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Manual
Sewing Machine
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read these safety instructions before attempting to use the machine.
DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock:
Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using, 1
when cleaning, when making any user servicing adjustments mentioned in this
manual, or if you are leaving the machine unattended.
WARNING -
To reduce the risk of burns, re, electric shock, or injury to
persons.
Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when making any 2
adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual:
To unplug the machine, switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off, •
then grasp the plug and pull it out of the electrical outlet. Do not pull on the cord.
Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord.•
Always unplug your machine if the power is cut.•
Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working
3
properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or water is spilled on the unit.
Return the machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for
examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
While the machine is stored or in use if you notice anything unusual, such as an •
odor, heat, discoloration or deformation, stop using the machine and immediately
unplug the power cord.
When transporting the machine, be sure to carry it by its handle. Lifting the •
machine by any other part may damage the machine or result in the machine
falling, which could cause injuries.
When lifting the machine, be careful not to make any sudden or careless •
movements, otherwise you may injure your back or knees.
Always keep your work area clear:
4
Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation •
openings of the machine and foot control free from the build up of lint, dust, and
loose cloth.
Do not store objects on the foot controller.•
Do not use extension cords. Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet.•
Never drop or insert any object into any opening.•
Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is •
being administered.
Do not use the machine near a heat source, such as a stove or iron;otherwise, •
the machine, power cord or garment being sewn may ignite, resulting in re 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.
Special care is required when sewing:
5
Always pay close attention to the needle. Do not use bent or damaged needles.•
Keep ngers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the •
machine needle.
Do not turn on the machine while pressing down the foot controller. The machine •
may start unexpectedly and cause personal injury or damage to the machine.
Switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off when making any •
adjustments in the needle area.
Do not use a damaged or incorrect needle plate, as it could cause the needle to •
break.
Do not push or pull the fabric when sewing, and follow careful instruction when •
freehand stitching so that you do not deect the needle and cause it to break.
This machine is not a toy:
6
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.•
For a longer service life:
7
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.
For repair or adjustment:
8
If the Light unit (light-emitting diode) is damaged, it must be replaced by •
authorized dealer.
In the event a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, rst follow the •
troubleshooting table in the back of the operation manual to inspect and adjust
the machine yourself. If the problem persists, please consult your local authorized
Brother dealer.
Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual.
Use accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
The contents of this manual and specications of this product are subject to change
without notice.
For additional product information, visit our web site at www.brother.com
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This machine is intended for household use.
This appliance 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.
FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY
IMPORTANT
In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362, •
i.e. carrying the mark, rating as marked on plug.
Always replace the fuse cover. Never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted.•
If the available electrical outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this •
equipment, you should contact your authorized dealer to obtain the correct lead.
Using Your Sewing Machine
WARNING
Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sources may ●
result in re, electric shock, or damage to the machine.
Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are rmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the ●
power supply jack on the machine.
Do not insert the plug on the power cord into an electrical outlet that is in poor condition. ●
Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances: ●
When you are away from the machine•
After using the machine•
When the power fails during use•
When the machine does not operate correctly due to a bad connection or a disconnection•
During electrical storms•
CAUTION
Use only the power cord included with this machine. ●
Do not use extension cords or multi-plug adapters with many other appliances plugged in to ●
them. Fire or electric shock may result.
Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Electric shock may result. ●
When unplugging the machine, always turn off the main power rst. Always grasp the plug to ●
remove it from the outlet. Pulling on the cord may damage the cord, or lead to re or electric
shock.
Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modied, forcefully bent, pulled, twisted, or ●
bundled. Do not place heavy objects on the cord. Do not subject the cord to heat. These things
may damage the cord and cause re or electric shock. If the cord or plug is damaged, take the
machine to your authorized dealer for repairs before continuing use.
Unplug the power cord if the machine is not to be used for a long period of time. Otherwise a ●
re may result.
CAUTION
Always turn off the machine before you change ●
the needle. Otherwise, injuries may occur if the
foot controller is accidentally pressed and the
machine starts sewing.
Only use sewing machine needles for home ●
use. Other needles may bend or break and
cause injury.
Never sew with a bent needle. A bent needle ●
will easily break and cause injury.
Replacing the needle
Note
If a power outage occurs while the sewing machine is ●
being operated, turn off the main power and unplug
the power supply cord. When restarting the sewing
machine, follow the necessary procedure to correctly
operate the machine.
(For U.S.A. only)
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than
●
the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is
intended to t in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug
does not t fully in the outlet, reverse the plug.
If it still does not t, contact a qualied electrician to install
the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.
Note (For U.S.A. only)
Foot Controller: Model KD-
●
1902. This foot controller can
be used on the machine with
product code 888-X53/X54/
X55/X56. The product code
is mentioned on the machine
rating plate.
Connecting plugs ■
Main power and sewing ■
light switch
Foot controller ■
Checking the needle ■
Press the power switch toward the
“I” mark to turn the main power
and sewing light on. Press toward
the “O” mark to turn off.
Press the foot
controller down to start
sewing. Take your foot
off the foot controller to
stop sewing.
CAUTION
Do not allow pieces of cloth ●
and dust to build up on
the foot controller. Doing
so could cause a re or an
electric shock.
Slower
Faster
1
2
Mark on the wheel points •
up to rise the needle
3
4
5
CAUTION
Make sure you insert the needle until ●
it touches the stopper, and securely
tighten the needle clamp screw with a
screwdriver, otherwise the needle may
break or the machine may be damaged.
CAUTION
Before replacing the needle, place fabric or paper ●
under the presser foot to prevent the needle from
falling into the hole in the needle plate.
1
Video tutorials
included on DVD.
Parallel space
Level surface
Turn the screw
counterclockwise
With the at side of the needle
toward the back of the machine,
insert the needle until touching
this stopper
Tighten the needle
clamp screw
Note
Do not use excessive force
●
when loosening or tightening
the needle clamp screw.
888-X53/X54/X55/X56
XF3656-001
To sew in reverse, push •
the reverse sewing lever
in as far as possible and
hold it in that position
while you lightly push the
foot controller.
To sew forward, release •
the reverse sewing lever.
The machine will then
sew forward.
The length of reverse •
stitches is xed at 2 mm
(1/16 inch).
Reverse sewing
lever
Changing the presser foot
Sewing thin fabrics
Use a piece of fabric and thread that are the
same as those used for your project, and check
the thread tension and stitch length and width.
Trial sewing
Stop the machine with the
needle in the fabric at the
point where you want to
change the sewing direction,
and then raise the presser
foot lever. Using the needle
as a pivot, turn the fabric, lower the presser foot
lever, and then continue sewing.
Changing the sewing
direction
Sewing stretch fabricsReverse sewing
When sewing thin fabrics,
the stitching may become
misaligned or the fabric
may not feed correctly.
If this occurs, place thin
paper or stabilizer material
under the fabric and sew
it together with the fabric.
When you have nished
sewing, tear off any excess
paper.
First, baste the pieces of
fabric together, and then
sew without stretching the
fabric.
Basting
Stitching cylindrical pieces
2
1
Slide the at bed
attachment to the
left to release it.
Slide the part that you wish
to sew onto the arm, and
then sew from the top.
Note
When you are nished with free-arm sewing, ●
install the at bed attachment back in its original
position.
CAUTION
Always turn off the machine before you change the presser foot. If you leave the power on and ●
step on the controller, the machine will start and you may be injured.
Always use the correct presser foot for the stitch pattern you have chosen. If you use the wrong ●
presser foot, the needle may strike the presser foot and bend or break, and may cause injury.
Only use presser feet that have been designed to be used with this machine. Using any other ●
presser foot may cause accident or injury.
If the fabric does not t
easily under the presser
foot, raise the presser foot
lever even higher to bring
the presser foot to its highest
position.
Sewing thick fabrics
CAUTION
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.
2
3
Mark on the wheel points up to rise the
needle
Remove the presser foot by
pulling it vertically downward.
1
4
Presser foot installation orientation ■
This snaps in
to the shank
Shank
CAUTION
If the presser foot is not installed with the ●
correct orientation, the needle may strike
the presser foot, which may bend or break
the needle and cause injury.
Stabilizer material
or paper
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