Operation
Manual
Sewing Machine
Product Code: 888-X03/X13/X23
Please visit us at http://s.brother/cpmaa/ where you can get the
support information (Instruction Videos, FAQs, etc.) for your Brother
product.
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:
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, re, 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 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 qualied 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 Brother 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 re 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 ngers 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 deect 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 Brother Service Center.
• In the event a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required,
rst 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 Service
Center.
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 specications 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
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 Brother
Service Center to obtain the correct lead.
mark, rating as marked on
XH2149-001
The main parts
2
5
4
3
1
B
A
C
D
E
8
9
0
F
I
a Bobbin winder
This winds the thread onto the bobbin for use as the lower thread.
b Stitch length dial
Rotate the dial to control the stitch length.
c Spool pin
This holds the spool of thread.
d Upper tension-control dial
This controls the tension of the upper thread.
e Thread guide
This is used when winding the thread onto the bobbin and then
threading the machine.
f Thread take-up lever
g Thread cutter
Pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them.
h Flat bed attachment with accessory compartment
i Presser foot
j Reverse sewing lever
Push this lever to stitch in the reverse direction.
k Pattern selection dial
Rotate the dial in either direction to choose the stitch you want.
l Handwheel
Used to manually raise and lower the needle.
m Buttonhole ne-adjustment screw
n Air vent
The air vent allows the air surrounding the motor to circulate.
Do not cover the air vent while the machine is being used.
o Main power and sewing light switch
You can turn the main power and sewing light switch on and off.
p Foot controller jack / socket
Plug in the foot controller plug and connect the machine to the power
supply.
q Presser foot lever
Used to raise and lower the presser foot.
r Handle
Carry the machine by its handle when transporting.
s Foot controller
You can use this to control the sewing speed, and to start and stop sewing.
■ Flat bed attachment
The accessories can be stored in a compartment inside the at bed attachment.
Slide the
attachment to the
left to open.
Storage compartment
H
G
Using Your Sewing
Machine
WARNING
●
Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power
sources may result in re, electric shock, or damage to the machine.
●
Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are rmly inserted into the
electrical outlet and the power supply jack on the machine. Otherwise, a re 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
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 rst. Always
grasp the plug to remove it from the outlet. Pulling on the cord may damage
the cord, or lead to re or electric shock.
●
Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modied, 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 re
or electric shock. If the cord or plug is damaged, take the machine to your
authorized Brother Service Center 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 re may result.
■ Connecting plugs
■ Main power and
sewing light switch
Press the power switch
toward the “I” mark to turn the
main power and sewing light
on. Press toward the “O” mark
to turn off.
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 t in a polarized
outlet only one way. If the plug does not t fully in
the outlet, reverse the plug.
If it still does not t, contact a qualied electrician
to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug
in any way.
■ Foot controller
Slower
Slower
Faster
Faster
Press the foot
controller down to start
sewing. Take your foot
off the foot controller to
stop sewing.
CAUTION
● Do not allow pieces of cloth
and dust to build up on
the foot controller. Doing
so could cause a re 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-X03, 888-X13
and 888-X23.
The product code is mentioned
on the machine rating plate.
Replacing the needle
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.
4
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.
Turn the screw counterclockwise.
■ Checking the needle
Parallel space
Level surface
Note
●
Do not use excessive
force when loosening
or tightening the needle
clamp screw.
1
5
Tighten the
needle clamp
screw.
2
With the at side of
the needle toward the
back of the machine,
insert the needle until
touching this stopper.
CAUTION
● Make sure you insert the needle until it
touches the stopper, and securely tighten
the needle clamp screw with a screwdriver,
otherwise the needle may break or the
machine may be damaged.
3
Install the twin needle in the
same way.
Thread tension
The tension of the thread will affect the quality of your stitches. You may need to adjust it when you change fabric or thread. We recommend that you do a test sample on
scrap of a fabric before you start to sew.
■ Correct tension
Correct tension is important as too
much or too little tension will weaken
your seams or cause puckers on
your fabric.
Back of fabric
Surface of
fabric
Upper thread
Upper tension-control dial
Lower thread
■ Upper tension is too tight
Loops will appear on the surface of the fabric.
Note
● If the bobbin thread was incorrectly threaded, the
upper thread may be too tight. In this case, refer to
“1 Lower threading” on the back side to rethread
the bobbin thread.
Back of fabric
Surface
of fabric
Upper
thread
Solution: Reduce the tension by turning the upper
tension control dial to a lower number.
Lower
thread
Loops appear on
surface of fabric
■ Upper tension is too loose
Loops appear on the back of the fabric.
Note
● If the upper thread was incorrectly threaded, the
upper thread may be too loose. In this case, refer to
“2 Upper threading” on the back side and rethread
the upper thread.
Loops appear
Back of fabric
Surface
of fabric
Upper
thread
Solution: Increase the tension by turning the upper
tension control dial to a higher number.
on back of
fabric
Lower thread
Changing the presser foot
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.
3
Presser foot holder
Black
button
Press the black button at the
back of the presser foot holder
to release the presser foot.
4
1
2
Mark on the wheel points up to raise
the needle.
■ Presser foot installation orientation
CAUTION
● If the presser foot is
not installed with the
Shank
This snaps in
to the shank.
correct orientation, the
needle may strike the
presser foot, which
may bend or break
the needle and cause
injury.
Stitch length dial
Depending on the selected stitch, you may need to adjust the stitch
length for best results.
The numbers marked on the stitch length dial represent the stitch
length in millimeters (mm) (1/25 inch).
THE HIGHER THE NUMBER, THE LONGER THE STITCH. With the
“0” setting, material is not fed. This is used when sewing a button.
The “F”-“1” range is for making a satin stitch (closed zigzag stitch),
which is used for making buttonholes and decorative stitches. The
position needed for making the satin stitch varies according to the
material and thread being used. To determine the exact dial position,
rst test the stitch and length settings on a scrap piece of fabric to
observe the feeding of the material.
Sewing thick fabrics
If the fabric does not
t easily under the
presser foot, raise
the presser foot lever
even higher to bring
the presser foot to its
highest position.
CAUTION
If fabric more than 6 mm (15/64 inch) thick is
sewn or if the fabric is pushed with too much
force, the needle may bend or break.
Stitch length dial
Sewing thin fabrics
When sewing thin
fabrics, the stitching
may become misaligned
or the fabric may not
feed correctly. If this
occurs, place thin paper
or stabilizer material
under the fabric and
sew it together with the
fabric. When you have
nished sewing, tear off
any excess paper.
Stabilizer material
or paper
Shorter Longer
Stitch
length dial
Sewing stretch fabrics
First, baste the pieces
of fabric together,
and then sew without
stretching the fabric.
CAUTION
● If the stitches are bunched
together, lengthen the stitch
length and continue sewing.
Do not continue sewing
without lengthening the stitch
length, otherwise the needle
may break and cause injury.
Basting
Reverse sewing
• 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 xed at 2 mm (1/16 inch).
Reverse sewing
lever
Stitching cylindrical pieces
1
Slide the at bed attachment to
the left to release it.
Note
● When you are nished with
free-arm sewing, install the
at bed attachment back in
its original position.
Trial sewing
Use a piece of fabric and thread
that are the same as those used
for your project, and check the
thread tension and stitch length
and width.
2
Slide the part that you wish to sew onto the arm, and then sew from
the top.
Changing the sewing direction
Stop the machine with the
needle in the fabric at the
point where you want to
change the sewing direction,
and then raise the presser
foot lever. Using the needle
as a pivot, turn the fabric,
lower the presser foot lever,
and then continue sewing.
Lower Threading
1
1
Pull up the spool pin completely.
CAUTION
If the spool is set incorrectly, the thread
may tangle and the needle may break.
2
Pull the thread completely.
3
Align the notch to
the projection.
Click!
Slide the bobbin to
the right.
Turn on the machine. Hold the end of the
4
thread.
CAUTION
Do not turn on the machine
while pressing the foot
controller down, otherwise
you may be injured.
Wind the thread
few times around
the bobbin.
7 – 10 cm
(3-4 inches)
Trim the excess thread
above the bobbin.
1 cm
(1/2 inch)
When the bobbin
is full, the bobbin
will spin slowly.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct
bobbin.
11.5mm
7/16”
Actual Size
Upper Threading
CAUTION
Wind the bobbin properly, or the thread
tension may loosen, and the needle may
break.
2
5
1
Turn off the
machine.
Raise the
lever to raise
the presser
foot.
6
Turn off the
machine.
2
3
Pull up the spool pin completely.
CAUTION
If the spool is set incorrectly, the
Mark on the wheel points
up to raise the needle.
thread may tangle and the needle
breaks.
7
Hold the bobbin down. Pass the thread through the
4
Spring
Make sure that the spring in the
groove catches the thread.
slit guide.
5
Guide the thread.
Tension-adjusting spring
4
2
5
3
6
Pull the thread behind the guide above
the needle.
8
Put the projection into the
groove.
With the end of the thread comes
out from the cover toward the rear
of the machine.
CAUTION
If the upper threading is not correct,
the thread may become tangled or the
needle may bend or break.
Start sewing
– Straight Stitch
3
CAUTION
● To avoid being injured, watch the needle carefully while you are using the
machine. Keep your hands away from moving parts.
● Do not stretch or pull the fabric during sewing, otherwise the needle may
be damaged and you may be injured.
● Do not use bent or broken needles, otherwise you may be injured.
● Take care that the needle does not hit basting pins or other objects during
sewing. The needle may break and you may be injured.
● Always use the correct presser foot. If you use the wrong presser foot,
the needle may hit the presser foot and bend or break and you may be
injured.
● When you turn the handwheel by hand, always turn it toward you
(counterclockwise). Turning it the other way may cause the thread to
tangle and damage the needle or fabric, and you may be injured.
● Do not start sewing without placing the fabric under the presser foot,
otherwise the presser foot may be damaged.
7
Thread the needle from
front to back.
1
Do not turn on the machine
while pressing the foot
controller down, otherwise
you may be injured.
Turn on the
machine.
4
8
Hold the end of the upper
thread lightly.
CAUTION
5
Place the needle to the
starting point.
Mark on the wheel
points up.
6
Slowly turn
the handwheel
toward you
(counterclockwise)
by hand to lower
and then raise the
needle.
2
2
Select a stitch.
7
Pull on the upper thread to
draw up the lower thread.
For stretch stitching (When sewing with the pattern)
Set to
Mark on the
wheel points
up to raise
the needle.
Stitch length dial
8
Gently press down
to start sewing.
Take off your foot to
stop sewing.
Mark on the
wheel points
up to raise the
needle.
9
5 cm (2 inches)
3
.
9
Cut the thread.
Sewing Buttonholes
CAUTION
Always turn off the machine before replacing the presser foot. Otherwise, injuries may occur if the foot controller is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
Preparation
1
Using tailor’s chalk, mark the position and
1
length of the buttonhole on the fabric.
Buttonhole sewing
Making a buttonhole
2
Step Sewn section Pattern
Step 1
(Front bar
tack)
1. Set the pattern selection dial to “a”.
2. Lower the presser foot and sew 5 to 6
stitches.
3. Stop the machine when the needle is at the
left side of the stitches and then raise the
needle from the material.
Step 2
(Left side)
2
3
1
3
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.
Attach the buttonhole foot.
Push the frame
back until it stops
with the plastic
insert at the front
of the frame.
Securing the Stitching and Cutting the Buttonhole
To secure the stitching, turn the material 90
degrees counterclockwise and sew straight
stitches to the end of the front bar tack of the
buttonhole.
Cut an opening in the middle of
the buttonhole with the seam
ripper tool. Be careful not to cut
through any stitches.
3
Line the chalk
mark under the
center of the
presser foot.
2
Remove the material from the machine. We
recommend that you put pins across both
ends of the buttonhole to prevent the stitches
from being cut.
CAUTION
When using the seam ripper to open
the buttonhole, do not put your hand or
nger in the path of the ripper. The seam
ripper may slip and you may be injured.
Match up the
bar tack mark
to the two red
lines on the
presser foot.
Maintenance
Restrictions on oiling
In order to prevent damaging this machine, it must not be oiled by the user.
This machine was manufactured with the necessary amount of oil applied to
ensure correct operation, making periodic oiling unnecessary.
If problems occur, such as difculty turning the handwheel or an unusual
noise, immediately stop using the machine, and contact your authorized
Brother Service Center or the nearest authorized Brother Service Center.
Cleaning
CAUTION
Make sure you unplug the
machine before you clean it,
otherwise you risk getting an
electric shock or being injured.
4
1
5
Precautions on storing the machine
Do not store the machine in any of the locations described below,
otherwise damage to the machine may result, for example, rust caused by
condensation.
• Exposed to extremely high temperatures
• Exposed to extremely low temperatures
• Exposed to extreme temperature changes
• Exposed to high humidity or steam
• Near a ame, heater or air conditioner
• Outdoors or exposed to direct sunlight
• Exposed to extremely dusty or oily environments
Note
● In order to extend the life of this machine, periodically turn it on and use
it. Storing this machine for an extended period of time without using it
may reduce its efciency.
2
Mark on the wheel points up to raise the
needle.
6
7
3
1. Turn the pattern selection dial to “b”.
2. Sew the length of the tailor’s chalk line.
3. Stop the machine when the needle is at
the left side of the stitch and then raise the
needle.
Step 3
(Back bar tack)
1. Turn the pattern selection dial to “c” (same
position as in step 1).
2. Sew 5 to 6 stitches.
3. Stop the machine when the needle is at the
right side of the stitch and then raise the
needle from the material.
Step 4
(Right side)
1. Set the pattern selection dial to “d”.
2. Sew the right side until the needle reaches
the stitches sewn in step 1.
Adjusting buttonholes
1
Set the stitch length dial between “F”
and “1.5” and sew the buttonhole on a
scrap piece of fabric.
If the right side of the buttonhole is too
open or tight, adjust the feeding of the
material with the stitch length dial.
Shorter Longer
Stitch length dial Right side
2
If the left side is too open or tight compared
with the right side, adjust the buttonhole
ne-adjustment screw.
This
adjustment
ensures both
sides of the
buttonhole are
the same.
Left side
8
Clean the bobbin race.
9
10
CAUTION
● Never use a bobbin case that is
scratched; otherwise the upper
thread may become tangled, the
needle may break, or sewing
performance may suffer. For a new
bobbin case, contact your nearest
authorized Brother Service Center.
● Make sure that you t the bobbin
case properly, otherwise the needle
may break.