Threading the Bobbin
Threading the bobbin is an important step when selecting a stitch on a Brother sewing machine. Begin by unwinding the thread off the spool, and feed it through the small slit located at the top of the machine. Holding onto the end of the thread, pull it through the slit until it feeds through the first thread guide. Lane Dunn, a spokesperson for Brother Sewing Machines, recommends “pulling the thread very gently and steadily so you don’t create any kinks or snags in the thread.” Once the thread is through the first thread guide, move it towards the bobbin winder at the very top of the machine.
Unlock the small circle in the middle of the bobbin winder, and place the end of the thread into the little slit. Give it a few wraps around the bobbin winder, ensuring it is wrapped several times so the tension on the thread is good. It is important to keep the thread wrapped tightly around the bobbin, to avoid any slips or tangles when sewing.
After the tension is established, hold onto the end of the thread and press down the bobbin axle. This will lock the bobbin in place and automatically start winding the thread. It is important to continue to hold the end of the thread as the bobbin winds up to prevent it from unraveling and causing any knots. Once the thread has fully wound up the bobbin, press the bobbin axle up again in order to unlock it. Then, clip the thread close to the bobbin and set it aside for later.
Loading the Bobbin
Next, you’ll need to load the bobbin. Place the previously pre-threaded bobbin into the machine and slide it underneath the thread guide which is shaped like a U-turn. Then align the position of the bobbin with the metal grove at the top of the sewing machine.
As you hold down the bobbin, press down lightly on the foot pedal until the needle automatically descends into the bobbin holder. This will ensure the tension of the needle and the bobbin are in sync. Continue to push down on the foot pedal until a small portion of the thread comes out of the upper left-hand side. At this point, the bobbin has been successfully pushed into place.
Selecting the Stitch
Now you are ready to select the stitch. On the side of the machine, there is a dial; select any stitch along this dial that corresponds to the type of stitch you want to make. Different stitches are used for different purposes; for example, a zigzag stitch is best for making a button hole.
Once you have selected the stitch, press down on the foot pedal again. This will cause the machine to jump back and forth while sewing. Aim to keep the speed consistent while the stitch-pattern is being sewed into the fabric.
Tension Adjustment
Having the right tension is important when it comes to making sure the stitch is made properly. To adjust the tension of the stitch, dial the tension with the numbered knob located right next to the thread guide. Be sure to keep the needle tension and bobbin tension in balance, as this will ensure that the machine is functioning properly.
When it comes to tension, it is important to understand the type of fabric you are working with – whether it’s a thin or a thick fabric. This will help determine which number you should dial the tension to. In general, thinner fabrics require a lower number, while thicker fabrics require a higher number.
Changing Needles
Sometimes, it is necessary to change the needle on the sewing machine. The needle is the most important part of the machine, as it is responsible for transforming the thread into an intricate design. For example, embroidery needles are used for making decorative stitches, while a walking foot needle should be used when quilting.
To change the needle, press the needle clamp down to release the existing needle. Gently remove the needle, and insert the new needle into the clamp, being sure to he secure the needle by tightening the clamp. It is essential to make sure the flat side of the needle is always facing towards the back of the machine.
Test Sew
It is important to test sew before you start a major project. To do this, feed a small section of fabric through the machine and sew a few stitches. Pay attention to the density of the stitch; if the stitch is too dense and it’s not coming out properly, adjust the tension and select a lower number. Conversely, if the stitch is too loose and is not forming properly, adjust the tension and select a higher number.
It may seem that it takes a lot of steps to properly select a stitch on a Brother machine, however, if done correctly it can open the door to unique and creative projects. It is important to take the time to carefully thread the bobbin and make sure the tension of the needle and the bobbin are in balance.
Cleaning the Hook Race
Cleaning the hook race is essential in order to make sure the machine runs smoothly. The hook race is the area where the bobbin case and the needle plate meet. If this area has dirt, dust and deep particles, it can cause the thread to knot or jam.
To clean the hook race, take a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush and gently brush off any dirt or debris. You can also use a compressed air can to make sure any hard-to-reach areas are clean. Once the hook race is clean, oil it lightly with machine oil – make sure you don’t over-oil it, as this can cause the machine to get dirty faster.
Rewinding Thread
In order to ensure the thread is set up properly, it is important to rewind it so the machine can function properly. Begin by placing the end of the thread tightly into the rewinders, starting at the smallest hole. Slowly press down on the footpedal and guide the thread until it is out of the Bobbin holders.
Then, rotate the winding wheel until the thread winds through the machine and back onto the spool. While it is winding, hold onto the end of the thread and press down on the foot pedal in order to keep tension. Once the thread is completely rewound, pull the thread tight and release the foot pedal.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting a Brother machine can be a bit tricky. If the machine is not functioning properly, it is important to check the tension setting, needle alignment and the type of thread being used.
If the stitch is not forming properly, it could indicate that the tension settings are off or the needle alignment is wrong. To solve this issue, you should adjust the thread tension setting by using the numbered knob next to the thread guide. Additionally, make sure the needle is in the correct position; if it is too far inward or outward, it can lead to the thread being bunched or forming loops.
On the other hand, if the tension is fine and the needle is in the correct alignment, it might be a problem with the type of thread. Use a higher quality thread and make sure it has the correct weight for the fabric.
Preventing Bobbin Jamming
Bobbin jamming can be a common issue when working with a Brother sewing machine. When a bobbin is jammed, it may cause the machine to stall and stop functioning. To prevent the bobbin from jamming, you should regularly inspect and clean the machine.
Also, make sure the upper thread is pulled taut and there is no slack before you set the presser foot down. If the thread is too loose, it can cause the bobbin thread to tangles and twist within the machine. It is also important to ensure the tension of the needle and bobbin are in balance, as an imbalance can lead to unwanted jamming.
Thread Trimming
After you have completed the project, thread trimming is the last step. Firstly, unplug the power cord from the machine. To trim the thread from the fabric, use the scissors to snip the thread at the start and end of the stitches. It is also important to be very gentle with the fabric and make sure not to tug or pull at it.
Finally, press the reverse stitch button and release the presser foot. This will reverse sew a few stitches in order to secure the thread, preventing it from unraveling. After connecting the machine back to the power source, you can enjoy the beautiful stitch-pattern your Brother sewing machine created.
