Brother 888-F42 Operation Manual Download Page 51

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Useful Functions

Basic operations

B-43

AR
TI

SEW

Hands-free raising and lifting of the presser
foot

Using the knee lifter, you can raise and lower the presser foot
with your knee, leaving both hands free to handle the fabric.

■

Installing the knee lifter

Turn off the machine.

Insert the knee lifter into the mounting slot on the front
of the machine in the lower-right corner.

Align the tabs on the knee lifter with the notches in the
mounting slot, and then insert the knee lifter as far as
possible.

■

Using the knee lifter

Stop the machine.

• Do not use the knee lifter while the machine is

operating.

With your knee, press the knee lifter to the right.

Keep the knee lifter pressed to the right.

→

The presser foot is raised.

Release the knee lifter.

→

The presser foot is lowered.

Note

• If the knee lifter is not fully inserted into the

mounting slot, it may fall out while the machine is
operating.

CAUTION

• While sewing, keep your knee away from the

knee lifter. If the knee lifter is pressed while
the machine is operating, the needle may
break or the machine may be damaged.

Summary of Contents for 888-F42

Page 1: ...Operation Manual Sewing Machine Product Code 888 F42 Be sure to read this document before using the machine We recommend that you keep this document nearby for future reference ...

Page 2: ...Cover2 3 PANTONE 285 C K ...

Page 3: ...tly 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 This machine is approved...

Page 4: ...o not deflect the needle and cause it to break 7This machine is not a toy Your close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children The plastic bag that this machine was supplied in should be kept out of the reach of children or disposed of Never allow children to play with the bag due to the danger of suffocation Do not use outdoors 8For a longer service life When storing thi...

Page 5: ... years and above and persons with reduced physical sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved Children shall not play with the appliance Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision FOR USERS IN THE UK EIRE M...

Page 6: ...sewing operations S Sewing This section describes procedures for using the various utility stitches as well as other functions It provides details on basic machine sewing in addition to the more expressive features of the machine such as sewing tubular pieces and buttonholes Chapter 1 SEWING ATTRACTIVE FINISHES Page S 2 Tips for sewing attractive finishes and various fabrics Chapter 2 UTILITY STIT...

Page 7: ...n 40 Saving stitch settings 41 Useful Functions 42 Automatically cutting the thread 42 Adjusting the presser foot pressure 42 Hands free raising and lifting of the presser foot 43 Stitch Setting Chart 44 S Sewing Chapter 1 SEWING ATTRACTIVE FINISHES2 Sewing Tips 2 Trial sewing 2 Changing the sewing direction 2 Sewing curves 2 Sewing cylindrical pieces 2 Sewing an even seam allowance 3 Sewing Vario...

Page 8: ...hine surface 2 Cleaning the race 2 Troubleshooting 4 Frequent troubleshooting topics 4 Upper thread tightened up 4 Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric 5 Incorrect thread tension 6 Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed 7 If the thread becomes tangled under the bobbin winder seat 10 List of symptoms 12 Error messages 18 Operation beep 19 Nothing appears in the LCD 19 Index 20 ...

Page 9: ...s section provides details on the initial setup procedures as well as descriptions of this machine s more useful functions Page number starts with B in this section Chapter1 GETTING READY B 2 Chapter2 STARTING TO SEW B 34 ...

Page 10: ...e slide to operate the machine page B 3 B Flat bed attachment Insert the presser foot accessory tray into the accessory compartment of the flat bed attachment Remove the flat bed attachment when sewing cylindrical pieces such as sleeve cuffs C Thread cutter Pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them D Needle threader lever Use the needle threader lever to thread the needle E Thread ten...

Page 11: ...ING TO SEW on page B 34 The button changes color according to the machine s operation mode 2 Reverse stitch button For straight zigzag and elastic zigzag stitch patterns that use reverse stitches the machine will sew reverse stitches at low speed only while holding down the Reverse stitch button The stitches are sewn in the opposite position For other stitches use this button to sew reinforcement ...

Page 12: ... settings or other settings or to move to next pages in the settings screen 7 OK key Press to apply the selection or perform the operation 8 Manual memory key Press to save the adjusted stitch width and length settings 9 Reset key Press this key to reset the selected stitch to its original settings 0 Stitch pattern keys Use these keys to select the desired stitch A Stitch width keys Item selection...

Page 13: ... Using the flat bed attachment Pull the top of the flat bed attachment to open the accessory compartments A presser foot accessory tray is stored in the accessory compartment of the flat bed attachment 1 Storage space of the flat bed attachment 2 Presser foot accessory tray 1 1 2 ...

Page 14: ... Seam ripper Cleaning brush 13 14 15 16 17 18 Eyelet punch Screwdriver L shaped screwdriver Disc shaped screwdriver Horizontal spool pin Spool cap large 19 20 21 22 23 24 Spool cap medium 2 One is on machine Spool cap small Thread spool insert mini king thread spool Spool net Knee lifter Bobbin case on machine 25 26 27 28 Foot controller Accessory bag Operation Manual Quick Reference Guide 1 75 11...

Page 15: ...1 12 Quilting guide Side cutter S Open toe foot Free motion open toe quilting foot O Non stick foot Stitch guide foot P 13 14 15 Adjustable zipper piping foot Straight stitch foot and needle plate set Roller foot Memo To obtain optional accessories or parts contact your authorized Brother dealer All specifications are correct at the time of printing Please be aware that some specifications may cha...

Page 16: ... 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...

Page 17: ... finished using the machine turn it off In addition before transporting the machine to another location be sure to turn it off a Make sure that the machine is not sewing b Press the main power switch on the right side of the machine in the direction of the symbol to turn the machine off Select machine setting for the first time When you first turn on the machine select the language of your choice ...

Page 18: ...he selected stitch B 34 3 Stitch number Shows the number of the currently selected stitch pattern B 44 4 Needle position setting Shows single or twin needle mode setting and the needle stop position Single needle down position Single needle up position Twin needle down position Twin needle up position B 12 5 Stitch width Shows the stitch width of the currently selected stitch pattern B 39 6 Stitch...

Page 19: ...perations and sewing settings You can also move to next pages by pressing Press to select the next previous items Press Downward arrow to select the next item Press Upward arrow to select the previous item Press to change the value of the selected item 1 Page number 2 Machine settings 3 Value 2 1 3 ...

Page 20: ... refer to Adjusting the presser foot pressure on page B 42 6 Specifies whether or not a beep is sounded with each operation For details refer to Operation beep in the Appendix section 7 Switches the needle area and work area lights to remain ON or OFF 8 Adjusts the brightness of the LCD 9 When set ON reinforcement stitches are sewn at the beginning and or end of sewing for a reinforcement stitch p...

Page 21: ...ity by pressing the or key The lower the setting the less sensitive the keys will be the higher the setting the more sensitive the keys will be The default setting is 3 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 the settings Display the settings screen and then adjust the settings again 1 No...

Page 22: ...the spool is horizontal and the thread unwinds to the front at the bottom If the spool is not positioned so that the thread unwinds correctly the thread may become tangled around the spool pin Winding Installing the Bobbin CAUTION Only use the Bobbin part code SA156 SFB XA5539 151 designed specifically for this machine Use of any other bobbin may result in injuries or damage to the machine The inc...

Page 23: ...spool insert mini king thread spool For details on thread spool insert mini king thread spool refer to Memo on page B 15 Memo When using the spool as shown below use the small spool cap and leave a small space between the cap and the spool 1 Spool cap small 2 Spool cross wound thread 3 Space When using thread that winds off quickly such as transparent nylon thread or metallic thread place the spoo...

Page 24: ... through the guide slit in the bobbin winder seat and then pull the thread to the right to cut it 1 Guide slit in bobbin winder seat with built in cutter l Slide the sewing speed controller to the right 1 Speed controller m Turn on the machine Note Make sure that the thread passes under the pretension disk 1 1 1 2 3 Note Make sure that the thread between the spool and the bobbin is pulled tight Be...

Page 25: ...er foot lever Note When winding transparent nylon thread on the bobbin stop bobbin winding when the bobbin is 1 2 to 2 3 full If the bobbin is fully wound with transparent nylon thread the pressure may create fractures to the plastic bobbin This will lead to irregular stitches or possible breakage to bobbin CAUTION When the bobbin winding becomes slow stop the machine otherwise the machine may be ...

Page 26: ...he thread around the tab of the needle plate cover with your left hand 2 1 Tab h While lightly holding down the bobbin with your right hand 1 guide the thread through the slit in the needle plate cover 2 and lightly pull it with your left hand 3 The thread enters the tension spring of the bobbin case i While lightly holding down the bobbin with your right hand 1 continue guiding the thread through...

Page 27: ...th the procedure in Upper Threading on page B 20 k Press to unlock all keys and buttons Note If the thread is not correctly inserted through the tension adjusting spring of the bobbin case it may cause incorrect thread tension 1 Tension adjusting spring Memo You can begin sewing without pulling up the bobbin thread If you wish to pull up the bobbin thread before starting to sew pull up the thread ...

Page 28: ...able allowing you to choose a spool cap that best fits the size of spool being used If the spool cap is too small for the spool being used the thread may catch on the slit in the spool or the needle may break When using mini king thread spool use the thread spool insert mini king thread spool For more information regarding the choice of spool caps for your thread choice see page B 15 When threadin...

Page 29: ...d lightly with your right hand pass the thread under the thread guide plate and then pull it up 1 Thread guide plate i Pass the thread through the thread channel in the order shown below 1 Shutter j Lower the presser foot CAUTION If the spool or the spool cap is not positioned correctly the thread may become tangled around the spool pin or the needle may break 1 2 1 Note If the presser foot has be...

Page 30: ... the notch of the threader thread guide 1 Notch of the threader thread guide 2 Threader thread guide disk b Cut the thread with the thread cutter on the left side of the machine 1 Cutter Memo 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 speci...

Page 31: ...ading the needle manually without using the needle threader When using specialty thread such as transparent nylon thread a wing needle or a twin needle which cannot be used with the needle threader thread the needle as described below a Thread the machine to the needle bar thread guide For details refer to Threading the upper thread on page B 20 b Lower the presser foot lever 1 Presser foot lever ...

Page 32: ...slot Do not cut the thread with the cutter d While lightly holding the upper thread with your left 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 e Carefully pull the upper thread upward to pull out the end of the bobbin thread f Pull up the bobbin thread pass it under the presser foot and pull it ...

Page 33: ...e with the upper thread Pass the thread through the eye of the needle from the front d Insert the horizontal spool pin onto the bobbin winder shaft Insert the horizontal spool pin so that it is perpendicular to the bobbin winder shaft 1 Bobbin winder shaft e Swing the spool pin toward the left so that it is horizontal f Place the upper thread spool for the needle on the right side onto the horizon...

Page 34: ...page B 44 for stitches that use a twin needle k Select Twin needle in the settings screen l Set the twin needle mode to ON m Press n Start sewing For details on starting to sew refer to STARTING TO SEW on page B 34 Two lines of stitching are sewn parallel to each other CAUTION When using the twin needle be sure to attach zigzag foot J If bunched stitches occur use monogramming foot N or attach sta...

Page 35: ...ng section Transparent nylon thread Use a home sewing machine topstitching needle regardless of the fabric or thread Fabric Thread Needle Combinations Fabric Type Application Thread Size of needle Stitch length mm inch Type Weight Lightweight fabrics Lawn georgette challis organdy crepe chiffon voile gauze tulle lining etc Polyester thread 60 90 65 9 75 11 Fine stitches 1 8 2 5 1 16 3 32 Cotton th...

Page 36: ...the needle plate c Lower the presser foot d Press If is pressed while the presser foot is raised an error message appears Lower the presser foot The screen changes and all keys and operation buttons are locked except Replacing the Needle CAUTION 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...

Page 37: ... needle clamp screw otherwise certain parts of the machine may be damaged f With the flat side of the needle toward the rear of the machine insert the needle until it touches the needle stopper 1 Needle stopper g While holding the needle with your left hand use the screwdriver to tighten the needle clamp screw Turn the screw toward the back of the machine clockwise h Press to unlock all keys and b...

Page 38: ...he holder 1 Presser foot holder 2 Notch 3 Pin 4 Presser foot type g Slowly lower the presser foot lever so that the presser foot pin snaps into the notch in the presser foot holder 1 Presser foot lever 2 Presser foot holder 3 Notch 4 Pin The presser foot is attached h Raise the presser foot lever to check that the presser foot is securely attached 1 Presser foot lever i Press to unlock all keys an...

Page 39: ...foot holder screw can also be loosened or tightened with the L shaped or disc shaped screwdriver 1 Screwdriver 2 Presser foot holder 3 Presser foot holder screw Attaching the presser foot holder a Press If is pressed while the presser foot is raised an error message appears Lower the presser foot The screen changes and all keys and operation buttons are locked except b Raise the presser foot lever...

Page 40: ...in your left hand Turn the screw toward you clockwise 1 Screwdriver CAUTION 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 Note If the presser foot holder is not correctly installed the thread tension will be incorrect 1 ...

Page 41: ...Replacing the Presser Foot GETTING READY Basic operations B 33 B ...

Page 42: ... 39 d Install the presser foot For details on changing the presser foot refer to Replacing the Presser Foot on page B 30 Chapter 2 STARTING TO SEW Sewing CAUTION 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 wh...

Page 43: ...the up position automatically CAUTION 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 page B 44 for presser foot recommendations Memo The black button on the left side of zigzag foot J should be pressed only if the fabric does not feed or when sewing thick seams For details refer to...

Page 44: ...utomatic reinforcement stitch is selected reverse stitches or reinforcement stitches will be sewn automatically at the beginning of sewing when the Start Stop button is pressed Press Reverse stitch button or Reinforcement stitch button to sew reverse stitches or reinforcement stitches automatically at the end of sewing 1 Reverse stitch 2 Reinforcement stitch The operation performed when the button...

Page 45: ...y sew reverse stitches at the beginning of the stitch If you press the Start Stop button to pause sewing press it again to continue The machine will not sew reverse reinforcement stitches again Memo To turn off the automatic reinforcement stitching function press so that the key is no longer lit Reverse stitch button Reinforcement stitch button When the automatic reinforcement stitching function i...

Page 46: ...ews 3 5 reinforcement stitches while holding the Reverse stitch button Machine sews 3 5 reinforcement stitches while holding the Reinforcement stitch button When the automatic reinforcement stitching function is active while selecting utility stitches other than the straight or zigzag stitches Machine sews reinforcement stitches at the beginning and end of sewing Machine sews reinforcement stitche...

Page 47: ...er shorter Each press of makes the stitch length coarser longer Setting the Stitch Note Stitch settings return to their defaults if they are changed when the machine is turned off or a different stitch is selected before the stitch setting is saved refer to Saving stitch settings on page B 41 Memo Press to return the setting to its default If the straight stitch or triple stretch stitch was select...

Page 48: ... the thread tension looser 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 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 Pushing the thread tension dial toward the right makes the thread tension tighter No...

Page 49: ...titch pattern back to its default settings press and then press Note The next time that the same straight stitch is selected the stitch length is set to 2 0 mm Both of the stitch width zigzag width and stitch length are saved not just the setting that was changed When the same stitch pattern is selected the last settings saved are displayed even if the machine was turned off If the settings are ch...

Page 50: ... 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 thread is cut 1 The point where the Start Stop button was pressed 2 The point where Reverse stitch button or Reinforcement stitch button was pressed 3 The thread is cut here Adjusting the...

Page 51: ...in the mounting slot and then insert the knee lifter as far as possible Using the knee lifter a Stop the machine Do not use the knee lifter while the machine is operating b With your knee press the knee lifter to the right Keep the knee lifter pressed to the right The presser foot is raised c Release the knee lifter The presser foot is lowered Note If the knee lifter is not fully inserted into the...

Page 52: ...General sewing for reinforcement and decorative topstitching 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 2 5 3 32 0 4 5 0 1 64 3 16 OK J Reinforce ment 6 Stem stitch J 1 Reinforced stitching sewing and decorative applications 1 0 1 16 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 2 5 3 32 0 4 5 0 1 64 3 16 OK J Reinforce ment 7 Zigzag stitch J 1 For overcasting mending 3 5 1 8 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 1 4 1 16 0 0 5 0 0 3 16 OK J Reverse 8 Zigzag stitch J 1 For o...

Page 53: ...nvisible appliqué or attaching binding 1 5 1 16 0 0 3 5 0 1 8 1 8 1 16 0 4 5 0 1 64 3 16 NO Reinforce ment 25 Quilting appliqué stitch Right J 1 Quilting stitch for invisible appliqué or attaching binding 1 5 1 16 0 0 3 5 0 1 8 1 8 1 16 0 4 5 0 1 64 3 16 NO Reinforce ment 26 Satin scallop stitch N 1 Decorating collar of blouse edge of handkerchief 5 0 3 16 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 0 5 1 32 0 1 5 0 1 64 3 16 ...

Page 54: ...les with vertical bar tack for reinforcement in heavyweight or thick fabrics 7 0 1 4 3 0 7 0 1 8 1 4 0 5 1 32 0 3 1 0 1 64 1 16 NO Automatic reinforce ment 39 Darning stitch A Darning of medium weight fabric 7 0 1 4 2 5 7 0 3 32 1 4 2 0 1 16 0 4 2 5 1 64 3 32 NO Automatic reinforce ment 40 Bar tack stitch A Reinforcement at opening of pocket etc 2 0 1 16 1 0 3 0 1 16 1 8 0 4 1 64 0 3 1 0 1 64 1 16...

Page 55: ...es and buttonholes Page number starts with S in this section Chapter1 SEWING ATTRACTIVE FINISHES S 2 Chapter2 UTILITY STITCHES S 7 CAUTION Before replacing the presser foot be sure to turn off the machine otherwise injuries may occur if the Start Stop button or any other button is pressed and the machine starts operating For details on changing the presser foot refer to Replacing the Presser Foot ...

Page 56: ...reaches a corner stop the machine 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 b Raise the presser foot lever and then turn the fabric Turn the fabric using the needle as a pivot c Lower the presser foot lever and continue sewing Sewing curves Sew slowly while slightly changing the sewing direction to...

Page 57: ... fabric 1 Seam 2 Presser foot Aligning the fabric with the stitch guide foot sold separately with some models Sew while keeping the right edge of the fabric aligned with a desired position of markings on the stitch guide foot 1 Seam 2 Stitch guide foot 3 Markings Aligning the fabric with a needle plate marking The markings on the needle plate show the distance from the needle position of a seam se...

Page 58: ...rge 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 1 Sewing direction 2 Misalignment 3 Fabric being sewn 4 Fabric or thick paper a Raise the presser foot lever b Align the beginning of stitching and then position the fabric c While holding zigzag foot J level push in and hold the presser foot locki...

Page 59: ...ng 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 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 or non stick foot Sold separately with some mode...

Page 60: ...stener tape replace the needle with the needle size for thicker fabrics For details refer to Fabric Thread Needle Combinations in the Basic operations section 1 Edge of the hook and loop fastener tape CAUTION 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 hook race it may cause malfunction If the hook and loop f...

Page 61: ...sition 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...

Page 62: ...titch Stitch number Presser foot Blind hem stitch 13 R Blind hem stretch stitch 14 Memo 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 1 Wrong side of fabric 2 Right side of Fabric 3 Edge of fabric 4 Desired edge of hem Thick fabric Normal fabric Seen from the side 1 Wrong side of fa...

Page 63: ...the fold of the hem Example Thick fabric Example Normal fabric 1 Wrong side of fabric 2 Right side of fabric If the needle does not catch the hem fold The needle is too far to the right Increase the stitch width so that the needle slightly catches the fold of the hem Example Thick fabric Example Normal fabric 1 Wrong side of fabric 2 Right side of fabric l Sew with the fold of the hem against the ...

Page 64: ...presser foot and needle to remove the fabric by pulling it back n Remove the basting stitching and reverse the fabric 1 Wrong side of fabric 2 Right side of fabric Note Be sure to pull the fabric backward after finished sewing If you pull the fabric toward side or forward the presser foot may be damaged 1 2 ...

Page 65: ...p button to stop sewing when you are finished and raise the presser foot and needle to remove the fabric by pulling it back Sewing overcasting stitches using zigzag foot J a Attach zigzag foot J b Select a stitch Overcasting Stitches Stitch name Stitch Stitch number Presser foot Overcasting stitch 10 G 11 21 G a 1 CAUTION After the stitch width is adjusted rotate the handwheel toward you countercl...

Page 66: ...aligned with the notch in the presser foot holder and then slowly lower the presser foot lever 1 Notch in presser foot holder 2 Pin d Raise the presser foot lever to check that the side cutter is securely attached e Pass the upper thread under the side cutter and then pull it out toward the rear of the machine f Select a stitch Note Thread the needle manually when using the side cutter or only att...

Page 67: ... a straight line the seam allowance will be about 5 mm 3 16 inch 1 5 mm 3 16 inch Stitch Stitch width mm inch Stitch length mm inch 0 1 0 1 16 4 0 3 16 3 5 1 8 5 0 3 16 CAUTION Turn the handwheel toward you counterclockwise to check that the needle does not touch the side cutter If the needle touches the side cutter adjust to narrower stitch width and test again before sewing 1 a CAUTION When usin...

Page 68: ... foot scale 3 Pin 4 Marks on buttonhole foot 5 5 mm 3 16 inch a Use chalk to mark on the fabric the position and length of the buttonhole 1 Marks on fabric 2 Buttonhole sewing b Pull out the button guide plate of buttonhole foot A and then insert the button that will be put through the buttonhole Buttonhole Stitching Button Sewing Stitch name Stitch Stitch number Presser foot Narrow rounded button...

Page 69: ...ot before attaching the buttonhole foot A d Select a stitch e Position the fabric with the front end of the buttonhole 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 f Pull...

Page 70: ...itching Changing the stitch width Adjust the stitch width For details refer to Setting the stitch width in the Basic operations section Sewing buttonholes on stretch fabrics When sewing buttonholes on stretch fabrics use a gimp thread a Hook the gimp thread onto the part of buttonhole foot A shown in the illustration Memo If the automatic thread cutting setting was selected before sewing the machi...

Page 71: ...s in the button to be attached b Raise the presser foot lever and then slide the feed dog position switch located at the rear of the machine on the base to to the left as seen from the rear of the machine 1 Feed dog position switch as seen from the rear of the machine c Attach button fitting foot M d Select stitch Since the end of the thread will be tied off later do not set the machine for progra...

Page 72: ...re finished attaching the button slide the 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 Attaching a shank to a button To sew the button with a shank attach the button with space between it and the fabric and then wind the thread by hand This attaches the button securely a Place the button into button fitting foot M and ...

Page 73: ...n the seam with the center of the zipper and then baste the zipper in place 1 Wrong side of fabric 2 Basting stitching 3 Zipper f Remove about 5 cm 2 inches from the end of the basting on the outside 1 Wrong side of fabric 2 Zipper basting 3 Outside basting 4 5 cm 2 inches g Attach the presser foot holder to the right pin of zipper foot I 1 Pin on the right side 2 Needle drop point h Select stitch...

Page 74: ...acing each other sew reverse stitches after reaching the zipper opening c Using a basting stitch continue sewing to the edge of the fabric 1 Basting stitching 2 Reverse stitches 3 Wrong side of fabric 4 End of zipper opening d Press open the seam allowance from the wrong side of the fabric 1 Wrong side of fabric e Press the seam allowance so that the right side the side that will not be stitched h...

Page 75: ...pper foot I If the presser foot holder was attached to the right pin in step g change it to the left pin 1 Pin on the left side 2 Needle drop point n Topstitch around the zipper Sew reverse stitches at the end of the zipper opening and align the zipper teeth with the side of the presser foot 1 Right side of fabric 2 End of zipper opening 3 Reverse stitches 4 Beginning of stitching 5 Basting stitch...

Page 76: ... When you are about 5 cm 2 inches from the end of the zipper stop the machine with the needle lowered in the fabric and then raise the presser foot lever p Remove the basting stitching open the zipper and then continue sewing ...

Page 77: ...sser foot 1 Positioning screw e Slide the presser foot over to either the left or right feed dog f Change the needle position so that the needle does not touch the presser foot For details refer to Setting the stitch width in the Basic operations section 1 Needle drop point g Securely tighten the positioning screw using a screwdriver 1 Positioning screw Zipper piping Insertion Stitch name Stitch S...

Page 78: ...g a piping a Place the piping between two layers of fabric right sides together as shown below 1 Fabric 2 Piping 3 Fabric b Refer to the steps of attaching the adjustable zipper piping foot on page S 23 c Sew along the piping d After sewing turn them over CAUTION When sewing be sure that the needle does not touch the zipper otherwise the needle may bend or break 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 ...

Page 79: ...c tape to the fabric at a few points to make sure that the tape is uniformly positioned on the fabric 1 Elastic tape 2 Pin b Attach zigzag foot J c Select a stitch d Sew the elastic tape to the fabric while stretching the 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 ...

Page 80: ...t J or the open toe foot sold Separately with some models shown below e Select a stitch Appliqué Patchwork and Quilt Stitching Stitch name Stitch Stitch number Presser foot Zigzag stitch 7 J Blanket stitch 15 Hand look quilting stitch 22 Quilting appliqué zigzag stitch 23 Quilting appliqué stitch Left 24 Quilting appliqué stitch Right 25 Memo Patterns showing a Q in the table above are for quiltin...

Page 81: ...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 a Baste or pin along the seam allowance of the fabric that you wish to piece together b Attach zigzag foot J c Select stitch d Sew with the side of the presser foot aligned with the edge of the fabric For a seam allowance on the right side Align the right side of the presser...

Page 82: ...the 1 4 quilting foot sold separately with some models If the 1 4 quilting foot is used seams can be sewn with a seam allowance of 6 4 mm 1 4 inch a Baste or pin along the seam allowance of the fabric that you wish to piece together b Attach the 1 4 quilting foot c Select stitch d Align the mark at the upper edge of the 1 4 quilting foot with the upper edge of the fabric Align the right edge of th...

Page 83: ...ork 2 Needle clamp screw d Lower the presser foot lever insert the presser foot holder screw and then tighten the screw with the screwdriver 1 Presser foot holder screw e Select a stitch f Place one hand on each side of the presser foot and then evenly guide the fabric while sewing Note Thread the needle manually when using the walking foot or attach the walking foot only after threading the needl...

Page 84: ...ckness Various stitches can be sewn using free motion open toe quilting foot O For details on the stitches that can be used refer to Stitch Setting Chart in the Basic operations section a Slide the feed dog position switch located at the rear of the machine on the base to to the left as seen from the rear of the machine 1 Feed dog position switch as seen from the rear of the machine The feed dogs ...

Page 85: ... on attaching the straight stitch needle plate refer to instruction manual supplied with the product 1 Round hole b Slide the feed dog position switch located at the rear of the machine on the base to to the left as seen from the rear of the machine 1 Feed dog position switch as seen from the rear of the machine The feed dogs are lowered c Select d Remove the presser foot holder For details refer ...

Page 86: ...ristic of this quilting style Use the optional free motion echo quilting foot E for echo quilting Using the measurement on the presser foot as a guide sew around the motif at a fixed interval We recommend attaching the foot controller and sewing at a consistent speed Free motion echo quilting foot E measurement 1 6 4 mm approx 1 4 inch 2 9 5 mm approx 3 8 inch Note Make sure that the quilting foot...

Page 87: ...quilting foot E on the left side of the presser bar with the holes in the quilting foot and presser bar aligned e Tighten the screw with the included screwdriver f Using the measurement on the quilting foot as a guide sew around the motif 1 6 4 mm approx 1 4 inch CAUTION With free motion quilting control the feeding speed of the fabric to match the sewing speed If the fabric is moved faster than t...

Page 88: ...the foot controller a Connect the foot controller b Attach zigzag foot J c Turn on the stitch width control function The settings screens differ depending on the models For models with 1 Press to display the settings screen and set Width Control to ON The machine is now set so that the stitch width can be controlled with the sewing speed controller 2 Press For models with Press The machine is now ...

Page 89: ...idth control function For models with Set the stitch width control setting back to OFF For models with Press Memo Although the stitching result differs 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 ...

Page 90: ...en 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 b Attach buttonhole foot A c Select stitch d Position the fabric so that the opening of the pocket faces toward you and then lower the presser foot lever so that the needle drops 2 mm 1 16 inch in front of th...

Page 91: ...itching a Determine the desired length of the darning 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 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 ...

Page 92: ... reduce the gap e Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible 1 Buttonhole lever The buttonhole lever is positioned behind the bracket on the buttonhole foot 1 Buttonhole lever 2 Bracket f Gently hold the end of the upper thread in your left hand and then start sewing g Raise the presser foot lever remove the fabric and then cut the threads h Raise the buttonhole lever to its original positi...

Page 93: ...t J d Select stitch e Set the stitch width to 7 0 mm 1 4 inch f Sew with the center of the presser foot aligned along the center of the two pieces of fabric g After sewing is finished remove the paper Scallop stitching The wave shaped repeated pattern that looks like shells is called scalloping It is used on the collars of blouses and to decorate the edges of projects a Attach monogramming foot N ...

Page 94: ...bin thread in the Basic operations section c Sew parallel stitching at intervals of 1 cm 3 8 inch 1 1 cm 3 8 inch Do not use reverse reinforcement stitching or thread cutting At the end of the stitching the thread is pulled out about 5 cm 2 inches d Pull the bobbin threads to create gathers Smooth the gathers by ironing them e Select stitch or f Stitch between the straight stitches g Pull out the ...

Page 95: ...e needle manually without using the needle threader in the Basic operations section b Attach monogramming foot N c Select a stitch The stitches that can be used are or When sewing with the wing needle select a stitch width of 6 0 mm 15 64 inch or less d Start sewing Partially removing threads is called drawnwork This gives beautiful results with fabrics that have a loose weave The procedure for cr...

Page 96: ...Decorative Stitching S 42 ...

Page 97: ...ation for operating this machine Please read this section to find troubleshooting tips and pointers as well as how to keep your machine in the best working order Page number starts with A in this section Chapter1 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING A 2 ...

Page 98: ...ze 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 Cleaning the race Sewing performance will suffer if lint and dust collects in the bobbin case therefore it should be cleaned regularly a Press Needle position button to raise the needle b Turn off the machine c Unplug the power cord from the power supply jack on the rig...

Page 99: ...nd dust from the race and the surrounding area 1 Cleaning brush 2 Race Do not apply oil to the bobbin case i Insert the bobbin case so that the S mark on the bobbin case aligns with the z mark on the machine Align the S and z marks 1 S mark 2 z mark 3 Bobbin case Make sure that the indicated points are aligned before installing the bobbin case j Insert the tabs on the needle plate cover into the n...

Page 100: ...hreading 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 a Press and raise the presser foot lever b Remove the bobbin from the bobbin cas...

Page 101: ...thread If it cannot be removed cut the thread with scissors For details refer to Cleaning the race on page A 2 b Remove the upper thread from the machine If the bobbin was removed from the bobbin case refer to Installing the bobbin in the Basic operations section and Remedy check details in the section Upper thread tightened up on page A 4 to correctly install the bobbin c Refer to the following s...

Page 102: ...ustration 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 ...

Page 103: ...he right to increase the tension of the upper thread 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...

Page 104: ... dogs m Turn the handwheel to raise the feed dogs n Align the two screw holes in the needle plate with the two holes at the needle plate mounting base and then fit the needle plate onto the machine o Lightly finger tighten the screw on the right side of the 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 s...

Page 105: ...ing with step m in Removing the fabric from the machine on page A 7 1 Opening in the needle plate 2 Handwheel d Select stitch At this time increase the stitch length and width to their maximum settings For details on changing the settings refer to Setting the stitch width and Setting the stitch length in the Basic operations section e Slowly turn the handwheel toward you counterclockwise and check...

Page 106: ...n the foot controller is plugged in remove your foot from the foot controller b Cut the thread with scissors beside the bobbin winding thread guide 1 Bobbin winding thread guide c Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left and then 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 Memo The thread may have become ...

Page 107: ...SHOOTING A d Hold the thread end with your left hand and wind off the thread clockwise with your right hand as shown below e Wind the bobbin again Note Make sure that the thread passes under the pretension disk of the bobbin winding thread guide correctly ...

Page 108: ...rly Set the empty bobbin on the pin and slowly turn the bobbin until you hear it click in place B 14 While winding the bobbin the bobbin thread was wound below the bobbin winder seat You have not wound the bobbin thread properly While initially winding thread on the bobbin the bobbin thread is not properly inserted into the guides After removing the thread wound below the bobbin winder seat wind t...

Page 109: ...t the Width control to OFF in the settings screen B 11 B 36 Needle breaks Needle is installed incorrectly Reinstall the needle correctly B 28 Needle clamp screw is not tightened Tighten the needle clamp screw B 28 Needle is turned or bent Replace the needle B 28 Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric Check the Fabric Thread Needle Combinations chart B 27 Wrong presser foot was use...

Page 110: ...ng used Remove any knots or tangles The selected needle is not appropriate for the thread being used Select a needle that is appropriate for the type of thread being used B 27 Upper thread tension is too tight Adjust the thread tension B 40 Thread is tangled Use scissors etc to cut the tangled thread and remove it from the race etc A 5 Needle is turned bent or the point is dull Replace the needle ...

Page 111: ...and rethread it correctly B 20 Spool cap is set incorrectly Check the method for attaching the spool cap then reattach the spool cap B 20 Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric Check the Fabric Thread Needle Combinations chart B 27 Needle is turned bent or the point is dull Replace the needle B 28 Stitches are too long when sewing thin fabrics Shorten the stitch length B 39 Thread...

Page 112: ...within the settings screen B 42 The fabric feeds in the opposite direction The feed mechanism is damaged Contact your authorized Brother dealer or the nearest Brother authorized service center The needle contacts the needle plate The needle clamp screw is loose Firmly tighten the needle clamp screw If the needle is bent or blunt replace it with a new one B 28 Needle is turned bent or the point is ...

Page 113: ...ening B 17 A 2 Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric Check the Fabric Thread Needle Combinations chart B 27 Presser foot holder is not attached correctly Reattach the presser foot holder correctly B 31 Thread tension is set incorrectly Adjust the thread tension B 40 A 6 Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound Use a correctly wound bobbin B 14 Needle is turned bent or the point is dull...

Page 114: ...h the twin needle is selected 3 This message is displayed when the Start Stop button was pressed while the foot controller was connected 4 This message is displayed when the buttonhole lever is down a stitch other than a buttonhole is selected and a button such as the Start Stop button is pressed 5 This message is displayed when the buttonhole lever is up a buttonhole stitch is selected and a butt...

Page 115: ...ss of the LCD is either too light or too dark If this is the case perform the following operation a Turn off the machine b While pressing Reinforcement stitch button on the operation panel turn on the sewing machine c Press the or key Adjust the brightness of the LCD so that the screens can be seen d Turn off the machine then turn it on again 9 This message is displayed when the motor locks due to...

Page 116: ...ncealed seams S 19 Crazy quilt stitching S 27 Curve sewing S 2 Cutting thread automatically B 42 Cylindrical pieces S 2 D Darning S 37 Darning stitch S 36 Drawnwork S 41 E Error messages A 18 Even seam allowance S 3 F Fagoting S 39 Feed dog position switch B 2 S 31 Feed dogs B 3 Flat bed attachment B 2 B 5 Foot controller B 2 B 36 Foot controller jack B 2 B 36 Fraying preventing S 11 Free motion q...

Page 117: ...wance even S 3 Seam ripper S 16 Settings automatic reinforcement stitching B 37 display language B 13 input sensitivity B 13 Settings screen B 11 Sewing basics B 34 Sewing direction change S 2 Sewing speed controller B 3 S 34 Side cutter S 12 Smocking S 40 Solving operation problems A 4 Spool cap B 2 B 15 Spool net B 15 Spool pin B 2 B 14 B 21 Start Stop button B 3 Stitch guide foot S 3 Stitch len...

Page 118: ...Cover2 3 PANTONE 285 C K ...

Page 119: ...Cover2 3 PANTONE 285 C K ...

Page 120: ...English 888 F42 Printed in Vietnam XG6265 001 Please visit us at http support brother com where you can get product support and answers to frequently asked questions FAQs ...

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