Brother 888X64 Series User manual

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. Otherwise, a re
or electric shock may result.
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, modied, 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 Brother Service Center 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 qualied electrician
to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in
any way.
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.
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.
XG4099-001
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
fabrics
Reverse 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 raise
the needle. Remove the presser
foot by pulling it
vertically downward.
1
4
Presser foot installation orientation■
CAUTION
If the presser foot is not●
installed with the correct
orientation, the needle may
strike the presser foot,
which may bend or break
the needle and cause injury.
Stabilizer material
or paper
The main parts
Bobbin windera
This winds the thread onto the bobbin for use as the lower thread.
Spool pinb
This holds the spool of thread.
Thread guidec
This is used when winding the thread onto the bobbin and then
threading the machine.
Thread take-up leverd
Hole for extra spool pine
This holds a second spool of thread for sewing with the twin needle.
Upper tension-control dialf
This controls the tension of the upper thread.
Thread cutterg
Pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them.
Needle threaderh
Quick-set bobbini
Flat bed attachment with accessory compartmentj
Presser footk
Reverse sewing leverl
Push this lever to stitch in the reverse direction.
Buttonhole ne-adjustment screwm
Pattern selection dialn
Rotate the dial in either direction to choose the stitch you want.
Handwheelo
Used to manually raise and lower the needle.
Air ventp
The air vent allows the air surrounding the motor to circulate.
Do not cover the air vent while the machine is being used.
Main power and sewing light switchq
You can turn the main power and sewing light switch on and off.
Foot controller jack / socketr
Plug in the foot controller plug and connect the machine to the power supply.
Presser foot levers
Used to raise and lower the presser foot.
Handlet
Carry the machine by its handle when transporting.
Foot controlleru
You can use this to control the sewing speed, and to start and stop sewing.
Flat bed attachment■
The accessories can be stored in
acompartmentinsidetheatbed
attachment.
Slide the
attachment to the
left to open.
Storage compartment
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
:
B
A
E
H
C
D
K
G
F
I
J
5
No. Part Name Part Code
Americas Others
1 Zigzag foot “J” (on machine) XC4901-121
2Buttonhole foot “A” X59369-321
3 Zipper foot “I” XE9369-001
4 Bobbin (One is on machine) SA156 SFB:XA5539-151
5 Needle set (90/14 needle) 3-pieceset:XE5328-001
2-pieceset:XE7064-001
6 Screwdriver XF3557-001
7Foot controller
ModelKD-1902for110-120Varea
KD-1902for110-127Varea(Brazilonly)
ModelKD-2902for220-240Varea
No. Part Name Part Code
Americas Others
1Extraspoolpin XG3488-001
2 Twinneedle(2.0/75needle) X57521-021
3 Darning Plate XC6063-021
4 Button sewing foot “M” XE2137-001
5 Walking Foot SA107 F034N:XC2165-002
6 Quilting Foot SA129 F005N:XC1948-052
71/4-inch Quilting Foot SA125 F001N:XC1944-052
8Narrow Hemmer Foot SA127 F003N:XC1945-052
9 Blind Stitch Foot SA134 F018N:XC1976-052
10 Quilting guide SA132 F016N:XC2215-052
1 2 3 4 5
6 7
JJ
AA
II
Note
The included accessories vary depending on the machine model.●
The foot controller part code differs depending on the country or region.●
Contact your Brother dealer or the nearest authorized Brother Service Center.
12345
6789 10
Note
The optional accessories are to be purchased separately. Depending on the●
model you purchased, some accessories may be included with your machine.
Included accessories Optional accessories
Thread tension
Correct tension■
Correct tension is important as
too much or too little tension will
weaken your seams or cause
puckers on your fabric.
Lower thread
Upper thread
Surface of
fabric
Back of fabric
Upper tension is too tight■
Loops will appear on the surface of the fabric.
Note
If the bobbin thread was incorrectly●
threaded, the upper thread may be too
tight. In this case, refer to “1 Lower
threading” on the back side to rethread
the bobbin thread.
Solution: Reduce the tension by turning the
upper tension control dial to a lower number.
Upper
thread Lower
thread
Loops appear on
surface of fabric
Back of fabric
Surface
of fabric
Solution: Increase the tension by turning the
upper tension control dial to a higher number.
Upper
thread Lower thread
Back of fabric
Note
If the upper thread was incorrectly●
threaded, the upper thread may be
too loose. In this case, refer to “2
Upper threading” on the back side and
rethread the upper thread.
Surface
of fabric
Upper tension is too loose■
Loops appear on the back of the fabric.
Loops appear
on back of
fabric
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.
This snaps in
to the shank.
Press the black button at the
back of the presser foot holder
to release the presser foot.
Install the twin needle in the same way.
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 specications 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.
FOR USERS IN COUNTRIES EXCEPT
EUROPEAN 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.
FOR USERS IN EUROPEAN 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.
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
Service Center to obtain the correct lead.
Operation
Manual
Sewing Machine
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
1 immediately after using, when cleaning, when making any
user servicing adjustments mentioned in this manual, or if you
are leaving the machine unattended.
WARNING
- Toreducetheriskofburns,re,electricshock,orinjurytopersons.
Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when2 making any adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual:
To unplug the machine, switch the machine to the symbol “O”•
position to turn it off, then grasp the plug and pull it out of the
electrical outlet. Do not pull on the cord.
Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet. Do not use•
anextensioncord.
Always unplug your machine if the power is cut.•
Electrical Hazards:
3
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 inverter. If you are not sure what kind
ofpowersourceyouhave,contactaqualiedelectrician.
This machine is approved for use in the country of purchase only.•
Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or4 plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or
damaged, or water is spilled on the unit. Return the machine
to the nearest authorized Brother 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:5
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:
6
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deectthe
needle and cause it to break.
This machine is not a toy:
7
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:
8
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:
9
If the light unit (light-emitting diode) is damaged, it must be•
replaced by authorized Brother Service Center.
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 Service
Center.
Videotutorials
includedonDVD.
888-X64/X74/X84/X67/X77/X87
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
M
M
Shank
Black
button
Presser foot holder
or

3
8
Turn the needle threader lever toward
the front ( ), and then raise the needle
threader lever ( ).
Pull the loop of the thread toward the
back of the machine.
1
2
3 4
7
8 9
4
5
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct
bobbin.
CAUTION
To avoid being injured, watch the needle carefully while you are using the●
machine. Keep your hands away from moving parts.
Do not stretch or pull the fabric during sewing, otherwise the needle may●
be damaged and you may be injured.
Do not use bent or broken needles, otherwise you may be injured.●
Take care that the needle does not hit basting pins or other objects during●
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.
When you turn the handwheel by hand, always turn it toward you●
(counterclockwise). Turning it the other way may cause the thread to
tangle and damage the needle or fabric, and you may be injured.
Do not start sewing without placing the fabric under the presser foot,●
otherwise the presser foot may be damaged.
Lower Threading
Upper Threading
Start sewing
– Straight Stitch
CAUTION
Wind the bobbin properly, or the thread
tension may loosen, and the needle may
break.
11.5mm
7/16”
Actual Size
1
1
1 2
2
2
3
7
4
8 5
3 4
7
6
6
5 6
9
10
Pull the thread completely.
Align the notch to
the projection.
Mark on the wheel
points up.
Gently press down
to start sewing.
Take off your foot to
stop sewing.
Select a stitch.
Mark on the
wheel points
up to raise the
needle. Cut the thread.
Mark on the wheel
points up.
Lower the presser
foot lever.
Make sure that the spring in the
groove catches the thread.
Pull the thread behind the guide above
the needle.
Mark on the wheel points
up to raise the needle.
Turn off the
power.
Slide the bobbin to
the right.
Turn the power on. Hold the end of the thread.
With the end of the thread comes
out from the cover toward the rear
of the machine.
Click!
7 – 10 cm
(3-4 inches)
Wind the thread few
times around the bobbin.
When the bobbin is
full, the bobbin will
spin slowly.
1 cm (1/2 inch)
Pull up the spool pin completely.
CAUTION
If the spool is set incorrectly, the
thread may tangle and the needle
breaks.
Spring
1
2
3
4
5
11
Pull up the spool pin completely.
CAUTION
If the spool is set incorrectly, the thread
may tangle and the needle may break.
CAUTION
Do not turn the power on
while pressing the foot
controller down, otherwise
your may be injured.
Turn off the
power.
Hold the bobbin down.
Guide the thread.
CAUTION
Do not turn the power on
while pressing the foot
controller down, otherwise
your may be injured.
Find more
information
about your
sewing machine
in the included
instructional DVD.
Turn the
power on.
CAUTION
If the upper threading is not correct,
the thread may become tangled or the
needle may bend or break.
Cut the thread
with the cutter.
Push the bobbin
down.
5 cm (2 inches)
Raise the
lever to raise
the presser
foot.
Place the needle to the
starting point.
1 2
3
To secure the stitching, turn the material 90
degrees counterclockwise and sew straight
stitches to the end of the front bar tack of the
buttonhole.
After sewing the left side of the
buttonhole, stitch the right side and
observe the feeding.
If the left side is too open or
tight compared with the right
side, adjust the buttonhole ne-
adjustment screw.
Left side
This
adjustment
ensures both
sides of the
buttonhole
are the same. Turn the buttonhole ne-
adjustment screw with a large
screwdriver as indicated in the
illustrations, according to the
buttonhole appearance.
Remove the material from the machine. We
recommend that you put pins across both
ends of the buttonhole to prevent the stitches
from being cut.
Cut an opening in
the middle of the
buttonhole with the
seam ripper tool.
Be careful not to cut
through and stitches.
3Securing the Stitching and Cutting the Buttonhole
CAUTION
When using the seam ripper to open the buttonhole,
do not put your hand or nger in the path of the
ripper. The seam ripper may slip and you may be
injured.
CAUTION
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 (part code:
XE9326-001), contact your nearest
authorized Brother Service Center.
Make sure that you t the bobbin ●
case properly, otherwise the needle
may break.
Maintenance
Precautions on storing the machine
Cleaning
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 difculty turning the handwheel or an unusual
noise, immediately stop using the machine, and contact your authorized
Brother Service Center or the nearest authorized Brother Service Center.
Note
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 efciency.
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 ame, heater or air conditioner•
Outdoors or exposed to direct sunlight•
Exposed to extremely dusty or oily environments•
CAUTION
Make sure you unplug the
machine before you clean it,
otherwise you risk getting an
electric shock or being injured.
1
2
Mark on the wheel points up to raise the
needle.
3
4 5 6
7
8
9
▲
●
10
Clean the bobbin race.
Adjusting buttonholes
3
2Making a buttonhole
Step Sewn section Pattern
Step 1
(Front bar
tack)
1. Set the pattern selection dial to “a”.
2. Lower the presser foot and sew 5 to 6
stitches.
3. Stop the machine when the needle is at the
left side of the stitches and then raise the
needle from the material.
Step 2
(Left side)
1. Turn the pattern selection dial to “b”.
2. Sew the length of the tailor’s chalk line.
3. Stop the machine when the needle is at
the left side of the stitch and then raise the
needle.
Step 3
(Back bar tack)
1. Turn the pattern selection dial to “c” (same
position as in step 1).
2. Sew 5 to 6 stitches.
3. Stop the machine when the needle is at the
right side of the stitch and then raise the
needle from the material.
Step 4
(Right side)
1. Set the pattern selection dial to “d”.
2. Sew the right side until the needle reaches
the stitches sewn in step 1.
CAUTION
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.
Sewing Buttonholes and Buttons
1Preparation
1
Using tailor’s chalk, mark the position and
length of the buttonhole on the fabric.
Buttonhole sewing
2
Push the frame
back until it stops
with the plastic
insert at the front
of the frame.
Attach the buttonhole foot.
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.
Line the chalk
mark under the
center of the
presser foot.
Match up the
bar tack mark
to the two red
lines on the
presser foot.
Guide
While lowering the needle threader lever ( ), hook
the thread onto the guide ( ).
Pull down the needle
thread lever as much
as possible ( ), and
turn the lever toward
the back ( ).
*Make sure that the
hook passes through the eye of the
needle and grabs the thread.
Raise the presser foot
lever.