Basic Components and Designs
Brother sewing machines are composed of intricate parts that work together to create beautiful designs and stitch patterns. These parts include needles, bobbins, presser feet, the shuttle and the motor. Understanding how these components fit together and interact is essential before attempting to adjust the machine. Bobbins can be wound with thread, threaded in the upper chamber, and sent through a tension control device. This tension device can be changed for various types of fabrics, so a very fine, tight stitch can be achieved. Presser feet attach to the machine, help fabric sit flat, and provide the smooth and even results many people look for when sewing garments or quilts. All of these components must work together in harmony to achieve a successful stitch.
Practice Makes Perfect
Before adjusting a Brother sewing machine, it is important to know the basics of how to use the machine. Attempting to adjust a Brother machine without basic sewing knowledge will likely result in frustration and a less-than-perfect stitch. Practicing on scraps of fabric will help familiarize users with the common stitch patterns, operation of the foot pedal, and use of the tension dial. Increasing familiarity with these components is part of the process of successful adjustment.
Adjustment Tips
To adjust a Brother sewing machine, first press the “stop/start” button and then adjust the stitch length and stitch width. These two settings will change according to the fabric being used, but in general, for a medium stitch length, use two to three millimeters, and for stitch width, six to eight millimeters will work. In the “stitch select” area, the user can choose from a variety of stitch types. For example, the “straight”, “zigzag”, and “overcast” stitches are all frequently used. Under the thread tension control, a numerical value can be adjusted. According to Brother sewing machine user manuals, the recommended values are set at “2” for most materials, and “4” if needles with larger eyeholes are required.
Needle Replacement and Basic Maintenance
The needle should be examined and adjusted periodically, or replaced altogether with a new needle. This will ensure the best results and most even stitches. Regularly cleaning and lubricating the needle bar area is also important, to ensure that the machine will move freely, and cause no damage to fabric or thread. If using a Brother machine for large projects and many hours of sewing, a more detailed maintenance procedure may be necessary.
Tightening and Loosening Tensions
Another way to adjust a Brother sewing machine is to tighten and loosen tensions. This is done by adjusting two knobs, one for the upper tension and one for the lower tension. A balanced tension creates even tension throughout the entire stitch, so that the fabric sits nicely against the presser foot and produces a neat and even stitch. If the lower tension is too tight, the fabric layer may pucker or bunches of thread may become visible on the underside of the fabric. If the upper tension is too tight, the thread may show loops or tails on the top side of the fabric.
Creating an Adjustment Checklist
In order to get the most consistent and even stitching results, drafting a simple checklist to run through when making adjustments is a good idea. This checklist should walk through each step of the process, one at a time, to ensure that nothing is forgotten or overlooked. This can be especially useful if a user is not used to the make and model of the machine, or if the machine is being used for the first time.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
When adjusting a Brother sewing machine, many of the most common problems are simple to troubleshoot. For example, if the fabric keeps bunching up, more thread may need to be added to the needle and tension controls adjusted, or the presser foot pressure adjusted. If the machine is creating stitching that is too loose, the tension controls can be adjusted for a tighter stitch. If the threads break in the middle of a stitch, the needle may need to be changed or the upper thread tension may need to be adjusted.
Altering Stitch Length and Width
Stitches are created when the needle perforates the fabric in a specific pattern. To make tighter or thicker stitches, or to achieve a specific stitch style, the stitch length and width must be adjusted. On a Brother machine, the stitch length and width are both adjustable, and can be changed with the press of a button. As the fabric type and of stitching required change, so should the stitch length and width.
Increasing Maintenance and User Education
To make adjustments to a Brother sewing machine more efficiently and accurately, it is important for the user to understand how the machine works, and how the various components interact. Taking classes on sewing machine maintenance, and reading the user manual from cover to cover will increase the user’s understanding of the machine and how to use it. This will help them to adjust the machine more confidently, and to recognize minor and major problems as they arise.
Upgrading to a Computerized Machine
The most advanced Brother sewing machines can be computerized, allowing users to take full advantage of all of the features the machine offers. This includes setting custom stitch patterns, adjusting tension levels according to fabric type and adjusting speeds according to stitching patterns. Computerized machines also offer the benefit of being able to custom-program specific settings, so that the exact same stitches can be replicated immediately, without any tuning or adjustment.
Using Accessories
Brother sewing machines also come with a variety of accessories designed to enhance user experience and create better results. Specialty foots can be attached for more intricate stitching, extension tables can be attached for larger projects, and accessories such as bobbins, threaders, and tweezers can make threading the machine much easier. Learning to use the machine with proper accessories can increase stitching accuracy and create professional, polished results.
Preventative Care and Cleaning
Most of the time, adjusting a Brother sewing machine only requires a few minor tweaks and adjustments. To keep the machine functioning properly, however, it is essential that it be properly cared for. Periodic cleaning and oiling of the components will help keep the machine running as smoothly as possible, while removing dust and other residues. Regularly checking the tension settings, needle size, and thread type will also help to maintain the machine’s longevity and efficiency. If any problems arise, it is important to consult the user manual or repair manual before attempting any adjustments.
