Brother J14, KD144, J17, L14, L17 Operation Manual

Operation Manual

Sewing Machine

Product Code: 888-X53/X54/X55/X56

Please visit us at http://solutions.brother.com where you can get product support and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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

DANGER - To reduce

the risk of electric shock:

1 Always unplug the machine from

the electrical outlet immediately after using, when cleaning, when making any user servicing adjustments mentioned in this manual, or if you are leaving the machine unattended.

WARNING - To

reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

2 Always unplug the machine from

the electrical outlet when making any adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual:

• To unplug the machine, switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off, then grasp the plug and pull it out of the electrical outlet. Do not pull on the cord.

• Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord.

• Always unplug your machine if the power is cut.

3 Never operate this machine if it has

a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or water is spilled on the unit. Return the machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

• While the machine is stored or in use if you notice anything unusual, such as an odor, heat, discoloration or deformation, stop using the machine

and immediately unplug the power cord.

• When transporting the machine, be sure to carry it by its handle. Lifting the machine by any other part may damage the machine or result in the machine falling, which could cause injuries.

• When lifting the machine, be careful not to make any sudden or careless movements, otherwise you may injure your back or knees.

4 Always keep your work area clear:

• Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the machine and foot control free from the build up of lint, dust, and loose cloth.

• Do not store objects on the foot controller.

• Do not use extension cords. Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet.

• Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.

• Do not use the machine near a heat source, such as a stove or iron; otherwise, the machine, power cord or garment being sewn may ignite, resulting in fire or an electric shock.

• Do not place this machine on an unstable surface, such as an unsteady or slanted table, otherwise the machine may fall, resulting in injuries.

5 Special care is required when

sewing:

• Always pay close attention to the needle. Do not use bent or damaged needles.

1

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• Keep fingers away from all moving

parts. Special care is required around the machine needle.

• Do not turn on the machine while pressing down the foot controller. The machine may start unexpectedly and cause personal injury or damage to the machine.

• Switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off when making any adjustments in the needle area.

• Do not use a damaged or incorrect needle plate, as it could cause the needle to break.

• Do not push or pull the fabric when sewing, and follow careful instruction when freehand stitching so that you do not deflect the needle and cause it to break.

6 This machine is not a toy:

• Your close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children.

• The plastic bag that this machine was supplied in should be kept out of the reach of children or disposed of. Never allow children to play with the bag due to the danger of suffocation.

• Do not use outdoors.

7 For a longer service life:

• When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not use or store the machine near a space heater, iron, halogen lamp, or other hot objects.

• Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the case. Benzene, thinner, and scouring powders can damage the case and machine, and should never be used.

• Always consult the operation manual when replacing or installing any assemblies, the presser feet, needle, or other parts to assure correct installation.

8 For repair or adjustment:

• If the Light unit (light-emitting diode) is damaged, it must be replaced by authorized dealer.

• In the event a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, first follow the troubleshooting table in the back of the operation manual to inspect and adjust the machine yourself. If the problem persists, please consult your local authorized Brother dealer.

Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual.

Use accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.

The contents of this manual and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.

For additional product information, visit our web site at www.brother.com

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

This machine is intended

for household use.

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

This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.

2

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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.

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1 KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

ACCESSORIES

We have designed these accessories to help you easily perform most sewing tasks.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7.

1

No. Part Name

Zigzag foot “J”

1

(on machine) 2 Buttonhole foot “A” X59369-321 3 Zipper foot “I” XE9369-001

Bobbin 4

(One is on machine)

Part Code

Americas Others

XC4901-121

SFB:

SA156

XA5539-151

No. Part Name

Needle set

5

(90/14 needle) 6 Screwdriver XF3557-001 7 Foot controller See page 5

Part Code

Americas Others

3-piece set: XE5328-001 2-piece set: XE7064-001

Note

● The included accessories vary depending on the machine model.

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.

6. 7. 8.

No. Part Name

1 Darning Plate XC6063-021 2 Button sewing foot “M” XE2137-001

3 Walking Foot SA107

4 Quilting Foot SA129

5 1/4-inch Quilting Foot SA125

Part Code

Americas Others

F034N: XC2165-002

F005N: XC1948-052

F001N: XC1944-052

No. Part Name

6 Narrow Hemmer Foot SA127

7 Blind Stitch Foot SA134

8 Quilting guide SA132

Part Code

Americas Others

F003N: XC1945-052

F018N: XC1976-052

F016N: XC2215-052

4

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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THE MAIN PARTS

3

2

1

4

A

5

6

7

1 Bobbin winder (Page 11)

This winds the thread onto the bobbin for use as the lower thread.

2 Spool pin (Page 11, 14)

This holds the spool of thread.

3 Thread guide (Page 11, 14)

This is used when winding the thread onto the bobbin and then threading the machine.

4 Thread take-up lever (Page 15) 5 Upper tension-control dial (Page 21)

This controls the tension of the upper thread.

6 Thread cutter (Page 19)

Pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them.

7 Flat bed attachment with accessory compartment

(Page 5)

8 Presser foot (Page 8) 9 Reverse sewing lever (Page 10)

Push this lever to stitch in the reverse direction.

0 Buttonhole fine-adjustment screw (Page 27) A Pattern selection dial (Page 9)

Rotate the dial in either direction to choose the stitch you want.

B Handwheel

Used to manually raise and lower the needle.

C Main power and sewing light switch (Page 7)

You can turn the main power and sewing light switch on and off.

D Foot controller jack / socket (Page 6)

Plug in the foot controller plug and connect the machine to the power supply.

E Presser foot lever (Page 14)

Used to raise and lower the presser foot.

8

0

9

B

E

C

F

F Foot controller (Page 7)

You can use this to control the sewing speed, and to start and stop sewing.

Foot Controller:

The foot controller part code differs depending on the country or region. Contact your dealer or the nearest authorized service center.

D

Model KD-1902 for 110-120V area

KD-1902 for 110-127V area (Brazil only)

Model KD-2902 for 220-240V area

Flat bed attachment

The accessories can be stored in a compartment inside the flat bed attachment.

Slide the flat bed attachment to the left to

1

open it.

1

2

1 Flat bed attachment 2 Storage compartment

5

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USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

WARNING

● Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sources may

result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine.

● Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and

the power supply jack on the machine.

● Do not insert the plug on the power cord into an electrical outlet that is in poor condition.

● Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances:

• When you are away from the machine

• After using the machine

• When the power fails during use

• When the machine does not operate correctly due to a bad connection or a disconnection

• During electrical storms

CAUTION

● Use only the power cord included with this machine.

● Do not use extension cords or multi-plug adapters with many other appliances plugged in to

them. Fire or electric shock may result.

● Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Electric shock may result.

●

When unplugging the machine, always turn off the main power first. Always grasp the plug to remove it from the outlet. Pulling on the cord may damage the cord, or lead to fire or electric shock.

● Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modified, forcefully bent, pulled, twisted,

or bundled. Do not place heavy objects on the cord. Do not subject the cord to heat. These things may damage the cord and cause fire or electric shock. If the cord or plug is damaged, take the machine to your authorized dealer for repairs before continuing use.

● Unplug the power cord if the machine is not to be used for a long period of time. Otherwise

a fire may result.

1

Connecting plugs

Connect the foot controller plug to the

1

machine. Connect the power supply plug to a wall

2

outlet.

Note

● If a power outage occurs while the sewing machine is being operated, turn off the main power and unplug the power supply cord. When restarting the sewing machine, follow the necessary procedure to correctly operate the machine.

(For U.S.A. only)

● This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.

6

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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Main power and sewing light switch

This switch turns the main power and sewing light on or off.

1

2

1 Turn on (toward the ‘I’ mark) 2 Turn off (toward the ‘O’ mark)

CAUTION

●

Do not turn on the machine while pressing down the foot controller. The machine may start unexpectedly and cause personal injury or damage to the machine.

Foot controller

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

1

2

1 Slower 2 Faster

You should make sure that nothing is placed on the foot controller when the machine is not in use.

CAUTION

● Do not allow pieces of cloth and dust to

build up on the foot controller. Doing so could cause a fire or an electric shock.

Note

(For U.S.A. only)

● Foot Controller: Model KD-1902 This foot controller can be used on the machine with product code 888-X53/X54/ X55/X56. The product code is mentioned on the machine rating plate.

Checking the needle

The sewing needle must always be straight and sharp for smooth sewing.

■ Checking the needle correctly

Put the flat side of the needle on a flat surface. Check the needle from the top and the sides. Dispose of any bent needles safely.

1

2

1 Parallel space 2 Level surface (bobbin cover, glass, etc.)

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.

Turn off the machine.

1

Raise the needle by turning the

2

handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up.

Lower the presser foot lever.

3

1 Presser foot lever

1

7

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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.

Hold the needle with your left hand, and

4

then use a screwdriver to turn the needle clamp screw counterclockwise to remove the needle.

1

1 Use a screwdriver

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

With the flat side of the needle toward the

5

back of the machine, insert the needle until it touches the needle stopper. Next, tighten the needle clamp using a screwdriver.

2

3

1

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.

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.

You will have to change the presser foot depending on what you want to sew and how.

Turn off the machine.

1

Raise the presser foot lever. Raise the needle by turning the

2

handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up.

Remove the presser foot by pulling it

3

vertically downward.

1

1 Use a screwdriver 2 Needle stopper 3 Needle

1

2

1 Presser foot holder 2 Presser foot

Put a different presser foot on the needle

4

plate so that the bar on the presser foot is in line with the slot on the shank.

8

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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Lower the presser foot lever and fix the

5

presser foot onto the shank. If the presser foot is in the correct place, the bar should snap in.

2

1 Shank 2 Bar

1

THE CONTROLS

Pattern selection dial

CAUTION

● When you use the pattern selection dial

to choose a pattern, raise the needle by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up. If the needle is in the down position when you turn the pattern selection dial, the needle, presser foot or fabric may be damaged.

To choose a stitch, simply turn the pattern selection dial in either direction.

2

11

1

1 Pattern selection dial 2 Chosen pattern number

■ Presser foot installation orientation

CAUTION

● If the presser foot is not installed with

the correct orientation, the needle may strike the presser foot, which may bend or break the needle and cause injury.

Patterns and stitch names

1

8

9

*1 : Stitch nos. 15-17 are only available on certain

models.

Pattern

Stitch Name

4-STEP AUTOMATIC

BUTTONHOLE

ZIGZAG STITCH 1.8 (1/8)

ZIGZAG STITCH 3.3 (3/16)

2

3

12

11

10

Preset Length

(mm (inch))

Preset Width

(mm (inch))

1

2

3

4

13

14

0.5 (1/32)

5 (3/16)

0.7 (1/32)

1.5 (1/16)

5

15

6 7

*1

16 17

Reference

Page

26

22, 29, 30,

32

22, 29, 30,

32

*1

9

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Pattern

Stitch Name

4

ZIGZAG STITCH 5 (3/16)

5

ZIGZAG (SATIN)

STITCH

6

STRAIGHT STITCH

(Center Needle

Position)

7

STRAIGHT STITCH

(Center Needle

Position)

8

STRAIGHT STITCH

(Center Needle

Position)

9

STRAIGHT STITCH

(Center Needle

Position)

10

STRAIGHT STITCH

(Center Needle

Position)

11

STRAIGHT STITCH

(Left Needle Position)

12

BLIND HEM STITCH 5 (3/16)

13

ELASTIC STITCH 5 (3/16)

Preset Length

(mm (inch))

Preset Width

(mm (inch))

2 (1/16)

0.5 (1/32)

5 (3/16)

1.6 (1/16)

—

1.8 (1/8)

—

2 (1/16)

—

3 (1/8)

—

4 (3/16)

—

2.5 (3/32)

—

2 (1/16)

1 (1/16)

Reference

Page

22, 29, 30,

32

22, 29

22, 31

22, 28, 29,

31, 32

22, 31

22, 29, 31

23, 32

24

Pattern

Stitch Name

14

STRETCH BLIND

HEM STITCH

15

OVEREDGE STITCH 5 (3/16)

16

DOUBLE ACTION

STITCH

17

BRIDGING STITCH 5 (3/16)

Preset Length

(mm (inch))

Preset Width

(mm (inch))

2 (1/16)

5 (3/16)

2 (1/16)

1.2 (1/16)

5 (3/16)

1.2 (1/16)

Reference

Page

23, 32

24

25

Reverse sewing lever

You can use reverse sewing for back tacking and reinforcing seams. To sew in reverse, push the reverse sewing lever in as far as possible and hold it in that position while you lightly push the foot controller. To sew forward, release the reverse sewing lever. The machine will then sew forward. The length of reverse stitches is fixed at 2 mm (1/16 inch).

1

1 Reverse sewing lever

1

10

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THREADING THE MACHINE

Winding the bobbin

CAUTION

● We designed the bobbin that comes with this machine. If you use bobbins from other models,

the machine will not work properly. Only use the bobbin that comes with this machine or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, SFB: XA5539-151). Using other bobbins may cause damage to the machine.

Actual size

11.5 mm

(7/16 inch)

This model Other models

1

1 Pull the thread

in completely.

1 Pre-tension disk 2 Bobbin winder shaft 3 Bobbin

Pull up the spool pin and put a spool of

1

thread on this pin.

While holding the thread from the spool

2

with your right hand, pass the thread toward you, in the groove on the thread guide. Then, pass the thread around the pre-tension disk and pull the thread in completely.

11

2

3

CAUTION

● If the spool of thread is in the wrong

place, or is set incorrectly, the thread may tangle on the spool pin.

Brother J14, KD144, J17, L14, L17 Operation Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CONTENTS

1 KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

ACCESSORIES

Optional accessories

THE MAIN PARTS

Flat bed attachment

USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Connecting plugs

Main power and sewing light switch

Foot controller

Checking the needle

Replacing the needle

Changing the presser foot

THE CONTROLS

Pattern selection dial

Patterns and stitch names

Reverse sewing lever

THREADING THE MACHINE

Winding the bobbin