Brother NV5000 User manual

Operation Manual Addendum
This manual provides additional information not described in the Operation Manual.
Be sure to read this information before using the machine.

1
CONTENTS
About this manual ................................................................................................................. 2
About the appearance of the screens..................................................................................... 2
Features for Utility Stitches ........................................................................................................ 3
Pivoting................................................................................................................................. 3
Automatic Fabric Sensor System (Automatic Presser Foot Pressure) ....................................... 4
Free-motion Quilting............................................................................................................. 5
Echo Quilting Using the Free-motion Echo Quilting Foot “E” ................................................ 7
Returning to the Beginning of the Pattern .............................................................................. 9
Measurements on the Bobbin Cover.................................................................................... 10
Features for Embroidery Edit mode .......................................................................................... 11
Embroidering with the Border Embroidery Frame ................................................................ 11
Creating an Appliqué Piece ................................................................................................. 12
Color Sorting Repeated Patterns .......................................................................................... 17
Editing Character Patterns........................................................................................................ 18
Reducing Character Spacing................................................................................................ 18
Separating Combined Character Patterns............................................................................. 18
Selecting a Small Font/Cyrillic Font ..................................................................................... 20
About Settings Screen .............................................................................................................. 21
Changing the Background Colors of the Embroidering Patterns ........................................... 21
Screens Operations Performed Using a USB Mouse ............................................................ 22
Changing the Pointer Shape When a USB Mouse Is Used.................................................... 25
Basting Embroidery ............................................................................................................. 26
About Bobbin Work................................................................................................................. 27
Required Materials .............................................................................................................. 28
Upper Threading ................................................................................................................. 29
Preparing the Bobbin Thread............................................................................................... 29
Creating Bobbin Work............................................................................................................. 33
Positioning the Fabric and Sewing....................................................................................... 33
Finishing the Thread Ends.................................................................................................... 35
Bobbin Work Free-Motion Sewing ...................................................................................... 35
Adjusting the Thread Tension.............................................................................................. 36
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................. 37

2
About this manual
This manual provides additional information not described in the Operation Manual. Be sure to read this
information before using the machine.
About the appearance of the screens
Some of the screens in this manual may differ from actual ones on the machine. Please refer to the Quick Reference
Guide for details about screens.

3
Features for Utility Stitches
Pivoting
If the pivot setting is selected, the machine stops with
the needle lowered (in the fabric) and the presser foot is
automatically raised to an appropriate height when the
“Start/Stop” button is pressed. When the “Start/Stop”
button is pressed again, the presser foot is automatically
lowered and sewing continues. This function is useful
for stopping the machine to rotate the fabric.
aSelect a stitch.
bPress to select the pivot setting.
→The key appears as .
CAUTION
• When the pivot setting is selected, the machine
starts when the “Start/Stop” button is pressed or
the foot controller is pressed down even if the
presser foot has been raised. Be sure to keep your
hands and other items away from the needle,
otherwise injuries may occur.
Memo
When the pivot setting is selected, the height of the
presser foot when sewing is stopped can be changed
according to the type of fabric being sewn. Press
to display “PIVOTING HEIGHT” on P. 1 of the
settings screen. Press or to select one of the
three heights (3.2 mm, 5.0 mm or 7.5 mm). To raise the
presser foot further, increase the setting. (Normally, 3.2
mm is set.)
Note
• The “NEEDLE POSITION” (P. 2 of the settings
screen) must be set in the down position for the
pivot function to be used. When “NEEDLE
POSITION” is set in the raised position,
appears as light gray and cannot be used.
• When the setting is selected, the pivot function can
only be used with stitches where presser foot J or N
is indicated in the upper-left corner of the screen. If
any other stitch is selected, appears as light
gray and is not available.
• Since the presser foot is fully raised when the
automatic thread cutting key is pressed, press the
“Presser Foot Lifter” button to lower the presser foot,
and then press the “Start/Stop” button to continue
sewing.
• If the pivot setting is selected, and beside
“PRESSER FOOT HEIGHT” in the settings screen
are not available and the setting cannot be changed.

4
cPlace the fabric under the presser foot with
the needle at the starting point of the
stitching, and then press the “Start/Stop”
button. The machine will begin sewing.
dPress the “Start/Stop” button to stop the
machine at the point where the sewing
direction changes.
→The machine stops with the needle in the fabric, and
the presser foot is raised.
eRotate the fabric, and then press the “Start/
Stop” button.
→The presser foot is automatically lowered, and
sewing continues.
Automatic Fabric Sensor System
(Automatic Presser Foot Pressure)
The thickness of the fabric is automatically detected
and the presser foot pressure is automatically adjusted
with an internal sensor while sewing, so your fabric is
fed smoothly. The fabric sensor system works
continuously while sewing. This function is useful for
sewing over thick seams, or quilting.
aPress .
→The settings screen appears.
bSet “AUTOMATIC FABRIC SENSOR SYSTEM”
to “ON”.
cPress to return to the original screen.
Memo
If you press the “Start/Stop” button to pause sewing,
then press it again to continue, reverse stitches (or
reinforcement stitches) will not be sewn.

5
Free-motion Quilting
For free-motion quilting, use free-motion quilting foot
“C” or free-motion open toe quilting foot “O”
depending on the stitch that is selected, and set the
machine to free-motion sewing mode. In this mode, the
presser foot is raised to the necessary height for free-
motion sewing.
We recommend attaching the foot controller and
sewing at a consistent speed. You can adjust the sewing
speed with the speed control slide on the machine.
■Using Free-motion Quilting Foot “C”
The free-motion quilting foot “C” is used for free-
motion sewing using the straight stitch needle plate.
Free-motion quilting foot “C”
aFollow steps on page 55 through 56 of the
machine's Operation Manual to attach the
straight stitch needle plate.
aSingle hole
bPress to set the machine to free-motion
sewing mode.
→The key appears as , and the quilting foot is
raised to the necessary height for free-motion
sewing.
CAUTION
• With free-motion quilting, control the feeding speed
of the fabric to match the sewing speed. If the fabric
is moved faster than the sewing speed, the needle
may break or other damage may result.
• When using free-motion quilting foot “C”, be sure to
use the straight stitch needle plate and sew with the
needle in middle (center) needle position. If the
needle is moved to any position other than the
middle (center) needle position, the needle may
break, which may result in injuries.
Memo
• When starting to sew, the internal sensor detects the
thickness of the fabric, and the quilting foot is raised
to the height specified in the machine settings
screen. Press to display “FREE MOTION
FOOT HEIGHT” on P. 1 of the settings screen.
Press or to select the height that the
quilting foot is raised. Increase the setting by
pressing , for example, when sewing very
stretchy fabric, so that it is easier to sew.
• In order to sew with a balanced tension, it may be
necessary to adjust the upper thread tension. Test
with a sample piece of fabric that is similar to your
chosen fabric.
Memo
Notice that this plate has a single hole.
1

6
cSelect any of the following stitches.
→Free-motion quilting foot “C” is indicated in the
upper-left corner of the screen.
dRemove the presser foot holder.
eAttach free-motion quilting foot “C” at the
front with the presser foot holder screw
aligned with the notch in the quilting foot.
aPresser foot holder screw
bNotch
fHold the quilting foot in place with your right
hand, and tighten the presser foot holder
screw using the screwdriver with your left
hand.
aPresser foot holder screw
gLower the feed dog position switch to to
lower the feed dogs.
aFeed dog position switch
hUse both hands to stretch the fabric taut, and
then move the fabric at a consistent pace in
order to sew uniform stitches roughly 2.0-2.5
mm (approx. 1/16 - 3/32 inch) in length.
aStitch
iPress to cancel the free-motion sewing
mode.
■Using Free-motion Open Toe Quilting Foot
“O”
The free-motion open toe quilting foot “O” is used
for free-motion quilting with zigzag or decorative
stitches or for free-motion quilting of straight lines
on fabric with an uneven thickness. Any stitch can
be sewn with the free-motion open toe quilting foot
“O”.
Free-motion open toe quilting foot “O”
Note
Make sure that the quilting foot is attached properly
and not slanted.
CAUTION
• Be sure to securely tighten the screws with the
screwdriver. Otherwise, the needle may touch the
quilting foot, causing it to bend or break.
a
b
a
Memo
Do not be discouraged with your initial results. The
technique requires practice.
Note
Free-motion open toe quilting foot “O” can also be
used with the straight stitch needle plate. We
recommend using free-motion open toe quilting foot
“O” with free-motion sewing of fabrics of uneven
thicknesses.
Memo
In order to sew with a balanced tension, it may be
necessary to adjust the upper thread tension. Test with
a sample piece of quilting fabric.

7
aPress to set the machine to free-motion
sewing mode.
→The key appears as , and the quilting foot is
raised to the necessary height for free-motion
sewing.
bSelect a stitch.
→Free-motion open toe quilting foot “O” is indicated
in the upper-left corner of the screen.
cRemove the presser foot holder.
dAttach free-motion open toe quilting foot “O”
by positioning the pin of the quilting foot
above the needle clamp screw and aligning
the lower-left of the quilting foot and the
presser bar.
aPin
bNeedle clamp screw
cPresser bar
eHold the quilting foot in place with your right
hand, and tighten the presser foot holder
screw using the screwdriver with your left
hand.
aPresser foot holder screw
fUse both hands to stretch the fabric taut, and
then move the fabric at a consistent pace in
order to sew uniform stitches roughly 2.0-2.5
mm (approx. 1/16 - 3/32 inch) in length.
aStitch
gPress to cancel the free-motion sewing
mode.
Echo Quilting Using the Free-motion
Echo Quilting Foot “E”
Sewing quilting lines at equal distances around a motif
is called echo quilting. The quilting lines, which appear
as ripples echoing away from the motif, are the
distinguishing characteristic of this quilting style. Use
the 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.
Note
Make sure that the quilting foot is not slanted.
1
2
3
CAUTION
• Be sure to securely tighten the screws with the
screwdriver. Otherwise, the needle may touch the
quilting foot, causing it to bend or break.
Memo
Do not be discouraged with your initial results. The
technique requires practice.

8
Free-motion echo quilting foot “E” measurement
a6.4 mm (approx. 1/4 inch)
b9.5 mm (approx. 3/8 inch)
aPress to set the machine to free-motion
sewing mode.
→The key appears as , and the quilting foot is
raised to the necessary height for free-motion
sewing.
bSelect .
cRemove the presser foot.
dRemove the presser foot holder and the
screw.
ePosition the free-motion echo quilting foot
“E” on the left side of the presser bar with the
holes in the quilting foot and presser bar
aligned.
fTighten the screw.
CAUTION
• With free-motion quilting, control the feeding
speed of the fabric to match the sewing speed. If the
fabric is moved faster than the sewing speed, the
needle may break or other damage may result.
Memo
• When starting to sew, the internal sensor detects the
thickness of the fabric, and the quilting foot is raised
to the height specified in the machine settings
screen. Press to display “FREE MOTION
FOOT HEIGHT” on P. 1 of the settings screen.
Press or to select the height that the
quilting foot is raised. Increase the setting by
pressing , for example, when sewing very
stretchy fabric, so that it is easier to sew.
• In order to sew with a balanced tension, it may be
necessary to adjust the upper thread tension. Test
with a sample piece of quilting fabric.

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gUsing the measurement on the quilting foot as
a guide, sew around the motif.
a6.4 mm (approx. 1/4 inch)
Finished project
hPress to cancel the free-motion sewing
mode.
Returning to the Beginning of the
Pattern
When sewing character/decorative stitches, you can
return to the beginning of the pattern after trial sewing
or when the stitching is sewn incorrectly.
aPress the “Start/Stop” button to stop the
machine, and then press .
→Sewing returns to the beginning of the selected
pattern (“W”) from the point where sewing was
stopped.
bPress the “Start/Stop” button to continue
sewing.
Memo
If this key is pressed when sewing is stopped, patterns
can be added at the end of a combined stitch pattern.
(In this example, "!" is added.)

10
Measurements on the Bobbin Cover
The measurements on the bobbin cover are references
for patterns with a middle (center) needle position. The
measurements on the needle plate and the needle plate
cover are references for stitches with a left needle
position.
aFor stitches with a middle (center) needle position
bFor stitches with a left needle position
cLeft needle position on the needle plate <inch>
dLeft needle position on the needle plate <cm>
eMiddle (center) needle position
on the bobbin cover <inch>
fLeft needle position on the needle plate cover <inch>
b
ab
c
d
e
f

11
Features for Embroidery Edit mode
Embroidering with the Border
Embroidery Frame
Since the fabric can easily be repositioned and
rehooped if the border embroidery frame is used, this
frame is useful for embroidering repeated patterns while
sliding the fabric. An added feature of this frame is that
the pressure applied by the upper and lower frames
does not leave an indentation in the fabric. An area of
10 cm × 18 cm can be embroidered.
For details on the border embroidery frame, refer to the
operation manual included with the optional border
embroidery frame.
■Sample Projects Using the Border
Embroidery Frame
We recommend using the border embroidery frame
when embroidery repeated patterns at the edges of
items such as curtains, chair covers, bed covers,
tablecloths and blankets.
■Frame Display Settings for Border
Embroidery Frame
aPress .
bFrom the embroidery frame display settings,
select one of the embroidery frame displays
for the border embroidery frame.
* Of the 12 settings available, there are two for border
embroidery frames.
aBorder embroidery frame embroidering area
bCenter line
CAUTION
• Do not leave the border embroidery frame within
the reach of children, otherwise injuries may result.
Note
• When the border embroidery frame is not being
used, unlock it before storing it.
Memo
• For details on the border function, refer to
“Designing Repeated Patterns” in chapter 6 of the
Operation Manual for the sewing machine.
a
b

12
Creating an Appliqué Piece
Appliqué pieces can be created from the built-in
patterns and patterns on embroidery cards. This is
convenient for fabrics that cannot be embroidered or
when you wish to attach an appliqué to a garment.
■Sample Projects Using Created Appliqué
Pieces
Appliqué pieces can be attached to items that you
already own, such as bags and clothes, to customize
them. When attached to denim, the appliqué pattern
really stands out. Animal and fruit appliqués can be
used as children's toys.
■Creating an Appliqué Piece
As an example, the following pattern will be used to
create an appliqué piece.
aPress .
bSelect the pattern, and edit it if necessary.
Note
• Felt or denim fabrics are recommended to make the
appliqué piece. Depending on the pattern and fabric
used, lighter weight fabrics may cause the stitching
to appear smaller.
• For best results, be sure to use stabilizer material for
embroidering.
• Select a frame that matches the pattern size. Frame
options are displayed on the LCD screen.
• When making appliqué pieces, do not use the
border embroidery frame. Depending on the pattern
density and fabric used, shrinkage of the stitching
may occur.
Note
• Finish editing the pattern before selecting the
appliqué setting. If the pattern is edited after
selecting the appliqué setting, the appliqué stitching
and pattern may become misaligned.
• Since an outline is added, the pattern for an
appliqué piece (when the appliqué setting is
selected) will be larger than the original pattern.
First, adjust the size and position of the pattern as
shown below.
aEmbroidering area
bApprox. 1 cm
cPattern size

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cPress , and then display P. 6 of the
settings screen.
dUse to specify the distance between
the pattern and the appliqué outline.
ePress to return to the previous screen.
fPress to select the appliqué setting.
→The steps for creating the appliqué piece are added
to the sewing order.
Memo
• Three settings are available: 1 (narrow), 2 (normal)
and 3 (wide).
• The setting remains selected even if the machine is
turned off.
Memo
• To cancel the setting, press .
• If no pattern is selected, the key appears gray and
cannot be selected.
Memo
• Three steps are added to the sewing order: appliqué
cutting line, position of pattern placement on the
garment, and appliqué stitching.
aCutting line for appliqué
bPosition of pattern placement on garment
cAppliqué stitching

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gPress .
hFuse or stick a piece of stabilizer to the back
of the felt or denim fabric to be used as the
appliqué piece.
iHoop the appliqué fabric in the embroidery
frame, attach the embroidery frame to the
machine, and then start embroidering.
jAfter the pattern is embroidered, thread the
machine with the thread for the cutting line,
and then sew the cutting line (APPLIQUE
MATERIAL).
aCutting line for appliqué
kRemove the appliqué material from the
embroidery frame, and then carefully cut
along the stitching. After cutting, carefully
remove all of the cutting line thread.
lUse two layers of adhesive water-soluble
stabilizer material with their sticky sides
together, and then hoop them in the
embroidery frame.
Note
• An appliqué piece cannot be created if the pattern is
too large or too complicated or a combined pattern
is separated. Even if the selected pattern fits within
the embroidering area, the entire appliqué pattern
may exceed the embroidering area when the outline
is added. If an error message appears, select a
different pattern or edit it.
Note
• For best results, be sure to use stabilizer material for
embroidering.
Memo
• We recommend using thread for the cutting line that
is closest to the color of the fabric.
Note
• Depending on the pattern density and fabric used,
there may be shrinking of the pattern or the appliqué
may be misaligned with the placement line. We
recommend cutting slightly outside of the cutting
line.
• When using patterns that are vertically and
horizontally symmetrical, use a chalk pen to indicate
the pattern orientation before cutting it out.
• Carefully cut out the pattern on the outline you just
sewed. Do not cut inside the cutting line, otherwise
the appliqué fabric will not be caught by the appliqué
stitch.
Note
• If water-soluble stabilizer is used, it is not necessary
to remove the stabilizer material after sewing the
appliqué outline. To reduce shrinkage of the pattern,
we recommend using water-soluble stabilizer.
• Put together two layers of water-soluble stabilizer,
otherwise the stabilizer material may tear during
embroidering.

15
mThread the machine with the thread for the
outline from step o, and then sew the
placement line for the appliqué position
(APPLIQUE POSITION).
aPattern placement line
nLightly apply glue or spray adhesive, and
paste the appliqué piece so that it aligns with
the placement line.
oWith the machine threaded using the thread
for the outline from step m, sew the outline
(APPLIQUE).
aOutline of appliqué piece
pAfter embroidering is finished, remove the
stabilizer material from the embroidery
frame.
qUse scissors to cut the excess water-soluble
stabilizer from outside the appliqué outline.
rSoak the appliqué piece in water to dissolve
the water-soluble stabilizer.
sDry the appliqué piece, and then iron it if
necessary.
■Using a Frame Pattern for the Outline
Using a frame pattern, the desired shape can be
added as the outline of the appliqué.
aPerform the operations described in steps a
through eof “Creating an Appliqué Piece”.
bSelect the desired frame shape and pattern,
and add it to the appliqué pattern.
Note
• Before pasting the appliqué piece down, make sure
the appliqué piece is positioned correctly within the
placement line.
Memo
• The outline is sewn using satin stitching.
• Some glue may get onto the presser foot, needle,
and needle plate at this time. Finish embroidering
the appliqué pattern, and then clean off the glue.
Note
• Do not apply a strong force when ironing, otherwise
the stitching may be damaged.

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cEdit the frame pattern to fit the size of the
appliqué pattern.
dPress to select the appliqué piece
setting.
ePress .
fUse to select the frame pattern,
and then press .
→The frame pattern is deleted.
gPress , and then press .
hContinue with step hof “Creating an
Appliqué Piece” to complete the appliqué
piece.

17
Color Sorting Repeated Patterns
The sewing order of combined border embroidery
patterns in the Embroidery Edit screen can be
automatically changed so that the same color can be
continuously sewn in each pattern that is repeated. This
allows you to continue sewing without repeatedly
changing the upper thread or changing the sewing
order manually.
Memo
• In combined stitch patterns that contain two or more
border patterns or other patterns combined with
border patterns, the sewing order of only the border
patterns is changed.
• When a group of two or more patterns using border
patterns is repeated, the sewing order is changed so
that the same color can be sewn continuously in
each pattern.

18
Editing Character Patterns
Reducing Character Spacing
In the Embroidery Edit screen, the spacing between
characters can be reduced to 50% of the narrowest
character in the group.
Separating Combined Character
Patterns
Combined character patterns can be separated to adjust
the character spacing or to separately edit the patterns
after all characters have been entered.
aPress .
bPress , and then select the font.
cCombine the characters, and then press .
Note
• It is not recommended to edit data and transfer to
other or older version machines. Same features do
not apply in other machines, so problems may
occur.
• Character spacing can be reduced only when
characters are arranged normally on a straight line.