The names of the various parts of the sewing machine and their functions are described below. Before using the
sewing machine, carefully read these descriptions to learn the names of the machine parts.
Front view
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7
1 Thread cassette compartment cover
2 Thread cassette compartment
Insert a thread cassette into the thread cassette
compartment.
3 Thread cassette eject lever
Press this lever to eject the installed thread cassette.
4 Thread tension dial
Use the thread tension dial to adjust the tension of the
upper thread.
5 Thread cutter
Pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them.
6 Arm
7 Flap
Use the flap to create a table. When the sewing
machine is not being used, store the machine with the
flap folded up. Remove the flap to sew cylindrical
pieces such as sleeve cuffs.
8 Sliding leg
Pull out the sliding leg during free-arm sewing.
E
D
C
B
A
?
9
8
9 Operation buttons
Use the operation buttons to start the sewing machine
and raise and lower the needle. (page Cover D)
0 Operation panel
Select a stitch from those that appear in the operation
panel. (page Cover E)
A Bobbin winder
Use the bobbin winder when winding the bobbin.
B Bobbin thread spool pin
Place the spool of thread for the bobbin onto this spool
pin in order to wind the bobbin.
C Bobbin storage compartment
Store the bobbins designed specifically for this sewing
machine in this compartment.
D Bobbin winder cover
Open this cover when winding the bobbin.
E Thread guide for bobbin winding
Pass the thread around this thread guide when winding
the bobbin thread.
Lower the buttonhole lever when sewing buttonholes
and bar tacks.
2 Needle bar thread hook
Pass the upper thread through the needle bar thread
hook.
3 Needle plate
The needle plate is marked with guides for sewing
straight seams.
4 Bobbin cover/shuttle
Remove the bobbin cover, and then insert the bobbin
into the shuttle.
5 Feed dogs
The feed dogs feed the fabric in the sewing direction.
6 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.
7 Presser foot holder
The presser foot is installed onto the presser foot holder.
4
3
2
3
7
4
6
5
1 Handle
Carry the sewing machine by its handle when
transporting the machine.
2 Balance wheel
Turn the balance wheel toward you to raise and lower
the needle to sew one stitch.
3 Main power switch
Use the main power switch to turn the sewing machine
on and off.
4 Power supply jack
Insert the plug on the power supply cord into the power
supply jack.
5 Foot controller jack
Insert the plug on the end of the foot controller cable
into the foot controller jack.
6 Air vent
The air vent allows the air surrounding the motor to be
exchanged. Do not cover the air vent while the sewing
machine is being used.
7 Feed dog position switch
Use the feed dog position switch to lower the feed dogs.
● Refer to Cover B, D or E pages while you
are learning to use your machine.
Cover C
Operation buttons
The operation buttons help you to easily perform various basic sewing machine operations.
1
2
3
5
4
1 Thread cassette indicator
The indicator lights up or goes off depending on the
condition of the sewing machine.
Green:A thread cassette can be inserted.
Red:A thread cassette cannot be inserted.
Off:The sewing machine has been turned off
or a thread cassette is already inserted.
2 Thread cutter button(Only for models equipped
with the thread cutter button)
Press the thread cutter button after stopping sewing to
cut both the upper and the bobbin threads. For details,
refer to “Cutting the thread” (page 49).
3 Needle position button
Press the needle position button to raise or lower the
needle. Pressing the button twice sews one stitch.
4 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 45).
5 Presser foot lever
Raise and lower the presser foot lever to raise and lower
the presser foot.
7
6
6 Reverse/reinforcement stitch button
Press the reverse/reinforcement stitch button to sew
reverse stitches or reinforcement stitches. Reverse
stitches are sewn by keeping the button pressed down to
sew in the opposite direction. Reinforcement stitches
are sewn by sewing 3 to 5 stitches on top of each other.
For details, refer to “Securing the stitching” (page 47).
7 Sewing speed controller
Slide the sewing speed controller to adjust the sewing
speed.
CAUTION
● Do not press the thread cutter button after
the threads have already been cut, otherwise
the needle may break, the threads may
become tangled or damage to the machine
may occur.
Note
● Do not press the thread cutter button if there
is no fabric under the presser foot or while
the machine is sewing, otherwise damage to
the machine may occur.
● When cutting thread thicker than #30,
nylon thread or other special threads, use
the thread cutter on the side of the machine.
For details, refer to “Cutting the thread”
(page 49).
There are 50 stitches. Select stitch 00-49.
A letter (A, G, J, N or R) indicating the presser foot that should be used appears below the stitch number.
2 Stitch indicator / 3 Stitch selection key
Press the stitch selection key, and then select the number for the stitch that you wish to use. 50 stitches are available. For
details, refer to “Selecting stitching” (page 58).
These are used to adjust the length of the stitch. After pressing the stitch length adjustment button so that the indicator
lights up, slide the stitch length adjustment slider to adjust the stitch length.
These are used to adjust the width of the stitch or the needle position. After pressing the stitch width adjustment button so
that the indicator lights up, slide the stitch width adjustment slider to adjust the stitch width.
7
Cover E
Optional Accessories
The following are available as optional accessories.
● To obtain optional accessories or parts, contact your sales representative or the nearest authorized
service center.
1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this sewing machine.
Before using this sewing machine, carefully read the “Important Safety Instructions” (page 6), and then study this
manual for the correct operation of the various functions.
In addition, after you have finished reading this manual, store it where it can quickly be accessed for future
reference.
Sewing Machine Features
2
1
3
4
1 Thread cassette
Easily thread the upper thread by loading a spool of thread into the thread cassette. In addition, simply insert the thread
cassette into the compartment to thread the needle.
2 Simple bobbin-winding
The bobbin can quickly and easily be wound with thread. (page 12)
3 Built-in stitches
You can select from the built-in stitches available, including utility stitches and decorative stitches. (page 58)
4 One-touch lower threading
You can start sewing without pulling up the bobbin thread. (page 16)
Enclosed Accessories ................................................................................................ Cover A
Accessories .............................................................................................................................................Cover A
Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions .......................................................... Cover B
Front view ...............................................................................................................................................Cover B
Needle and presser foot section ..............................................................................................................Cover C
Right-side/rear view ................................................................................................................................Cover C
Operation buttons ..................................................................................................................................Cover D
Operation panel ...................................................................................................................................... Cover E
Turning the Machine On/Off ............................................................................................. 10
Power supply precautions ............................................................................................................................... 10
Turning on the machine .................................................................................................................................. 11
Turning off the machine .................................................................................................................................. 11
Winding/Installing the Bobbin ........................................................................................... 12
Winding the bobbin ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Installing the bobbin .......................................................................................................................................16
About the spool of thread ................................................................................................................................ 18
Loading the spool into the thread cassette ....................................................................................................... 19
Threading the needle ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Using the extra spool pin ................................................................................................................................ 24
Thread the needle manually
(without using the needle threader) ................................................................................................................. 25
Using the twin needle ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Pulling up the bobbin thread ........................................................................................................................... 29
Replacing the Needle ........................................................................................................30
Needle types and their uses ............................................................................................................................. 30
Checking the needle ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Replacing the needle ....................................................................................................................................... 32
Replacing the Presser Foot ................................................................................................35
Replacing the presser foot ............................................................................................................................... 35
Removing the presser foot holder .................................................................................................................... 37
Using the optional walking foot ...................................................................................................................... 38
General sewing procedure .............................................................................................................................. 43
Positioning the fabric ...................................................................................................................................... 44
Starting to sew ................................................................................................................................................. 45
Securing the stitching ...................................................................................................................................... 47
Cutting the thread ...........................................................................................................................................49
Adjusting the Thread Tension ............................................................................................ 50
Changing the tension of the upper thread ........................................................................................................ 50
Adjusting the Stitch Width and Length .............................................................................. 51
Adjusting the stitch width ................................................................................................................................ 51
Adjusting the stitch length ............................................................................................................................... 52
Changing the sewing direction ........................................................................................................................ 53
Inserting a centered zipper .............................................................................................................................. 73
Inserting a side zipper ..................................................................................................................................... 74
Sewing Stretch Fabrics and Elastic Tape ............................................................................ 77
Bar tack stitching ............................................................................................................................................. 85
Cleaning the machine surface ....................................................................................................................... 100
Cleaning the shuttle ...................................................................................................................................... 100
When using this machine, basic safety precautions should always be taken, including the following:
Read all instructions before using.
-
DANGER
1. The machine should never be left unattended while plugged in. Always unplug the machine
from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
WARNING
1. Do not allow this machine to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the machine is
used by or near children.
2. Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only accessories
recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
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 dropped into water. Return the machine to the nearest authorized
dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
4. Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the
machine and foot control free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
5. Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
6. Do not use outdoors.
7. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being
administered.
8. To disconnect, turn the main switch to the symbol “{” position which represents off, then
remove plug from outlet.
9. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
10. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the machine needle.
11. Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
12. Do not use bent needles.
13. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.
14. Switch the machine to the symbol “{” position when making any adjustments in the needle
area, such as threading needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, and
the like.
15. Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or
when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.
16. This sewing machine is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without
supervision.
17. Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with this machine.
18. If the Light unit is damaged, it must be replaced by authorized dealer.
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
-
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons:
If this machine is fitted with a three-pin non-rewireable BS plug then please read the following.
IMPORTANT
If the available socket outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, it should be cut
off and an appropriate three-pin plug fitted. With alternative plugs an approved fuse must be fitted in
the plug.
NOTE
The plug served from the main lead must be destroyed as a plug with bared flexible cords is
hazardous if engaged in a live socket outlet. In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse
approved by ASTA to BS 1362, i.e. carrying the mark, rating as marked on plug.
Always replace the fuse cover, never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted.
WARNING
DO NOT CONNECT EITHER WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL WHICH IS MARKED WITH THE
LETTER ‘E’, BY THE EARTH SYMBOL OR COLOURED GREEN OR GREEN AND YELLOW.
The wires in this main lead are colored in accordance with the following code:
BlueNeutral
Brown Live
As the colors of the wiring in the main lead of this appliance may not correspond with the colored
markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows.
The wire which is colored blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter
‘N’ or colored black or blue.
The wire which is colored brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter
‘L’ or colored red or brown.
Your machine is one of the most advanced computerized household sewing machines. To fully
enjoy all the features, we suggest that you study the manual before using the machine.
PLEASE READ BEFORE USING THIS MACHINE
For safe operation
1. Be sure to keep your eye on the needle while sewing. Do not touch the hand wheel, thread takeup lever, needle, or other moving parts.
2. Remember to turn off the power switch and unplug the cord when:
•Operation is completed
•Replacing or removing the needle or any other parts
•A power failure occurs during use
•Maintaining the machine
•Leaving the machine unattended
3. Do not store anything on the foot controller.
4. Plug the machine directly into the wall. Do not use extension cords.
For a longer service life
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Do not drop or hit the machine.
4. Always consult the operation manual when replacing or installing any assemblies, the presser
feet, needle, or other parts to assure correct installation.
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.
For additional product information and updates, visit our web site at www.brother.com
8
1
GETTING READY
The various preparations required before starting to sew are described in this chapter.
This section explains how to turn the sewing machine on and off.
Power supply precautions
Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the power supply.
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.
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
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
off (the main power switch is set to “O”), and
then plug the power supply cord into the
power supply jack on the right side of the
machine.
Insert the plug of the power supply cord into a
2
household electrical outlet.
1
1 Power supply jack
Press the right side of the main power switch
3
on the right side of the machine (set it to “|”).
When you are finished using the sewing machine,
turn it off. In addition, before transporting the sewing
machine to another location, be sure to turn it off.
Make sure that the machine is not sewing.
1
Press the left side of the main power switch on
2
the right side of the machine (set it to “{”).
X The sewing lamp goes off when the
machine is turned off.
Unplug the power supply cord from the
3
electrical outlet.
Grasp the plug when unplugging the power
supply cord.
● 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 electrical shock, this plug is intended
to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If
the plug does not fit fully in the outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any
way.
This section describes how to wind the thread onto the bobbin, and then insert the bobbin thread.
Bobbin precautions
Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the bobbin.
CAUTION
Only use the bobbin (part code: SA156, XA5539-151) designed specifically for this sewing
●
machine. Use of any other bobbin may result in injuries or damage to the machine.
The enclosed bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine. If bobbins from older
●
models are used, the machine will not operate correctly. Use only the enclosed bobbin or
bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, XA5539-151).
Actual size
11.5 mm
(7/16 inch)
This modelOlder model
Winding the bobbin
Wind the thread around the bobbin to prepare the bobbin thread.
Turn on the sewing machine.
1
Open the bobbin winder cover at the top on
2
the right side of the sewing machine.
Swing up the bobbin thread spool pin.
3
Move the bobbin thread spool pin up as far as
possible.
so that the spring on the shaft fits into the
notch in the bobbin.
1
2
1 Notch
2 Bobbin winder shaft spring
Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the right.
5
Place the spool of thread for the bobbin onto
6
the bobbin thread spool pin.
Slide the spool cap onto the bobbin thread
7
spool pin.
With the rounded side of the spool cap
positioned toward the left, slide the spool cap
onto the bobbin thread spool pin as far as
possible until the right side of the spool
touches the right end of the bobbin thread
spool pin.
CAUTION
●
Two 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 needle may break.
Note
● If a spool of thread 12 mm (1/2 inch) in
diameter and 75 mm (3 inch) high is
inserted onto the bobbin thread spool pin,
use the special spool cap.
● When using thread that winds off quickly,
such as transparent nylon thread or metallic
thread, place the enclosed spool net over
the spool before placing the spool of thread
onto the spool pin.
If the spool net is too long, fold it to fit the
size of the spool.
9
the thread that wraps around the thread guide
for bobbin winding, use your right hand to
wind the free end of the thread clockwise
around the bobbin five or six times.
1
4
3
2
1 Spool net
2 Spool
3 Spool pin
4 Spool cap
Pull out some thread, and then thread the
8
thread guide for bobbin winding.
Hold the thread with both hands, and then
securely pass the thread as far as possible into
the two slits in the thread guide.
1
Pull the thread to the right and pass it through
0
the slit in the bobbin winder seat.
1
1 Slit in bobbin winder seat (with built-in cutter)
X 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.
close the bobbin winder cover, and then slide
the sewing speed controller back to its
original position.
Memo
● When the sewing machine is started or the
balance wheel is turned after winding the
thread around the bobbin, the machine will
make a clicking sound; this is not a
malfunction.
Use a bobbin thread that has been
correctly wound, otherwise the needle
may break or the thread tension will be
incorrect.
The bobbin was designed specifically for
●
this sewing machine. If bobbins from
older models are used, the machine will
not operate correctly. Use only the
enclosed bobbin or bobbins of the same
type (part code: SA156, XA5539-151).
Actual size
11.5 mm
(7/16 inch)
This modelOlder model
Memo
● The order that the bobbin thread should be
passed through the needle plate is indicated
by marks around the shuttle. Be sure to
thread the machine as indicated.
• Be careful not to drop the bobbin.
Insert the bobbin into the shuttle so that the
4
thread unrolls to the left.
• Be sure to insert the bobbin correctly.
CAUTION
Be sure to hold down the bobbin with
●
your finger and unroll the bobbin thread
correctly, otherwise the thread may
break or the thread tension will be
incorrect.
Lightly hold down the bobbin with your right
5
hand, and then guide the thread as shown
with your left hand.
Insert the tab in the lower-left corner of the
bobbin cover, and then lightly press down on
the right side.
1
X The lower threading is finished.
Next, thread the upper thread. Continue with
the procedure in “Upper Threading” (on the
next page).
Memo
● You can begin sewing without pulling up
the bobbin thread. If you wish to pull up the
bobbin thread before starting to sew, pull
up the thread according to the procedure in
“Pulling up the bobbin thread” (page 29).
In this section, the procedures for positioning the spool for the upper thread and threading the needle are
described.
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.
When using the extra spool pin, attach either the
About the spool of thread
With this sewing machine, a spool of thread can be
loaded into the enclosed thread cassette, and then
the thread cassette can be threaded. Information
about the spools of thread is described below.
■ Spools that can be loaded into the thread
cassette
Normally, a spool of thread is loaded into the
thread cassette and used. The spools that can be
loaded must have a diameter smaller than the
orange spool cap and a height shorter than the
mark on the cover of the thread cassette.
1
3
11
large or small white spool cap, depending on the
size of the spool. Use the spool cap with a diameter
that is slightly larger than the diameter of the spool.
1 Spool cap (orange)
2 Spool
3 Mark on thread cassette compartment cover
■ Spools that cannot be loaded into the thread
cassette
When using spools that cannot be loaded into the
thread cassette, use the enclosed extra spool pin.
Memo
● For details on using the extra spool pin,
refer to “Using the extra spool pin”
(page 24).
● When using a spool of cross-wound thread,
install the small white spool cap with some
space between the cap and the spool.
1
3
1 Spool cap (small)
2 Gap
3 Spool
2
18
CAUTION
●
Two 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 needle may break.
Loading the spool into the
thread cassette
Load the spool of thread into the enclosed thread
cassette to prepare the upper thread.
• If the sewing machine is turned off, the
thread cassette will not be ejected
correctly.
Remove the thread cassette.
4
Place the spool for the upper thread onto the
6
spool pin.
Slide the spool onto the spool pin so that the
thread unwinds from the left, as seen from the
top.
1
1 Spool
Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin.
7
With the rounded side of the spool cap
positioned toward the top, slide the spool cap
onto the spool pin as far as possible until the
down side of the spool touches the down end
of the spool pin.
toward you, and then pull off the spool cap
that is inserted onto the spool pin.
1
2
3
1 Spool cap (orange)
2 Spool pin
3 Cover
20
• Only the orange spool cap should be placed
on the spool pin in the thread cassette.
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.
While holding the end of the thread with your
8
right hand and the thread cassette with your
left hand, close the cover.
• When using special thread such as metallic
thread, use the thumb of your left hand to
press down on the area indicated in the
illustration to create an opening that allows
for easier threading.
In this section, the procedures for installing the
thread cassette and threading the needle are
described. The needle threader is used to thread the
needle at the same time that the thread cassette is
inserted.
1
2
1 Disc
2 Cutter
X The spool of thread is now loaded in the
thread cassette.
Note
● Be sure to cut the thread as described
above, otherwise the needle threader
cannot be used to thread the needle.
Memo
● The needle threader can be used with
sewing machine needles 75/11 through
100/16.
● Thread with a thickness of 130/20 or less
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 “Threading the needle manually”
(page 25).
If the thread cassette indicator is lit up in red,
the needle has not been raised to the correct
position. Press (needle position button)
once to raise the needle.
1
1 Needle position button
• If the needle is not raised to the correct
position, the needle cannot be threaded with
the needle threader. Be sure to check that
the thread cassette indicator is lit up in green
before inserting the thread cassette.
Insert the thread cassette into the thread
2
cassette compartment.
Slowly press down on the thread cassette until
it clicks into place.
1
1 Needle bar thread hook
X At the same time that the thread cassette is
inserted, the needle is threaded.
X The thread cassette indicator goes off.
• If the needle could not be threaded or the
thread was not passed through the needle
bar thread hook, refer to “Loading the spool
into the thread cassette” (page 19) and
perform the procedure again starting from
2
.
step
CAUTION
●
The needle threader is operated when the
needle is threaded. Be sure to keep your
hands and other items away from the
needle, otherwise injuries may occur.
the loop of thread passed through the eye of
the needle to pull out the end of the thread.
Carefully pull the loop of thread toward the
rear of the machine.
Pass the thread through the presser foot, and
4
then pull out about 10-15 cm (3/8-5/8 inch)
of thread toward the rear of the machine.