needle threader). If you accidentally step on the foot controller and the machine starts to sew, you could be injured.

Thread the needle from front to back and pull

out about 5 cm (2 inches) of thread.

● If the thread take-up lever is lowered, the upper thread cannot be wrapped around the thread takeup lever. Make sure you raise the presser foot lever and the thread take-up lever before you feed the upper thread.

● If you incorrectly feed the thread you may cause sewing problems.

While lowering the needle threader lever, hook

the thread onto the guide.

Fully lower the needle threader lever.

 The hook passes through the eye of the

needle, and catch the thread.

■ Using the needle threader (for models equipped with the needle threader)

CAUTION

● The needle threader can be used with a 75/11 through 100/16 home sewing machine needle. However, the needle threader cannot be used with a 65/9 home sewing machine needle. When using special thread such as transparent nylon thread or metallic thread, the needle threader cannot be used.

● Thread with a thickness of 130/120 or thicker cannot be used with the needle threader.

● The needle threader cannot be used with the wing needle or the twin needle.

● If the needle threader cannot be used, refer to “Upper threading” (page 15).

Follow steps a through j of the procedure in

“Upper threading”.

Lower the presser foot lever.

a Hook b Thread

Release the needle threader lever. Then pull the

loop of the thread.

a Loop of thread

CAUTION

● Be careful not to pull on the thread with force or it may bend the needle.

● If the thread does not pass through the eye of the needle, start from step

c again.

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Note

a 5 cm (2 inches)

a Upper thread b Lower thread

Raise the presser foot lever.

a Presser foot lever

Pass the end of the thread as illustrated bellow.

● If you incorrectly feed the thread you may cause sewing problems.

Drawing up the lower thread

Lightly hold the end of the upper thread.

Pull on the upper thread to draw up the lower

thread.

Pull out about 10 cm (4 inches) of both threads

and pull them toward the back of the machine under the presser foot.

■ For models equipped with the quick-set bobbin

You can begin sewing immediately without drawing up the bobbin thread. When sewing gathers or darts, you can draw up the lower thread by hand so that some thread will be left over. Before you draw up the lower thread, put the bobbin back in.

a Upper thread

While holding the end of the upper thread, raise

the needle either by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up or by pressing (needle position button) (for models equipped with the needle position button) once or twice.

a Mark b Needle position button

Pass the thread along the slit in the direction of

the arrow, and leave it there without cutting it.

• The bobbin cover should still be removed.

Draw up the lower thread as described in steps

1 to 4.

Replace the bobbin cover.

REPLACING THE NEEDLE

This section provides information on sewing machine needles.

Needle precautions

Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the handling of the needle. Failure to observe these precautions is extremely dangerous.

Note

Memo

CAUTION

a Flat side b Needle type marking

c Flat surface d Even

e Not even

● Only use home sewing machine needles. Use of any other needle may bend the needle or damage the machine.

● Never use bent needles. Bent needles can easily break, possibly resulting in injury.

Needle types and their uses

The sewing machine needle that should be used depends on the fabric and thread thickness.

Fabric Type/

Application

Broadcloth

Medium weight fabrics

Thin fabrics

Thick fabrics

Stretch fabrics

Easily frayed fabrics

For top-stitching

Taffeta

Flannel, Gabardine

Lawn

Georgette

Challis, Satin

Denim

Corduroy

Tweed

Jersey

Tricot

Thread

Type Size

Cotton thread

Synthetic thread

Silk thread

Cotton thread

Synthetic thread

Silk thread

Cotton thread

Synthetic thread

Silk thread

Thread for knits

Cotton thread

Synthetic thread

Silk thread

Synthetic thread Silk thread

Size of Needle

60–90

75/11–90/14

60–90

65/9–75/11

30 100/16

50–60

50–90

30 100/16

50–60 75/11–90/14

90/14–100/16

Ball point needle 75/11–90/14 (gold colored)

65/9–90/14

■ Ball point needle

Use the ball point needle when sewing on stretch fabrics or fabrics where skipped stitches easily occur. Use the ball point needle for best results when sewing patterns using monogramming foot “N”.

■ Transparent nylon thread

Use a 90/14 to 100/16 needle, regardless of the fabric or thread.

CAUTION

● The appropriate fabric, thread and needle combinations are shown in the table on the this page. If the combination of the fabric, thread and needle is not correct, particularly when sewing thick fabrics (such as denim) with thin needles (such as 65/9 to 75/11), the needle may bend or break. In addition, the stitching may be uneven or puckered or there may be skipped stitches.

Checking the needle

Sewing with a bent needle is extremely dangerous since the needle may break while the machine is being operated. Before using the needle, place the flat side of the needle on a flat surface and check that the distance between the needle and the flat surface is even.

● Never use a thread of weight 20 or lower. It may cause malfunctions.

● The smaller the thread number, the thicker the thread; and the larger the needle number, the thicker the needle.

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Note

a Presser foot lever

Replacing the needle

Raise the needle by turning the handwheel

toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up. (With models equipped with (needle position button), raise the needle by pressing once or twice.)

● If the needle clamp screw is loosened too much, the needle clamp (which holds the needle) may fall off. Therefore, do not loosen the needle clamp screw too much.

• Do not apply strong force when loosening or tightening the needle clamp screw, otherwise certain parts of the sewing machine may be damaged.

a Mark b Needle position button

Turn off the sewing machine.

CAUTION

● Before replacing the needle, be sure to turn off the sewing machine, otherwise injuries may occur if the foot controller or the start/stop button is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.

Lower the presser foot lever.

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.

With the flat side of the needle toward the rear

of the machine, insert the needle until it touches the needle stopper.

a Needle stopper

Tighten the needle clamp screw by turning it

clockwise.

Install the twin needle in the same way.

Remove the needle by turning the needle clamp screw counterclockwise.

a Disc-shaped screwdriver b Needle clamp screw

CAUTION

● Be sure to insert the needle until it touches the needle stopper and securely tighten the needle clamp screw with the disc-shaped screwdriver, otherwise the needle may break or damage may result.

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