or water is spilled on the unit. Return the machine to the nearest authorized Brother dealer or service center for examination, 9 For repair or adjustment: XH2177-001 Operation repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment. • If the light unit (light-emitting diode) is damaged, it must be replaced by authorized Brother Service Center. • While the machine is stored or in use if you notice anything • In the event a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, The main parts unusual, such as an odor, heat, discoloration or deformation, stop Manual first follow the troubleshooting table in the back of the operation using the machine and immediately unplug the power cord. 3 2 O manual to inspect and adjust the machine yourself. If the problem 5 4 N • When transporting the machine, be sure to carry it by its handle. 6 Machine persists, please consult your local authorized Brother Service 1 Lifting the machine by any other part may damage the machine or F Product Code: 888-X36/X38/X39 Center. result in the machine falling, which could cause injuries. E • When lifting the machine, be careful not to make any sudden or Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. 7 G M careless movements, otherwise you may injure your back or knees. Use accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in 8 L this manual. D H 5 Always keep your work area clear: The contents of this manual and specifications of this product are 9 • Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep subject to change without notice. I 0 C P ventilation openings of the machine and foot control free from the For additional product information, visit our web site at www.brother. A B J K build up of lint, dust, and loose cloth. com • Do not store objects on the foot controller. a winder Please visit us at http://s.brother/cpmab/ where you can get the • Do not use extension cords. Plug the machine directly into the This winds the onto the bobbin for use as the lower thread. support information (Instruction Videos, FAQs, etc.) for your Brother electrical outlet. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS b length dial product. • Never drop or insert any object into any opening. Rotate the dial to control the stitch length. This machine is intended for household use. c • Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or Stitch width dial Be sure to read this document before using the machine. Rotate the dial to control the stitch width. where oxygen is being administered. We recommend that you keep this document nearby for future reference. FOR USERS IN COUNTRIES EXCEPT d Upper tension-control dial • Do not use the machine near a heat source, such as a stove or This controls the tension of the upper thread. iron; otherwise, the machine, power cord or garment being sewn CENELEC COUNTRIES e Bobbin-winding thread guide and pre-tension disc may ignite, resulting in fire or an electric shock. This appliance is not intended for use by persons f Thread take-up lever • Do not place this machine on an unstable surface, such as g Thread cutter IMPORTANT SAFETY an unsteady or slanted table, otherwise the machine may fall, (including children) with reduced physical, sensory Pass the threads through the thread cutter to them. resulting in injuries. or mental capabilities, or lack of experience h i Quick-set bobbin INSTRUCTIONS Special care is required when sewing: and knowledge, unless they have been given j Flat bed attachment with accessory compartment 6 k • Always pay close attention to the needle. Do not use bent or Please read these safety instructions before attempting to use the supervision or instruction concerning use of the l Feed dog position switch machine. damaged needles. appliance by a person responsible for their safety. m Reverse sewing lever • Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required Push this lever to stitch in the reverse direction. around the machine needle. Children should be supervised to ensure that they n indication window DANGER • Do not turn on the machine while pressing down the foot controller. do not play with the appliance. Shows the stitch number to be performed. - To reduce the risk of electric shock: The machine may start unexpectedly and cause personal injury or o Pattern selection dial damage to the machine. Rotate the dial in either direction to choose the stitch you want. 1 Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet FOR USERS IN CENELEC COUNTRIES p immediately after using, when cleaning, when making any • Switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off when Handwheel Used to manually raise and lower the needle. user servicing adjustments mentioned in this manual, or if you making any adjustments in the needle area. This appliance can be used by children aged from q • Do not use a damaged or incorrect needle plate, as it could cause fine-adjustment screw are leaving the machine unattended. 8 years and above and persons with reduced r Air vent the needle to break. The air vent allows the air surrounding the motor to circulate. • Do not push or pull the fabric when sewing, and follow careful physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack Do not cover the air vent while the machine is being used. WARNING instruction when freehand stitching so that you do not deflect the of experience and knowledge if they have been s Main power and sewing light switch - To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons. needle and cause it to break. You can turn the main power and sewing light switch on and off. given supervision or instruction concerning use of t Foot controller jack / socket 2 Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when 7 This machine is not a toy: the appliance in a safe way and understand the Plug in the foot controller plug and connect the machine to the power supply. making any adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual: • Your close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or u Presser foot lever near children. hazards involved. Children shall not play with the Used to raise and lower the presser foot. • To unplug the machine, switch the machine to the symbol “O” v Buttonhole lever (1-Step automatic buttonhole) position to turn it off, then grasp the plug and pull it out of the • The plastic bag that this machine was supplied in should be kept appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall Lower the buttonhole lever when sewing . electrical outlet. Do not pull on the cord. out of the reach of children or disposed of. Never allow children to not be made by children without supervision. w Handle • Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet. Do not use play with the bag due to the danger of suffocation. Carry the machine by its handle when transporting. an extension cord. • Do not use outdoors. FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS x Thread guide • Always unplug your machine if the power is cut. This is used when winding the thread onto the bobbin and then 8 For a longer service life: ONLY threading the machine. 3 Electrical Hazards: • When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity IMPORTANT y Spool and spool cap locations. Do not use or store the machine near a space heater, • In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by This holds the spool of thread. • This machine should be connected to an AC power source z iron, halogen lamp, or other hot objects. Foot controller within the range indicated on the rating label. Do not connect it ASTA to BS 1362, i.e. carrying the mark, rating as marked on You can use this to control the sewing speed, and to start and stop sewing. to a DC power source or inverter. If you are not sure what kind • Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the case. Benzene, plug. of power source you have, contact a qualified electrician. thinner, and scouring powders can damage the case and machine, • Always replace the fuse cover. Never use plugs with the fuse cover ■ Flat bed attachment • This machine is approved for use in the country of purchase only. and should never be used. omitted. The accessories are stored in • Always consult the operation manual when replacing or installing • If the available electrical outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied the storage space in the flat bed 4 Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, any assemblies, the presser feet, needle, or other parts to assure with this equipment, you should contact your authorized Brother attachment. if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, correct installation. Service Center to obtain the correct lead. Flat bed attachment Accessory compartment

Replacing the needle Using Your Sewing ■ Connecting plugs Note Machine ●● If a power outage occurs while the is being operated, turn off the main power and CAUTION ■ Checking the needle 1 2 3 WARNING unplug the power supply cord. When restarting the ●● Always turn off the machine before ●● Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sewing machine, follow the necessary procedure you change the needle. Otherwise, sources may result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine. to correctly operate the machine. injuries may occur if the foot Parallel space ●● Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are firmly inserted into the (For U.S.A. only) controller is accidentally pressed electrical outlet and the power supply jack on the machine. Otherwise, a fire or ● This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade and the machine starts sewing. electric shock may result. wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric ●● Only use sewing machine needles Level surface ● ● Do not insert the plug on the power cord into an electrical outlet that is in poor shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized for home use. Other needles may condition. outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in bend or break and cause injury. ●● Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances: the outlet, reverse the plug. ●● Never sew with a bent needle. A • When you are away from the machine If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician bent needle will easily break and • After using the machine to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug cause injury. • When the power fails during use in any way. • When the machine does not operate correctly due to a bad connection or a disconnection ■ Main power and ■ Foot controller • During electrical storms CAUTION sewing light switch ●● Do not allow pieces of cloth 4 5 Note With the flat side of Install the twin needle in the and dust to build up on CAUTION the needle toward the same way. CAUTION the foot controller. Doing ● ● ●● Use only the power cord included with this machine. ● Before replacing the needle, place ● Do not use excessive back of the machine, so could cause a fire or an ●● Do not use extension cords or multi-plug adapters with many other appliances fabric or paper under the presser foot force when loosening insert the needle until electric shock. to prevent the needle from falling into or tightening the needle plugged in to them. Fire or electric shock may result. Slower touching this stopper. ●● Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Electric shock may result. the hole in the needle plate. clamp screw. ●● When unplugging the machine, always turn off the main power first. Always Note grasp the plug to remove it from the outlet. Pulling on the cord may damage Faster (For U.S.A. only) the cord, or lead to fire or electric shock. ●● Foot Controller: Model KD-1902 ●● Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modified, forcefully bent, This foot controller can be CAUTION pulled, twisted, or bundled. Do not place heavy objects on the cord. Do not Press the power switch Press the foot Tighten the ● used on the machine with Make sure you insert the needle until it subject the cord to heat. These things may damage the cord and cause fire needle clamp toward the “I” mark to turn the controller down to start product code 888-X36, touches the stopper, and securely tighten or electric shock. If the cord or plug is damaged, take the machine to your screw. main power and sewing light sewing. Take your foot 888-X38, 888-X39. the needle clamp screw with a screwdriver, authorized Brother Service Center for repairs before continuing use. on. Press toward the “O” mark off the foot controller to The product code is mentioned otherwise the needle may break or the ●● Unplug the power cord if the machine is not to be used for a long period of Turn the screw counterclockwise. on the machine rating plate. machine may be damaged. time. Otherwise a fire may result. to turn off. stop sewing.

Thread tension Changing the presser foot

The tension of the thread will affect the quality of your stitches. You may need to adjust it when you change fabric or thread. We recommend that you do a test sample on scrap of a fabric before you start to sew. CAUTION 1 2 ●● Always turn off the machine before you change ■ ■ ■ the presser foot. If you leave the power on and Correct tension Upper tension is too tight Upper tension is too loose step on the controller, the machine will start and Correct tension is important as too Loops will appear on the surface of the fabric. Loops appear on the back of the fabric. you may be injured. much or too little tension will weaken ● your seams or cause puckers on ● Always use the correct presser foot for the stitch pattern you have chosen. If you use the your fabric. Note Note wrong presser foot, the needle may strike the ● If the bobbin thread was incorrectly threaded, the ●● If the upper thread was incorrectly threaded, the presser foot and bend or break, and may cause upper thread may be too tight. In this case, refer to upper thread may be too loose. In this case, refer to injury. Back of fabric “1 Lower threading” on the back side to rethread “2 Upper threading” on the back side and rethread ●● Only use presser feet that have been designed Mark on the wheel points up to raise the bobbin thread. the upper thread. to be used with this machine. Using any other the needle. presser foot may cause accident or injury. Surface of fabric Loops appear on back of Upper thread 3 4 Lower thread Back of fabric Back of fabric fabric Presser foot holder ■ Presser foot installation orientation

Upper tension-control dial Surface Surface CAUTION of fabric of fabric ●● If the presser foot is Black not installed with the Upper Loops appear on Upper thread thread correct orientation, the Lower surface of fabric Lower thread This snaps in needle may strike the thread to the shank. presser foot, which may bend or break Press the black button at the the needle and cause Solution: Reduce the tension by turning the upper Solution: Increase the tension by turning the upper back of the presser foot holder injury. tension control dial to a lower number. tension control dial to a higher number. to release the presser foot.

Stitch length dial Stitch width dial

Depending on the selected stitch, you may need to adjust the stitch Raise the needle by turning the handwheel toward you When the Straight or Triple Stretch Stitch is length for best results. Stitch length dial Shorter Longer CAUTION (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up. selected, the needle position can be changed from CAUTION The numbers marked on the stitch length dial represent the stitch ● If the stitches are bunched The numbers marked on the dial represent the stitch width. left to right by adjusting the stitch width dial. ●● After adjusting the stitch width, length in millimeters (mm) (1/25 inch). together, lengthen the stitch slowly turn the handwheel toward you THE HIGHER THE NUMBER, THE LONGER THE STITCH. With the length and continue sewing. Stitch width dial (counterclockwise) and check that the “0” setting, material is not fed. This is used when sewing a button. Do not continue does not touch the presser foot. If The “F”-“1” range is for making a satin stitch (closed ), without lengthening the stitch the needle hits the presser foot, the needle which is used for making buttonholes and decorative stitches. The Stitch length, otherwise the needle may bend or break. position needed for making the satin stitch varies according to the length dial may break and cause injury. ●● If the stitches are bunched together, material and thread being used. To determine the exact dial position, increase the stitch length. Continuing to first test the stitch and length settings on a scrap piece of fabric to sew with the stitches bunched together may observe the feeding of the material. result in the needle bending or breaking.

Reverse sewing Trial sewing Changing the sewing Sewing thick fabrics Sewing thin fabrics Sewing stretch Stitching cylindrical pieces • To sew in reverse, Use a piece of fabric and direction If the fabric does not fit When sewing thin fabrics push the reverse thread that are the same easily under the presser fabrics, the stitching 1 2 Stop the machine with First, baste sewing lever in as far as those used for your foot, raise the presser may become Slide the flat bed Slide the part that you wish the needle in the fabric the pieces as possible and hold project, and check the foot lever even higher to misaligned or the attachment to the to sew onto the arm, and at the point where you of fabric it in that position while thread tension and stitch bring the presser foot to its fabric may not feed left to release it. then sew from the top. you lightly push the foot length and width. want to change the highest position. correctly. If this together, Stabilizer material controller. sewing direction, and occurs, place thin and then or paper • To sew forward, release then raise the presser CAUTION paper or stabilizer sew without Basting the reverse sewing Reverse sewing foot lever. Using the needle as a pivot, turn material under the stretching the the fabric, lower the presser foot lever, and If fabric more than 6 mm (15/64 inch) thick is fabric. lever. The machine will lever fabric and sew it Note then sew forward. then continue sewing. sewn or if the fabric is pushed with too much together with the ● • The length of reverse force, the needle may bend or break. fabric. When you have ● When you are finished with free-arm sewing, install the flat bed attachment back in its stitches is fixed at 2mm finished sewing, tear original position. (1/16 inch). off any excess paper. 1 2 Swing up the spool pin. 3 Pull the thread completely. 4 Turn on the machine. Align the notch to Slide the bobbin Lower Threading the projection. to the right.

1 Wind the thread clockwise around CAUTION the bobbin 5 or 6 Do not turn on the machine CAUTION times. while pressing the foot If the spool is set incorrectly, the thread controller down, otherwise may tangle and the needle may break. you may be injured.

5 6 7 8 Put the projection into the groove. Push the bobbin down.

Cut the thread CAUTION CAUTION with the cutter. Be sure to use the correct Wind the bobbin properly, or the thread bobbin. tension may loosen, and the needle may Turn off the break. machine. 11.5mm Hold the bobbin down. With the end of the thread comes 7/16” out from the cover toward the Actual Size rear of the machine.

1 Turn off the 2 3 Swing up the spool pin. 4 5 1 6 7 machine. 4 Upper Threading 2 Raise the lever to raise the presser Lower the presser foot. 5 foot lever. 2 3 CAUTION Mark on the wheel points If the spool is set incorrectly, the thread Make sure that the spring in the groove catches Guide the thread. may tangle and the needle may break. Pull the thread behind the Mark on the wheel up to raise the needle. the thread. guide above the needle. points up.

9 8 10

Pull down the needle thread lever as much as possible ( ), and Guide turn the lever toward the CAUTION back ( ). If the upper threading is not correct, Make sure that the Turn the needle threader lever toward Pull the loop of the thread toward the Raise the presser foot the thread may become tangled or the While lowering the needle threader lever ( ), * 5 cm (2 inches) hook passes through the eye of the the front ( ), and then raise the needle back of the machine. lever. needle may bend or break. hook the thread onto the guide ( ). needle and grabs the thread. threader lever ( ).

1 2 2 3 Start sewing For stretch stitching (When sewing with the pattern) – Set to / 1 or . CAUTION Do not turn on the machine Mark on the wheel while pressing the foot points up. controller down, otherwise 3 you may be injured. CAUTION Turn on the Mark on the Stitch length dial ●● To avoid being injured, watch the needle carefully while you are using the machine. wheel points machine. Keep your hands away from moving parts. up to raise ●● Do not stretch or pull the fabric during sewing, otherwise the needle may the needle. be damaged and you may be injured. Select a stitch. ●● Do not use bent or broken needles, otherwise you may be injured. ●● Take care that the needle does not hit basting or other objects during 4 5 6 7 8 9 sewing. The needle may break and you may be injured. ●● Always use the correct presser foot. If you use the wrong presser foot, the needle may hit the presser foot and bend or break and you may be injured. Gently press down ●● When you turn the handwheel by hand, always turn it toward you to start sewing. (counterclockwise). Turning it the other way may cause the thread to tangle and damage the needle or fabric, and you may be injured. Take off your foot to Place the needle to the ● stop sewing. ● Do not start sewing without placing the fabric under the presser foot, starting point. otherwise the presser foot may be damaged.

Mark on the wheel points up to raise the Cut the thread. needle.

Sewing Buttonholes Maintenance

CAUTION Restrictions on oiling Precautions on storing the machine Always turn off the machine before replacing the presser foot. Otherwise, injuries may occur if the foot controller is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing. In order to prevent damaging this machine, it must not be oiled by the user. Do not store the machine in any of the locations described below, This machine was manufactured with the necessary amount of oil applied to otherwise damage to the machine may result, for example, rust caused by Making a buttonhole ensure correct operation, making periodic oiling unnecessary. condensation. If problems occur, such as difficulty turning the handwheel or an unusual • Exposed to extremely high temperatures 1 Using ’s chalk, mark 2 3 4 Lower the buttonhole lever and push it back slightly. noise, immediately stop using the machine, and contact your authorized • Exposed to extremely low temperatures the position and length Brother Service Center or the nearest authorized Brother Service Center. Insert the button. • Exposed to extreme temperature changes of the buttonhole on the • Attach the Buttonhole lever You need to sew the front bar • Exposed to high humidity or steam fabric. buttonhole first. Align the marks on • Near a flame, heater or air conditioner foot “A” . the foot with the mark on the • Outdoors or exposed to direct sunlight Buttonhole sewing • Set the fabric. • Exposed to extremely dusty or oily environments pattern selection dial Starting mark on the fabric Note to Buttonhole. ●● 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. Marks on the Buttonhole foot “A” foot Cleaning

CAUTION 1 2 3 5 While gently holding the 6 Stop the machine when 7 8 Make sure you unplug the upper thread, start the buttonhole stitching is finished. • Raise the Open the buttonhole. machine before you clean it, machine. needle and the otherwise you risk getting an Insert a pin at the The bar tacks of the Note presser foot electric shock or being injured. end of the buttonhole buttonhole are sewn in ●● If buttonhole sewing was lever. stitching to prevent the the order shown. interrupted, sew trial stitching • Remove the stitching from being one or two times on a fabric. scrap piece of fabric before cut. ripper • Cut the thread. continuing to sew the project. Mark on the wheel points up to raise the • Raise the 3 Stitching that is continued after needle. being interrupted may be sewn buttonhole CAUTION incorrectly. 24 lever to When opening the buttonhole with the seam ●● If thick seams are being sewn its original ripper, do not place your hands in the cutting path, 4 5 6 7 and the fabric does not feed, position. otherwise injuries may result if the seam ripper slips. 1 sew with the coarser (longer) Do not use the seam ripper in any other way than stitch. how it is intended.

■■If the button does not fit in the button Adjusting buttonholes guide plate 1 2 Add together the diameter and thickness of the button, and Set the stitch length dial between If the left side is too open or tight compared then set the button guide plate to the calculated length. “F” and “1.5” and sew the buttonhole with the right side, adjust the buttonhole on a scrap piece of fabric. fine-adjustment screw. 8 If the right side of the buttonhole is 9 10 CAUTION Left side ● Presser foot scale too open or tight, adjust the feeding This ● Never use a bobbin case that is of the material with the stitch length adjustment scratched; otherwise the upper thread may become tangled, the dial. ensures both sides of the needle may break, or sewing Length of buttonhole performance may suffer. For a new buttonhole are (Diameter + bobbin case, contact your nearest 5 mm (3/16 inch) the same. thickness of button) authorized Brother Service Center. ●● Make sure that you fit the bobbin case properly, otherwise the needle Shorter Longer ▲ may break. Example: The button guide 10 mm Clean the bobbin race. plate should be set to 25 mm (3/8 inch) (1 inch) on the scale. Stitch length dial Right side 15 mm (9/16 inch) ●