How to Lower Presser Foot on Brother Sewing Machine
Being able to change the presser foot on a Brother brand sewing machine is key to being able to use the wide variety of decorative stitches and other options available. Lowering the presser foot on a Brother machine is a simple process that only requires a few steps, even for beginning sewists. With a few quick steps, anyone can quickly and easily adjust the presser foot on their Brother sewing machine.
To start, you’ll need to locate the presser foot lever. This is a large metal lever located on the right side of the machine. Once you’ve found it, make sure the power is turned off and the machine is unplugged. This is an important safety precaution since the machine will be moving when the presser foot is adjusted.
Next, the bobbin case must be removed. You can do this by releasing the small tab found on the side of the machine, usually located near or behind the presser foot lever. Once the tab is released, you can carefully remove the bobbin case. It’s attached to the presser foot and as you remove it, the presser foot will move down. Make sure to dislodge the bobbin case completely to ensure the presser foot is properly adjusted.
To complete the process, the bobbin case must be reattached. Take the bobbin case and line up the small hook on the case with the small hook on the presser foot. Once they line up, you can carefully push the bobbin case back into place and make sure it is secure. Then, when reinstalling the bobbin case, make sure the presser foot lever is also in the down position. This ensures the presser foot will be properly adjusted when the bobbin case is reinstalled.
After these steps are complete, the presser foot should be lowered and you should be ready to start sewing. But, before you begin, take a few minutes to make sure the presser foot is properly adjusted. Make sure the presser foot is level with the fabric and that there is no resistance when you press the lever. If there is, you may need to recalibrate the presser foot or try adjusting the presser foot in a different direction. Once you’ve confirmed the presser foot is properly adjusted, you are ready to begin.
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes, the presser foot lever may slip when it’s being lowered or hold. This can cause the fabric to move, creating wrinkles or uneven stitches. To fix this, you may need to adjust the lever or adjust the tension of the presser foot. To adjust the tension, locate the small screw on the side of the machine and, using a screwdriver, carefully adjust the tension until the lever holds firmly in place.
Additionally, if you’re using a Brother machine with a special feature, such as a presser foot collar, you may need to make sure this feature is set properly. To do this, locate the small knob on the side of the presser foot and use the screwdriver to carefully adjust the collar until it locks into place. This will ensure the fabric stays in place when the presser foot is lowered.
Finally, if you’re having problems with the presser foot slipping or not lowering evenly, make sure the presser foot is properly weighted. This means that the presser foot should not be too heavily weighted down, as this can cause the fabric to move. You can adjust the weight of the presser foot by adjusting the small knob located on the side of the machine, using a screwdriver.
Tips for Sewists
When changing the presser foot on a Brother machine, it is important to always keep safety in mind. Make sure the power is off and the machine is unplugged before making any adjustments to the presser foot. Additionally, take special care when removing the bobbin case, as it may be heavy and awkward. Make sure the bobbin case is removed from the presser foot completely and the presser foot is reinstalled correctly before you begin sewing.
It’s also important to periodically check the presser foot lever and adjust it as necessary. This can help extend the life of the machine and ensure the presser foot is properly lowered and adjusted. Additionally, pay attention to the fabric as you are sewing and make sure the presser foot lever is properly adjusted. This will help to ensure the fabric doesn’t move when the presser foot is lowered.
Finally, make sure to consult the instruction manual before beginning the presser foot adjustment process. This will ensure you are following the correct steps and will help ensure your machine is properly adjusted and that you are using the correct presser foot for the project.
Choosing the Right Presser Foot
Once your presser foot is properly adjusted, you’ll need to choose the right presser foot for your project. Brother machines come with a variety of presser feet to choose from. Most machines come with a standard presser foot, but they can also come with a straight stitch foot, a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot, a blind hem foot, a cording foot, and more.
When deciding which presser foot to use, it’s important to consider the type of fabric you’ll be working with, the stitch you plan to use, and the desired end result. For example, the zipper foot is designed for stitching zippers in place, while the buttonhole foot can be used for making buttonholes in fabric. Choosing the right presser foot for your project will help ensure you get the desired results.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure the presser foot is cleaned and lubricated regularly. This can help to extend the life of the presser foot and ensure it is properly adjusted. Depending on the machine, you may need to use a special cleaner or lubricant recommended by the manufacturer. Consult your instruction manual for more information.
Using Different Feet Attachments
In addition to the standard presser foot, many Brother sewing machines come with a variety of differently shaped feet attachments. This includes a narrow hem foot, a cording foot, a gathering foot, and a free motion foot. These feet attachments can help to increase the versatility of the machine, allowing you to create a variety of decorative stitches.
To use these different feet attachments, the presser foot must first be adjusted. You can do this by adjusting the presser foot lever and making sure the bobbin case is properly secured. Once you’ve done this, you can carefully attach the desired foot attachment. Make sure to follow the instructions from the instruction manual when attaching the foot.
Additionally, some Brother machines come with a special sliding base that makes attaching and removing foot attachments even easier. This sliding base allows you to quickly and easily remove and attach different foot attachments. This feature can save you time and make it easier to swap out different feet attachments when working on different projects.
Care and Maintenance
In addition to regularly checking the presser foot lever and adjusting the presser foot, it is important to maintain your machine on a regular basis. This includes regularly cleaning and lubricating the machine as well as storing it in a cool, dry place when not in use. Additionally, more advanced sewists may want to consider investing in a professional cleaning and lubricating service.
Additionally, if you’re using a Brother sewing machine with an electronic display, take care to protect the display from scratches or damage. Make sure to use a soft, lint-free cloth when cleaning the display and avoid using any harsh or abrasive cleaning products. This will help ensure your display stays clean and in good condition.
Finally, consult your instruction manual before making any adjustments or repairs to the machine. This will ensure you are following the correct steps and using the correct parts and accessories. The instruction manual can also provide helpful troubleshooting tips for common problems.
Conclusion
Adjusting the presser foot on a Brother sewing machine is a simple process that, once mastered, will allow you to use a wide range of decorative stitches and foot attachments. Making sure the presser foot lever is properly adjusted and choosing the right presser foot for the project can help you achieve the desired results. Additionally, regular care and maintenance of your machine is essential for keeping your machine running smoothly and prolonging its life.
