Adjusting the Needle on a Brother Sewing Machine
One of the necessities for successful sewing machine use is getting those needles adjusted just right. Whether you have a Brother Sewing Machine, one from another manufacturer, or an affordable sewing machine from the local craft store, setting up the needles correctly is the first step in achieving a professional-quality end product.
For starters, the type of stitch will help determine the correct needle size and position. Straight or zigzag stitches require a different needle set-up than a machine set to do decorative stitches. The technique for adjusting the needle on a Brother Sewing Machine, however, is pretty much the same across devices. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of how to adjust the needle on a Brother Sewing Machine.
For best results, begin by checking the owner’s manual of your Brother Sewing Machine. This will include specific instructions for adjusting your device’s needles. It’s important to follow the advice given in the manual as every make and model can be slightly different. Once you’ve consulted the owner’s manual and determined the dimensions of the needle suitable for your project, you’ll be ready to adjust the needle.
Start by gripping the needle firmly in place with one hand, while rotating the needle clamp screw in an anti-clockwise direction with the other. This should be done until the needle can be gently pushed up and down, free from any tension. While gripping the needle firmly, adjust the height of the needle by turning the screw located on the front of the machine in a clockwise direction. Your sewing machine should now be set to the correct height.
Using a felt pad or ruler, check the distance between the needle and the presser foot to make sure it’s set correctly. The needle should be slightly above the presser foot when the presser foot is in its lowest position. If not, you can adjust the distance by turning the presser foot adjustment screw located on the side of the machine.
Remember to double-check the needle direction to ensure it clicks into the needle clamp correctly. When the point of the needle is facing to the back, the needle will continue to turn in an anti-clockwise direction and up and down as you sew. If you find that the needle is facing the wrong direction, you may have positioned it incorrectly in the clamp and will need to re-adjust the needle.
After making sure the needle is correctly positioned both in the needle clamp and versus the presser foot, re-tighten the needle clamp screw and thread the needle. Often times having a correctly threaded needle will make proper needle adjustment easier, as the needle could be causing resistance while threading it.
With these steps, you should have successfully adjusted the needle on your Brother Sewing Machine. Remember, in case of doubt, consult your owner’s manual to guide you through the process and always take care to follow specific instructions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
For many sewing machine users, adjusting the needle is a daunting and confusing task. If your needle is not behaving as expected, there are potential causes and remedies to consider. Prior to adjusting the needle height, your thread tension should be adjusted first. This is because if the thread tension is unevenly threaded, the needle will not go up and down as it should and will cause other problems.
Other possible problems could be caused by a dull needle or a bent needle. Replacing the needle often can be a beneficial in these cases. If the needle breaks while sewing, your sewing machine may need to be serviced by a professional. The bobbin could also be causing an issue, if this is the case, try to clean it with a soft cloth prior to re-threading the machine. Dust can build up around the bobbin area, causing the needle to jam.
Here are the basics for troubleshooting common needle issues:
- Check thread tension first
- Replace dull or bent needles
- Clean the bobbin area of dust
- Check needle direction
- Check for visible signs of thread bunching
- Ensure the thread is in the tension discs
- Inspect the feed dogs and make sure they are in excellent condition
- Check the needle is the correct size and type for the project and fabric
- Check presser foot is correctly positioned
Advantages of Needle Adjustment
Adjusting your Brother Sewing Machine’s needle can bring several advantages. Once you’re experienced at this process, it can save a lot of time, particularly with projects that require a lot of measuring. Additionally, adjusting the needle correctly on a Brother Sewing Machine can lead to a much smoother and neater stitch. It can also make the machine easier to use and trouble shoot some of the more common issues.
Needle adjustment is a critical part of sewing machine maintenance. Making sure the needle is correctly secured and adjusted can result in the longevity of your project and improve the finish. It’s also important not to forget to check the needle periodically; as needle wear can affect the stitching pattern and cause the needle to snag and break.
Basic Sewing Terms
Sewing machines come with a number of parts- each one playing a role in the process of needle adjustment on a Brother Sewing Machine. Here are some of the basic parts on a Brother Sewing Machine and their functions:
- Needle Clamp Screw – Secures the needle in place.
- Presser Foot – Holds the fabric tight and guides the needle.
- Presser Foot Adjustment Screw – Adjusts the distance between the needle and the presser foot.
- Bobbin Scratch Plate – Located underneath the presser foot, this helps to guide the fabric.
- Feed Dogs – The rows of metal teeth located beneath the needle plate, that help feed fabric evenly through your machine.
Conclusion
Adjusting the needle on your Brother Sewing Machine is the first step in achieving a professional-quality end product. After reading this guide, you should have a better understanding of the process and the troubleshooting steps should you encounter issues with your sewing machine. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and never forget to check your needle periodically.
