Brother Sewing BROT1070 Owner Manual

Operation Manual

Embroidery and Sewing Machine

Product Code: 888-M20

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

INTRODUCTION

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

Thank you for purchasing this machine. Before using this
machine, carefully read the “IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS”, 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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

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

DANGER

- To reduce the risk of electrical shock

1Always unplug the machine from the electrical

outlet immediately after using, when cleaning,
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, electrical shock, or
injury to persons.

2Always unplug the machine from the electrical

outlet when making any adjustments mentioned in
the instruction manual.

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

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

• Always unplug your machine if there is a power
failure.

3Electrical 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
converter. If you are not sure what kind of power
source you have, contact a qualified electrician.

4Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord

or plug, if it is not working properly, has been
dropped or damaged, or water is spilled on the unit.
Return the machine to the nearest authorized
Brother dealer 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 immediately and 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, which may
cause a personal injury.

5Always 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.

• Never drop or insert foreign objects in 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.

6Special care is required when sewing:

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

• Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special
care is required around the machine needle.

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

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

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

1

7This machine is not a toy:

SAVE THESE

• 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.

8For 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.

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.

9For repair or adjustment:

• If the light unit is damaged, it must be replaced by
an authorized Brother 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 the 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 and updates, visit
our website at www.brother.com

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.

2

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 Brother dealer to obtain the
correct lead.

Trademarks

App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc.
Use of these trademarks are subject to Google Permissions.

Open Source Licensing Remarks

This product includes open-source software.
To see the open source licensing remarks, please go to the
manual download section on your model's home page of
Brother Solutions Center at “ http://s.brother/cpjab

”.

3

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 GETTING READY 5

Names of Machine Parts ....................................... 5

Included accessories .............................................................. 7

Optional accessories .............................................................. 8

Turning the Machine On/Off................................ 9

LCD Operation ................................................... 10

Viewing the LCD.................................................................. 10

Settings screen...................................................................... 12

Adjusting input sensitivity for operation keys........................ 13

Winding/Installing the Bobbin............................ 13

Winding the bobbin ............................................................. 13

Installing the bobbin............................................................. 16

Upper Threading ................................................ 17

Threading the upper thread .................................................. 17

Pulling up the bobbin thread ................................................ 20

Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations.................. 21

Replacing the Needle.......................................... 22

Checking the needle............................................................. 22

Replacing the needle............................................................ 22

Replacing the Presser Foot.................................. 23

Replacing the presser foot .................................................... 23

Removing and attaching the presser foot holder ................... 24

Chapter 2 SEWING BASICS 25

Sewing ................................................................ 25

Stitch types........................................................................... 25

Basic sewing ........................................................................ 25

Sewing reverse/reinforcement stitches .................................. 27

Combining Stitch Patterns .................................................... 27

Automatic reverse/reinforcement stitching............................ 28

Automatically cutting the thread........................................... 28

Setting the stitch width/stitch length/“L/R Shift” .................... 29

Adjusting the thread tension............................... 29

Useful Sewing Tips ............................................. 30

Sewing Tips.......................................................................... 30

Sewing an even seam allowance.......................................... 31

Sewing Various Fabrics ........................................................ 32

Using a frame pattern to make an appliqué.......................... 69

Split embroidery patterns..................................................... 70

Editing Patterns .................................................. 71

Editing All Patterns............................................. 72

Aligning the pattern and the needle position........................ 73

Embroidering linked characters............................................ 73

Using the Memory Function............................... 74

Saving embroidery patterns.................................................. 75

Retrieving embroidery patterns ............................................ 75

Chapter 5 APPENDIX 77

Care and Maintenance ....................................... 77

Restrictions on oiling........................................................... 77

Precautions on storing the machine ..................................... 77

Cleaning the race................................................................. 77

Touch panel is malfunctioning............................................. 78

Troubleshooting ................................................. 78

Upper thread tightened up ................................................... 79

Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric................................ 79

Incorrect thread tension ....................................................... 79

Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed ..... 80

If the thread becomes tangled under the bobbin winder

seat...................................................................................... 82

List of symptoms.................................................................. 83

Error messages..................................................................... 87

Operation beeps.................................................................. 89

Upgrading your machine’s software .................. 89

Index.................................................................. 90

Chapter 3 VARIOUS STITCHES 35

Stitch Chart ........................................................ 35

Utility stitches .................................................... 38

Overcasting Stitches............................................................. 38

Blind Hem Stitching ............................................................. 39

Buttonhole sewing................................................................ 41

Button sewing ...................................................................... 43

Zipper Insertion.................................................................... 44

Appliqué, Patchwork and Quilt Stitching.............................. 45

Other Stitching Applications................................................. 49

Making adjustments............................................ 54

Using The Memory Function .............................. 54

Saving stitch patterns............................................................ 55

Retrieving stitch patterns ...................................................... 55

Chapter 4 EMBROIDERY 57

Embroidering Preparation................................... 57

Attaching the Embroidery Foot................................................... 57

Attaching the Embroidery Unit ............................................. 58

Embroidery Attractive Finishes ............................................. 59

Hooping the fabric in the embroidery frame ......................... 60

Attaching the Embroidery Frame .......................................... 62

Embroidering ...................................................... 63

Selecting an embroidery pattern ........................................... 63

Embroidering a pattern......................................................... 65

Adjusting thread tension....................................................... 67

Embroidering the appliqué patterns ...................................... 68

4

Names of Machine Parts

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

k

l

m

y

Chapter 1

GETTING READY

Names of Machine Parts

■ Main parts

n

o

p

0 Flat bed attachment (page 7, 31)
A Thread cutter (page 19)
B Needle threader lever (page 19)
C Thread tension dial (page 29, 67)
D Handwheel

Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to raise and
lower the needle to sew one stitch.

E Thread guide cover (page 14)
F Handle

Carry the machine by its handle when transporting.

G Presser foot lever

Raise and lower the presser foot lever to raise and lower the
presser foot.

H Feed dog position switch

Use the feed dog position switch to raise and lower the feed
dogs. (page 47)

I Main power switch (page 9)
J Power supply jack (page 9)
K Foot controller (page 26)
L Foot controller jack (page 26)
M 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.

N USB port (for a USB flash drive) (page 55, 75)
O Embroidery unit (page 58)

1

GETTING READY

x

w

v

s

t

u

1 Bobbin winding thread guide and pretension disk

(page 15)

2 Thread guide (page 14)
3 Spool cap (page 13)
4 Spool pin (page 13)
5 Hole for extra spool pin

6 Bobbin winder (page 13)
7 LCD (liquid crystal display) (page 10)
8 Operation panel (page 6)
9 Operation buttons and sewing speed controller

This holds an extra spool pin for sewing with twin needle. (page

52) This is not a hole for lubrication. Do not insert oil into this
hole.

(page 6)

q

r

■

Needle and presser foot section

i

a

h

g

f

e

1 Needle bar thread guide (page 18)
2 Needle plate (page 31)
3 Needle plate cover (page 16)
4 Bobbin cover/bobbin case (page 16, 77)
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 stitch.

7 Presser foot holder (page 24)
8 Presser foot holder screw (page 24)
9 Buttonhole lever (page 42)

d

c

b

5

Names of Machine Parts

Note

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

■ Operation buttons

b

a

cd e

1 “Start/Stop” button

Press the “Start/Stop” button to start or stop sewing.
The button changes color according to the machine’s
operation mode.

Green: The machine is ready to sew or is sewing.

Red: The machine cannot sew.

Orange: The machine is winding the bobbin thread, or

the bobbin winder shaft is moved to the right
side.

2 Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button

Press the reverse/reinforcement button to sew reverse/
reinforcement stitches. (page 27)

3 Needle position button

Press the needle position button to raise or lower the needle.
Pressing the button twice sews one stitch.

4 Thread cutter button

Press the thread cutter button after sewing is stopped to cut

both the upper and the bobbin threads.

5 Sewing speed controller

Slide the sewing speed controller to adjust the sewing speed.
The sewing speed cannot be adjusted while sewing decorative
stitches or embroidering.

■ Operation panel and operation keys

1 LCD (liquid crystal display) (touch panel)

Selected pattern settings and messages are displayed.
Touch the keys displayed on the LCD to perform operations.
For details, refer to “LCD Operation” on page 10.

2 Previous page key

Displays the previous screen when there are items that are not
displayed on the LCD.

3 Next page key

Displays the next screen when there are items that are not
displayed on the LCD.

4 Help key

Press to get help on using the machine.

5 Settings key

Press to set the needle stop position, the buzzer sound, and
more.

6 Embroidery key

Press this key to embroider.

7 Utility stitch key

Press this key to sew a utility stitch or decorative stitch.

8 Back key

Press to return to the previous screen.

9 Presser foot/Needle exchange key

Press this key before changing the needle, the presser foot,
etc. This key locks all key and button functions to prevent
operation of the machine.

• The operation keys of this machine are capacitive touch
sensors. Operate the keys by directly touching them
with your finger.
The response of the keys varies according to the user.
The pressure exerted on the keys does not affect the
response of the keys.

• Since the operation keys react differently depending on
the user, adjust the setting for “Adjusting input
sensitivity for operation keys” on page 13.

• When using an electrostatic touch pen, make sure that
its point is 8 mm or more. Do not use a touch pen with a
thin point or a unique shape.

6

Names of Machine Parts

Note

J

G

I

R

A

Q

Included accessories

Included accessories may differ from the table below depending on the machine model you purchased. For more details on
included accessories and their part codes of your machine, refer to the additional sheet “Included Accessories”.

Pull the top of the flat bed attachment to open the accessory compartment.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

M

N

Zigzag foot “J” (on machine) Monogramming foot “N” Overcasting foot “G” Zipper foot “I” Blind stitch foot “R” Button fitting foot “M”

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

M

1

GETTING READY

Buttonhole foot “A” Embroidery foot “Q”

13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

Bobbin clip Seam ripper Scissors Cleaning brush Eyelet punch Screwdriver

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

Disc-shaped screwdriver Extra spool pin Spool cap (large) Spool cap (medium)

25. 26. 27. 28. 29.

Bobbin case
(on machine)

30. 31. 32.

Spool net Foot controller Embroidery frame set (medium)

Needle set

*1

Twin needle

(on machine)

10 cm (H) × 10 cm (W) (4 inches (H) × 4 inches (W))

*2

Bobbin
(on machine)

Spool cap (small) Thread spool insert

Pre-wound bobbin (60 weight
white embroi dery bobb in
thread)

(mini king thread spool)

Accessory bag

Operation Manual Quick Reference Guide Embroidery Design Guide

*1

75/11 2 needles,
90/14 2 needles,
90/14 2 needles: Ball point needle (gold colored)

*2

2/11 needle

• (For U.S.A. only) Foot controller: Model T
This foot controller can be used on the machine with product code 888-M20. The product code is mentioned on the
machine rating plate.

7

Names of Machine Parts

O

Memo

Optional accessories

The following are available as optional accessories to be
purchased separately.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

10.

11.

12.

13. 14. 15.

No. Part Name

1. Free motion open

toe quilting foot
“O”

2. Quilting foot SA129 F005N:

3. Walking foot SA140 F033N:

4. 1/4" Piecing foot

with guide

5. Quilting guide SA132 F016N:

6. Side cutter “S” SA177 F054:

7. Non stick foot SA114 F007N:

8. Roller foot SA190 F066:

9. Wide table *1 WT15:

10. Circular

attachment

11. Embroidery frame

set (large)
17 cm (H) × 10 cm
(W) (6-7/10 inches
(H) × 4 inches (W))

12. Embroidery frame
set (small)
2 cm (H) × 6 cm
(W) (1 inch (H) × 2­1/2 inches (W))

13. Stabilizer material
for embroidery

14. Water soluble
stabilizer

15. Embroidery
bobbin thread
(60 weight, white/
black)

*1

Contact your authorized Brother dealer.

*2

By changing the attaching position of the frame, 17 cm × 10 cm
(6-7/10 inches × 4 inches) area can be embroidered without
hooping the fabric again. The embroidery area is 10 cm × 10 cm
(4 inches × 4 inches).

*2

Americas Europe Others

SA187 F061:

SA185 F057:

SACIRC1
SACIRC1C

SA434 EF71:

SA431 EF61:

SA519 BM3:

SA520 BM5:

SA-EBT
(white)/
SAEBT999
(black)

Part Code

XE1097-001

XC1948-052

XG6623-001

XC7416-252

XC2215-052

XC3879-152

XC1949-052

XG6751-001

XG8750-001

CIRC1:
XG6705-001

XF2410-001

XF2419-001

XG6683-001

XG6681-001

EBT-CEN
(white):
X81164-001/
EBT-CEBN
(black):
XG6643-001

F061
F061CN

F005N

F033N
F033CN

F057

F016N
F016CN

F054
F054CN

F007N
F007CN

F066
F066CN

WT15AP

CIRC1
CIRC1CN

EF71
EF71CN

EF61
EF61CN

BM3
BM3CN

BM5
BM5CN

EBT-CEN
(white)/
EBT-CEBN
(black)

8

• To obtain optional accessories or parts, contact your
authorized Brother dealer or visit our site http://
s.brother/cpjab.

• All specifications are correct at the time of printing.
Please be aware that some specifications may change
without notice.

• A variety of feet are available to enable different types of
stitching and finishes. Visit your nearest authorized
Brother dealer or our site http://s.brother/cpjab

for a
complete listing of optional accessories available for
your machine.

• Always use accessories recommended for this
machine.

Turning the Machine On/Off

WARNING

CAUTION

Note

1

2

Turning the Machine On/Off

• 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 cord receptacle on the
machine. Otherwise, a fire or electric shock
may result.

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

• Turn the main power to OFF 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

•(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 electrical outlet only one way.
If the plug does not fit fully in the electrical
outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper electrical outlet. Do not modify the
plug in any way.

Make sure that the machine is turned off (the main

a

power switch is set to “ ”), and then plug the power
cord into the power supply jack on the right side of the
machine.

Insert the plug of the power cord into a household

b

electrical outlet.

1

GETTING READY

• Use only the power cord included with this
machine.

• Do not use extension cords or multi-plug
adapters with any other appliances plugged
into 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
the main power to OFF first. Always grasp the
plug to remove it from the electrical 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, or
cause fire or electric shock. If the cord or plug
is damaged, take the machine to your
authorized Brother 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 Power supply jack
2 Main power switch

Press the right side of the main power switch on the

c

right side of the machine to turn the machine on (set it
to “I”).

 The light, LCD and the “Start/Stop” button light up

when the machine is turned on. The needle and the
feed dogs will make a sound when they move; this is
not a malfunction.

When the machine is turned on, the opening movie is

d

played. Press anywhere on the screen.

• When you first turn on the machine, select the language
of your choice.

To turn off the machine, press the left side of the main

e

power switch (set it to “ ”).

9

LCD Operation

Note

1

2

9

0

876

5

4

3

E D B

1

2

A

F
G

H

A

9

0

876

5
4

3

E D B

1

2

AC

J

J

I

H
G

F

A

LCD Operation

Viewing the LCD

Press a key with your finger to select the stitch pattern, to select a machine function, or to select an operation indicated on the

key. The screen below appears when you press on the operation panel.

1 Utility stitch
2 Decorative stitch

■ Utility stitch screen ■ Utility stitch editing screen

■ Decorative stitch screen ■ Decorative stitch editing screen

• Some editing functions cannot be used with certain stitch patterns. Only the functions for the displayed keys are
available when a stitch pattern is selected.

No. Display Key Name Explanation Page

1 – Stitches Press the key for the stitch you want to sew. 25

2 Stitch pattern display size Shows the approximate size of the stitch pattern selected.

100%: Nearly the same size as the sewn stitch pattern
50%: 1/2 the size of the sewn stitch pattern
25%: 1/4 the size of the sewn stitch pattern

3 – Stitch preview Shows a preview of the selected stitch. –

4 Presser foot Shows presser foot to be used. Before sewing, install the presser foot indicated here. 23

Zigzag foot “J” Blind stitch foot “R”

–

10

Monogramming foot “N” Button fitting foot “M”

Overcasting foot “G” Side cutter “S”

Buttonhole foot “A”

* The symbols for certain presser feet, such as zipper foot “I” and the quilting foot,

may not appear in the screen.

LCD Operation

No. Display Key Name Explanation Page

5 Needle position setting Shows single or twin needle mode setting, and the needle stop position. 12

: Single needle/down position

: Twin needle/down position

: Single needle/up position : Twin needle/up position

6 Stitch width Shows the stitch width of the currently selected stitch pattern. 29

7 Stitch length Shows the stitch length of the currently selected stitch pattern. 29

8 L/R Shift Shows the tendency of left/right of the center line for the original zigzag stitch. 29

9 Manual adjustment key Press this key to display the adjustment screen of the stitch width, stitch length and

0 Page display Shows additional pages that can be displayed. –

A Edit/stitch switching key Press this key to toggle between the stitch editing screen and the stitch screen. 27

B Image key Shows a preview of the sewn image.

C Memory key Press this key to save combined stitch patterns. 55

D Automatic thread cutting

key

E Automatic reverse/

reinforcement key

F Single/repeat sewing key Press this key to choose single stitch pattern or continuous stitch patterns.

G Back to beginning key When sewing is stopped, press this key to return to the beginning of the stitch

H Mirror image key After selecting the stitch pattern, use this key to create a horizontal mirror image of

I Some of the following keys will appear, depending on the selected stitch pattern.

Elongation key

“L/R Shift”.

Press to change the thread color in the image to red, blue, or black.

Press this key to set the automatic thread cutting function. 28

Press this key to use the automatic reverse/reinforcement stitch function. 28

Depending on the selected stitch, this key may be disabled. To finish a complete
motif while sewing the stitch pattern continuously, you can press this key while
sewing. The machine will automatically stop when the motif is finished.

pattern.

the stitch pattern.

When satin stitch patterns are selected, press this key to choose from 5
automatic length settings, without changing the stitch zigzag width or stitch length

settings.

29

1

GETTING READY

–

–

–

–

–

Thread density key

J Delete key Press this key to delete the selected stitch pattern. When you make a mistake in

After selecting the decorative satin stitch pattern , use this key to change the
thread density of the stitch pattern.

: Low density

If the stitches bunch when thread density is changed to , return the thread

density to . If you continue sewing when the stitches are bunched, the needle
may bend or break.

combining stitch patterns, use this key to delete stitch patterns.

: High density

–

–

11

LCD Operation

Memo

1

3

2

4

7

5

6

8

9

0

A

B

C

D

E
F

G

H

I

J

K

M

L

Settings screen

Press to change the default machine settings (needle stop

position, opening display, etc.). Press or , after you
changed necessary settings.

• You can save the current settings screen image in a
USB flash drive by pressing when the USB flash
drive is inserted into the USB port. The files are saved in
a folder labeled “bPocket”.

5 Select the embroidery frame to be used.
6 Select the center mark and grid lines that are displayed.
7 When set to [ON], the embroidery pattern can be

selected according to the embroidery frame size that you
have selected in number

8 Change the thread color display on the “Embroidery”

screen; thread number, color name. (page 66)

9 When the thread number [#123] is selected, select from

thread brands. (page 66)

0 Change the display units (mm/inch).
A Press to specify the size of pattern thumbnails.
B Change the color of the background for the embroidery

display area.

C Change the color of the background for the thumbnail

area.

5. (page 64)

■ Sewing settings

1 Select whether to use the sewing speed controller to

determine the zigzag width. (page 48)

2 Make adjustments to decorative stitch patterns. (page

54)

3 Set to [ON] when using twin needle. (page 52)
4 Select either “1-01 Straight stitch (Left)” or “1-03 Straight

stitch (Middle)” as the utility stitch that is automatically
selected when the machine is turned on.

■ Embroidery settings

■ General settings

D Select the needle stop position (the needle position for

when the machine is not being operated) to be up or
down.

E Select whether to hear the beep operation sound.
F Select whether to display the opening screen when the

machine is turned on.

G Select the display language.
H Select whether to turn on the light for the needle area

and work area.

I Select the level of the input sensitivity for operation keys.

(page 13)

J Display the service count which is a reminder to take

your machine in for regular servicing. (Contact your
authorized Brother dealer for details.)

K Display the total number of stitches sewn on this

machine.

L The [No.] is the internal machine number for your

machine.

M Display the program version installed on your machine.

12

Winding/Installing the Bobbin

CAUTION

Memo

1

Adjusting input sensitivity for operation keys

You can adjust the sensitivity of the operation keys to 5 levels.
Display the settings screen to set desired level.

Press to display the settings screen.

a

Display page 7 by pressing / .

b

Press [Start].

c

 The adjusting screen is displayed.

Adjust the [Input Sensitivity] by pressing / .

d

• The higher the setting, the more sensitive the keys
will be. The default setting is [3].

• We recommend selecting the highest setting if an
electrostatic touch pen is being used.

• While adjusting the input sensitivity, press to
check whether the key responds.
When the key responds, the setting value indicating
the sensitivity blinks.

Winding/Installing the Bobbin

• Only use the plastic bobbin that comes with
this machine or bobbins of the same type
(SA156/SFB: XA5539-151/SFB). The bobbin's
height is 11.5 mm (approx. 7/16 inch). Using
other bobbins may cause damage to the
machine. SA156 is Class 15 type bobbin.

Winding the bobbin

This section describes how to wind thread onto a bobbin.

• When winding the bobbin for sewing utility stitches, use
thread appropriate for the fabric that you wish to sew
(page 21). Normally, the thread will be the same as what
is used for the upper threading.

• When winding bobbin for embroidery, be sure to use the
recommended 60 weight embroidery bobbin thread for
this machine.

1

GETTING READY

Press to return to previous screen.

e

■ If the machine does not respond when an
operation key is pressed

Turn machine off, then hold down (Thread cutter
button) and turn on the machine to reset [Input
Sensitivity]. Display the settings screen, and then adjust

the [Input Sensitivity] again.

Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft so that the

a

notch in the bobbin aligns with the spring on the shaft,
and then slide the bobbin winder shaft to the right until
it snaps into place.

• The “Start/Stop” button lights up in orange.

1

2

Remove the spool cap and place the spool of thread for

b

the bobbin onto the spool pin.

Slide the spool onto the spool pin so that the thread
unwinds to the front from the bottom. Otherwise the
thread may become tangled around the spool pin.

1 The thread unwinds to the front from the bottom.

1 Notch
2 Bobbin winder

shaft spring

13

Winding/Installing the Bobbin

CAUTION

Memo

1 Spool cap (small)
2 Spool (cross-wound

thread)

3 Space

2

1

3

1 Thread spool insert (mini

king thread spool)

2 12 mm (1/2 inch)
3 75 mm (3 inches)

21

3

Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin.

c

Slide the spool cap as far as possible to the right, as
shown, with the rounded side on the left.

• If the spool or the spool cap is not installed
correctly, the thread may become tangled
around the spool pin, causing the needle to
break.

• Three spool cap sizes are available, allowing
you to choose a spool cap that best fits the size
of spool being used. If the spool cap is too
small for the spool being used, the thread may
catch on the slit in the spool or the machine
may be damaged. When using mini king thread
spool, use the thread spool insert (mini king
thread spool).
For details on thread spool insert (mini king
thread spool), refer to “Memo” on page 14.

• When using the spool as shown below, use the small
spool cap, and leave a small space between the cap
and the spool.

• When using thread that winds off quickly, such as
transparent nylon thread or metallic thread, place the
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.

• If a spool of thread whose core is 12 mm (1/2 inch) in
diameter and 75 mm (3 inches) high is inserted onto the
spool pin, use the thread spool insert (mini king thread
spool).

14

Pass the thread under the thread guide, then under the

d

thread guide cover and to the front.

a

1 Thread guide
2 Thread guide cover

b

Winding/Installing the Bobbin

Note

Note

CAUTION

Memo

1

2

3

a

Note

CAUTION

Pass the thread under the hook on the bobbin winding

e

thread guide, and then wind it counterclockwise under
the pretension disk.

1 Bobbin winding thread guide
2 Pretension disk
3 Pull it in as far as possible

• Make sure that the thread is passed under the
pretension disk.

Wind the thread clockwise around the bobbin 5 or 6

f

times, pass the thread through the guide slit in the
bobbin winder seat, and then pull the thread to cut it.

Turn on the machine.

h

Press the “Start/Stop” button once to start winding the

i

bobbin.
When the foot controller is plugged in, press down on
the foot controller.

• When winding transparent nylon thread on the bobbin,
stop bobbin winding when the bobbin is 1/2 to 2/3 full. If
the bobbin was fully wound with transparent nylon
thread, it may not be wound neatly, or sewing
performance may suffer. In addition, extreme pressure
may be applied to the bobbin, it may not be possible to
remove the bobbin from the bobbin winder shaft, or the
bobbin may break.

1

GETTING READY

1 Guide slit in bobbin winder seat

(with built-in cutter)

• Be sure to wind the thread clockwise around the
bobbin, otherwise the thread will become wrapped
around the bobbin winder shaft.

• Be sure to cut the thread as described. If the
bobbin is wound without cutting the thread
using the cutter built into the guide slit in the
bobbin winder seat, the thread may become
tangled in the bobbin or the needle may bend
or break when the bobbin thread starts to run
out.

Slide the sewing speed controller to adjust the bobbin

g

winding speed. Slide the controller to the right to
increase the speed; slide it to the left to reduce the
speed.

When the bobbin winding becomes slow, press the

j

“Start/Stop” button once to stop the machine.
When the foot controller is plugged in, remove your
foot from the foot controller.

• When the bobbin winding becomes slow, stop
the machine, otherwise the machine may be
damaged.

Cut the thread, slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left

k

until it snaps into place, and then remove the bobbin.

Slide the sewing speed controller to desired sewing

l

speed position.

Remove the spool for the bobbin thread from the spool

m

pin.

• We recommend winding stretch thread, such as
transparent nylon thread, at a low speed since the
thread may stretch.

15

Winding/Installing the Bobbin

Memo

CAUTION

CAUTION

Memo

Installing the bobbin

Install the bobbin wound with thread.
You can begin sewing immediately without pulling up the
bobbin thread by simply inserting the bobbin in the bobbin
case and guiding the thread through the slit in the needle
plate cover.

• If the threads will be pulled to create gathers or the
thread at the beginning of sewing will be finished, for
example, when free motion quilting, first pull up the
bobbin thread.
For details, refer to “Pulling up the bobbin thread” on
page 20.

• Use a bobbin that has been correctly wound
with thread, otherwise the needle may break
or the thread tension will be incorrect.

Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case so that the

f

thread unwinds to the left.

Lightly hold down the bobbin with your right hand

g

(1), and then guide the end of the thread around the
tab of the needle plate cover with your left hand (2).

1 Tab

• Before inserting or changing the bobbin, be
sure to press on the operation panel to

lock all keys and buttons, otherwise injuries
may occur if the “Start/Stop” button or any
other button is pressed and the machine starts.

Turn on the machine.

a

Press (Needle position button) once or twice to

b

raise the needle.

Press .

c

 The screen changes, and all keys and operation

buttons are locked (except ).

Raise the presser foot lever.

d

Slide the bobbin cover latch to the right and remove

e

the bobbin cover.

• Be sure to hold down the bobbin with your
finger and unwind the bobbin thread
correctly, otherwise the thread may break or
the thread tension will be incorrect.

While lightly holding down the bobbin with your right

h

hand (1), guide the thread through the slit in the
needle plate cover (2) and lightly pull it with your left
hand (3).

• By guiding the thread around the tab of the needle plate

cover, passing the thread as shown by 2 in this
illustration, then lightly pulling the thread at 3, the
thread will enter the tension spring of the bobbin case to
apply the appropriate tension to the bobbin thread
during sewing.

16

While lightly holding down the bobbin with your right

Memo

Memo

CAUTION

Note

i

hand (1), continue guiding the thread through the slit
with your left hand (2). Then, cut the thread with the
cutter (3).

Upper Threading

Upper Threading

1

• Be sure to complete the bobbin threading correctly
according to these instructions. If the thread is simply
placed in the slit in the needle plate cover, the bobbin
thread will not be correctly threaded, resulting in poor
sewing performance or incorrect thread tension.

Reattach the bobbin cover.

j

Insert the tab of the bobbin cover into the notch of the
needle plate cover, and then lightly press down on the
right side.

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

• Never use a thread weight of 20 or lower.

• Use the needle and the thread in the correct
combination. For details on the correct
combination of needles and threads, refer to
“Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations” on
page 21.

Threading the upper thread

GETTING READY

• 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” on page 20.

Press to unlock all keys and buttons.

k

 When threading the upper thread, carefully follow

the instructions.

Turn on the machine.

a

Raise the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot.

b

• If the presser foot is not raised, the machine cannot be
threaded.

17

Upper Threading

CAUTION

1

CAUTION

Press (Needle position button) once or twice to

c

raise the needle.

The needle is correctly raised when the mark on the



handwheel is at the top, as shown below. Check the

handwheel and, if this mark is not at this position, press
(Needle position button) until it is.

Pass the thread under the thread guide, then under the

f

thread guide cover and to the front.

Remove the spool cap and place the spool of thread

d

onto the spool pin.

Slide the spool onto the spool pin so that the thread
unwinds to the front from the bottom. Otherwise the
thread may become tangled around the spool pin.

1 The thread unwinds to the front from the bottom.

Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin.

e

Slide the spool cap as far as possible to the right, as
shown, with the rounded side on the left.

a

1 Thread guide
2 Thread guide cover

Press .

g

 The screen changes, and all keys and operation

buttons are locked (except ).

• When threading the needle, be sure to press

on the operation panel to lock all keys
and buttons, otherwise injuries may occur if
the “Start/Stop” button or any other button is
pressed and the machine starts.

Pass the thread through the thread channel in the order

h

shown below.

b

• Choose a spool cap that best fits the size of
spool being used. For more information
regarding the choice of spool caps for your
thread choice, refer to “Memo” on page 14.

• 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.

Make sure that the thread is passed into the thread

i

take-up lever as shown below.

Slide the thread behind the needle bar thread guide.

j

The thread can easily be slid behind the needle bar
thread guide by holding the thread in your left hand,
then feeding the thread with your right hand, as shown.
Make sure that the thread is passed through to the left of
the tab of the needle bar thread guide.

1 Needle bar thread

2

1

guide

2 Tab

18

Upper Threading

Note

1

2

Note

Check that the needle and thread are compatible with

k

the needle threader. If they are compatible, continue
with the next step.

• The needle threader can be used with machine
needles 75/11 through 100/16.

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

• When thread such as transparent nylon
monofilament or specialty threads are used, it is not
recommended to use the needle threader.

• If the needle threader cannot be used, insert the
thread through the eye of the needle from front to
back by hand. At this time, be sure to lock all keys
and operation buttons described in step

Pull the end of the thread, which has been passed

l

through the needle bar thread guide, to the left, then
pass the thread through the notch of the threader
thread guide, and then firmly pull the thread from the
front and insert it into the slit of the threader thread
guide disk marked “7” all the way.

g.

Lower the needle threader lever on the left side of the

o

machine as much as possible to make the hook turn.

1

2

3

1 Needle threader lever
2 Needle
3 Hook

• If the needle is not raised to it's highest position, the
needle threader cannot thread the needle. Turn
handwheel counterclockwise until the needle is at its
highest position. The needle is correctly raised when the
mark on the handwheel is at the top, as shown under

c on page 17.

step

1

GETTING READY

1 Notch of the threader thread guide
2 Threader thread guide disk

Cut the thread with the thread cutter on the left side of

m

the machine.

• If the thread is pulled through and cannot be cut
correctly, lower the presser foot lever so that the thread
is held in place before cutting the thread. If this
operation is performed, proceed to step

• When using thread that quickly winds off the spool,
such as metallic thread, it may be difficult to thread the
needle if the thread is cut.
Therefore, instead of using the thread cutter, pull out
about 8 cm (approx. 3 inches) of thread after passing it
through the threader thread guide disk (marked “7”).

o.

Raise the needle threader lever slowly.

p

Carefully pull the end of thread that was passed

q

through the eye of the needle.

If the needle was not completely threaded, but a loop in
the thread was formed in the eye of the needle, carefully
pull the loop through the eye of the needle to pull out
the end of the thread.

Raise the presser foot lever, pass the end of the thread

r

through and under the presser foot, and then pull out
about 5 cm (approx. 2 inches) of thread toward the
rear of the machine.

Lower the presser foot lever to lower the presser foot.

n

Press to unlock all keys and buttons.

s

19

Upper Threading

Pulling up the bobbin thread

If the threads will be pulled to create gathers or the thread at
the beginning of sewing will be finished, for example, when
free motion quilting, first pull up the bobbin thread.

Refer to “Threading the upper thread” on page 17 to

a

thread the machine with the upper thread and thread
the needle.

Follow steps a to f “Installing the bobbin” on

b

page 16 for installing the bobbin and to insert the
bobbin into the bobbin case.

Pass the bobbin thread through the slot.

c

Do not cut the thread with the cutter, otherwise it will
be difficult to pull up the bobbin thread.

Press to unlock all keys and buttons.

d

While lightly holding the upper thread with your left

e

hand, press (Needle position button) twice to lower

and then raise the needle.

 The bobbin thread is looped around the upper thread

and can be pulled up.

Carefully pull the upper thread upward to pull out the

f

end of the bobbin thread.

Pull up the bobbin thread, pass it under the presser

g

foot and pull it about 10 cm (4 inches) toward the back
of the machine, making it even with the upper thread.

Reattach the bobbin cover.

h

20

Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations

CAUTION

Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations

• Needles that can be used with this machine: Home sewing machine needles (size 65/9 - 100/16)
* The larger the number, the larger the needle. As the numbers decrease, the needles get finer.

• Thread that can be used with this machine: 30 - 90 weight
* Never use thread of 20 weight or lower. It may cause machine to malfunction.
* The smaller the number, the heavier the thread. As the numbers increase, the thread gets finer.

• The machine needle and thread that should be used depends on the type and thickness of the fabric. Refer to
the following table when choosing the thread and needle appropriate for the fabric that you wish to sew.

- The combinations shown in the table provide a general guideline. Be sure to sew trial stitches on the actual number of

layers and type of fabric to be used in your project.

- The machine needles are consumables. For safety and best results, we recommend replacing the needle regularly. For

details on when to replace the needle, refer to “Checking the needle” on page 22.

• In principle, use a fine needle and thread with lightweight fabrics, and a larger needle and heavier thread with
heavyweight fabrics.

• Select a stitch appropriate for the fabric, and then adjust the stitch length. When sewing lightweight fabrics,
make the stitch length finer (shorter). When sewing heavyweight fabrics, make the stitch length coarser
(longer). (page 29)
When sewing stretch fabrics, refer to “Sewing stretch fabrics” on page 32.

1

GETTING READY

Fabric Type/Application

Lightweight
fabrics

Medium weight
fabrics

Heavyweight
fabrics

Stretch fabrics
(knit fabrics, etc.)

For top-stitching

Lawn, georgette, challis, organdy,
crepe, chiffon, voile, gauze, tulle,
lining, etc.

Broadcloth, taffeta, gabardine,
flannel, seersucker, double gauze,
linen, terry cloth, waffle weave,
sheeting, poplin, cotton twill, satin,
quilting cotton, etc.

Denim (12 ounces or more), canvas,
etc.

Denim (12 ounces or more), canvas,
tweed, corduroy, velour, melton
wool, vinyl-coated fabric, etc.

Jersey, tricot, T-shirt fabric, fleece,
interlock, etc.

Cotton thread,

Cotton thread,

Cotton thread

Cotton thread,

Polyester thread,

Cotton thread,

Polyester thread,

Cotton thread

Thread

Type Weight

Polyester

thread

Silk thread

Polyester

thread

Silk thread

Polyester

thread,

Polyester

thread

Silk thread

Silk thread

60 - 90

50 - 80

60 - 90

50 - 60

30 100/16

60

30 - 50

50

30 90/14 - 100/16

50 - 60 75/11 - 90/14

■ Transparent nylon thread

Use a home sewing machine topstitching needle, regardless of the fabric or thread.

Size of needle

65/9 - 75/11

75/11 - 90/14

90/14 - 100/16

Ball point needle

75/11 - 90/14

Stitch length

mm (inch)

Fine stitches

1.8-2.5

(1/16-3/32)

Regular stitches

2.0-3.0

(1/16-1/8)

Coarse stitches

2.5-4.0

(3/32-3/16)

Setting appropriate for

the fabric thickness

Setting appropriate for

the fabric thickness

■ Embroidery needles

Use a 75/11 home sewing machine needle for embroidery.

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

21

Replacing the Needle

CAUTION

Note

1

2

c

d

e

CAUTION

CAUTION

1

Replacing the Needle

Press .

c

 The screen changes, and all keys and operation

buttons are locked (except ).

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

• Never use bent needles. Bent needles can
easily break, possibly resulting in injuries.

Checking the needle

Before using the needle, place the flat side of the needle on a
flat surface and check that the distance between the needle
and the flat surface is even.

1 Flat side
2 Needle type marking
3 Flat surface
4 Even
5 Not even

• When replacing the needle, be sure to press
on the operation panel to lock all keys

and buttons, otherwise injuries may occur if
the “Start/Stop” button or any other button is
pressed and the machine starts.

Hold the needle with your left hand, and then use a

d

screwdriver to turn the needle clamp screw toward
you (counterclockwise) to remove the needle.

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

With the flat side of the needle toward the rear of the

e

machine, insert the new needle until it touches the
needle stopper. Using the screwdriver tighten the
needle clamp screw by turning it clockwise.

1 Needle stopper

• Replace the needle in cases such as the four described
below:

1 If an unusual sound is produced when the needle enters the

fabric while sewing trial stitches at low speed. (The tip of the
needle may be broken or dull.)

2 If stitches are skipped. (The needle may be bent.)
3 Generally, after completing one project, such as a piece of

clothing.

4 Generally, after using three full bobbins of thread.

Replacing the needle

Use the screwdriver and a new needle that has been
determined to be straight according to the instructions in
“Checking the needle” on page 22.

Press (Needle position button) once or twice to

a

raise the needle.

Place fabric or paper under the presser foot to cover

b

the hole in the needle plate to prevent the needle from
falling into the machine.

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

Press to unlock all keys and buttons.

f

22

Replacing the Presser Foot

CAUTION

Note

CAUTION

a

b

J

1

4

2

3

a

b

c

d

• Use the appropriate presser foot for the type
of stitch that you wish to sew, otherwise the
needle may hit the presser foot, causing the
needle to bend or break. For details on the
presser foot that should be used with the
selected stitch, refer to “Stitch Chart” on
page 35.

• Only use presser feet designed specifically for
this machine. Use of any other presser foot
may result in injuries or damage to the
machine.

• When a stitch is selected, the icon for the presser foot
that should be used appears in the screen. Check that
the correct presser foot is attached before starting to
sew. If the wrong presser foot is installed, attach the
appropriate presser foot. (page 10)

Replacing the Presser Foot

Raise the presser foot lever.

c

Press the black button at the back of the presser foot

d

holder in order to remove the presser foot.

1 Black button
2 Presser foot holder

Place the appropriate presser foot below the presser

e

foot holder so that the presser foot pin is aligned with
the notch in the holder.

1 Presser foot holder
2 Notch
3 Pin
4 Presser foot type

Slowly lower the presser foot lever so that the presser

f

foot pin snaps into the notch in the presser foot holder.

1

GETTING READY

Replacing the presser foot

Press (Needle position button) once or twice to

a

raise the needle.

Press .

b

 The screen changes, and all keys and operation

buttons are locked (except ).

• When replacing the presser foot, be sure to
press on the operation panel to lock all

keys and buttons, otherwise injuries may occur
if the “Start/Stop” button or any other button
is pressed and the machine starts.

1 Presser foot lever
2 Presser foot holder
3 Notch
4 Pin

 The presser foot is attached.

Raise the presser foot lever to check that the presser

g

foot is securely attached.

Press to unlock all keys and buttons.

h

23

Replacing the Presser Foot

a

b

CAUTION

Removing and attaching the presser foot
holder

Remove the presser foot holder when cleaning the machine or
when installing a presser foot that does not use the presser
foot holder, such as the walking foot and quilting foot.

■ Removing the presser foot holder

Press .

a

 The screen changes, and all keys and operation

buttons are locked (except ).

Hold the presser foot holder in place with your right

d

hand, and then tighten the screw using the screwdriver
in your left hand.

Turn the screw toward you (clockwise).

Remove the presser foot.

b

• For details, refer to “Replacing the presser foot” on
page 23.

Use the screwdriver to loosen the presser foot holder

c

screw.

Turn the screw toward the back of the machine
(counterclockwise).

• The presser foot holder screw can also be loosened
or tightened with the disc-shaped screwdriver.

Press to unlock all keys and buttons.

d

■ Attaching the presser foot holder

Press .

a

 The screen changes, and all keys and operation

buttons are locked (except ).

• Be sure to securely tighten the presser foot
holder screw, otherwise the presser foot
holder may fall off and the needle may strike
it, causing the needle to bend or break.

Press to unlock all keys and buttons.

e

Raise the presser foot lever.

b

Align the notch in the presser foot holder with the

c

screw.

1 Screw
2 Notch in presser foot

holder

24

Sewing

CAUTION

1

2
3

5

6 74

Note

CAUTION

Chapter 2

SEWING BASICS

Sewing

• While the machine is in operation, pay special
attention to the needle location. In addition,
keep your hands away from all moving parts
such as the needle and handwheel, otherwise
injuries may occur.

• Do not pull or push the fabric too hard while
sewing, otherwise injuries may occur or the
needle may break.

• Never use bent needles. Bent needles can
easily break, possibly resulting in injuries.

• Make sure that the needle does not strike
basting pins, otherwise the needle may break
or bend.

Stitch types

Basic sewing

• First, perform a trial sewing, using a piece of fabric and
thread that are the same as those used for your project.

Prepare the appropriate needle and thread for the type

a

of fabric. (page 21)

If necessary, replace the needle. (page 22)

Wind thread onto a bobbin, and then install it into the

b

machine. (page 13)

Thread the upper thread. (page 17)

c

Press on the operation panel and select the stitch

d

type.

Select a stitch.

e

displays the previous screen, and displays the

next screen.

• For details on the key functions, refer to “Viewing the
LCD” on page 10.

• If necessary, change to the desired stitch width or
stitch length. (page 29)

2

SEWING BASICS

1 Utility stitches (page 35)

You can select from utility stitches, including straight line
stitching, overcasting, buttonhole and basic decorative
stitches.

2 Decorative stitches
3 Decorative satin stitches
4 Satin stitches
5 Cross stitch stitches
6 Stitch patterns stored in the machine's memory (page

55)

7 Stitch patterns stored in USB flash drive (page 55)

Check which presser foot is indicated in the upper-left

f

corner of the screen, and then attach it.
Attach zigzag foot “J” in this procedure. (It is on the
machine when purchased.)

• For details on changing the presser foot, refer to
“Replacing the Presser Foot” on page 23.

• Always use the correct presser foot. If the
wrong presser foot is used, the needle may
strike the presser foot and bend or break,
possibly resulting in injury.
Refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35 for presser
foot recommendations.

25

Sewing

Memo

a

b

CAUTION

Note

Memo

1

Set the fabric under the presser foot. Hold the fabric

g

and thread with your left hand, and rotate the
handwheel counterclockwise or press (Needle
position button) to set the needle in the sewing start
position.

Lower the presser foot lever.

h

• Do not press (Thread cutter button) after
the threads have been cut. Doing so could
tangle the thread or break the needle and
damage the machine.

• Do not press (Thread cutter button) when
there is no fabric set in the machine. The
thread may tangle, possibly resulting in
damage.

Adjust the sewing speed with the sewing speed

i

controller. (when using utility stitches)

You can use this controller to adjust sewing speed
during sewing.

1 Fast
2 Slow

Press the “Start/Stop” button to start sewing. (When

j

the foot controller is plugged in, slowly press down on
the foot controller.)

Guide the fabric lightly by hand.

• When the foot controller is being used, you cannot start
sewing by pressing the “Start/Stop” button.

Press the “Start/Stop” button again to stop sewing.

k

(When the foot controller is plugged in, remove your
foot from the foot controller.)

• When cutting thread such as nylon monofilament
thread, or other decorative threads, use the thread
cutter on the left side of the machine.

When the needle has stopped moving, raise the presser

m

foot lever and remove the fabric.

Check the sewing finish. If necessary, adjust the thread

n

tension. (page 29)

■ Using the foot controller

You can also use the foot controller to start and stop
sewing.

• When the foot controller is connected, you cannot use
the “Start/Stop” button.

• Bobbin winding can be started and stopped with the
foot controller.

• The foot controller cannot be used when embroidering.

Press (Thread cutter button) to trim the upper and

l

bobbin threads.

 The needle will return to the up position

automatically.

26

Turn off the machine.

a

Insert the foot controller plug into the foot controller

b

jack on the machine.

1 Foot controller jack

Turn on the machine.

c

Slowly depress the foot controller to start sewing.

Memo

Memo

No. 1-01 1-03 1-08

Stitch

a

b

c

d

Sewing

Combining Stitch Patterns

Stitch patterns from the following categories can be
combined.

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

Release the foot controller to stop the machine.

e

Sewing reverse/reinforcement stitches

Reverse/reinforcement stitches are generally necessary at the
beginning and end of sewing. Depending on the selected

stitch, reverse or reinforcement stitches are sewn while
(Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button) is kept pressed. With

reinforcement stitches, 3 to 5 stitches are sewn at the same
place. With reverse stitches, the stitching is sewn in the
opposite direction.

• When any of the following stitches is selected, pressing

(Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button) will sew

reverse stitches.

When any other stitch is selected, pressing
(Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button) will sew

reinforcement stitches.

Example:

Press .

a

Select the following stitch pattern.

b

Press .

c

 The display returns to the stitch selection screen.

Press .

d

2

SEWING BASICS

1 Reverse stitch
2 Reinforcement stitch
3 (Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button)

Select the following stitch pattern.

e

If you want to sew the stitch pattern continuously,

f

press to display editing screen, and then press

.

27

Sewing

32

 The stitch pattern turns continuous.

Automatic reverse/reinforcement stitching

After selecting a stitch pattern, turn on the automatic reverse/
reinforcement stitching function before sewing, and the
machine will automatically sew reinforcement stitches (or
reverse stitches, depending on the stitch pattern) at the
beginning and end of sewing.

Automatically cutting the thread

The machine can be set to automatically cut the threads at the
end of the stitching. This is called “programmed thread
cutting”. If programmed thread cutting is set, automatic
reverse/reinforcement stitching is also set.

If the machine is turned off, programmed thread cutting will
be turned off.

Turn on the machine.

a

Select a stitch.

b

• For details on selecting a stitch, refer to “Basic
sewing” on page 25.

Select a stitch.

a

• For details on selecting a stitch, refer to “Basic
sewing” on page 25.

Press to set the automatic reverse/reinforcement

b

stitching function.

 The key will display as .

Set the fabric in the start position and begin sewing.

c

1 Reverse stitches (or reinforcement stitches)

 The machine will automatically sew reverse stitches

(or reinforcement stitches) and then continue sewing.

Once you have reached the end of the stitching, press

d

(Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button).

Press on the screen.

c

 You get , and the machine is set for

programmed thread cutting and automatic reverse/
reinforcement stitching.

• To turn programmed thread cutting off, press .

Set the fabric in place, and press the “Start/Stop”

d

button once.

 Stitching will begin after reverse stitches (or

reinforcement stitches) are sewn automatically.

Once you have reached the end of the stitching, press

e

(Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button) once.

If stitching, such as buttonholes and bar tacking, that
includes reinforcement stitching has been selected, this
operation is unnecessary.

 After the reverse stitching (or reinforcement stitching)

has been done, the machine stops, and the threads
are cut.

1

1 The point where the “Start/

Stop” button was pressed.

2 The point where

(Reverse/Reinforcement
stitch button) was pressed.

3 The threads are cut here.

1 Reverse stitches (or reinforcement stitches)

 The machine will sew reverse stitches (or

reinforcement stitches) and stop.

28

Adjusting the thread tension

Memo

CAUTION

1

1

2

3
4

Setting the stitch width/stitch length/“L/R
Shift”

This machine is preset with the default settings for the
stitch width, stitch length and “L/R Shift” for each stitch.
However, you can change any of the settings by pressing

in the utility stitch screen.

After changing the settings, press to return to the utility
stitch screen.

If you wish to save specific settings for a stitch so that they
can be used later, press after changing the settings to
save the new settings with the selected stitch.

• Press to return the setting to its default. If is then
pressed, the default settings are saved to the machine
instead of the former settings.

• If the straight stitch or triple stretch stitch was selected,
changing the stitch width changes the needle position.
Increasing the width moves the needle to the right;
reducing the width moves the needle to the left.
(page 29)

• or means the setting cannot be changed.

■ Setting the stitch width

The stitch width (zigzag width) can be adjusted to make the
stitch wider or narrower.

■ Setting the stitch length

The stitch length can be adjusted to make the stitch coarser
(longer) or finer (shorter).

■ Setting the “L/R Shift”

The placement of the zigzag stitch can be adjusted to move
the stitch to the right or left.

1 Placement of the

stitch pattern

2

SEWING BASICS

• After adjusting the stitch width or the “L/R
Shift”, slowly turn the handwheel toward you
(counterclockwise) and check that the needle
does not touch the presser foot. If the needle
hits the presser foot, the needle may bend or
break.

• If the stitches are bunched together, increase
the stitch length. Continuing to sew with the
stitches bunched together may result in the
needle bending or breaking.

Adjusting the thread tension

You may need to change the thread tension, depending on the
fabric and thread being used.

■ Correct thread tension

The upper thread and the bobbin thread should cross near
the center of the fabric. Only the upper thread should be
visible from the right side of the fabric, and only the
bobbin thread should be visible from the wrong side of the
fabric.

1 Wrong side of fabric
2 Right side of fabric
3 Upper thread
4 Bobbin thread

29

Useful Sewing Tips

Note

Note

Note

1

2

3
45

1

2

3
4

5

Note

■ Upper thread is too tight

If the bobbin thread is visible from the right side of the
fabric, the upper thread is too tight. Loosen the thread
tension.

Useful Sewing Tips

Sewing Tips

• If the bobbin thread was incorrectly threaded, the upper
thread may be too tight. In this case, refer to “Installing
the bobbin” on page 16 and rethread the bobbin thread.

1 Wrong side of fabric
2 Right side of fabric
3 Upper thread
4 Bobbin thread
5 The bobbin thread is visible

from the right side of the
fabric.

Turn the thread tension dial counterclockwise to loosen the
upper thread tension.

■ Upper thread is too loose

If the upper thread is visible from the wrong side of the
fabric, the upper thread is too loose. Tighten the thread
tension.

• If the upper thread was incorrectly threaded, the upper
thread may be too loose. In this case, refer to “Upper
Threading” on page 17 and rethread the upper thread.

1 Wrong side of fabric
2 Right side of fabric
3 Upper thread
4 Bobbin thread
5 The upper thread is visible

from the wrong side of the
fabric.

Turn the thread tension dial clockwise to tighten the upper
thread tension.

■ Trial s ewing

Before starting your sewing project, we recommend sewing
trial stitches using thread and scrap fabric that are the same as
those used for your project.

While checking the sewing results, adjust the thread tension
as well as the stitch length and width according to the number
of fabric layers and stitch that is sewn.

• Other factors, such as fabric thickness, stabilizer
material, etc., also have an effect on the stitch, so you
should always sew a few trial stitches before beginning
your project.

• When sewing decorative satin stitch or satin stitch
patterns, there may be shrinking or bunching of
stitches, so be sure to use a stabilizer material.

■

Changing the sewing direction

When the stitching reaches a corner, stop the machine.

a

Leave the needle lowered (in the fabric). If the needle

remains up when the machine stops sewing, press
(Needle position button) to lower the needle.

Raise the presser foot lever, and then turn the fabric.

b

Turn the fabric using the needle as a pivot.

• If the upper thread is not threaded correctly or the
bobbin is not installed correctly, it may not be possible
to set the correct thread tension. If the correct thread
tension cannot be achieved, rethread the upper thread
and insert the bobbin correctly.

30

Lower the presser foot lever and continue sewing.

c

■ Sewing curves

Sew slowly while slightly changing the sewing direction to
sew around the curve. For details on sewing with an even
seam allowance, refer to “Sewing an even seam allowance”
on page 31.

When sewing along a curve while using a zigzag stitch, select
a shorter stitch length in order to obtain a finer stitch.

Useful Sewing Tips

12

0.0 2.0 5.5 7.0

34 56

1

2

a

b

d

c

e

f

a

b

c

■ Sewing cylindrical pieces

Removing the flat bed attachment allows for free-arm sewing,
making it easier to sew cylindrical pieces such as sleeve cuffs
and pant legs.

Pull the flat bed attachment off to the left.

a

Slide the part that you wish to sew onto the free arm,

b

and then sew from the top.

When you are finished with free arm sewing, install the

c

flat bed attachment back in its original position.

Sewing an even seam allowance

To sew an even seam, start sewing so that the seam allowance
is to the right of the presser foot, and the edge of the fabric is
aligned with either the right edge of the presser foot or a
marking on the needle plate.

■ Changing the needle position

The needle position used as the baseline is different for the
straight stitch (left needle position) and the straight stitch
(middle (center) needle position).

1 Straight stitch (left

needle position)

2 Straight stitch (middle

(center) needle
position)

When the stitch width of the straight stitch (left needle
position) is set to its standard setting (0.0 mm), the
distance from the needle position to the right side of the
presser foot is 12 mm (1/2 inch). If the stitch width is
changed (between 0 and 7.0 mm (1/4 inch)), the needle
position will also change. By changing the stitch width
and sewing with the right side of the presser foot aligned
with the edge of the fabric, a seam allowance can be sewn
with a fixed width.

1 Stitch width setting
2 Distance from the

needle position to the
right side of the
presser foot

3 12.0 mm (1/2 inch)
4 10.0 mm (3/8 inch)
5 6.5 mm (1/4 inch)
6 5.0 mm (3/16 inch)

30.866 mm30. mm

• For details, refer to “Setting the stitch width” on
page 29.

■ Aligning the fabric with a needle plate marking

The markings on the needle plate show the distance from
the needle position of a seam sewn with the straight stitch
(left needle position). Sew while keeping the edge of the
fabric aligned with a marking on the needle plate. The
distance between the markings in the upper scale is
1/8 inch (3 mm) and the distance between the markings in
the grid is 5 mm (3/16 inch).

For stitches with a left needle position
(Stitch width: 0.0 mm)

1 Seam
2 Presser foot
3 Centimeters
4 Inches
5 Needle plate
6 1.6 cm (5/8 inch)

2

SEWING BASICS

■ Aligning the fabric with zigzag foot “J”

The marking on zigzag foot “J” can be used to sew about 5
mm (3/16 inch) from the edge of the fabric. When using
this feature, select a straight stitch, and set the stitch width
to 2.0 mm.

1 Stitch width 2.0 mm
2 Marking
3 5 mm (3/16 inch)

31

Useful Sewing Tips

a

CAUTION

Sewing Various Fabrics

■ Sewing thick fabrics

 If the fabric does not fit under the presser foot

The presser foot lever can be raised to two different
positions. If the fabric does not fit under the presser foot,
for example, when sewing together thick fabrics, raise the
presser foot lever to its highest position so that the fabric
can be placed under the presser foot.

Release the presser foot locking pin (black button).

d

 The presser foot remains level, allowing the fabric to

be fed.

 After the seam is sewn, the presser foot will return to

its original angle.

• 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.

 If the fabric does not feed

When sewing thick fabric such as denim or quilting, the
fabric may not feed at the start of sewing if the presser foot
is not level, as shown below. In this case, use the presser
foot locking pin (black button on the left side) of zigzag
foot “J” so that the presser foot remains level while sewing,
allowing the fabric to be fed smoothly.
If the presser foot misalignment is too large, place thick
paper or fabric (with the same thickness as the fabric being
sewn) under the heel of the presser foot to be able to start
sewing smoothly.

a

c

b

1 Sewing direction
2 Misalignment
3 Fabric being sewn
4 Fabric or thick paper

Raise the presser foot lever.

a

d

■ Sewing thin fabrics

When sewing thin fabrics such as chiffon, the stitching may
become misaligned or the fabric may not feed correctly. Move
the needle (be sure to use a fine needle) to the furthest left or
right hand position so that the fabric does not get pulled down
into the feed dog area. If this occurs or there is shrinkage of
the stitching, place non-woven water-soluble stabilizer under
the fabric and sew them together.

1 Water-soluble stabilizer

(non-woven)

1

■ Sewing stretch fabrics

First, baste the pieces of fabric together, and then sew without
stretching the fabric. If the stitching is misaligned, place non­woven water-soluble stabilizer under the fabric and sew them
together.

1 Basting

Align the beginning of stitching, and then position the

b

fabric.

While holding zigzag foot “J” level, push in and hold

c

the presser foot locking pin (black button on the left
side), and lower the presser foot lever.

1 Presser foot

locking pin (black
button)

32

1

For best results when sewing on knit fabrics use the stretch
stitches. Also be sure to use a needle for knits (Ball point
needle (gold colored)). The recommended stitches and their
stitch numbers are indicated below.

No. 1-05 1-06 1-11 1-12 2-13

Stitch

Useful Sewing Tips

Note

1

a

CAUTION

Note

■ Sewing leathers or vinyl fabrics

When sewing fabrics that may stick to the presser foot, such as
leather or vinyl fabrics, replace the presser foot with the
walking foot*, non stick foot* or roller foot*.

* Items sold separately, please contact your authorized

Brother dealer.

1 Leather

If the leather or vinyl fabric sticks to the flat bed attachment,
sew with copy paper or tracing paper placed on top of the flat
bed attachment so the fabric moves smoothly.

If the paper is positioned so that it does not cover the needle
plate, the paper will not be sewn together with the fabric.

1 Copy paper or tracing paper

• The walking foot can only be used with straight or
zigzag stitch patterns. Do not sew reverse stitches with
the walking foot.

• When sewing with the walking foot, sew at a speed
between slow and medium.

• When using the walking foot, test sew on a scrap piece
of leather or vinyl that is to be used in project to make
sure foot does not leave any marks.

■ Sewing hook-and-loop fastener tape

• Use only the adhesive-free hook-and-loop
fastener tape which is designed for sewing.
When the glue adheres to the needle or the
bobbin case, it may cause malfunction.

• If the hook-and-loop fastener tape is sewn with
the thin needle (65/9-75/11), the needle may
bend or break.

• Before sewing, baste together the fabric and the hook­and-loop fastener tape.

Make sure that the needle passes through the hook-and-loop
fastener tape by turning the handwheel and lower the needle
into the hook-and-loop fastener tape before sewing. And then,
sew the edge of the hook-and-loop fastener tape at a slow
speed.

If the needle does not pass through the hook-and-loop
fastener tape, replace the needle with the needle size for
thicker fabrics. For details, refer to “Fabric/Thread/Needle
Combinations” on page 21.

1 Edge of the hook-and-loop

fastener tape

1

2

SEWING BASICS

33

Useful Sewing Tips

34

Stitch Chart

Memo

Note

No. 1-01 1-03 1-08

Stitch

1 Left needle position
2 Middle (center) needle position
3 Right needle position

a

b

c

Chapter 3

VARIOUS STITCHES

Stitch Chart

■ Utility stitches

• The stitches shown in the tables and some of the
illustrations may differ slightly from the stitch patterns
displayed in the LCD.

• When any of the following stitches are selected,

pressing (Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button) will
sew reverse stitches.

When any other stitch is selected, pressing
(Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button) will sew
reinforcement stitches.

• , , or in some of the illustrations shows the
needle position of the stitch.

• The walking foot can only be used with straight or
zigzag stitch patterns. Do not sew reverse stitches with
the walking foot.

* Twin needle can be used by attaching zigzag foot “J”.

Stitch

(Presser

foot)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

No. Stitch name/Applications

Straight stitch (Left)

General sewing, gather,

1-01*

pintuck, etc.

Straight stitch (Left)

General sewing, gather,

1-02*

pintuck, etc.

Straight stitch (Middle)

General sewing, gather,

1-03*

pintuck, etc.

Straight stitch (Middle)

General sewing, gather,

1-04*

pintuck, etc.

Stitch
width

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

0.0 (0)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

0.0 (0)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

3.5 (1/8)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

3.5 (1/8)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

Stitch

length

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

2.5 (3/32)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

Stitch

(Presser

foot)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(G)

(G)

No. Stitch name/Applications

Triple stretch stitch

General sewing for

1-05*

reinforcement and
decorative topstitching

Stem stitch

Reinforced stitching,

1-06*

sewing and decorative
applications

Basting stitch

For bast ing.
If the basting threads fall
out of the fabric, pull up
the bobbin thread before
sewing, and then pull the
upper thread and bobbin
thread under the presser
foot toward the back of the
machine (page 20). Hold

1-07

the upper thread and
bobbin thread when
beginning to sew, and
when finished sewing, cut
the threads leaving an
excess amount of thread.
Finally, hold the upper
thread and bobbin thread
at the beginning of the
stitching while arranging
the fabric.

Zigzag stitch

For overcasting, mending.

1-08*

Zigzag stitch

For overcasting, mending.

1-09*

Zigzag stitch (Right)

Start from right needle

1-10*

position, zigzag sews to
left.

2 steps elastic zigzag
stitch

1-11*

Overcasting (medium
weight and stretch fabrics),
tape and elastic

3 steps elastic zigzag
stitch

1-12*

Overcasting (medium,
heavyweight and stretch
fabrics), tape and elastic

Overcasting stitch

Reinforcing of light and

1-13

medium weight fabrics

Overcasting stitch

Reinforcing of heavyweight

1-14

fabric

Stitch

width

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

0.0 (0)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

1.0 (1/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

0.0 (0)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

3.5 (1/8)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

3.5 (1/8)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

3.5 (1/8)

2.5 - 5.0

(3/32 - 3/16)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

3.5 (1/8)

2.5 - 5.0

(3/32 - 3/16)

5.0 (3/16)

2.5 - 5.0

(3/32 - 3/16)

Stitch
length

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

-

1.4 (1/16)

0.0 - 5.0

(0 - 3/16)

1.4 (1/16)

0.0 - 5.0

(0 - 3/16)

1.4 (1/16)

0.3 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.0 (1/16)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.0 (1/16)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.0 (1/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

35

Stitch Chart

Stitch

(Presser

No. Stitch name/Applications

foot)

Overcasting stitch

Reinforcing of medium,

1-15

heavyweight and easily

(G)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(S)

(S)

(S)

(S)

(S)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

friable fabrics or decorative
stitching.

Overcasting stitch

Reinforced seaming of

1-16*

stretch fabric

Overcasting stitch

Reinforcing of medium

1-17*

stretch fabric and
heavyweight fabric,
decorative stitching

Overcasting stitch

Reinforcement of stretch

1-18*

fabric or decorative
stitching

Overcasting stitch

Stretch knit seam

1-19

With side cutter

Straight stitch while cutting

1-20

fabrics

With side cutter

Zigzag stitch while cutting

1-21

fabrics

With side cutter

Overcasting stitch while

1-22

cutting fabrics

With side cutter

Overcasting stitch while

1-23

cutting fabrics

With side cutter

Overcasting stitch while

1-24

cutting fabrics

Piecing stitch (Right)

Piecework/patchwork 6.5

1-25

mm (approx. 1/4 inch) right
seam allowance

Piecing stitch (Middle)

Piecework/patchwork

1-26

Hand-look quilting stitch

Quilting stitch made to
look like hand quilting
when using transparent
nylon thread for the upper
thread and a thread color
matching the quilt for the

1-27

bobbin thread.
Sew with a tight thread
tension so that the bobbin
thread is visible from the
right side of the fabric.
Use a needle between 90/
14 and 100/16.

Quilting appliqué zigzag
stitch

1-28

Zigzag stitch for quilting
and sewing on appliqué
quilt pieces

Stitch

width

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

5.0 (3/16)

3.5 - 5.0

(1/8 - 3/16)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

4.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

0.0 (0)

0.0 - 2.5

(0 - 3/32)

3.5 (1/8)

3.5 - 5.0

(1/8 - 3/16)

3.5 (1/8)

3.5 - 5.0

(1/8 - 3/16)

5.0 (3/16)

3.5 - 5.0

(1/8 - 3/16)

5.0 (3/16)

3.5 - 5.0

(1/8 - 3/16)

5.5 (7/32)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

-

0.0 (0)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

3.5 (1/8)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

Stitch

length

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

4.0 (3/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

4.0 (3/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.4 (1/16)

0.0 - 5.0

(0 - 3/16)

2.0 (1/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.0 (1/16)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.0 (1/16)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.4 (1/16)

0.0 - 5.0

(0 - 3/16)

Stitch

(Presser

No. Stitch name/Applications

foot)

Quilting appliqué stitch

Quilting stitch for invisible

1-29

(J)

(J)

(R)

(R)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(N)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(J)

(N)

(J)

(J)

appliqué or attaching
binding

Quilting stippling stitch

Background quilting

1-30

Blind hem stitch

Hemming woven fabrics

2-01

Blind hem stretch stitch

Hemming stretch fabric

2-02

Blanket stitch

Appliqués, decorative

2-03*

blanket stitch

Blanket stitch

Appliqués, decorative

2-04*

blanket stitch

Shell tuck edge stitch

Shell tuck edge finish on

2-05*

fabrics

Satin scallop stitch

Decorating collar of

2-06*

blouse, edge of
handkerchief

Patchwork join stitch

Patchwork stitches,

2-07*

decorative stitching

Patchwork double
overlock stitch

2-08*

Patchwork stitches,
decorative stitching

Couching stitch

Decorative stitching,

2-09*

attaching cord and
couching

Smocking stitch

Smocking, decorative

2-10*

stitching

Feather stitch

Fagoting, decorative

2-11*

stitching

Fagoting cross stitch

Fagoting, bridging and

2-12*

decorative stitching

Tape attaching stitch

Attaching tape to seam in

2-13*

stretch fabric

Ladder stitch

Decorative stitching

2-14

Rick-rack stitch

Decorative top stitching

2-15*

Decorative stitch

Decorative stitching

2-16*

Stitch
width

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

1.5 (1/16)

0.0 - 3.5
(0 - 1/8)

7.0 (1/4)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

00

3 - 3

00

3 - 3

3.5 (1/8)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

2.5 (3/32)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

4.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

4.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

4.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

4.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

4.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.5 (7/32)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

Stitch

length

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

1.8 (1/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.6 (1/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.0 (1/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.0 (1/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

0.5 (1/32)

0.1 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.2 (1/16)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.2 (1/16)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.6 (1/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.0 (1/16)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

3.0 (1/8)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.6 (1/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

36

Stitch Chart

Stitch

(Presser

foot)

(N)

(N)

(N)

(N)

(N)

(N)

(N)

(N)

(N)

(N)

(N)

(A)

(A)

(A)

(A)

(A)

(A)

No. Stitch name/Applications

Serpentine stitch

Decorative stitching and

2-17*

attaching elastic

Hemstitching zigzag

Decorative hems, top

3-01*

stitching

Hemstitching

Decorative hems, lace

3-02

attaching pin stitch

Hemstitching

Decorative hems

3-03

Hemstitching

Decorative hems, daisy

3-04

stitch

Hemstitching

Heirloom, decorative hems

3-05

Hemstitching

Heirloom, decorative hems

3-06*

Hemstitching

Heirloom, decorative hems

3-07*

Hemstitching

Heirloom, decorative hems

3-08

Hemstitching

Heirloom, decorative hems

3-09

Hemstitching

Heirloom, decorative hems

3-10*

Narrow rounded
buttonhole stitch

4-01

Buttonhole on light to
medium weight fabrics

Tapered round ended
buttonhole stitch

4-02

Reinforced waist tapered
buttonholes

Round ended buttonhole
stitch

4-03

Buttonholes with vertical
bar tack in heavyweight
fabrics

Narrow squared
buttonhole stitch

4-04

Buttonholes for light to
medium weight fabrics

Stretch buttonhole stitch

Buttonholes for stretch or

4-05

woven fabrics

Heirloom buttonhole
stitch

4-06

Buttonholes for heirloom
and stretch fabrics

Stitch
width

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

6.0 (15/64)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

3.5 (1/8)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

3.0 (1/8)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

6.0 (15/64)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

6.0 (15/64)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

6.0 (15/64)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

4.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4)

5.0 (3/16)

3.0 - 5.0

(1/8 - 3/16)

5.0 (3/16)

3.0 - 5.0

(1/8 - 3/16)

5.0 (3/16)

3.0 - 5.0

(1/8 - 3/16)

5.0 (3/16)

3.0 - 5.0

(1/8 - 3/16)

6.0 (15/64)

3.0 - 6.0

(1/8 - 15/64)

6.0 (15/64)

3.0 - 6.0

(1/8 - 15/64)

Stitch

length

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

1.0 (1/16)

0.2 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

3.0 (1/8)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

3.5 (1/8)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

3.0 (1/8)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

3.5 (1/8)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

4.0 (3/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

1.6 (1/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

3.0 (1/8)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.5 (3/32)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

2.0 (1/16)

0.4 - 5.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

0.4 (1/64)

0.2 - 1.0

(1/64 - 1/16)

0.4 (1/64)

0.2 - 1.0

(1/64 - 1/16)

0.4 (1/64)

0.2 - 1.0

(1/64 - 1/16)

0.4 (1/64)

0.2 - 1.0

(1/64 - 1/16)

1.0 (1/16)

0.5 - 2.0

(1/32 - 1/16)

1.5 (1/16)

1.0 - 3.0

(1/16 - 1/8)

Stitch

(Presser

foot)

(A)

(A)

(A)

(A)

(A)

(A)

(A)

(M)

(N)

No. Stitch name/Applications

Bound buttonhole stitch

The first step in making

4-07

bound buttonholes

Keyhole buttonhole
stitch

Buttonholes in

4-08

heavyweight or thick
fabrics for larger flat
buttons

Tapered keyhole
buttonhole stitch

4-09

Buttonholes in medium to
heavy weight fabrics for
larger flat buttons

Keyhole buttonhole
stitch

Buttonholes with vertical

4-10

bar tack for reinforcement
in heavyweight or thick
fabrics

Darning stitch

Darning of medium weight

4-11

fabric

Darning stitch

Darning of heavyweight

4-12

fabric

Bar tack stitch

Reinforcement at opening

4-13

of pocket, etc.

Button sewing stitch

Attaching buttons

4-14

Eyelet stitch

For making eyelets, holes

4-15

on belts, etc.

Stitch

width

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

5.0 (3/16)

0.0 - 6.0

(0 - 15/64)

7.0 (1/4)

3.0 - 7.0

(1/8 - 1/4)

7.0 (1/4)

3.0 - 7.0

(1/8 - 1/4)

7.0 (1/4)

3.0 - 7.0

(1/8 - 1/4)

7.0 (1/4)

2.5 - 7.0

(3/32 - 1/4)

7.0 (1/4)

2.5 - 7.0

(3/32 - 1/4)

2.0 (1/16)

1.0 - 3.0

(1/16 - 1/8)

3.5 (1/8)

2.5 - 4.5

(3/32 - 3/16)

7.0 (1/4)

7.0 6.0 5.0
(1/4 15/64

3/16)

Stitch
length

(mm

(inch))

Auto.

Manual

2.0 (1/16)

0.2 - 4.0

(1/64 - 3/16)

0.5 (1/32)

0.3 - 1.0

(1/64 - 1/16)

0.5 (1/32)

0.3 - 1.0

(1/64 - 1/16)

0.5 (1/32)

0.3 - 1.0

(1/64 - 1/16)

2.0 (1/16)

0.4 - 2.5

(1/64 - 3/32)

2.0 (1/16)

0.4 - 2.5

(1/64 - 3/32)

0.4 (1/64)

0.3 - 1.0

(1/64 - 1/16)

-

7.0 (1/4)

7.0 6.0 5.0
(1/4 15/64

3/16)

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

37

Utility stitches

CAUTION

CAUTION

G

■ Decorative stitches

Use monogramming foot “N”.
The twin needle can only be used with satin stitch . In
addition, be sure to attach zigzag foot “J” when using the
twin needle.

Utility stitches

Decorative stitches

5-01 5-02 5-03 5-04 5-05 5-06 5-07

5-08 5-09 5-10 5-11 5-12 5-13 5-14

5-15 5-16

Decorative satin stitches

6-01 6-02 6-03 6-04 6-05

Satin stitches

7-01 7-02 7-03 7-04 7-05

Cross stitch stitches

8-01 8-02 8-03 8-04 8-05

• Before replacing the presser foot, be sure to
press (Presser foot/Needle exchange key)

on the operation panel to lock all keys and
buttons, otherwise injuries may occur if the
“Start/Stop” button or any other button is
pressed and the machine starts. For details on
changing the presser foot, refer to “Replacing
the Presser Foot” on page 23.

Overcasting Stitches

Sew overcasting stitches along the edges of cut fabric to
prevent them from fraying.

■ Using overcasting foot “G”

Attach overcasting foot “G”.

a

Select a stitch.

b

No. 1-13 1-14 1-15

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

• When using overcasting foot “G”, be sure
select a stitch that can be used with
overcasting foot “G”. If you sew with the
incorrect stitch, the needle may hit the presser
foot, bending the needle or damaging the
presser foot.

Position the fabric with the edge of the fabric against

c

the guide of the presser foot, and then lower the
presser foot lever.

1 Guide

a

38

Rotate the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise).

CAUTION

1

a

Memo

2

1

3

d

Check that the needle does not touch the presser foot.

1 The needle should

not touch the
center bar

Utility stitches

Blind Hem Stitching

Secure the lower edge of skirts and pants with a blind hem.

Sew with the edge of the fabric against the presser foot

e

guide.

1 Needle drop point

• Be sure to pull the fabric backward after
finished sewing. If you pull the fabric toward
side or forward, the presser foot pin may be
damaged.

• If thread is tangled on the presser foot, remove
the entangled thread, and then raise the
presser foot lever to remove the presser foot. If
the presser foot is raised while entangled with
thread, the presser foot may be damaged.

Press the “Start/Stop” button to stop sewing when you

f

are finished, and raise the presser foot and needle to
pull the fabric under the presser foot towards the back
of the machine.

■ Using zigzag foot “J”

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

a

Select a stitch.

b

No. 1-08 1-10 1-11 1-12

• When the size of cylindrical pieces is too small to slide
onto the arm or the length is too short, the fabric will not
feed and desired results may not be achieved.

Turn the skirt or pants inside out.

a

1 Wrong side of fabric
2 Right side of fabric
3 Lower edge of fabric

Fold the lower edge of fabric to the desired length to

b

be hemmed and then press.

1 Wrong side of fabric
2 Right side of fabric
3 Lower edge of fabric

2

1

1

1

<Seen from the side>

c

356

1

2

3

2

Using tailor's chalk, mark the fabric about 5 mm (3/16
inch) from the edge of the fabric, and then baste it.

2

4

3

4

4 Desired length for hem

<Thick fabric>

<Normal fabric>

1 Wrong side of fabric
2 Right side of fabric
3 Lower edge of fabric
4 Desired length for hem
5 5 mm (3/16 inch)
6 Basting

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

Stitch

No. 1-16 1-17 1-18 1-19

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Sew along the edge of the fabric with the needle

c

dropping off the edge at the right.

1 Needle drop point

2

5

2

2

6

7

<Thick fabric>

<Normal fabric>

1 Wrong side of fabric
2 Right side of fabric
3 Lower edge of fabric
4 Desired length for hem
5 5 mm (3/16 inch)
6 Basting
7 Basting point

<Thick fabric>

<Normal fabric>

1

1

<Seen from the side>

Fold back the fabric inside along the basting.

d

3
4

1

1

1

<Seen from the side>

39

Utility stitches

a

Memo

Note

a

b

Unfold the edge of fabric, and position the fabric with

e

the wrong side facing up.

1 Wrong side of fabric
2 Right side of fabric
3 Edge of fabric
4 Desired edge of hem
5 Basting point
6 Basting

<Thick fabric>

<Normal fabric>

c

d

a

a

a

a

f

b

a

f

c

a

e
b

<Seen from the side>

Attach blind stitch foot “R”.

f

Select a stitch.

g

Adjust the stitch width until the needle slightly catches

k

the fold of the hem. (page 29)

1 Needle drop point

When you change the needle drop point, raise the
needle, and then change the stitch width.

1 Thick fabric
2 Normal fabric

No. 2-01 2-02

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Remove the flat bed attachment to use the free arm.

h

Slide the item that you wish to sew onto the free arm,

i

make sure that the fabric feeds correctly, and then start
sewing.

1 Free arm

Position the fabric with the edge of the folded hem

j

against the guide of the presser foot, and then lower
the presser foot lever.

1 Wrong side of

fabric

2 Fold of hem
3 Guide

• Blind hem stitches cannot be sewn if the left needle
drop point does not catch the fold. If the needle catches
too much of the fold, the fabric cannot be unfolded and
the seam appearing on the right side of the fabric will be
very large, leaving an unattractive finish.

Sew with the fold of the hem against the presser foot

l

guide.

Press the “Start/Stop” button to stop sewing when you

m

are finished, and raise the presser foot and needle to
pull the fabric under the presser foot towards the back
of the machine.

• Be sure to pull the fabric towards the back of the
machine after sewing. If you pull the fabric toward side
or forward, the presser foot may be damaged.

Remove the basting stitching and turn the fabric with

n

the right side facing out.

1 Wrong side of

fabric

2 Right side of

1

2

fabric

40

Buttonhole sewing

Note

3

2

1

2

Utility stitches

Use chalk to mark on the fabric the position and length

a

of the buttonhole.

The maximum buttonhole length is about 28 mm (1-1/8
inches) (diameter + thickness of the button).

Buttonholes are sewn from the front of the presser foot to the
back, as shown below.

1 Reinforcement stitching

1 Marks on fabric

b

a

Pull out the button guide plate of buttonhole foot “A”,

b

and then insert the button that will be put through the
buttonhole.

2 Buttonhole sewing

■ If the button does not fit in the button guide
plate

Add together the diameter and thickness of the button,
and then set the button guide plate to the calculated
length. (The distance between the markings on the presser
foot scale is 5 mm (3/16 inch).)

1 Presser foot scale
2 Length of

buttonhole
(diameter +
thickness of
button)

3 5 mm (3/16 inch)

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

The part names of buttonhole foot “A”, which is used to create
buttonholes, are indicated below.

1 Button guide plate
2 Presser foot scale

1

2

5

3

4

A

• Before sewing buttonholes, check the stitch length and
width by sewing a trial buttonhole on a scrap piece of
fabric used for your project.

3 Pin
4 Marks on

buttonhole foot

5 5 mm (3/16 inch)

Example: For a button with a diameter of
15 mm (9/16 inch) and a thickness of 10 mm (3/8 inch),
the button guide plate should be set to 25 mm (1 inch) on
the scale.

1 10 mm (3/8 inch)

1

 The size of the buttonhole is set.

Attach buttonhole foot “A”.

c

Position the upper thread under the presser foot by
guiding thread through the hole in the presser foot
before attaching the buttonhole foot “A”.

Select a stitch.

d

No. 4-01 4-02 4-03 4-04 4-05

Stitch

No. 4-06 4-07 4-08 4-09 4-10

2 15 mm (9/16 inch)

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

41

Utility stitches

Memo

A

a

b

c

a

Memo

CAUTION

1

1

Position the fabric with the front end of the buttonhole

e

mark aligned with the red marks on the sides of the
buttonhole foot, and then lower the presser foot lever.

1 Mark on fabric

(front)

2 Red marks on

buttonhole foot

3 Upper thread

• When lowering the presser foot, do not push in the
front of the presser foot.

1 Do not reduce the

gap.

• If there is difficulty in aligning the marks, slowly turn the
handwheel toward you to check where the needle will
enter the fabric, and then align the mark on the fabric
with that point.

Press (Thread cutter button) once.

h

Raise the presser foot, and then remove the fabric.

• When using the thread cutter on the left side of the
machine or scissors to cut the threads, press
(Needle position button) to raise the needle, raise the
presser foot, and then pull out the fabric before cutting
the threads.

Raise the buttonhole lever to its original position.

i

Insert a pin along the inside of one bar tack at the end

j

of the buttonhole stitching to prevent the stitching
from being cut.

1 Pin

Use the seam ripper to cut towards the pin and open

k

the buttonhole.

1 Seam ripper

Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible.

f

1 Buttonhole lever

a

The buttonhole lever is positioned behind the bracket
on the buttonhole foot.

1 Buttonhole lever
2 Bracket

1

2

Gently hold the end of the upper thread in your left

g

hand, and then start sewing.

 Once sewing is completed, the machine

automatically sews reinforcement stitches, then
stops.

1

For keyhole buttonholes, use the eyelet punch to make
a hole in the rounded end of the buttonhole, and then
use the seam ripper to cut open the buttonhole.

1 Eyelet punch

• When using the eyelet punch, place thick paper or
some other protective sheet under the fabric before
punching the hole in the fabric.

• When opening the buttonhole with the seam
ripper, do not place your hands in the cutting
direction, otherwise injuries may result if the
seam ripper slips.

• Do not use the seam ripper in any other way
than how it is intended.

42

Utility stitches

M

a

■ Sewing buttonholes on stretch fabrics

When sewing buttonholes on stretch fabrics, use a gimp
thread.

Hook the gimp thread onto the part of buttonhole foot

a

“A” shown in the illustration.

It fits into the grooves, and then loosely tie it.

b

Attach buttonhole foot “A”.

c

Select a stitch.

d

No. 4-05 4-06

Stitch

Raise the presser foot lever, and then slide the feed dog

b

position switch, located at the rear of the machine on
the base, to (to the left as seen from the rear of
the machine).

Attach button fitting foot “M”.

c

Select a stitch.

d

No. 4-14

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

• Since the end of the thread will be tied off later, do
not set the machine for programmed thread cutting.

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Adjust the stitch width to the thickness of the gimp

e

thread.

Lower the presser foot lever and the buttonhole lever,

f

and then start sewing.

When sewing is finished, gently pull the gimp thread to

g

remove any slack.

Use a handsewing needle to pull the gimp thread to the

h

wrong side of the fabric, and then tie it.

Button sewing

Buttons can be sewn on with the machine. Buttons with two
or with four holes can be attached.

Measure the distance between the holes in the button

a

to be attached.

Adjust the stitch width so that it is the same as the

e

distance between the holes in the button.

Place the button in the position where it will be sewn,

f

and lower the presser foot lever.

1 Button

• When attaching four-hole buttons, first sew the two
holes closest to you. Then, slide the button so that
the needle goes into the two holes toward the rear of
the machine, and then sew them in the same way.

Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to

g

check that the needle correctly goes into the two holes
of the button.

If it seems as if the needle will hit the button, remeasure
the distance between the holes in the button. Adjust the
stitch width to the distance between the buttonholes.

43

Utility stitches

CAUTION

Memo

1

2

3

a

b

a

b

1

• When sewing, be sure that the needle does not
touch the button, otherwise the needle may
bend or break.

Start sewing.

h

Set the sewing speed controller to the left (so that the
speed will be slow).

 The machine automatically stops after sewing

reinforcement stitches.

• Do not press (Thread cutter button).

Use scissors to cut the upper thread and the bobbin

i

thread at the beginning of the stitching.

Pull the upper thread at the end of the stitching to the
wrong side of the fabric, and then tie it with the bobbin
thread.

Sew straight stitches up to the zipper opening.

b

With the right sides of the fabric facing each other, sew
reverse stitches after reaching the zipper opening.

1 Reverse stitches
2 End of zipper opening

Using a basting stitch, continue sewing to the edge of

c

the fabric.

1 Basting stitching
2 Wrong side of fabric

Press open the seam allowance from the wrong side of

d

the fabric.

1 Wrong side of fabric

When you are finished attaching the button, slide the

j

feed dog position switch, to (to the right as seen
from the rear of the machine) and turn the handwheel
to raise the feed dogs.

• The feed dogs come up when you start sewing again.

Zipper Insertion

■ Inserting a centered zipper

Stitching is sewn on both pieces of fabric butted against each
other.

1 Right side of fabric
2 Stitching
3 End of zipper opening

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

a

Align the seam with the center of the zipper, and then

e

baste the zipper in place to the seam allowance.

1 Wrong side of fabric

2

2 Basting stitching
3 Zipper

1

3

Remove about 5 cm (2 inches) from the end of the

f

basting on the outside.

1 Wrong side of fabric

2

3

4

1

2 Zipper basting
3 Outside basting
4 5 cm (2 inches)

Attach the presser foot holder to the right pin of zipper

g

foot “I”.

1 Pin on the right side

1

I

2 Needle drop point

2

44

Select a stitch.

CAUTION

CAUTION

Memo

1

2

3

4

Note

h

Utility stitches

Appliqué, Patchwork and Quilt Stitching

No. 1-03

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

• When using zipper foot “I”, be sure to select

the straight stitch (middle (center) needle
position), and slowly turn the handwheel
toward

you (

counterclockwise)

to check that
the needle does not touch the presser foot. If a
different stitch is selected or the needle hits
the presser foot, the needle may bend or
break.

Topstitch around the zipper.

i

1 Stitching
2 Right side of fabric
3 Basting stitching
4 End of zipper opening

■ Appliqué stitching

Baste or glue the appliqué piece to the base fabric to

a

secure it.

• If glue is used to hold the appliqué in place on the
fabric, do not apply glue to areas that will be sewn with
the machine. If glue adheres to the needle or bobbin
case, the machine may be damaged.

Attach the zigzag foot “J”.

b

Select a stitch.

c

No. 1-28 1-29 2-03 2-04

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise),

d

and then begin sewing around the edge of the
appliqué, making sure that the needle drops just
outside of the appliqué.

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

• When sewing, be sure that the needle does not
touch the zipper, otherwise the needle may
bend or break.

• If the presser foot contacts the zipper slider, leave the
needle lowered (in the fabric) and raise the presser foot.
After moving the slider so it will not contact the presser
foot, lower the presser foot and continue sewing.

Remove the basting stitching.

j

When sewing around corners, stop the machine with
the needle in the fabric just outside of the appliqué,
raise the presser foot lever, and then turn the fabric as
needed to change the sewing direction.

■ Patchwork (crazy quilt) stitching

Fold the edge of the top piece of fabric and place it

a

over the lower piece.

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

b

Select a stitch.

c

• The stitches shown below are examples. Select the
desired stitch.

No. 1-28 2-07 2-08 2-09

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

45

Utility stitches

CAUTION

1

1

Memo

Note

a

b

Sew the two pieces of fabric together so the stitch

d

pattern spans over both pieces.

Use pins if necessary.

• Do not stitch over pins.

• To change the width of the seam allowance (needle
position), adjust the stitch width. For details, refer to
“Setting the stitch width” on page 29 and “Sewing an
even seam allowance” on page 31.

■ Quilting

Sandwiching batting between the top and bottom layers of
fabric is called “quilting”. Quilts can easily be sewn using the
walking foot* and the quilting guide*.

* Items sold separately, please contact your authorized

Brother dealer.

■ Piecing

Sewing together two pieces of fabric is called “piecing”. The
fabric pieces should be cut with a 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) seam
allowance.

Sew a piecing straight stitch 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) from either the
right side or the left side of the presser foot.

Baste or pin along the seam allowance of the fabric

a

that you wish to piece together.

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

b

Select a stitch.

c

No. 1-25

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Sew with the side of the presser foot aligned with the

d

edge of the fabric.

 For a seam allowance on the right side

Align the right side of the presser foot with the edge of the

fabric, and sew using stitch .

• Thread the needle manually when using the walking
foot, or attach the walking foot only after threading the
needle using the needle threader.

• When quilting, use a 90/14 home sewing machine
needle.

• The walking foot can only be used with straight or
zigzag stitch patterns. Do not sew reverse stitches with
the walking foot.

• When sewing with the walking foot, sew at a speed
between slow and medium.

• When using the walking foot, test sew on a scrap piece
of fabric that is to be used in project.

Baste the fabric to be quilted.

a

Remove the presser foot and the presser foot holder.

b

• For details, refer to “Removing and attaching the
presser foot holder” on page 24.

Hook the connecting fork of the walking foot onto the

c

needle clamp screw.

1 Connecting fork
2 Needle clamp screw

 For a seam allowance on the left side

Align the left side of the presser foot with the edge of the
fabric, and set the stitch width 1.5 mm (1/16 inch) and

sew using stitch .

46

1 6.5 mm (1/4 inch)

1 6.5 mm (1/4 inch)

Lower the presser foot lever, and then tighten the

d

presser foot holder screw with the screwdriver.

CAUTION

• Be sure to securely tighten the screws with the

CAUTION

screwdriver, otherwise the needle may touch
the presser foot, causing it to bend or break.

• Before starting to sew, slowly turn the
handwheel toward you (counterclockwise)
check that the needle does not touch the
presser foot. If the needle hits the presser foot,
the needle may bend or break.

Select a stitch.

e

No. 1-04 1-28

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Place one hand on each side of the presser foot, and

f

then evenly guide the fabric while sewing.

and

Utility stitches

■ Free motion quilting

We recommend attaching the foot controller and sewing at a
consistent speed. You can adjust the sewing speed with the
speed control slide on the machine.

• With free motion quilting, control the feeding
speed of the fabric to match the sewing speed.
If the fabric is moved faster than the sewing
speed, the needle may break or other damage
may result.

The free motion open toe quilting foot “O”* or quilting
foot* is used for free motion quilting with zigzag or
decorative stitches or for free motion quilting of straight
lines on fabric with an uneven thickness.
* Items sold separately, please contact your authorized

Brother dealer.

 Free motion open

toe quilting foot
“O”

 Quilting foot

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

 Using the quilting guide (sold separately)

Use the quilting guide to sew parallel stitches that are
equally spaced.

Insert the stem of the quilting guide into the hole at the

a

rear of the walking foot or presser foot holder.

 Walking foot  Presser foot holder

Adjust the stem of the quilting guide so that the guide

b

aligns with the seam that has already been sewn.

Slide the feed dog position switch, located at the rear

a

of the machine on the base, to (to the left as seen
from the rear of the machine).

 The feed dogs are lowered.

Select a stitch.

b

No. 1-04 1-28

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Remove the presser foot holder.

c

• For details, refer to “Removing and attaching the
presser foot holder” on page 24.

47

Utility stitches

Note

CAUTION

a

b

c

a

b

c

a

Memo

ba

Attach the quilting foot by positioning the pin of the

d

quilting foot above the needle clamp screw and
aligning the lower-left of the quilting foot and the
presser bar.

1 Pin
2 Needle clamp screw
3 Presser bar

• Make sure that the quilting foot is not slanted.

Hold the quilting foot in place with your right hand,

e

and tighten the presser foot holder screw using the
screwdriver with your left hand.

■ Satin stitching using the sewing speed
controller

A decorative stitch can be sewn by changing the stitch width
of a satin stitch. If the machine is set so that the stitch width
can be adjusted using the sewing speed controller, the stitch
width can quickly and easily be adjusted.

Connect the foot controller.

a

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

b

Press and set [Width Control] (page 1 of the

c

settings screen) to [ON].

 The machine is now set so that the stitch width can

be controlled with the sewing speed controller.

Select a stitch.

d

No. 1-28

Stitch

1 Presser foot holder screw

• Be sure to securely tighten the screws with the
included screwdriver. Otherwise, the needle
may touch the quilting foot, causing it to bend
or break.

Use both hands to stretch the fabric taut, and then

f

move the fabric at a consistent pace in order to sew
uniform stitches roughly 2.0 mm - 2.5 mm (approx.
1/16 inch - 3/32 inch) in length.

1 Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

• Although the stitching results differ depending on the
type of fabric being sewn and the thickness of the
thread being used, for best results, adjust the stitch
length to between 0.3 and 0.5 mm (1/64 and 1/32 inch).

While sewing, slide the sewing speed controller to

e

adjust the stitch width.

• Adjust the sewing speed with the foot controller.

1 Narrower
2 Wider

After sewing is finished, slide the feed dog position

g

switch lever to (to the right as seen from the rear
of the machine) and turn the handwheel to raise the
feed dogs.

48

When you are finished sewing, set [Width Control]

f

back to [OFF].

Other Stitching Applications

CAUTION

3

1

2

1

■ Elastic attaching

When elastic tape is attached to the cuff or waist of a piece of
clothing, the finished dimensions will be that of the stretched
elastic tape. Therefore, it is necessary that a suitable length of
the elastic tape be used.

Pin the elastic tape to the wrong side of the fabric.

a

Pin the elastic tape to the fabric at a few points to make
sure that the tape is uniformly positioned on the fabric.

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

b

Select a stitch.

c

No. 1-11 1-12 2-13

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Sew the elastic tape to the fabric while stretching the

d

tape so that it is the same length as the fabric.

While pulling the fabric behind the presser foot with
your left hand, pull the fabric at the pin nearest the front
of the presser foot with your right hand.

Utility stitches

Determine the desired length of the bar tack.

a

Set the button guide plate on buttonhole foot “A” to the
desired length. (The distance between the markings on
the presser foot scale is 5 mm (3/16 inch).)

1 Presser foot scale
2 Length of bar tack
3 5 mm (3/16 inch)

• A bar tack with a maximum length of about 28 mm
(1–1/8 inches) can be sewn.

Attach buttonhole foot “A”.

b

Position the upper thread under the presser foot by
guiding thread through the hole in the presser foot
before attaching the buttonhole foot “A”.

Select a stitch.

c

No. 4-13

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Position the fabric so that the opening of the pocket

d

faces toward you, and then lower the presser foot lever
so that the needle drops 2 mm (1/16 inch) in front of
the pocket opening.

1 2 mm (1/16 inch)

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

• When sewing, be sure that the needle does not
touch any pins, otherwise the needle may bend
or break.

■ Bar tack stitching

Bar tacks are used to reinforce points subject to strain, such as
pocket corners and openings.

As an example, the procedure for sewing bar tacks at pocket
corners is described below.

Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible.

e

Gently hold the end of the upper thread in your left

f

hand, and then start sewing.

After sewing is finished, raise the presser foot lever,

g

remove the fabric, and then cut the threads.

Raise the buttonhole lever to its original position.

h

49

Utility stitches

3

1

2

4

2

1

■ Darning

1 Reinforcement stitching

Determine the desired length of the darning.

a

Set the button guide plate on buttonhole foot “A” to the
desired length. (The distance between the markings on
the presser foot scale is 5 mm (3/16 inch).)

1 Presser foot scale
2 Length of darning
3 5 mm (3/16 inch)
4 7 mm (1/4 inch)

Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible.

e

Gently hold the end of the upper thread in your left

f

hand, and then start sewing.

After sewing is finished, raise the presser foot lever,

g

remove the fabric, and then cut the threads.

Raise the buttonhole lever to its original position.

h

■ Eyelet Stitching

Eyelets, such as those on belts, can be sewn.

Attach monogramming foot “N”.

a

Select a stitch.

b

No. 4-15

• A bar tack with a maximum length of about 28 mm
(1-1/8 inches) can be sewn.

 Once sewing is completed, the machine

automatically sews reinforcement stitches, then
stops.

Attach buttonhole foot “A”.

b

Position the upper thread under the presser foot by
guiding thread through the hole in the presser foot
before attaching the buttonhole foot “A”.

Select a stitch.

c

No. 4-11 4-12

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Position the fabric so that the needle is 2 mm (1/16

d

inch) in front of the area to be darned, and then lower
the presser foot.

1 Tear
2 2 mm (1/16 inch)

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Adjust either the stitch width or the stitch length to

c

select the desired eyelet size.

• For details, refer to “Setting the stitch width” on
page 29 and “Setting the stitch length” on page 29.

Lower the needle into the fabric at the beginning of the

d

stitching, and then lower the presser foot lever.

Start sewing.

e

 Once sewing is completed, the machine

automatically sews reinforcement stitches, then
stops.

50

Utility stitches

2

1

3

After removing the fabric, use the eyelet punch to cut a

f

hole in the center of the eyelet.

• When using the eyelet punch, place thick paper or
some other protective sheet under the fabric before
punching the hole in the fabric.

■ Fagoting

Stitching across an open seam is called “fagoting”. It is used
on blouses and children's clothing. This stitch is more
decorative when thicker thread is used.

Use an iron to fold the two pieces of fabric along their

a

seams.

Baste the two pieces of fabric, separated by about 4

b

mm (3/16 inch), onto thin paper or a sheet of water­soluble stabilizer.

If you draw a line down the middle of the thin paper or
water-soluble stabilizer, sewing is easier.

1 Thin paper or water-

soluble stabilizer

2 Basting stitching
3 4 mm (3/16 inch)

Attach monogramming foot “N”.

a

Select a stitch.

b

No. 2-06

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Stitch along the edge of the fabric, making sure not to

c

sew directly on the edge of the fabric.

Trim along the stitches.

d

• Be careful not to cut the stitches.

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

c

Select a stitch.

d

No. 2-11 2-12

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Set the stitch width to 7.0 mm (1/4 inch).

e

Sew with the center of the presser foot aligned along

f

the center of the two pieces of fabric.

After sewing is finished, remove the paper.

g

■ Scallop stitching

The wave-shaped repeated stitch pattern that looks like shells
is called “scalloping”. It is used on the collars of blouses and
to decorate the edges of projects.

■ Smocking

The decorative stitch created by stitching or embroidering
over gathers is called “smocking”. It is used to decorate the
front of blouses or cuffs.

The smocking stitch adds texture and elasticity to fabric.

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

a

Select the straight stitch, and then adjust the stitch

b

length to 4.0 mm (3/16 inch) and loosen the thread
tension.

Sew parallel stitching at intervals of 1 cm (3/8 inch)

c

and pull the bobbin threads to create gathers.

Smooth the gathers by ironing them.

Select a stitch.

d

No. 2-10 2-11 2-12

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

51

Utility stitches

a

CAUTION

Stitch between the straight stitches and pull out the

e

threads for the straight stitches.

■ Shell tuck stitching

The gathers that look like shells are called “shell tucks”. They
are used to decorate trims, the front of blouses or cuffs made
of thin fabrics.

Draw equally spaced lines along the bias, and then fold

a

the fabric along the lines.

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

b

Select a stitch, and then increase the thread tension.

c

No. 2-05

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Select a stitch.

c

No. 2-07 2-08 2-09

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

Turn the fabric over so that the right side faces up, and

d

then sew over the seam with the center of the presser
foot aligned with the seam.

■ Using the twin needle

With the twin needle, you can sew two parallel lines of the
same stitch with two different threads. Both upper threads
should have the same thickness and quality.

• Only use the twin needle (2/11 needle, part
code: X59296-121), and never use the needle
threader with the twin needle.
The needle may break or the machine may be
damaged.

Press and install the twin needle.

a

Sew while making sure that the needle drops slightly

d

off the edge of the fabric.

One fold at a time, continue folding the fabric along the
line, then sewing it.

1 Needle drop point

After sewing is finished, remove the fabric. Unfold the

e

fabric, and then iron the tucks down to one side.

■ Joining

Decorative bridging stitches can be sewn over the seam
allowance of joined fabrics. This is used when making a crazy
quilt.

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

a

Sew together the right sides of the two pieces of fabric,

b

and then open up the seam allowances.

• For details on installing a needle, refer to “Replacing
the Needle” on page 22.

Pass the first upper thread behind the needle bar

b

thread guide.

• For details, refer to steps a through j of
“Threading the upper thread” on page 17.

Manually thread the left needle with the first upper

c

thread.

Pass the thread through the eye of the needle from the
front.

52

Utility stitches

CAUTION

CAUTION

a

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

Put the extra spool pin in the hole on the top of the

d

machine and put the spool of thread onto the extra
spool pin.

1 Thread spool

a

b

Thread the machine with the second upper thread.

e

Without passing the thread behind the needle bar
thread guide, manually thread the right needle with the
second upper thread.

Insert the thread through the eye of the needle from the
front to the back.

2 Extra spool pin

1 Needle bar

thread
guide

needle when you select a satin stitch pattern. In this
case, use zigzag foot “J”.

• When using the twin needle, be sure to select
an appropriate stitch, otherwise the needle
may break or the machine may be damaged.

Start sewing.

j

• Do not try turning the fabric while the twin
needle is down in the fabric, otherwise the
needle may break or the machine may be
damaged.

■ Heirloom stitching

When sewing with the wing needle, the needle holes are
enlarged, creating a lace-like decorative stitch. This is used to
decorate hems and tablecloths on thin or medium weight
fabrics in addition to plain weave fabrics.

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

Attach zigzag foot “J”.

f

• For details on changing the presser foot, refer to
“Replacing the presser foot” on page 23.

• When using the twin needle, be sure to attach
zigzag foot “J”. If bunched stitches occur, use
monogramming foot “N” or attach stabilizer
material.

Press to unlock all keys and buttons.

g

Press and set [Twin Needle] (page 1 of the settings

h

screen) to [ON].

• When using the twin needle, be sure to select
the twin needle setting, otherwise the needle
may break or the machine may be damaged.

Select a stitch.

i

• For stitch selection refer to “Basic sewing” on
page 25.

• Refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35 for stitches that
use a twin needle. You can also sew with a twin

Install the wing needle.

a

• Use a 130/705H 100/16 wing needle.

• For details on installing a needle, refer to “Replacing
the needle” on page 22.

• The needle threader cannot be used with the wing
needle, otherwise the machine may be damaged.
Manually pass the thread through the eye of the
needle from the front to the back.

Attach monogramming foot “N”.

b

Select a stitch.

c

No. 3-02 3-04 3-06 3-10

Stitch

• For details, refer to “Stitch Chart” on page 35.

• When sewing with the wing needle, select a
stitch width of 6.0 mm (15/64 inch) or less,
otherwise the needle may bend or break.

• After adjusting the stitch width, slowly turn
the handwheel toward you (
and check that the needle does not touch the
presser foot. If the needle hits the presser foot,
the needle may bend or break.

counterclockwise)

53

Making adjustments

Memo

Note

Start sewing.

d

Making adjustments

Your stitch pattern may sometimes turn out poorly, depending
on the type or thickness of fabric, the stabilizer material used,
sewing speed, etc. If your sewing does not turn out well, sew
trial stitches using the same conditions as the real sewing, and
adjust the stitch pattern as explained below. If the stitch
pattern does not turn out well even after making adjustments
based on the stitch pattern described below, make
adjustments for each stitch pattern individually.

• This adjustment can be made to (1-30 Quilting
stippling stitch), (4-15 eyelet stitch) and stitch
patterns from the following categories.

 If the stitch pattern is bunched:

Press in the [Fine Adjust Verti.] display.

 The displayed value increases each time the button is

pressed and the stitch pattern will lengthen.

 If the stitch pattern has gaps:

Press in the [Fine Adjust Verti.] display.

 The displayed value decreases each time the button

is pressed and the stitch pattern will shorten.

Sew the stitch pattern again.

e

• If the stitch pattern still comes out poorly, make
adjustments again. Adjust until the stitch pattern
comes out correctly.

Press to return to the original screen.

f

Press and select (5-16).

a

Attach monogramming foot “N” and sew the stitch

b

pattern.

• Be sure to use monogramming foot “N”. Adjustments
may not be made correctly with any other presser foot.

Compare the finished stitch pattern to the illustration

c

of the correct stitch pattern below.

Press , and then adjust the stitch pattern with the

d

[Fine Adjust Verti.] display. (page 1 of the settings
screen)

Using The Memory Function

■ Stitch data precautions

 Types of stitch data that can be used

In the Decorative Stitch memory, “.pmv”, “.pmx” and
“.pmu” stitch data files can be used with this machine.
“.pmu” or “.pmx” stitch data files can be retrieved;
however, when the machine is used to save the file, it is
saved as a “.pmv” stitch data file. Using data other than
what was created using this machine or the machine
which create “.pmv”, “.pmx” or “.pmu” data file, may
cause the machine to malfunction.

 USB flash drive

USB flash drive is commercially available, but some USB
flash drives may not be usable with this machine. Please
visit our website “ http://s.brother/cpjab ” for more details.

 Precautions when using the computer to save data

• We recommend using the 26 letters of the
alphabet (uppercase and lowercase), the
numbers 0 through 9, “-”, and “_” for the name
of the file/folder.

54

Using The Memory Function

Note

a

b

Memo

Note

b

a

Saving stitch patterns

You can save stitch patterns that you have customized in the
machine's memory or USB flash drive.

• Do not turn the main power to OFF while the [Saving...]
screen is displayed. You will lose the stitch pattern you
are saving.

Press .

a

When saving the stitch pattern in a USB flash drive,

b

insert the USB flash drive into the USB port on the
machine.

Retrieving stitch patterns

Retrieve stitch patterns saved in the machine's memory or
USB flash drive.

When retrieving stitch patterns from a USB flash drive,

a

insert the USB flash drive into the USB port on the
machine.

Press the desired destination.

b

1 Retrieve from the machine’s memory.
2 Retrieve from a USB flash drive.

• If the stitch pattern to be retrieved is in a folder of the
USB flash drive, press the key for that folder. Press
to return to the previous screen.

3

VARIOUS STITCHES

Press the desired destination to start saving.

c

1 Save to the machine’s memory.
2 Save to the USB flash drive.

The stitch pattern is saved in a folder labeled “bPocket”.

• Folders in the USB flash drive cannot be created with
the machine.

Select the desired stitch pattern, and then press .

c

• When you press , the selected stitch pattern will be
deleted permanently.

55

Using The Memory Function

56

Embroidering Preparation

Step 3

Step 1, 2

Step 5

Step 6

Step 4

Step 7, 8

Step 9

CAUTION

b

a

Chapter 4

EMBROIDERY

Embroidering Preparation

Follow the steps below to prepare the machine for
embroidery.

Attaching the Embroidery Foot

• Be sure to use embroidery foot when doing
embroidery. Using another presser foot may
cause the needle to strike the presser foot,
causing the needle to bend or break and
possibly cause injury.

Press (Needle position button) to raise the needle.

a

Press .

b

 The screen changes, and all keys and operation

buttons are locked (except ).

Remove the presser foot and presser foot holder.

c

• For details, refer to “Replacing the Presser Foot” on
page 23.

4

EMBROIDERY

Step

#

1 Presser foot

2 Checking the

3 Embroidery unit

4Bobbin thread

5Fabric

6Embroidery

7 Pattern selection Turn the main power to on,

8 Checking the

9Embroidery

Aim Action Page

attachment

needle

attachment

setup

preparation

frame
attachment

layout

thread setup

Attach embroidery foot “Q”. 57

Use needle 75/11 for
embroidery.

Attach the embroidery unit. 58

For the bobbin thread, wind
embroidery bobbin thread and
set it in place.

Attach a stabilizer material to
the fabric, and hoop it in the
embroidery frame.

Attach the embroidery frame
to the embroidery unit.

and select an embroidery
pattern.

Check and adjust the size and
position of the embroidery.

Set up embroidery thread
according to the pattern.

22

13

60

62

63

64

65

Hold the embroidery foot “Q” with your right hand, as

d

shown.

Hold the embroidery foot with your index finger
wrapped around the lever at the back of the foot.

1 Lever
2 Embroidery foot bar

57

Embroidering Preparation

CAUTION

CAUTION

Note

While pressing in the lever on embroidery foot “Q”

e

with your finger, fit the embroidery foot bar over the
needle clamp screw.

a

Attaching the Embroidery Unit

b

c

1 Embroidery foot bar
2 Needle clamp screw
3 Presser bar

Secure embroidery foot “Q” with the presser foot

f

holder screw, making sure that embroidery foot “Q” is
vertical.

ba

1 Mounting notch
2 Presser foot holder screw

Hold the embroidery foot in place with your right

g

hand, and then use the included screwdriver to
securely tighten the presser foot holder screw.

• Before attaching the embroidery unit, be sure
to turn off the machine. Otherwise, injuries
may occur if one of the operation buttons is
accidentally pressed and the machine starts
embroidering.

• Do not move the machine with the embroidery
unit in place. The embroidery unit may be
dropped and cause injury.

• Keep your hands and other objects away from
the embroidery carriage and frame when they
are moving. Otherwise injury may result.

Turn off the machine.

a

Pull the flat bed attachment off to the left.

b

Insert the embroidery unit connector into the

c

connection port, and then lightly push in the
embroidery unit until it snaps into place.

• Use the included screwdriver to firmly tighten
the screw of the embroidery foot. If the screw
is loose, the needle may strike the presser foot
and possibly cause injury.

Press to unlock all keys and buttons.

h

1 Connection port
2 Embroidery unit

connector

c

a

b

• Make sure that there is no gap between the embroidery
unit and the machine, otherwise the embroidery pattern
may not be embroidered correctly. Be sure to fully insert
the connector into the connection port.

• Do not push on the carriage when attaching the
embroidery unit to the machine, otherwise damage to
the embroidery unit may result.

• Do not touch the connector in the embroidery unit
connector slot. The connector could be damaged, and it
may cause malfunctions.

• Do not lift up on the embroidery carriage, and do not
forcefully move it. It may cause malfunctions.

3 Carriage

58

Embroidering Preparation

Note

Memo

CAUTION

Turn on the machine.

d

 A message appears in the screen.

• If [Opening Screen] is set [ON] within the settings
screen, touch screen for the following message to
appear.

Be sure that no objects or hands are near the

e

embroidery unit and press .

 The carriage moves to its initial position.

 The screen for selecting the embroidery pattern type

is displayed.

• Utility stitches cannot be selected when the embroidery
unit is attached.

■ Removing the embroidery unit

Make sure that the machine is completely stopped and
follow the instructions below.

Remove the embroidery frame.

a

Hold the release button on the bottom left of the

d

embroidery unit, and slowly pull the embroidery unit
to the left.

Embroidery Attractive Finishes

There are many factors that go into beautiful embroidery.
Using the appropriate stabilizer (page 60) and hooping the
fabric in the frame (page 60) are two important factors
mentioned earlier. Another important point is the
appropriateness of the needle and thread being used. See
the explanation of threads below.

■ Thread

Upper thread Use embroidery thread intended for use with

this machine. Other embroidery threads may
not yield optimum results.

Bobbin thread Use the included bobbin pre-wound with 60

weight embroidery bobbin thread or
recommended 60 weight embroidery bobbin
thread (page 8).

4

EMBROIDERY

• For details on removing the embroidery frame, refer
to “Removing the embroidery frame” on page 62.

Press , and then press .

b

 The embroidery carriage moves into a position

where it can be stored.

Turn off the machine.

c

• Always turn off the machine before removing
the embroidery unit.
It may cause malfunctions if removed when
the machine is turned on.

59

Embroidering Preparation

CAUTION

b

c

a

Memo

CAUTION

Note

1 Fabric
2 Stabilizer
3 Basting

a

b

c

Hooping the fabric in the embroidery frame

• Use fabrics with a thickness of less than 2 mm
(1/16 inch). Using fabrics thicker than 2 mm
(1/16 inch) may cause the needle to break.

• Always use a stabilizer material for embroidery
when embroidering stretch fabrics, lightweight
fabrics, fabrics with a coarse weave, or fabrics
which cause pattern shrinkage. Otherwise, the
needle may break and cause injury.

■ Attaching iron-on stabilizers (backing) to the
fabric

For best results in your embroidery projects, always use
stabilizer material for embroidery.

Press the iron-on stabilizer material to the wrong side

a

of the fabric.

• Use a piece of stabilizer which is larger than the
embroidery frame being used.

1 Fusible side of

stabilizer

2 Fabric (wrong side)
3 Size of the

embroidery frame

• When embroidering small pieces of fabric that cannot
be hooped on an embroidery frame, use stabilizer
material as a base. After lightly ironing the fabric to the
stabilizer material, hoop it in the embroidery frame. If
stabilizer material cannot be ironed onto the fabric,
attach it with a basting stitch. After completing the
embroidery, remove the stabilizer material carefully.

• When embroidering on thin fabrics such as organdy or
lawn, or on napped fabrics such as terry cloth or
corduroy, use water soluble stabilizer (sold separately)
for best results. The water soluble stabilizer material will
dissolve completely in water, giving the project a more
attractive finish.

• In the case of thick terry cloth towels we recommend
that you place a piece of water soluble stabilizer on the
top surface of the towel. This will help to reduce the nap
of the toweling and result in more attractive embroidery.

• When using fabrics that cannot be ironed (such as terry
cloth or fabrics that have loops which expand when
ironed) or in places where ironing is difficult, position the
stabilizer material under the fabric without fusing it, then
position the fabric and stabilizer in the embroidery
frame, or check with your authorized Brother dealer for
the correct stabilizer to use.

■ Inserting the Fabric

• If you use a frame that is too small, the presser
foot may strike the frame during embroidering
and cause injury or may damage your
machine.

• If the fabric is not securely held in the embroidery frame,
the embroidery pattern will embroider out poorly. Insert
the fabric on a level surface, and gently pull the fabric
taut in the frame, being careful not to distort hooped
fabric.

60

Embroidering Preparation

Memo

a
b
c

Loosen the embroidery frame adjustment screw and

a

remove the inner and outer frames, placing the outer
frame on a flat surface.

Separate the inner and outer frame by removing inner
frame upward.

1 Inner frame
2 Outer frame
3 Adjustment screw

Place the fabric with the stabilizer material on top of

b

the outer frame.

Have the right side of the fabric facing up.

Press the inner frame in from the top of the fabric.

c

Line up on the inner frame and on outer frame.

Tighten the adjustment screw while removing any slack

g

in the fabric by hand. The goal is to have a drum-like
sound when the fabric is struck lightly.

■ Using the embroidery sheet

When you want to embroider the pattern in a particular
place, use the embroidery sheet with the frame.

With a chalk pencil, mark the area of the fabric you

a

want to embroider.

4

EMBROIDERY

Tighten the adjustment screw by hand just enough to

d

secure the fabric.

Gently remove the fabric from the frame without

e

loosening the adjustment screw.

• This precautionary step will help reduce pattern
distortion while embroidering.

Press the inner frame in from the top of the fabric

f

again, lining up on the inner frame and on
outer frame.

• Press the inner frame into the outer frame.

Place the embroidery sheet on the inner frame.

b

Line the mark on the fabric up with the base line on the

c

embroidery sheet.

Place the inner frame with the fabric on the outer

d

frame and adjust the fabric if needed to align marks on
fabric with the embroidery sheet.

• For details, refer to page 60.

Remove the embroidery sheet.

e

61

Embroidering Preparation

Note

CAUTION

a

b

CAUTION

a

Attaching the Embroidery Frame

• Wind and insert the bobbin before attaching the
embroidery frame making sure to use the recommended
bobbin thread. Check that there is enough thread in the
bobbin.

Raise the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot.

a

Pass the embroidery frame under the presser foot.

b

• If necessary, raise the presser foot lever even further.

Firmly insert the embroidery frame guide into the

c

embroidery carriage frame holder from the top.

Line up the embroidery frame guide tabs and the
embroidery carriage frame holder slots and push in until
it clicks and stops.

■ Removing the embroidery frame

Raise the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot.

a

Press the part of the embroidery frame holder in the

b

figure to the left side, and raise the embroidery frame.

1 Lever

 The embroidery frame will separate from the

embroidery frame holder.

Remove the embroidery frame under the presser foot

c

while raising the presser foot lever even further.

1 Embroidery frame guide tabs
2 Embroidery carriage frame holder slots

 The embroidery unit is attached.

• Correctly set the embroidery frame into the
embroidery frame holder. Otherwise, the
presser foot may hit the embroidery frame,
resulting in injury.

• Do not hit the needle with your finger or the
embroidery frame. It may cause injury or
needle breakage.

62

Embroidering

c

f

e

h

gd

a

b

ba

■ Copyright information

The patterns stored in the machine are intended for private
use only. Any public or commercial use of copyrighted
patterns is an infringement of copyright law and is strictly
prohibited.

Embroidering

Press .

d

■ Embroidery pattern types

1 Embroidery patterns
2 Brother “Exclusives”
3 Floral alphabet patterns
4 Character patterns
5 Frame patterns
6 Press this key to position the embroidery unit for storage
7 Patterns saved in the machine's memory
8 Patterns saved in USB flash drive

• Refer to the “Embroidery Design Guide” for more
information on each category’s embroidery pattern.

Selecting an embroidery pattern

Press in the pattern type selection screen.

a

• For details on pattern editing screen, refer to “Editing
Patterns” on page 71. You can move the pattern,
change the size of pattern, and perform many other
editing operations.

• The pattern can also be moved by dragging it with
your finger.

 Embroidery settings screen appears.

Press .

e

4

EMBROIDERY

• For details on embroidery settings screen, refer to
“Editing All Patterns” on page 72.

• Confirm the pattern position to be embroidered,
referring to “Checking the pattern position” on
page 64.

• If the pattern type selection screen is not displayed,
press to display the screen below.

Press or to display the desired pattern on the

b

screen.

Select a desired embroidery pattern, and then press

c

.

• Available frame options are displayed on the screen.

1 Embroidery frame (medium) can be used
2 Embroidery frame (small) cannot be used

 Pattern editing screen appears.

63

Embroidering

Memo

c

b

a

1234

a
b

• If [Embroidery Frame Identification View] in the settings
screen is set to [ON], the pattern can be edited in the
screen as if that embroidery frame is attached.

• After selecting a character if you would like to

change the character size press . The size
changes each time you press the key, from large to

medium to small. After the character size is changed,
all characters on the same line will have the new
character size.

• If you make a mistake, press to erase the mistake.

• To check all entered characters, for example, when
there are multiple text lines, press .

• To add multiple lines, press .

• When the Japanese font is selected, the text can be
switched between being written vertically and

horizontally by pressing .

Press .

d

• For details on editing the pattern, refer to “Editing
Patterns” on page 71.

1 The embroidery frame selected when [Embroidery

Frame Identification View] is set to [ON] is highlighted.
Press this key to switch the setting between [ON] and
[OFF].

2 The embroidering area for the selected frame is

displayed.

3 Patterns that will not fit in the selected frame appear

shaded and cannot be selected.

• There are three embroidering area sizes for embroidery
frame (small).
When [Embroidery Frame Identification View] is set to
[ON] for embroidery frame (small), the area for arranging
patterns can more easily be seen. The area outside of
the embroidering area will have a different background
color.

1 2 cm × 6 cm (approx.1 inch (H) × 2-1/2 inches (W))
2 3 cm × 5 cm (approx.1-1/8 inch (H) × 2 inches (W))
3 4 cm × 3 cm (approx.1-1/2 inch (H) × 1-1/8 inch (W))
4 Patterns are arranged outside of the embroidering

area.

■ Selecting character patterns

Press .

a

Press the key of the font you want to embroider.

b

Press a tab to display the desired selection screen, and

c

then type in the text.

■ Selecting frame patterns

Press .

a

Press the key of the frame shape you want to

b

embroidery.

Press the key of the frame pattern you want to

c

embroidery.

Press .

d

• For details on editing the pattern, refer to “Editing
Patterns” on page 71.

■ Checking the pattern position

The embroidery frame moves and shows the pattern position.
Watch the frame closely to make sure the pattern will be
embroidered in the right place.

Press on the embroidery settings screen.

a

64

1 Current line number
2 Tab

• To enter a space, press .

Embroidering

Memo

CAUTION

1

CAUTION

1

From , press the key for the position that you

b

want to check.

1 Selected position

 The carriage will move to the selected position on

the pattern.

• To see the entire embroidering area, press . The
embroidery frame moves and shows the embroidery
area.

Embroidering a pattern

Embroidery patterns are embroidered with a change of thread
after each color.

Prepare embroidery thread of the color shown on the

a

screen.

1 Embroidery color order

• Either the thread color name or the thread number
appears in this screen, depending on the setting

selected in the settings screen. Press , and then
change the setting in the settings screen. For details,

refer to “Changing the thread color display” on
page 66.

4

EMBROIDERY

• Make sure the needle is up when the
embroidery frame is moving. If the needle is
down, it could break and result in injury.

Press , and then press .

c

• The automatic thread cutting function will cut the
thread at the end of embroidering each color. This
function is initially turned on. To turn this function

off, press .

Set the embroidery thread, and thread the needle.

b

• Refer to “Threading the upper thread” on page 17.

Raise the presser foot lever and pass the thread through

c

the embroidery foot hole, and hold it lightly in your left
hand.

Give the thread a little slack.

• Do not let hands or objects hit the carriage
while embroidering. The pattern may misalign.

• When embroidering on large garments
(especially jackets or other heavy fabrics), do
not let the fabric hang over the table.
Otherwise, the embroidery unit cannot move
freely and the embroidery frame may strike the
needle, causing the needle to bend or break
and possibly cause injury.
Place the fabric so that it does not hang off the
table or hold the fabric to keep it from
dragging.

65

Embroidering

Memo

Lower the presser foot, then press the “Start/Stop”

d

button to start embroidering.
After 5-6 stitches, press the “Start/Stop” button again
to stop the machine.

Trim the excess thread at the end of the seam. If the

e

end of the seam is under the presser foot, raise the
presser foot, then trim the excess thread.

• If the thread is left at the beginning of the stitching, it
may be embroidered over as you continue
embroidering the pattern, making it very difficult to
deal with the thread after the pattern is finished. Trim
the thread at the beginning.

■ Changing the thread color display

You can display the name of the thread colors or embroidery
thread number.

• Colors on the screen may vary slightly from actual spool
colors.

Press and use or to display the following

a

settings screen.

Use or of the menu to select [Name of

b

Color] or [#123] (thread number).

• When [Name of Color] is selected, the name of the
thread colors is displayed.

Press the “Start/Stop” button to start embroidering.

f

 Stitching stops automatically with reinforcement after

one color has been completed. When automatic
thread cutting is set, the thread is cut.

Remove the thread for the first color from the

g

machine.

Repeat the same steps for embroidering the remaining

h

colors.

 When the last color is embroidered, the message

informing that the embroidering is finished will

appear on the display. Press , and the display
will return to the initial screen.

• When [#123] is selected, the embroidery thread
number is displayed. Use or of the
menu to select the thread brand.

Press .

c

i

66

Cut the excess thread jumps within the color.

Embroidering

Note

Memo

Memo

Note

a

b

c

■ If the thread breaks or the bobbin runs out of
thread during embroidering

Press the “Start/Stop” button to stop the machine.

a

Press and set the upper thread or bobbin thread.

b

• If the bobbin thread is almost empty, press
(Thread cutter button) to cut the upper and bobbin
threads, remove the embroidery frame, and then
replace the bobbin with one wound with thread.

Press .

c

Press , , or to move the needle back the

d

correct number of stitches before the area where the
thread broke, and then press .

• Press to restart from the beginning.

Adjusting thread tension

The upper thread tension is changed using the thread tension
dial.

When doing machine embroidery, the tension dial should be
set somewhere between 2 to 6.

1 Loosen (Decrease the

number)

2 Tighten (Increase the

number)

3 Thread tension dial

• If the stitches appear loose, turn the tension up one
notch and embroider again.

■ Correct thread tension

The thread tension is correct when upper thread is just visible
on the wrong side (bottom) of the fabric.

1 Right side (top) of

fabric

2 Wrong side (bottom)

of fabric

4

EMBROIDERY

• It is recommended to stitch over the top of the last two
or three stitches for complete coverage.

• If you cannot move back to the area where the thread
broke, press to select the color and move to the
beginning position of that color, then use , or

to move ahead to slightly before where the thread

broke.

Lower the presser foot and press the “Start/Stop”

e

button to continue embroidering.

■ Resuming embroidery after turning off the
power

The current color and stitch number are saved when
embroidery is stopped. The next time the machine is turned
on, you have the option to continue or delete the pattern.

■ Upper thread is too tight

The bobbin thread will be visible on the right side (top) of the
fabric. In this instance, decrease the upper thread tension.

1 Right side (top) of

fabric

2 Wrong side (bottom)

of fabric

■ Upper thread is too loose

The upper thread has slack. In this instance, increase the
upper thread tension.

1 Right side (top) of

fabric

2 Wrong side (bottom)

of fabric

• If the upper thread is not threaded correctly or the
bobbin is not installed correctly, it may not be possible
to set the correct thread tension. If the correct thread
tension cannot be achieved, rethread the upper thread
and insert the bobbin correctly.

67

Embroidering

Note

Note

Note

Note

Embroidering the appliqué patterns

When the color embroidering order display shows
[ (APPLIQUE MATERIAL)],
[ (APPLIQUE POSITION)] or
[ (APPLIQUE)], follow the procedure below.

Required materials

• Fabric for the appliqué piece

• Fabric for the appliqué base

• Stabilizer material

• Fabric glue or temporary spray adhesive

• Embroidering thread

• The correct names and numbers of the thread colors to
be used will not appear. Select the thread colors
depending on those in the appliqué pattern.

■ 1. Creating an appliqué piece

Attach stabilizer material to the wrong side of the

a

appliqué fabric.

■ 2. Sewing the appliqué position on the base
fabric

Sew the appliqué position.

a

1 Position of appliqué
2 Base material

a

b

Remove the embroidery frame from the embroidery

b

unit.

• Do not remove the base fabric from the embroidery
frame until all sewing is finished.

■ 3. Affixing the appliqué piece to the base
fabric

Lightly apply fabric glue or temporary spray adhesive

a

to the back of the appliqué piece, and then attach it to
the base fabric within the outline of the position sewn

a of “2. Sewing the appliqué position on the

in step
base fabric”.

Sew the cutting line of the appliqué piece. Remove the

b

fabric for the appliqué piece from the embroidery
frame, and then carefully cut along the sewn cutting
line.

a

b

1 Outline of appliqué
2 Appliqué material

• If the appliqué piece is cut out along the inside of the
cutting line, it may not be correctly attached to the
fabric. Therefore, carefully cut out the appliqué piece
along the cutting line.

• After cutting out the appliqué piece, carefully remove
the thread.

• If the appliqué piece cannot be attached to the base
fabric with fabric glue or temporary spray adhesive,
securely baste it in place with basting stitches.

• If thin fabric is used for the appliqué piece, reinforce and
secure it in place with an iron-on adhesive sheet. An
iron can be used to attach the appliqué piece to the
appliqué location.

After the appliqué piece is attached, attach the

b

embroidery frame to the machine.
Thread the machine with the embroidery thread, lower
the presser foot lever, and then press the “Start/Stop”
button to embroider the appliqué.

Finish embroidering the remainder of the pattern.

c

68

Embroidering

Note

Using a frame pattern to make an appliqué

You can use framed patterns of the same size and shape to
create an appliqué. Embroider one pattern with a straight
stitch and one pattern with a satin stitch.

■ Method 1

Select a straight stitch frame pattern. Embroider the

a

pattern onto the appliqué material, then cut neatly
around the outside of the shape.

Embroider the same pattern from step a onto the

b

base fabric.
Apply a thin layer of fabric glue or a temporary spray
adhesive to the back of the appliqué created in step

a. Attach the appliqué to the base fabric matching

the shapes.

■ Method 2

Select a straight stitch frame pattern, and embroider

a

the pattern onto the base fabric.

Place the appliqué fabric over the pattern embroidered

b

c

a and embroider the same pattern on the

in step
appliqué fabric.

• Be sure that the appliqué fabric completely covers
the stitched line.

Remove the embroidery frame from the embroidery
unit, and cut around the outside of the stitches of the
appliqué fabric.
And then, reattach the embroidery frame to the
embroidery unit.

4

EMBROIDERY

Select the satin stitch frame pattern of the same shape

c

as the appliqué. Embroider over the appliqué and base
fabric from step b to create the appliqué.

• Do not remove the fabric from the embroidery frame to
cut it. Also, do not pull or push on the fabric. Otherwise,
the fabric may loosen in the frame.

Select the satin stitch frame pattern of the same shape

d

as the appliqué and embroider the satin stitch pattern
to create an appliqué.

• Do not change the size or position of the pattern.

69

Embroidering

Split embroidery patterns

Split embroidery patterns created with PE-DESIGN Ver.7 or
later, or PE-DESIGN NEXT can be embroidered. With split
embroidery patterns, embroidery designs larger than the
embroidery hoop are divided into multiple sections, which
combine to create a single pattern after each section is
embroidered.

For details on creating split embroidery patterns and for more
detailed embroidery instructions, refer to the Instruction
manual included with PE-DESIGN Ver.7 or later, or PE­DESIGN NEXT.

Insert the USB flash drive containing the created split

a

embroidery pattern, and then select the split
embroidery pattern to be embroidered.

• For details, refer to “Retrieving embroidery patterns”
on page 75.

Select section to be embroidered and press .

b

• Select the sections in alphabetical order.

Press and press .

c

Press the “Start/Stop” button to embroider the pattern

d

section.

When embroidering is finished, the following screen

e

appears. Press .

 A screen appears so that a section of the split

embroidery pattern can be selected.

Repeat steps b through e to embroider the

f

remaining sections of the pattern.

70

Editing Patterns

CAUTION

Memo

1 2 3 4

6

7

A 0 9

D

8

B

5

E

C

Editing Patterns

When a pattern is selected in the pattern selection screen

and is pressed, the pattern editing screen appears.

After pressing any of the keys to edit the pattern, press
to return to the previous screen. To finish all the editing,

press to continue to the embroidery settings screen.

• When you have revised the pattern, check the
display of available embroidery frames and use
an appropriate frame. If you use an embroidery
frame not displayed as available for use, the
presser foot may strike the frame and possibly
cause injury.

■ Pattern editing screen

• If a key display is light gray, you cannot use that
function with the selected pattern.

No.

1 Shows the embroidery frames that can

2 Shows the size of the entire combined

3 Press this key to magnify the pattern in

4 Press this key to show embroidered

Display

Key Name

Embroidery frame

Pattern s ize

Magnify key

Preview key

Explanation

be used (page 63). In addition, after
pressing the key for the embroidery
frame to be used, [Embroidery Frame
Identification View] can be set to [ON].
When setting [Embroidery Frame

Identification View] to [OFF], press .

pattern.

the screen.

image. Press to select the
frame used in the preview.

• : Medium embroidery frame/10

cm × 10 cm (4 inches × 4 inches)

• : Small embroidery frame/2 cm ×

6 cm (1 inch × 2-1/2 inches)

Press to enlarge the image of the
pattern.

No.

5 Press this key to rotate the pattern. You

6 Press this key to change the colors of the

7 Press this key to delete the selected

8 Press this key to display the font editing

9 Press this key to call up the embroidery

0 Press this key to save patterns to the

A When a combined pattern is selected,

B Press this key to make a horizontal mirror

C Press this key to change thread density

D Press this key to move the pattern.

E Press this key to change the size of the

Display

Key Name

Rotate key

Thread palette key

Delete key

Font edit key

Edit End key

Memory key

Pattern select key

Horizontal mirror

image key

Thread density

key

Move key

Size key

Explanation

can rotate a pattern one degree, ten
degrees or ninety degrees at a time.

Press to return the pattern to its
original position.

displayed pattern.

Press or to select the color you
want to change.

Press or touch the color
on the color palette to choose a new
color.
To return to the original color, press

.

pattern (the pattern outlined by the red
box).

screen. (page 72)

settings screen. (page 72)

machine's memory or USB flash drive.
(page 75)

use this key to select a part of the pattern
to edit. The selected pattern is outlined
by the red box.

image of the selected pattern.

for some alphabet character and frame
patterns.

Use to move the pattern in the

direction shown by the arrow.

Press to center the pattern.

pattern.

: Enlarges the pattern proportionately.

: Decreases the pattern proportionately.

: Stretches the pattern horizontally.

: Decreases the pattern horizontally.

: Stretches the pattern vertically.

: Decreases the pattern vertically.

: Returns the pattern to its original

size.

: Changes the size of the character

patterns.

4

EMBROIDERY

71

Editing All Patterns

1 234

7 8 6

5

2

6 5 4

3

1

■ Font editing screen

Font editing screen appears by pressing on the pattern
editing screen.

No.

1 Press this key when you want to change

2 Press this key to change the

3 Press this key to change the font of the

4 Press this key to switch between text

5 Press this key to edit each character

Display

Key Name

Multi color key

Array key

Font key

Vertical/horizontal

text key

Edit character key

Explanation

the thread color, character by character
in character embroidery. Since the
machine stops at the end of each
character, the upper thread is changed
as you embroider. Press this key again to
cancel setting.

configuration of a character pattern.

When selecting an arc (

), use and to change the

degree of the arc.

: Make the arc flatter.

: Make the arc rounder.

When selecting , and

change to and . You can
increase or decrease the incline.
To arrange the spacing between the
character patterns on the line, press

.

selected characters.
Depending on the font that was selected,
it may not be possible to change the
font.

written vertically and horizontally.
(Japanese font only)

separately.

No.

6 Press this key to split text between

7 Press this key to change the spacing of

8 When a combined pattern is selected,

Display

Key Name

Split text key

Character spacing

key

Select key

Explanation

characters so that they can be edited
separately.

Use to select where the
pattern is to be separated, and then

press to separate it.
Any pattern that is split cannot be
recombined.

character patterns.

Press / to increase or decrease
the character spacing.

Press to return the pattern to its
original appearance.

use this key to select a part of the pattern
to edit. The selected pattern is outlined
by the red box. If the line feed key was
used while entering text, single lines can
be selected.

Editing All Patterns

When is pressed in the editing screen, the embroidery
settings screen appears. After editing the pattern, press

to continue to the embroidering screen.

■ Embroidery settings screen

72

When pressing , select the character

by using to change the size.

When pressing , select the character

by using to change the font.

No.

1 Press these keys to move the pattern in

Display

Key Name

Move key

Explanation

the direction shown by the arrow. (Press
the center key to return the pattern to
the center of the embroidery area.)
(page 73)

Editing All Patterns

1

a

No.

2 Press this key to rotate the entire

3 Press this key to enter the embroidery

4 Press this key to save patterns to the

5 Press this key to check the position of

6 Press this key to move the needle start

Display

Key Name

Rotate key

Embroidery key

Memory key

Trial key

Starting point key

Explanation

pattern.
You can rotate a pattern one degree, ten
degrees or ninety degrees at a time.

Press to return the pattern to its
original position.

screen.

machine's memory or USB flash drive.
(page 75)

the pattern. (page 64)

position to align the needle with the
pattern position. (page 73)

Aligning the pattern and the needle position

Example: Aligning the lower left side of a pattern and the
needle position

Use to align the needle and the mark on the

d

fabric, press and begin embroidering the pattern.

Embroidering linked characters

Follow the procedure described below to embroider linked
characters in a single row when the entire pattern extends
beyond the embroidery frame.

Example: Connecting “ABC” with “DEF”

Select the character patterns for “ABC”, and then press

a

and .

4

EMBROIDERY

Mark the embroidery start position on the fabric, as

a

shown.

Press .

b

Press and press .

c

1 Start position

 The needle position moves to the bottom left corner

of the pattern (the embroidery frame moves so that
the needle is positioned correctly).

Press .

b

Press , and then press .

c

 The needle is positioned in the lower-left corner of

the pattern. The embroidery frame moves so that the
needle is positioned correctly.

Press .

d

Lower the embroidery foot and then press the “Start/

e

Stop” button to begin embroidering.

After the characters are embroidered, and the threads

f

are cut, remove the embroidery frame, and then press

for [Finished embroidering].

1 End of the

embroidering

73

Using the Memory Function

CAUTION

Reposition the fabric in embroidery frame so that the

g

right side of the letter “C” will be partially inside the
embroidery frame; being careful so letters remain
straight and level. Then reattach frame again so that
the remaining characters (“DEF”) can be embroidered.

Using the Memory Function

■ Embroidery data precautions

• When using embroidery data other than our
original patterns, the thread or needle may
break when embroidering with a stitch density
that is too fine or when embroidering three or
more overlapping stitches. In that case, use
one of our original data design systems to edit
the embroidery data.

Press to cancel the current character patterns.

h

Select the character patterns for “DEF”, and then press

i

j

k

l

m

n

and .

Press .

Press , and then press .

 The needle is positioned in the lower-left corner of

the pattern. The embroidery frame moves so that the
needle is positioned correctly.

Use to align the needle with the end of the

embroidering for the previous pattern.

Press .

Lower the embroidery foot and press the “Start/Stop”
button to begin embroidering the remaining character
patterns.

 Types of embroidery data that can be used

Only .pes, .phc, and .dst embroidery data files can be
used with this machine. Using data other than that saved
using our data design systems or machines may cause the
machine to malfunction.

 Embroidery pattern size

This machine is compatible with embroidery patterns up
to a maximum of 10 cm × 10 cm (4 inches × 4 inches).

 USB flash drive

USB flash drive is commercially available, but some USB
flash drives may not be usable with this machine. Please
visit our website “ http://s.brother/cpjab

 Precautions on using the computer to create and save

data

We recommend using the 26 letters of the alphabet
(uppercase and lowercase), the numbers 0 through 9,”-”,
and “_” for the name of the file/folder.

 Tajima (.dst) embroidery data

• .dst data is displayed in the pattern list screen by file
name (the actual thumbnail image cannot be
displayed).

• Since Tajima (.dst) data does not contain specific
thread color information, it is displayed with our
default thread color sequence. Check the preview and
change the thread colors as desired.

” for more details.

74

Using the Memory Function

Note

a

b

Memo

Memo

2
1

Saving embroidery patterns

You can save embroidery patterns that you have customized
in the machine's memory or USB flash drive.

• Do not turn the main power to OFF while the [Saving...]
screen is displayed. You will lose the pattern you are
saving.

Press when the pattern you want to save is in the

a

pattern editing screen or embroidery settings screen.

When saving the embroidery pattern in a USB flash

b

drive, insert the USB flash drive into the USB port on
the machine.

Retrieving embroidery patterns

Retrieve stitch patterns saved in the machine's memory or
USB flash drive.

When retrieving the embroidery patterns from a USB

a

flash drive, insert the USB flash drive into the USB port
on the machine.

Press the desired destination, and then select the

b

desired embroidery pattern.

1 Retrieve from the machine’s memory.
2 Retrieve from a USB flash drive.

• If the embroidery pattern to be retrieved is in a folder of
the USB flash drive, press the key for that folder. Press

to return to the previous screen.

4

EMBROIDERY

Press the desired destination to start saving.

c

1 Save to the machine’s memory.
2 Save to the USB flash drive.

The pattern is saved in a folder labeled “bPocket”.

Press .

c

• When you press , the selected embroidery pattern
will be deleted permanently.

• When retrieving the embroidery patterns from the
machine's memory, the selected pattern can be saved
to USB flash drive directly by pressing .

• When retrieving the embroidery patterns from the USB
flash drive, the selected pattern can be saved to the
machine's memory directly by pressing .

75

Using the Memory Function

76

Care and Maintenance

CAUTION

Note

Chapter 5

APPENDIX

Care and Maintenance

• Unplug the power cord before cleaning the
machine, otherwise injuries or an electric
shock may occur.

If the surface of the machine is dirty, lightly soak a cloth in
neutral detergent, squeeze it out firmly, and then wipe the
surface of the machine. After cleaning it once with a damp
cloth, wipe it again with a dry cloth.

If the screen is dirty, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Do
not wipe the LCD screen with a damp cloth. Do not use
organic solvents or detergents.

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 difficulty turning the handwheel or
an unusual noise, immediately stop using the machine, and
contact your authorized Brother dealer or the nearest Brother
authorized service center.

Cleaning the race

Sewing performance will suffer if lint and dust collects in the
bobbin case, therefore, it should be cleaned regularly.

Press (Needle position button) to raise the needle.

a

Turn off the machine.

b

Unplug the power cord from the power supply jack on

c

the right side of the machine.

Raise the presser foot to remove the needle, presser

d

foot and presser foot holder.

• For details, refer to “Replacing the Needle” on
page 22 and “Replacing the Presser Foot” on
page 23.

Remove the flat bed attachment or the embroidery unit

e

if either is attached.

Remove the needle plate cover.

f

Grasp both sides of the needle plate cover, and then

g

slide it toward you.

5

APPENDIX

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 flame, heater or air conditioner

• Outdoors or exposed to direct sunlight

• Exposed to extremely dusty or oily environments

• 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 efficiency.

Grasp the bobbin case, and then pull it out.

h

Use the cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove

i

any lint and dust from the race and bobbin thread
sensor and the surrounding area.

c

1 Cleaning brush
2 Race
3 Bobbin thread sensor

• Do not apply oil to the bobbin case.

a

b

77

Troubleshooting

CAUTION

a

b

ab

Insert the bobbin case so that the  mark on the

j

bobbin case aligns with the

• Align the  and

1  mark
2

 mark

3 Bobbin case

• Make sure that the indicated points are aligned
before installing the bobbin case.

Insert the tabs on the needle plate cover into the

k

needle plate, and then slide the cover back on.

 marks.

 mark on the machine.

c

Lightly touch the center of each +, in order from 1 to 5.

b

Turn the main power to OFF, then turn it back to ON.

c

Troubleshooting

If the machine stops operating correctly, check the
following possible problems before requesting service.
You can solve most problems by yourself. If you need
additional help, the Brother Solutions Center offers the
latest FAQs and troubleshooting tips. Visit us at “ http://
s.brother/cpjab ”.
If the problem persists, contact your Brother dealer or the
nearest Brother authorized service center.

■ Frequent troubleshooting topics

Detailed causes and remedies for common troubleshooting
topics are described below. Be sure to refer to this before
contacting us.

• 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 Brother authorized
service center.

• Be sure that the bobbin case is correctly
installed, otherwise the needle may break.

Touch panel is malfunctioning

If the screen does not respond correctly when you touch a key
(the machine does not perform the operation or performs a
different operation), follow the steps below to make the
proper adjustments.

Holding your finger on the screen, turn the main

a

power switch to OFF and back to ON.

Upper thread tightened up page 79

Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric page 79

Incorrect thread tension page 79

Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot
be removed

If the thread becomes tangled under the
bobbin winder seat

page 80

page 82

 The touch panel adjustment screen is displayed.

78

Troubleshooting

a

b

c

d

e

a

b

c

d

e

a

f

c

d

e

Upper thread tightened up

■ Symptom

• The upper thread appears as a single continuous line.

• The bobbin thread is visible from the right side of the
fabric. (Refer to the illustration below.)

• The upper thread has tightened up, and comes out
when pulled.

• The upper thread has tightened up, and wrinkles
appear in the fabric.

• The upper thread tension is tight, and the results do
not change even after the thread tension is adjusted.

1 Wrong side of fabric
2 Bobbin thread visible from right side of fabric
3 Upper thread
4 Right side of fabric
5 Bobbin thread

■ Cause

Incorrect upper threading

If the upper thread is incorrectly threaded, the upper
thread passed through the fabric cannot be firmly pulled
up and the upper thread becomes tangled in the bobbin
case, causing a rattling noise.

■ Remedy/check details

Remove the tangled thread, and then correct the upper
threading.

Remove the tangled thread. If it cannot be removed,

a

cut the thread with scissors.

• For details, refer to “Cleaning the race” on page 77.

Remove the upper thread from the machine.

b

Correct the upper threading by following the

c

instructions in “Threading the upper thread” on
page 17.

• If the bobbin was removed from the bobbin case,
refer to “Installing the bobbin” on page 16 to
correctly install the bobbin.

Incorrect thread tension

■ Cause

Incorrect bobbin threading

If the bobbin thread is incorrectly threaded, instead of the
appropriate tension being applied to the bobbin thread, it
is pulled through the fabric when the upper thread is
pulled up. For this reason, the thread is visible from the
right side of the fabric.

■ Remedy/check details

Correctly install the bobbin thread. (page 16)

Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric

■ Symptom

• The thread becomes tangled on the wrong side of the
fabric.

• After starting sewing, a rattling noise is made and
sewing cannot continue.

• Looking under the fabric, there is tangled thread in
the bobbin case.

■ Symptoms

• Symptom 1: The bobbin thread is visible from the
right side of the fabric. (Refer to illustration below)

• Symptom 2: The upper thread appears as a straight
line on the right side of the fabric.

• Symptom 3: The upper thread is visible from the
wrong side of the fabric. (Refer to illustration below)

• Symptom 4: The bobbin thread appears as a straight
line on the wrong side of the fabric.

• Symptom 5: The stitching on the wrong side of the
fabric is loose or has slack.

 Symptom 1  Symptom 3

1 Wrong side of fabric
2 Bobbin thread visible from right side of fabric
3 Upper thread
4 Right side of fabric
5 Bobbin thread
6 Upper thread visible from wrong side of fabric

■ Cause/remedy/check details

5

APPENDIX

 Cause 1

The machine is not correctly threaded.

<With symptoms 1 and 2 described above>
The bobbin threading is incorrect.
Return the thread tension dial to “4”, and then refer to
“Upper thread tightened up” on page 79 to correct the
threading.

79

Troubleshooting

Note

<With symptoms 3 and 5 described above>
The upper threading is incorrect.
Return the thread tension dial to “4”, and then refer to
“Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric” on page 79 to
correct the upper threading.

 Cause 2

A needle and thread appropriate for the fabric are not
being used.

The machine needle that should be used depends on the
type of fabric sewn and the thread thickness.
If a needle and thread appropriate for the fabric are not
being used, the thread tension will not be adjusted
correctly, causing wrinkles in the fabric or skipped
stitches.

• Refer to “Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations” on
page 21 to check that a needle and thread
appropriate for the fabric are being used.

 Cause 3

An appropriate upper tension is not selected.

Select an appropriate thread tension.
Refer to “Adjusting the thread tension” on page 29.
The appropriate thread tension differs depending on the
type of fabric and thread being used.

* Adjust the thread tension while test sewing on a

piece of scrap fabric that is the same as that used in
your project.

• If the upper threading and bobbin threading are
incorrect, the thread tension cannot be adjusted
correctly. Check the upper threading and bobbin
threading first, and then adjust the thread tension.

• If the bobbin thread is visible from the right side of
the fabric

Turn the thread tension dial counterclockwise to
loosen the upper thread tension.

Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot
be removed

If the fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed,
the thread may have become tangled under the needle plate.
Follow the procedure described below to remove the fabric
from the machine. If the operation cannot be completed
according to this procedure, instead of attempting to remove it
forcefully, contact your nearest Brother authorized service
center.

■ Removing the fabric from the machine

Immediately stop the machine.

a

Turn off the machine.

b

Remove the needle.

c

If the needle is lowered into the fabric, turn the
handwheel away from you (clockwise) to raise the
needle out of the fabric, and then remove the needle.

• Refer to “Replacing the Needle” on page 22.

Remove the presser foot and presser foot holder.

d

If the thread is entangled on the presser foot, remove the
entangled thread, and then raise the presser foot lever to
remove the presser foot. Otherwise, the presser foot may
be damaged.

• Refer to “Replacing the Presser Foot” on page 23.

Lift up the fabric and cut the threads below it.

e

If the fabric can be removed, remove it. Continue with
the following steps to clean the race.

Remove the needle plate cover.

f

• Refer to “Cleaning the race” on page 77.

• If the upper thread is visible from the wrong side of
the fabric
Turn the thread tension dial clockwise to tighten the
upper thread tension.

Cut out the tangled threads, and then remove the

g

bobbin.

Remove the bobbin case.

h

If threads remain in the bobbin case, remove them.

80

Troubleshooting

Note

Note

a

b

Memo

Note

Use the cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner mini

i

attachment to remove any lint or dust from the race
and its surrounding area.

1 Cleaning brush
2 Race

If the fabric could be removed. Continue with step p.

If the fabric could not be removed. Continue with step j.

• Compressed can air is not recommended to be used.

Use the included disc-shaped screwdriver to loosen the

j

two screws on the needle plate.

Remove any threads in the race and around the feed

l

dogs.

Turn the handwheel to raise the feed dogs.

m

Align the two screw holes in the needle plate with the

n

two holes at the needle plate mounting base, and then
fit the needle plate onto the machine.

Lightly finger-tighten the screw on the right side of the

o

needle plate. Then, use the disc-shaped screwdriver to
firmly tighten the screw on the left side. Finally, firmly
tighten the screw on the right side.

Turn the handwheel to check that the feed dogs move
smoothly and do not contact the edges of the slots in the
needle plate.

a

b

• Be careful not to drop the removed screws in the
machine.

Slightly lift up the needle plate, cut any tangled

k

threads, and then remove the needle plate.

Remove the fabric and threads from the needle plate.

If the fabric cannot be removed, even after completing
these steps, contact your nearest Brother authorized
service center.

1 Correct position of feed dogs
2 Incorrect position of feed dogs

Insert the bobbin case by following step j in

p

“Cleaning the race” on page 77.

Attach the needle plate cover according to step k in

q

“Cleaning the race” on page 77.

Check the condition of the needle, and then install it.

r

If the needle is in a poor condition, for example, if it is
bent, be sure to install a new needle.

• Refer to “Checking the needle” on page 22 and
“Replacing the needle” on page 22.

• Since the needle may have been damaged when the
fabric was caught in the machine, we recommend
replacing it with a new one.

■ Checking machine operations

If the needle plate has been removed, check machine
operations to confirm that installation has been completed
correctly.

Turn on the machine.

a

5

APPENDIX

Select stitch .

b

• Do not yet install the presser foot and thread.

81

Troubleshooting

Note

a

b

CAUTION

a

Slowly turn the handwheel toward you

c

(counterclockwise), and look from all sides to check
that the needle falls at the center of the opening in the
needle plate.

If the needle contacts the needle plate, remove the
needle plate, and then install it again, starting with step

m in “Removing the fabric from the machine” on

page 80.

1 Opening in the needle

plate

2 Handwheel

Select stitch . At this time, increase the stitch length

d

and width to their maximum settings.

• For details on changing the settings, refer to “Setting
the stitch width” on page 29 and “Setting the stitch
length” on page 29.

If the thread becomes tangled under the
bobbin winder seat

If the bobbin winding starts when the thread is not passed
under the pretension disk of the bobbin-winding thread guide
correctly, the thread may become tangled under the bobbin
winder seat.

• Do not remove the bobbin winder seat even if
the thread become tangled under the bobbin
winder seat. Otherwise, the cutter in the
bobbin winder seat may be damaged.

• Do not remove the screw on the bobbin
winder guide post, otherwise the machine may
be damaged; you cannot wind off the thread
by removing the screw.

Slowly turn the handwheel toward you

e

(counterclockwise) and check that the needle bar and
feed dogs operate correctly.

If the needle or feed dogs contact the needle plate, the
machine may be malfunctioning; therefore, contact
your nearest Brother authorized service center.

Turn off the machine, and then install the bobbin and

f

presser foot.

Never use a scratched or damaged presser foot.
Otherwise, the needle may break, or sewing
performance may suffer.

• Refer to “Installing the bobbin” on page 16 and
“Replacing the presser foot” on page 23.

Correctly thread the machine.

g

• For details on threading the machine, refer to “Upper
Threading” on page 17.

Perform trial sewing with cotton fabric.

h

• Incorrect sewing may be the result of incorrect upper
threading or sewing thin fabrics. If there are poor results
from the trial sewing, check the upper threading or the
type of fabric being used.

1 Screw of the bobbin winder guide post

Stop the bobbin winding.

a

Cut the thread with scissors beside the bobbin-winding

b

thread guide.

Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left, and then

c

remove the bobbin from the shaft and cut the thread
leading to the bobbin in order to be able to completely
remove the bobbin from shaft.

Hold the thread end with your left hand, and wind off

d

the thread clockwise from under the bobbin winder
seat with your right hand as shown below.

82

Troubleshooting

List of symptoms

Check the following possible problems before requesting
service. If the reference page is “*”, contact your authorized
Brother dealer or the nearest Brother authorized service
center.

■ Getting ready

Symptom, Cause/solution

Cannot thread the needle.

Needle is not in the correct position.

• Press the “Needle position” button to raise the
needle.

Needle is installed incorrectly. 22

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 22

Upper threading is incorrect.
The needle threader lever is not lowered until it
clicks.

The needle threader hook is bent and does not
pass through the eye of the needle.

The needle threader lever cannot be moved or
returned to its original position.

A size 65/9 needle is being used.

• The needle is incompatible with the needle
threader. Manually pass the thread through the
eye of the needle.

Reference

6

17

*

*

19

Symptom, Cause/solution

The LCD screen is fogged up.

Condensation has formed on the LCD screen.

• After a while, the cloudiness will disappear.

The operation keys do not respond, or the key
response is too sensitive.

A glove is worn when the keys are pressed.
The keys are pressed with a fingernail.
A non-electrostatic touch pen is being used.
The sensitivity of the operation keys is not set for
the user.

The sewing light does not come on.

[Light] is set to [OFF] in the settings screen. 12

Embroidery unit does not operate.

Embroidery unit is not attached correctly. 58

■ While sewing

Symptom, Cause/solution

Machine does not operate.

“Start/Stop” button was not pressed. 25

The bobbin winder shaft is pushed to the right. 13

Reference

–

6, 13

Reference

5

APPENDIX

Bobbin thread does not wind neatly on the bobbin.

The thread is not passed through the bobbin
winding thread guide correctly.

The thread that was pulled out from the bobbin­winding thread guide was incorrectly wound onto
the bobbin.

The empty bobbin was not set on the pin
properly.

13

15

13

While winding the bobbin, the bobbin thread was
wound below the bobbin winder seat.

The thread was incorrectly passed under the
pretension disk on the bobbin-winding thread
guide.

• Remove any entangled thread, and then wind
the bobbin.

13, 82

The bobbin thread cannot be pulled up.

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 22

Bobbin is set incorrectly. 16

Nothing appears in the LCD.

Main power switch is not turned on. 9

There is no stitch selected. 25

Presser foot is not lowered. 26

“Start/Stop” button was pressed with the foot
controller attached.

The “Start/Stop” button was pressed while the
machine is set for the sewing speed controller to
control the zigzag stitch width.

Needle breaks.

Needle is installed incorrectly. 22

Needle clamp screw is not tightened. 22

Needle is turned or bent. 22

Using improper needle or thread for the selected
fabric.

Wrong presser foot was used. 23

Upper thread tension is too tight. 29

Fabric is pulled during sewing. –

Spool of thread is set incorrectly. 13

26

12, 48

21

The plug of the power cord is not inserted into an
electrical outlet.

9

83

Troubleshooting

1 Notch

a

1 Notch

a

Symptom, Cause/solution

There are scratches around the opening in the
needle plate.

* There is a notch on the left side of the opening

in the needle plate. This is not a scratch.

There are scratches around the opening in the
presser foot.

There are scratches on the bobbin case. *

A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is
not used.

Upper threading is incorrect. 17

Bobbin is set incorrectly. 16

Presser foot is attached incorrectly. 23

Screw of the presser foot holder is loose. 24

Fabric is too thick. 21, 32

Fabric is fed forcefully when sewing thick fabric
or thick seams.

Reference

*

*

13

32

Symptom, Cause/solution

There are scratches around the opening in the
presser foot.

There are scratches on the bobbin case. *

Using improper needle or thread for the selected
fabric.

A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is
not used.

Reference

*

21

13

The thread is tangled on the wrong side of the fabric.

Upper threading is incorrect. 17, 79

Using improper needle or thread for the selected
fabric.

21

The upper thread is too tight.

The bobbin thread is incorrectly installed. 16, 79

Bobbin thread breaks.

Bobbin is set incorrectly. 16

Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound. 13

A scratched bobbin is being used. 16

Thread is tangled. 80

Stitch length is too short. 29

Stabilizer is not attached to fabric being
embroidered.

Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound. 13

Upper thread breaks.

Machine is not threaded correctly (used the
wrong spool cap, spool cap is loose, the thread
did not catch the needle bar threader, etc.).

Knotted or tangled thread is being used. –

The selected needle is not appropriate for the
thread being used.

Upper thread tension is too tight. 29

Thread is tangled. 79

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 22

Needle is installed incorrectly. 22

There are scratches around the opening of the
needle plate.

* There is a notch on the left side of the opening

in the needle plate. This is not a scratch.

60

17

21

*

A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is
not used.

Fabric puckers.

There is a mistake in the upper or bobbin
threading.

Spool of thread is set incorrectly. 13

Using improper needle or thread for the selected
fabric.

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 22

Stitches are too long when sewing thin fabrics. 29

Thread tension is set incorrectly. 29, 79

Wrong presser foot was used. 23

The stitch is not sewn correctly.

The presser foot that is used is not appropriate
for the type of stitch that you wish to sew.

The thread tension is incorrect.

The thread is tangled, for example, in the bobbin
case.

Feed dogs are set in the down position.

• Slide the feed dog position switch to the right

().

13

13, 17

21

23

29, 79

80

5, 47

84

Troubleshooting

Symptom, Cause/solution

Skipped stitches

Machine is threaded incorrectly. 13, 17

Using improper needle or thread for the selected
fabric.

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 22

Needle is installed incorrectly. 22

Dust or lint has collected under the needle plate. 77

Thin or stretch fabrics are being sewn.

• Attach stabilizer material to the fabric.

Not stitching

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 22

Bobbin is set incorrectly. 16

Upper threading is incorrect. 17

High-pitched sound while sewing

Reference

21

32

Symptom, Cause/solution

Fabric being sewn with the machine cannot be
removed.

Thread is tangled below the needle plate. 80

A broken needle has fallen into the machine.

• Turn off the machine, and remove the needle
plate. If the needle that fell into the machine
can be seen, use tweezers to remove it. After
removing the needle, return the needle plate to
its original position and insert a new needle.
Before turning on the machine, slowly turn the
handwheel toward you to check that it turns
smoothly and that the new needle enters
through the center of the needle plate opening.
If the handwheel does not turn smoothly or the
needle that fell into the machine cannot be
removed, consult your authorized Brother
dealer or the nearest Brother authorized
service center.

The handwheel does not turn smoothly.

Thread is tangled in the bobbin case. 77, 79,

Reference

80

80

Dust or lint is caught in the feed dogs. 77

Pieces of thread are caught in the race. 77

Upper threading is incorrect. 17

A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is
not used.

There are needle holes or friction scratches in the
bobbin case.

Fabric does not feed through the machine.

Feed dogs are set in the down position.

• Slide the feed dog position switch to the right

().

Stitches are too close together. 29

Wrong presser foot was used. 23

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 22

Thread is entangled. 80

Zigzag foot “J” is slanted on a thick seam at the
beginning of stitching.

13

*

5

32

■ After sewing

Symptom, Cause/solution

Thread tension is incorrect.

Upper threading is incorrect. 17, 79

Bobbin is set incorrectly. 16, 79

Using improper needle or thread for the selected
fabric.

Presser foot holder is not attached correctly. 23

Thread tension is set incorrectly. 29, 79

Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound. 16

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 22

A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is
not used.

Decorative stitch patterns are misaligned.

Wrong presser foot was used. 35

Reference

21

13

5

APPENDIX

The fabric feeds in the opposite direction.

The feed mechanism is damaged. *

The needle contacts the needle plate.

The needle clamp screw is loose. 22

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 22

Stitch pattern adjustment settings were set
incorrectly.

Stitch pattern is irregular.

Wrong presser foot was used. 23

Thin or stretch fabrics are being sewn.

• Attach stabilizer material to the fabric.

Thread tension is set incorrectly. 29, 79

54

32

85

Troubleshooting

Symptom, Cause/solution

Fabric was pulled, pushed or fed at an angle
while it was being sewn.

• Sew while guiding the fabric with your hands
so that the fabric is fed in a straight line.

The thread is tangled, for example, in the bobbin
case.

Reference

25

77

Embroidery pattern does not embroider correctly.

Thread is twisted. 80

Thread tension is set incorrectly. 29

Fabric was not inserted into the frame correctly
(fabric was loose, etc.).

Stabilizing material was not attached.

• Always use stabilizing material, especially with
stretch fabrics, lightweight fabrics, fabrics with
a coarse weave, or fabrics that often cause
pattern shrinkage. See your authorized Brother
dealer for the proper stabilizer.

There was an object placed near the machine,
and the carriage or embroidery frame hit the
object during embroidering.

60

60

58

Material coming out of the embroidery frame is
causing problems.

• Stretch the fabric on the frame once again so
that the material coming out of the embroidery
frame does not cause problems, rotate the
pattern and embroider.

A heavy fabric is being embroidered, and the
fabric is hanging off the table.

• If embroidery is done with the fabric hanging
off the table, the embroidery unit movement
will be impaired. Support the fabric while
embroidering.

Fabric is snagged or caught on something.

• Stop the machine and place the fabric so that it
does not get caught or snagged.

The carriage was moved while the embroidery
frame was being removed or attached during
embroidery.

• If the carriage is moved during the process, the
pattern may be misaligned. Be careful when
removing or attaching the embroidery frame.

Stabilizer is incorrectly attached, for example, it is
smaller than the embroidery frame.

Loops appear on the surface of the fabric when
embroidering.

60

65

–

62

60

The thread tension is incorrectly set. 67

Embroidery bobbin thread intended for use with
this machine is not being used.

86

59

Troubleshooting

Error messages

When erroneous operations are performed messages and advice on operation will be displayed on the LCD. Follow what is
displayed. If you press or do the operation correctly while the error message is displayed, the message disappears.

Error messages Cause/solution

A malfunction occurred. Turn the machine off, then
on again.

1

Cannot change the configuration of the characters. This message is displayed when there are too many characters and the

2

Cannot change the font since some letters are not

3

included to the selected font.

Cannot recognize the data for the selected pattern.
The data may be corrupted. Please turn off the
power and turn on again.

4

Check and rethread the upper thread. This message is displayed when the upper thread is broken or not threaded

5

Data volume is too large for this pattern. This message is displayed when the patterns you are editing take up too

6

Lower the buttonhole lever. This message is displayed when the buttonhole lever is up, a buttonhole

7

Lower the presser foot lever. This message is displayed when a button, such as the “Start/Stop” button,

8

This message is displayed if some malfunction occurs.
Turn the machine off, then back on again.
If this message continues to appear, the machine may be malfunctioning.
Please contact your authorized Brother dealer or the nearest Brother
authorized service center.

curved character configuration is impossible.

This message appears when the font of the embroidery character pattern is
changed to one that does not include characters used in the pattern.

This message appears when you try to retrieve pattern data that is invalid.
Since any of the following may be the cause, check the pattern data.

• The pattern data is damaged.

• The data that you tried to retrieve was created using another
manufacturer’s data design system.

Turn the machine off, then on again to return it to its normal condition.

correctly, and the “Start/Stop” button, etc. is pressed.

much memory, or if you are editing too many patterns for the memory.

stitch is selected, and the “Start/Stop” button, etc. is pressed.

was pressed while the presser foot was raised.

5

APPENDIX

No more patterns can be added to this

9

combination.

Not enough available memory to save. This message is displayed when the memory is full and the stitch or pattern

10

Not enough available memory to save the pattern.
Delete another pattern?

11

OK to recall and resume previous memory? This message appears if the machine is turned off while embroidering, then

12

Pattern extends to the outside of embroidery frame. This message appears when the selected embroidery pattern is larger than

13

Pattern extends to the outside of embroidery frame.
Add no additional characters.

14

This message is displayed when you tried to combine more than 70
decorative stitches.

cannot be saved.

This message is displayed when the memory is full and the stitch or pattern
cannot be saved.

Press and delete a previously saved stitch or pattern to save the current
one.

Press to return to the original screen without saving.

turned on again.

Press to return the machine to the condition (pattern position and
number of stitches) when it was turned off. Follow the procedure described

in “If the thread breaks or the bobbin runs out of thread during embroidering”
on page 67 to align the needle position and embroider the remainder of the
pattern.

the embroidery frame selected when [Embroidery Frame Identification View]
is set to [ON].

This message is displayed when the character pattern combination is too
large to fit in the embroidery frame. Change the character pattern size or
layout the patterns to fit the embroidery frame. If [Embroidery Frame
Identification View] is set to [ON], setting to [OFF] or selecting larger frame
may help.

Pattern extends to the outside of embroidery frame.

15

This function cannot be used at this time.

This message appears when the embroidery character pattern is resized or
switched between written vertically/horizontally so that it is too large for the
embroidery frame.

87

Troubleshooting

Error messages Cause/solution

Preventive maintenance is recommended. Once this message appears, it is recommended to take your machine to an

authorized Brother dealer or nearest Brother authorized service center for a

16

Raise the buttonhole lever. This message is displayed when the buttonhole lever is down, a stitch other

17

The bobbin thread is almost empty. This message is displayed when the bobbin thread is running out. Although a

18

regular maintenance check. Although this message will disappear and the

machine will continue to function once you press , the message will
display several more times until the appropriate maintenance is performed.

than a buttonhole is selected, and the “Start/Stop” button, etc. is pressed.

few stitches can be sewn when the “Start/Stop” button is pressed, replace
with a wound bobbin immediately.

When embroidering, press (Thread cutter button) to cut the threads, raise
the presser foot, remove the embroidery frame, and then replace the bobbin

with one wound with plenty of embroidery bobbin thread.

The bobbin winder safety device has activated. Is

19

the thread tangled?

20

21

22

23

24 This USB media cannot be used. This message is displayed when you try to use incompatible media.

25

26

27

The carriage of the embroidery unit will

move. Keep your hands etc. away from the
carriage.

The safety device has been activated. Is the

thread tangled? Is the needle bent?

The "Start/Stop" button does not operate with the
foot controller attached. Remove the foot controller.

This pattern cannot be used. This message appears when you try to retrieve a pattern that cannot be used

USB media is not loaded. Load USB media. This message is displayed when you try to recall or save a pattern while no

When the speed controller is set to control the
zigzag stitch width, the "Start/Stop" button does
not operate.

F**

This message is displayed when the bobbin is being wound, and the motor
locks because the thread is tangled, etc.

This message appears before embroidery unit moves.

This message is displayed when the motor locks due to tangled thread or for
other reasons related to thread delivery.

This message is displayed when the “Start/Stop” button is pressed to sew
Utility stitches or Decorative stitches while the foot controller is connected.

with this machine.

USB flash drive is loaded.

This message is displayed when the speed control lever is set to control the
zigzag stitch width, and the “Start/Stop” button is pressed. Set [Width
Control] to [OFF] in the settings screen (page 12), or use the foot controller to
operate the machine.

If error message [F**] appears in the LCD while the machine is being used,
the machine may be malfunctioning. Contact your authorized Brother dealer
or the nearest Brother authorized service center.

88

Upgrading your machine’s software

Note

Operation beeps

If a correct operation is performed, the machine beeps one
time.

If an incorrect operation is performed, the machine beeps two
or four times.

If the machine locks up, for example, because the thread is
tangled, the machine continues to beep for four seconds, and
then the machine automatically stops. Be sure to check for the
cause of the error, and correct it before continuing to sew.

Upgrading your machine’s software

You can use USB flash drive to upgrade software for your
machine.
When an upgrade program is available on our website at
“ http://s.brother/cpjab
following the instructions on the website and steps listed
below.

• When using USB flash drive to upgrade the software,
check that no data other than the upgrade file is saved
on the USB flash drive being used before starting to
upgrade.

Turn on the machine while pressing and holding

a

(Needle position button).

 The following screen appears.

”, please download the file(s)

Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port on the

b

machine. The media device should only contain the
upgrade file.

Press .

c

 When upgrading is finished, the completion message

appears.

Remove the USB flash drive, and turn the machine off

d

and on again.

5

APPENDIX

89

Index

Index

A

Aligning the position .................................................................... 73

Appliqué

B

Ball point needle .......................................................................... 21

Bar tack stitch
Basting stitch
Blind hem stitch
Bobbin
Bobbin case
Bobbin installation
Bobbin thread
Bobbin winding
Bobbin winding thread guide
Button sewing
Buttonhole

C

Character spacing ........................................................................ 72

Cleaning
Cylindrical pieces

D

Darning ....................................................................................... 50

Decorative stitches
Denim

E

Elastic tape ................................................................................... 49

Embroidery
Embroidery foot
Embroidery frames
Embroidery sheet
Error messages
Even seam allowance

F

Fabric .......................................................................... 21, 32, 60

Fagoting
Feed dog position switch
Feed dogs
File format
Font
Foot controller
Free motion quilting

H

Heirloom stitching ....................................................................... 53

I

Included accessories ...................................................................... 7

J

Joining ......................................................................................... 52

...................................................................... 45, 68, 69

.............................................................................. 49

................................................................................ 35

........................................................................... 39

......................................................................................... 13

................................................................................. 77

....................................................................... 16

...................................................................... 13, 59

........................................................................... 13

....................................................... 13

.............................................................................. 43

................................................................................... 41

...................................................................................... 77

........................................................................ 31

............................................................... 10, 25

................................................................................. 21, 32

.................................................................................. 57

........................................................................... 57

............................................................... 60, 62

......................................................................... 61

............................................................................. 87

................................................................... 31

....................................................................................... 51

....................................................... 5, 47

...................................................................................... 5

........................................................................... 54, 74

..................................................................................... 27, 64

............................................................................. 26

..................................................................... 47

Leather

........................................................................................ 33

............................................................................................ 12

Light

M

Maintenance ............................................................................... 77

............................................................................... 54, 74

Memory
Metallic thread
Mirroring

..................................................................... 14, 19

.............................................................................. 11, 71

N

Needle ................................................................................. 21, 22

Needle plate
Needle plate cover
Needle position
Needle threader

........................................................................... 5, 80

................................................................. 5, 77

............................................................ 11, 12, 31

.......................................................................... 19

O

Operation beep .................................................................... 12, 89

Optional accessories
Overcasting stitches

..................................................................... 8

.................................................................... 38

P

Patchwork ................................................................................... 45

Piecing

........................................................................................ 46

Power supply
Presser foot
Presser foot holder
Pulling up bobbin thread

................................................................................ 9

........................................................... 10, 23, 26, 35

......................................................................... 5

............................................................. 20

Q

Quilting ....................................................................................... 46

Quilting guide

............................................................................. 47

R

Race ............................................................................................ 77

Reinforcement stitch
Retrieving
Reverse stitch
Rotate

............................................................................. 55, 75

................................................................................... 71, 73

............................................................. 27, 28

....................................................................... 27, 28

S

Satin stitch ............................................................................ 11, 25

.................................................................................. 55, 75

Saving
Scallop stitching
Sewing speed controller
Shell tuck stitch
Size

............................................................................................. 71

Smocking

................................................................................... 15, 26

Speed
Split embroidery patterns
Spool cap
Spool net
Stabilizer
Stitch length
Stitch width
Straight stitch
Stretch fabrics

.......................................................................... 51

................................................................ 6

........................................................................... 52

.................................................................................... 51

............................................................. 70

.................................................................................... 14

..................................................................................... 14

..................................................................................... 60

................................................................................ 29

................................................................................. 29

................................................................ 31, 35, 46

.............................................................................. 32

L

L/R Shift ....................................................................................... 29

Language
LCD

..................................................................................... 12

....................................................................................... 6, 10

90

T

Thick fabrics ................................................................................ 32

Thin fabrics
Thread

................................................................................. 32

.................................................................................. 21, 59

Index

Thread color display .................................................................... 66

Thread cutting
Thread density
Thread tension
Transparent nylon thread
Troubleshooting
Twin needle

U

Upgrading ................................................................................... 89

Upper thread
USB

..................................................................................... 54, 74

V

Vinyl fabrics ................................................................................ 33

W

Walking foot ................................................................................ 46

Wing needle

Z

Zigzag stitch ........................................................................ 29, 48

Zipper

..................................................................... 26, 28

..................................................................... 11, 71

.............................................................. 29, 67, 79

.............................. 14, 15, 19, 21, 36

.......................................................................... 78

................................................................................ 52

................................................................ 17, 21, 59

................................................................................ 53

......................................................................................... 44

5

APPENDIX

91

Please visit us at http://s.brother/cpjab where you can
get the support information (Instruction Videos, FAQs,
etc.) for your Brother product.

Brother SupportCenter is a mobile app that provides the support
information (Instruction Videos, FAQs, etc.) for your Brother product.
Visit the App Store or Google Play™ to download.

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