Tools Needed
Before taking on the challenge of putting together a Brother sewing machine, individuals should make sure that they have all the necessary tools on hand. At the very least, they will need a Phillips head screwdriver and the included instructions booklet that came with the purchase of their machine. All other included items should be neatly arranged and labeled before starting, as this will make the process much simpler. Once the person is certain that they have all the necessary tools to hand, it is important to find a suitable surface on which to work.
Attaching the Bed Pedal
Once the individual is ready to begin, the first step should be attaching the foot pedal to the machine. To do this, the person should put the screw ring on the end of the machine’s cord, ensuring that it is in the correct location. The pedal itself should then be placed in position at the front of the machine and be held carefully by hand until the screws are tightened with the supplied screwdriver. When the screws have been attached, the person should make sure there is no delay or bumping when the pedal is activated, if there is any delay they should check that the screws are tightened.
Organizing the Thread and Basic Threading
The next step is gathering the spool of thread and the bobbin that came with the machine. When threading the machine, individuals should make sure to keep fingers and clothing clear of the needle and treadle, as it can be dangerous. The spool of thread should be placed in the upper thread holder, while the bobbin is inserted into the bobbin case. Following the instructions booklet, individuals should thread the top of the machine and wind the bobbin ensuring that the thread is going in the correct direction.
Connecting the Power Cord
The power cord should then be connected to the back of the machine and the socket on the wall so that the power is flowing before testing the machine for smooth running. To test the machine, the player should select the reverse stitch and straight stitch and make sure the machine smoothly switches between the two. Depending on the buyer’s preferences, the bobbin winding speed can be adjusted using the knobs or buttons on the side of the machine.
Setting the Presser Foot
Once the machine is running smoothly, the person can move onto other settings, such as the presser foot. This component should be taken off the machine and inspection of it should take place so as to determine the specified setting that it needs to be in. In order to attach it onto the needle, the presser foot holder should be lowered and the component should be placed onto it securely.
Checking the Settings
Before taking on the task of stitching, the individual should be sure of their desired stitch length and width. While these will vary depending on the project and the desired end product, a default length of between 2 to 4 mm should be sufficient for most everyday sewing projects, and this can be adjusted using the lengths and widths marked on the surface of the machine.
Tension Adjustments
It is at this stage that the tension of the thread should be checked and adjusted. The tension of the thread should be even, with both the upper and lower thread equal in tension. If the tension of the thread is off, the bobbin case can be unscrewed and simple adjustments can be made to the tension wheel as indicated in the instructions booklet.
Testing the Results
Once all the components have been checked and adjusted, the person should test the result by taking a simple straight stitch or two. If the stitches are even, clean and have no loose ends, they have successfully set up their Brother sewing machine and can embark on their intended project.
Threading the Needles
After the machine is set up and ready to sew, the person should thread the needle. To do this, the thread should be swept under the thread guide raceway and passed through the needle. If the thread does not quite go through the hole in the needle, a sewing machine needle threader can be used to help. The thread should not be pulled too tight when threading the needle or machine, as this will cause the thread to break.
Installing Software and Adding Attachments
If the person has purchased a model with software installed, such as the Brother PE Design Plus Two Digital Sewing Machine, they will need to install the software on their computer and add attachments onto the machine for use. This will involve inserting the disc and following the on-screen instructions to download the software onto the computer. After the software has been installed, the person can then attach the additional items, such as the embroidery arm and hoop, using the supplied instructions.
Cleaning the Machine
Before using the machine, the person should make sure that it is as clean as possible. This should involve brushing off any lint or thread from the machine, wiping the bed of the machine with a damp cloth and using a brush attachment along with a vacuum cleaner to brush around the tight areas of the machine that cannot be reached with a cloth.
Maintaining the Machine
In order to ensure that the machine runs smoothly and to extend its lifespan, it is important that individuals regularly maintain their Brother sewing machine. This includes oiling the parts periodically, replacing worn out parts and checking that the screws are securely fastened. Cleaning and oiling should take place after every sewing project and individuals should make sure there are no loose or worn out parts on the machine.
Storing the Machine
After each use, the person should check that the machine is securely stored in a dry and cool place. Additionally, individuals should make sure that the machine is securely covered with a piece of fabric or a lid to protect it from dust and other external elements. This will ensure that the machine does not accumulate dust and so that it operates properly when the person wishes to use it again.
