Brother DZ1500F Operation Manual

Operation Manual

Sewing machine

Product Code: 884-639

Manuel d’instructions

Machine à coudre

Référence du produit: 884-639

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

Veillez à lire ce document avant d'utiliser la machine.
Nous vous conseillons de conserver ce document à portée de la main pour vous y référer ultérieurement.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read all instructions before using.

When using a sewing machine, basic safety precautions should always be taken,

including the following:

DANGER – To reduce the risk of electric shock:

The sewing machine should never be left unattended while plugged in. Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before ●
cleaning.
Always unplug before changing the light bulb. Replace bulb with same type rated 120V 15 watts for 120V model or rated 240V 15 watts for 220-240V model. ●

WARNING – To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury:

Do not allow this sewing machine to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the sewing machine is used by or near children. ●
Use this sewing machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual. ●
Never operate this sewing 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 ●
sewing machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
Never operate the sewing machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot control free from the accumulation of lint, ●
dust, and loose cloth.
Never drop or insert any object into any opening. ●
Do not use outdoors. ●
Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered. ●
To disconnect, turn the main switch to the symbol “O” position which represents off, then remove plug from outlet. ●
Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord. ●
Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle. ●
Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break. ●
Do not use bent needles. ●
Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break. ●
Turn off power to the machine by flipping the ON/OFF switch to the symbol “O” before making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading the needle, ●
changing the needle, threading the bobbin or changing the presser foot etc.
Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in ●
the instruction manual.
This sewing machine is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision. ●
Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with this sewing machine. ●

CAUTION

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.

1

2

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This sewing machine is intended for household use.

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

FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA

AND CYPRUS ONLY

IMPORTANT

In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362, i.e. carrying the ● mark, rating as marked on plug.
Always replace the fuse cover. Never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted. ●
If the available electrical outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, you should contact your authorized dealer to obtain the correct lead. ●

3

CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSING
A BROTHER SEWING MACHINE

Your machine is one of the finest sewing machines available for home use.
To fully enjoy all the features incorporated into it, we suggest that you study this booklet.

PLEASE READ BEFORE USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

For safe operation

Be sure to watch the placement of your hands in relation to the needle while sewing. Do not touch moving parts such as the balance wheel, thread take-up or needle ●
while the machine is operating.
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 ●
Do not place anything on the foot controller. ●
Plug the machine directly into the wall outlet. Do not use extension cords. ●

For a longer service life

When storing your sewing machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not store the sewing machine beside a space heater, iron, 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. ●
Do not drop or hit the machine. ●
Always consult the operation manual when replacing any accessories, including: the presser feet, needle or other parts to assure correct installation. ●

For repair or adjustment

In the event that 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 nearest authorized Brother service center.
To find out the name and phone number for your authorized Brother service center visit www.brother.com and use our convenient dealer locator.

CONTENTS

Accessories ................................................................................. 5

Machine Features ........................................................................ 6

Before You Begin (1) .................................................................... 7

Power Cord and Foot Controller ................................7

Power Switch .............................................................7

Thread Tension Dial ...................................................7

Hand Wheel ............................................................... 7

Stitch Length Regulator .............................................7

Reverse Stitch Lever .................................................7

Presser Foot Lift Lever ..............................................8

Knee Lift ....................................................................8

Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment Dial ....................8

Fabric Extension Table ..............................................8

Before You Begin (2) .................................................................... 9

Thread Cutter Button .................................................9

Needle Stop Position Button......................................9

Light Switch ...............................................................9

Feed Dog Adjustment Knob ......................................9

Changing Needles and Light Bulb ........................................... 10

Changing the Needle ............................................... 10

Changing the Feed Pin ............................................ 10

Changing Light Bulbs ..............................................10

Threading (1) .............................................................................. 11

Bobbin Winding .......................................................11

Bobbin Insertion ......................................................13

Threading (2) .............................................................................. 14

Upper Threading......................................................14

Using the Automatic Needle Threader ....................15

Using the Spool Net ................................................15

Stitch Samples and Needle Chart ............................................ 16

Stitch Samples ........................................................16

Thread Tension ........................................................16

Changing Presser Feet ............................................................. 17

Changing Presser Feet (Zipper Foot) ...................... 17

Presser Feet ............................................................17

Basic Sewing (1) ........................................................................ 18

Basic Sewing ...........................................................18

Pin Feeding (for hard-to-handle fabrics) ..................18

Pin Feeding Mechanism ..........................................18

Basic Sewing (2) ........................................................................ 19

Rolled Hem Foot .....................................................19

Basic Sewing (3) ........................................................................ 20

Zipper Foot ..............................................................20

Invisible Zipper Foot ................................................21

1/4” Foot ..................................................................21

Quilting Foot ............................................................22

Walking Foot ............................................................22

Fabric Separator (for joining lining to fabric) ..........23

Seam Guide ............................................................23

Caring for Your Machine ............................................................ 24

Cleaning the Machine .............................................. 24

Lubrication Points ....................................................24

Trouble Shooting ....................................................................... 25

Accessories

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25

Note (For U.S.A. only)

Foot controller: Model T
This foot controller is used for sewing machine model DZ1500F.

No. Part Name Part Code

1 Cover XA0917-054
2 Medium Screwdriver XC9541-051
3 Small Screwdriver X55468-051
4 Cleaning Brush X59476-051
5 Knee Lift XA0830-051
6 Needles and Case

(ORGAN HLX5)
1 Size 9, 2 Size 11, 1 Size 14,

1 Size 16, 1 Ballpoint Needle
7 Lining Plate Screw (2) 062670-817
8 Fabric Separator 184720-001
9 Feed Pin 138483-051

10 Feed Pin Changer XC1407-051
11 General Purpose Foot XA1425-001
12 Bobbin (5) SA159 (Americas)

13 Spool Cap XA2111-050
14 Rolled Hem Foot X57138-101
15 Zipper Foot 112797-001
16 Invisible Zipper Foot XC0093-001
17 1/4” Foot XA7258-001
18 Quilting Foot XA7255-301
19 Walking Foot XA7253-001
20 Seam Guide XA7256-001
21 Foot Controller XD0501-151 (EU area)

22 Fabric Extension Table XC3117-051
23 Spool Net XA5523-050
24 Pin Feed Foot (on machine) 136021-001
25 Spool Cushion (on machine) XF2071-001

X80805-151

MBN: XA8284-202(Others)

XC8816-051 (Other areas)

5

6

Machine Features

Presser Foot Pressure
Adjustment Dial (Page 8)

Three Holed
Thread Guide (Page 14)

Light Switch
(Page 9)

Thread Trimmer

Sewing Area
Light (Page 10)

Feed Dogs
(Page 9 and 18)

Thread Guide Bar
(Page 11)

Stitch Length
Regulator (Page 7)

Needle Stop Position
Button (Page 9)

Reverse Stitch
Lever (Page 7)

Feed Dog Adjustment
Knob (Page 9)

Knee Lift
(Page 8)

Bobbin Winder
(Page 11)

Hand Wheel
(Page 7)

Power Switch
(Page 7)

Foot Controller Jack
(Page 7)

Power Socket
(Page 7)

Spool Cushion
(Page 11)

Spool Pin
(Page 11)

Presser Foot
Lift Lever (Page 8)

Thread Guide for
Bobbin Winding (Page 11)

Handle

Air Vents

Thread Cutter
Button (Page 9)

Thread Tension Dial
(Page 7 and 16)

Indicator Lamp

Automatic Needle
Threader (Page 15)

Quick Bobbin
Thread Device (Page 13)

Thread Take-up Lever
(Page 14)

7

Before You Begin (1)

Power Cord

Foot Controller

Power Switch

I

O

Hand Wheel

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Stitch Length Regulator

Reference Mark

Lower number
= shorter stitches
Higher number
= longer stitches

Stitch Length

Reverse Stitch
Lever

Upper Thread Tension

Loosen Tighten

Tension Block

Slower

Faster

Power Cord and Foot Controller

WARNING

Please use common household
current.

Plug in cord. ●
Plug foot controller into machine. ●
When you press the foot controller

●
down lightly, the machine will run
at a low speed. When you press
harder, the machine’s speed will
increase. When you take your foot
off the foot controller, the machine
will stop.

Power Switch

Flip power switch to “I” position ●
to turn on.
To switch power off, flip switch to ●
“O” position.

Thread Tension Dial

Hand Wheel

Position needle using hand ●
wheel.

Always turn hand wheel towards ✽
you.

CAUTION

Be sure to keep the area under
and around the needle clear.

Stitch Length Regulator

Adjust desired stitch length ●
using stitch regulator dial.

Reverse Stitch Lever

When tighter thread tension is ●
desired, turn the tension dial
to the right. Upper and bobbin
threads will meet on right side of
the fabric.
When looser thread tension is

●
desired, turn tension dial to the
left. Upper and lower threads
will then meet on wrong side of
fabric.

Sewing in reverse is possible ●
when the reverse stitch lever is
in the lowered position.

Make sure to continuously press ✽
the lever to its lowest position
when reverse sewing is desired.
When the feed adjustment dial is

✽

set between 5-7 mm, the reverse
stitch length is always 5 mm.

8

Presser Foot Lift Lever

Presser Foot
Lift Lever

Knee Lift

Setting up the knee lift.

Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment Dial

Pressure Indicator
Needle

Fabric Extension Table

Knee Lift

Table legs

1

3

2

Stopper

Hook

3

Guide pin

Hole

2

Lowering the presser foot ●
lift lever lowers the sewing
foot down onto the fabric and
engages the thread tension
function.
When working with heavy ✽
fabrics or other fabrics that don’t
slide easily under the foot, raise
the presser foot lever to position
the fabric.

Knee Lift

Using the convenient knee lift ●
to lift and lower the presser foot
easily, leaving both your hands
free.

Presser Foot Pressure
Adjustment Dial

Turning the pressure adjustment ●
dial raises and lowers the
pressure indicator needle as
the amount of pressure on the
presser foot changes.
See also: “Feed Dog Adjustment
Knob” on page 9.

See “Thread Tension” on page ✽

16.

Fabric Extension Table

Lower the adjustable table feet and slide the fabric extension table on to the

●
machine.

Push the knee lift bar all the ✽
way into the socket.

When knee lift is not in use, ✽
it can be stored beneath the
fabric extension table.

9

Before You Begin (2)

Thread Cutter Button

Indicator Lamp

Needle Stop Position Button

Light Switch

Feed Dog Adjustment Knob

(Feed Dogs Down)

(Pin Feeding)

Velvet

Lightweight Fabrics

Middleweight Fabrics

Heavyweight Fabrics

Thread Cutter Button

CAUTION

When the machine stops due to
jammed threads and so forth, do
not step on the foot controller,
turn the power off, and moving
the needle with the hand wheel,
check the situation.

The thread cutter trims upper and

●
bobbin threads at the end of seams.

Needle Stop Position Button

When indicator lamp is lit up, the

●
machine will stop sewing with the
needle lowered through the fabric.
When indicator lamp is off, the ●
needle position when sewing
stops, will be random.
If the safety mechanism is activated,

●
for example if the thread becomes
tangled, the red lamp flashes.

Light Switch

Feed Dog Adjustment Knob

Height of feed dogs can be ●
adjusted to coincide with fabric
weights.

Press with the presser lever down. ✽

Foot Pressure and Feed Dog Position

Push light switch to turn the light ●
over the sewing area on and off.

Select one of four feed dog positions according to your needs.

Note

If a setting other than is selected, the pin feed mechanism will not
operate.

10

Changing Needles and Light Bulb

Screwdriver

Flat surface

Lay needle on
a flat surface
(such as the needle
plate or a plate
of glass).

The needle should lay
parallel to a surface.

Screwdriver

120V

Light
Bulb

Light
Bulb

230V

Please make sure the power to the machine is turned
off before carrying out the following operations. There
is a chance of injury if the machine accidentally starts
running during this operation.

Changing the Needle

Turn the sewing machine

1

off. Raise needle to highest
position using hand wheel,
and lower presser foot.
Loosen screw with 2
screwdriver, and
remove needle.
Hold the needle with the flat

3

side to the right, and insert
the needle as far as it will go.
Make sure needle is securely
set in the needle chamber by
screwing in tightly.

If the needle is not ✽
adequately inserted or
the screw is loose, this
may break the needle
or cause a breakdown
and the needle
threader will not work.
Check needles on a ✽
flat surface to make
sure they are not bent.

Note

HLX5 needles should be used; however, Schmetz
130/705H may also be used under normal circumstances.

CAUTION

Changing the Feed Pin

Set the feed dogs to “velvet”

1

position. (See page 9.)
Remove needle, presser

2

foot and needle plate.
Lower presser foot and turn

3

hand wheel until feed pin is
in its highest position.
Insert small screwdriver

4

(included) as shown in diagram.

While holding spring 5
with fingertip, lower the
feed pin changer onto
the needle to pick it up.

Attach new feed pin

6

to feed pin changer,
lower and attach while
holding spring with
fingertip.
Remove screwdriver.7
Re-attach needle plate, 8
needle and presser
foot.

CAUTION

Please make sure the power to the machine
is turned off before carrying out the following
operations. The glass plate over the light bulb will be
hot immediately after using the machine, therefore
it is advisable to wait until the light bulb has had a
chance to cool down before changing bulbs.

Changing Light Bulbs

Turn off power.1
Remove screw from 2
head.

Remove bulb housing.3

Unscrew bulb and 4
remove.
Screw in new bulb. 5
Sewing Light:
See page 24.
Re-attach bulb housing 6
and tighten screw.

11

b

c

d

a

c

a

b

Spool of Thread

�2
Spool Cushion

Spool Cap

�1

Threading (1)

Bobbin

Bobbin Winder
Shaft

Guide Pin

Thread Notch 1

Thread Notch 2

Bobbin Winding Clutch

Bobbin Winding

CAUTION

Do not move bobbin winding clutch while
machine is running.

Raise the thread guide bar all the way.1
Mount a spool of thread on the spool pin.2

✽1 Use spool cap when using parallel-wound thread.
✽2 Use spool cushion when using cross-wound thread.

5 - 0: See the following illustrations.

Pass the thread through the 3
triangular hole.

Pass thread through bobbin winding 4
thread guide as shown in drawing.

Run thread through top 5
thread notch 1, and turning
the bobbin align bottom
thread notch 2 of the bobbin
with guide pin on bobbin
winder shaft.

Press bobbin winding clutch up against 6
empty bobbin. If the bobbin stop does not
slide easily between the top and bottom of
the bobbin, check that the bobbin is seated
properly with the guide pin (5) inserted into
the lower notch.

12

While holding the end of the thread, 7

�

Place the thread end so that it does
not protrude from the bobbin.

Bobbin Winding Clutch

Controller

Pedal

Press down

�

Pressing down on the controller
harder increases the winding speed.

step on the foot controller for a few
seconds. Once enough thread has
wound itself around the bobbin
to hold itself in place, release the
foot controller and trim the excess
thread.

Start winding the bobbin again by 8
pressing down on the foot controller.

Stop winding process when 9
bobbin is full. Take the foot off foot
controller.

Manually move bobbin winding 0
clutch back to original position.

Cut thread and remove bobbin.A

13

Quick Bobbin
Thread Device

Bobbin Insertion

� Bobbin should be

positioned so it
winds to the left.

Latch Spring

Thread Notch

10 cm (4 inches)

2

1

2

1

Bobbin Door

Needle Plate

1

2

3

Bobbin Thread Setting Cover

CAUTION – Moving parts –

To reduce risk of injury, turn the power to the machine off before servicing. Open covers.

Lift needle plate and open 1
bobbin door.

Lower slide plate and close 5
bobbin door, following numbers
1 2 above in order.

Put bobbin into the bobbin case.2

Run thread through thread notch and ✽
under latch spring, so that a length of
thread is exposed.
Always use the bobbin case that was ✽
supplied with this machine. A secondary
bobbin case can be ordered from your
dealer.

When the fabric extension table is set in place ●

Pull the latch lever of the bobbin 3
case out and push the bobbin case
into the shuttle race and release the
latch lever.

If the latch lever is not set securely on

✽

the hook, it may fly off during sewing
and cause lower thread breakage.
Rotate the hand wheel one full
rotation towards you to check that the
bobbin case is set securely.

Open the bobbin thread setting cover
beforehand, then following the above
directions set the bobbin thread in
place. (You can set the bobbin thread
in place without removing the fabric
extension table.)

Pass the thread through the quick 4
bobbin thread device in the order 1

2, pull in the direction of the arrow
3, then cut the thread.

★

Quick Bobbin Thread Device
This device cuts the bobbin thread end
to an appropriate length after the bobbin
has been replaced and holds it at that
length. Following this process eliminates
the need to manually pull the bobbin
thread through the hole in the needle
plate. Simply close the bobbin case and
continue the upper threading process.

14

Threading (2)

1

2

6

7

8

9

0

A

3

4

5

Long
Groove

Scarf
(depression on
needle shaft)

Thread

Needle Hole

1

7

2

3

5

6

4

7

8

9

0

A

Thread take-up spring

CAUTION

Please turn off the power to the machine before using the automatic needle threader. Accidentally stepping on the foot controller during this operation could cause bodily injury or damage to the machine.

Upper Threading

Make sure thread take-up lever

●
(7) is in highest position and
presser foot is up.

When using polyester thread or thread that

✽

tangles or breaks, run the thread through
all three holes of the thread guide.

Thread tension may not be adjusted ✽
adequately unless the thread runs
correctly through the take-up spring.

CAUTION

Turn off the power to the machine before using the
automatic needle threader. Otherwise, it may cause
injuries when you unintentionally press down on the
foot controller.

If the thread is still tangles or breaks,

✽

run the thread through the holes
backwards as shown in diagram.

15

Using the Automatic Needle Threader

Pin

Thread

1

2

Hook

Automatic
Needle
Threader

a

b

c

d

Pull the thread to

✽

the left and check
that it is caught
on the hook.

Rotate hand wheel towards you 1
until needle is in the highest
position, and lower presser foot.
Take thread in your left hand, and 2
gently pull it forward.

Before sewing, pull the thread loop to the

6

right and then pull the thread tail towards
the back of the machine following the
opening in the presser foot.

Lower automatic needle threader.3
Pull thread along the right side of the pin.

✽

Do not force the needle threader lower

✽

than the eye of the needle. Be sure that
the needle is in the highest position.

Needle (HLX5) Thread

#9 #20 #30 #50 #60
#11 #20 #30
#14 #20 #30
#16 #20

The automatic needle-threader cannot be

●
used with the thread-needle combinations
illustrated in the chart shown above.
Transparent nylon thread can be used
regardless of the chart, providing the
needle used is a #14 or #16.

Turn the needle threader lever all the

4

way in the direction of 1 and when
the hook extends from the needle
hole, pull the thread in the direction
of 2 to catch it on the hook.

Using the Spool Net

While holding the thread gently, return

5

the needle threader lever to the right. As
you do this the hook that has caught the
thread will move as well, pulling a loop
of thread through the eye of the needle.

If using transparent nylon
thread, metallic thread, or
other strong thread, place
the included spool net over
the spool before using.
If the spool net is too long,
fold it once to match it to the
spool size before placing it
over the spool.

Spool net1
Thread spool2
Spool pin3
Spool cap4