Brother 180D user guide

brother®

Sweet Home

Personal Embroidery System

Sistema de Bordado Personal

“IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” When using a embroidery machine, basic safety precautions should always be taken, including the following:

“Read all instructions before using.”

DANGER — To reduce the risk of electric shock.

1. The embroidery machine should never be left unattended while plugged in. Always unplug the embroidery machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
2. Always unplug before changing the light bulb. Replace bulb with same type rated 2.4 watts.

WARNING — To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

1. Do not allow this embroidery machine to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the embroidery machine is used by or near children.
2. Use this embroidery machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
3. Never operate this embroidery machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the embroidery machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
4. Never operate the embroidery machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the embroidery machine and foot control free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
5. Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
6. Do not use outdoors.
7. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
8. To disconnect, turn the main switch to the symbol “O” position which represents off, then remove plug from outlet.
9. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
10. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the embroidery machine needle.
11. Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
12. Do not use bent needles.
13. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.
14. Switch the embroidery machine to the symbol “O” position when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, and the like.
15. Always unplug the embroidery machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.

“SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS” “This embroidery machine is intended for household use.”

FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA

AND CYPRUS ONLY.

If your embroidery machine is fitted with a 3 pin non rewireable BS plug then please read the following.

IMPORTANT

If the available socket outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, it should be cut off and an appropriate three pin plug fitted. With alternative plugs an approved fuse must be fitted in the plug.

NOTE The plug severed from the main lead must be destroyed as a plug with bare flexible cord is hazardous if engaged in a live socket outlet. In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362, i.e. carrying the [ASTA logo] mark, rating as marked on plug.

Always replace the fuse cover, never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted.

WARNING DO NOT CONNECT EITHER WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL WHICH IS MARKED WITH THE LETTER ‘E’, BY THE EARTH SYMBOL ⏚ OR COLOURED GREEN OR YELLOW.

The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

Blue Neutral

Brown Live

As the colours of the wiring in the main lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows.

The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘N’ or coloured black or blue.

The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘L’ or coloured red or brown.

IMPORTANT (In the United Kingdom) Mains Supply (AC 230/240V ~ , 50 Hz only)

DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safely approved extension lead or consult your dealer.

BE SURE to replace the fuse only with an identical approved type, as originally fitted, and to replace the fuse cover.

If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off ensure to remove the fuse and dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid a possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply.

CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSING OUR COMPUTER EMBROIDERY MACHINE

Your machine is an advanced computerized home embroidery machine. To fully enjoy all of its features, we suggest that you study this booklet.

PLEASE READ BEFORE USING YOUR EMBROIDERY MACHINE

For safe operation

1. Be sure to keep your eye on the needle while sewing. Do not touch the balance wheel, thread take-up, needle, or other moving parts.
2. Remember to turn off the power switch and unplug the cord when:
   • Operation is complete
   • Replacing or removing the needle or any other parts
   • A power failure occurs during use
   • Maintaining the machine
   • Leaving the machine unattended.
3. Plug the machine directly into the wall. Do not use extension cords.
4. Always be sure to turn off the main power switch when inserting and removing the embroidery card. Do not touch the embroidery card inserted in the card slot while your machine turns on.

For a longer service life

1. When storing your embroidery machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not store your embroidery machine beside a space heater, iron, or other hot objects.
2. Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the case. Benzene, thinner, and scouring powders can damage the case and machine, and should never be used.
3. Do not drop or hit the machine.
4. Always consult the operation manual or use the “BASIC OPERATION” key when replacing or installing any assemblies; needle, or other parts to assure correct installation.

For repair or adjustment In the event a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, first follow the troubleshooting table in the back of the operation manual to inspect and adjust the machine yourself. If the problem persists, please consult your nearest authorized service center.

• Please note that specifications and external appearance are subject to change for improvement without notice.

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CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

• MACHINE KNOWLEDGE ........ 3 PRINCIPAL PARTS AND
• THEIR DESCRIPTION ........ 3 MAIN POWER SWITCH AND
• CONNECTORS ........ 4
• SELECTION KEYS ........ 5
• "START/STOP" BUTTON ........ 5
• ACCESSORIES ........ 6
• OPTIONS ........ 7
• OPERATION (SELECTION KEYS) ........ 8 HOW TO USE THE LANGUAGE
• SELECTION KEY ........ 11 How to clear the
• language selection ........ 12 BOBBIN WINDING AND
• INSTALLATION ........ 13
• Setting the bobbin ........ 15
• UPPER THREADING ........ 16
• Auto needle threading device ........ 17 PREPARATION BEFORE
• EMBROIDERING ........ 18
• Attaching stabilizer material ........ 18 Embroidering different
• types of fabric ........ 18 Setting the fabric in the
• embroidery frame ........ 20 Fitting the embroidery frame
• to the machine ........ 22
• Removing the embroidery frame ........ 22
• THREAD TENSION ADJUSTMENT ........ 23 ADJUSTING THE LCD
• SCREEN CONTRAST ........ 24 If the LCD is hard to see when the power
• is turned on ........ 24
• CHANGING THE NEEDLE ........ 25

CHAPTER 2

• EMBROIDERING ........ 26
• EMBROIDERY ........ 26
• Start embroidering ........ 28
• Embroidering advice ........ 29
• HOW TO SELECT PATTERNS ........ 30 Selecting built-in embroidery
• patterns ........ 30
• Selecting alphabetic characters ........ 31
• Uppercase & lowercase ........ 32 Changing the character size to one
• of three different sizes ........ 33
• Correcting characters ........ 33
• Checking the characters input ........ 34 Changing the color of single
• characters ........ 34
• Selecting frame patterns ........ 35
• Selecting one-point patterns ........ 37 Displaying the embroidery time
• for one-point patterns ........ 39 Displaying the color names for
• one-point patterns ........ 39 Selecting patterns from a memory
• card ........ 40
• MEMORY ........ 41 Saving a pattern combination
• in memory ........ 41 Retrieving a pattern which has
• been saved ........ 42 CHANGING THE SETTINGS FOR THE
• SELECTED PATTERN ........ 43
• Moving the position (LAYOUT) ........ 43 Changing the embroidery position ... 44
• Checking the embroidery area ........ 44 Embroidering from a specific starting
• point ........ 45
• Changing the pattern direction ........ 45
• Mirror imaging patterns ........ 46 Changing the size of characters and
• frame patterns ........ 47 Changing thread density of the stitch on characters and some frame patterns ... 47 SEWING A BASIC EMBROIDERY
• PATTERN ........ 48
• Embroidering multi-color patterns ........ 48 Embroidering single color patterns .. 48 Embroidering a single color pattern when "MULTI COLOR" is displayed... 49 Embroidering characters that
• extend beyond one frame ........ 50
• EMBROIDERY APPLICATIONS ........ 51 Combining a frame pattern
• with a design ........ 51 Embroidering appliqués
• (using a frame pattern) ........ 52 Embroidering onto small
• pieces of fabric or onto corners ........ 53 IF THREAD BREAKS DURING EMBROIDERING OR WHEN PARTLY
• COMPLETING A PATTERN ........ 54 If thread breaks during
• embroidering ........ 55 Re-embroidering from
• the beginning ........ 56
• MAINTENANCE ........ 57
• CHANGING THE LIGHT BULB ........ 57
• CLEANING ........ 58
• ERROR MESSAGE ........ 59
• TROUBLESHOOTING ........ 62
• PATTERNS ........ 65 EMBROIDERING USING A
• SMALL FRAME (OPTIONAL) ........ 67 EMBROIDERING USING A EXTRA-SMALL FRAME
• (OPTIONAL) ........ 68 EMBROIDERING USING A
• LARGE FRAME (OPTIONAL) ........ 69 Linking two or more embroidered patterns (using the 90°
• rotation feature) ........ 70

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MACHINE KNOWLEDGE

CHAPTER 1

PRINCIPAL PARTS AND THEIR DESCRIPTION

1–Handle 2–Spool cap 3–Bobbin winding guide 4–Upper thread tension dial 5–Face plate 6–Presser foot lever 7–Needle threader 8–Presser foot 9–Bobbin cover 10–Needle plate 11–Bobbin winding device 12–Spool felt 13–Balance wheel 14–LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 15–Hole for extra spool pin 16–Carriage (Embroidery arm)

A–MAIN POWER SWITCH AND CONNECTORS B–SELECTION KEYS C–“START/STOP” BUTTON

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MAIN POWER SWITCH AND CONNECTORS

❶ Power switch ① ON OFF ❷ Memory card slot

CAUTION – When leaving the embroidery machine unattended, the main switch of the machine must be switched off and the plug removed from the socket-outlet. – When servicing the sewing machine, or when removing covers or changing lamps, the machine must have the plug removed from the socket-outlet. – For U.S.A. only This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.

SELECTION KEYS

❶ “CHARACTERS & DESIGNS” KEY Use this key for embroidering characters and patterns. ❷ “CARD” KEY Use this key to select a memory card for embroidery patterns. ❸ “MEMORY” KEY Use this key for saving or retrieving pattern combinations in the machine. ❹ “BASIC OPERATION” KEY Use this key for more information on how to use this embroidery machine. ❺ “MODIFY & ADVISE” KEY Use this key when you have problems with embroidering. This is a useful key to remember.

“START/STOP” BUTTON

Press this button to start the machine, and then press it once more to stop the machine.

• The machine will operate at low speed while the button is being pressed and then speed up when the button is released.
• When the machine stops, the needle will stop at its highest position.
• If “Raise the needle.” appears on the display, press the “START/STOP” button to stop the needle at its highest position.

❶ “START/STOP” BUTTON

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ACCESSORIES

• When placing the machine cover on the machine while the embroidery frame is still attached, touch “CHARACTERS & DESIGNS” or “CARD” to return the embroidery arm to it’s storage position. An alternate method to return the embroidery arm to it’s storage position would be to turn the machine off and then turn it on again, allow the arm to re-set itself and then turn off the machine.
  A cover might not be provided in some countries.

** An extra spool pin should be used for decorative thread such as metallic thread.

*** If using special threads which wind quickly off the thread spool, attach a net to the spool before using.

**** In some countries, the No. 14 machine cover is supplied as an accessory in place of the No. 11 machine cover (soft type).

***** Distributed in sets of 10 when ordered separately.
(Parts Code)
USA and Canada: XA3811-051
Other countries: XA3812-051

OPTIONS

WARNING
Embroidery Cards purchased in foreign countries may not work with your machine.

OPERATION (SELECTION KEYS)

Most of the instructions are in the machine’s memory. Messages on the LCD screen guide you through each operation.

❶ “BASIC OPERATION” key

1. Press “BASIC OPERATION”.
2. Touch “NEXT”.
3. Touch “SWITCH FUNCTION”.
4. Touch “SELECTION KEY”.

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Using the selection keys

A. Selection keys

Select one of the five keys that explain the functions of the machine, and press that key. When you press the key, the LCD at the left will change to display the information that you requested.

1 “CHARACTERS & DESIGNS” KEY 2 “CARD” KEY 3 “MEMORY” KEY 4 “BASIC OPERATION” KEY 5 “MODIFY & ADVISE” KEY

Operation using the screen

B. LCD screen

A pattern or operation can be selected by gently touching the box on the screen which corresponds to the pattern or operation that you wish to select.

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CONTENTS

MACHINE KNOWLEDGE EMBROIDERING MAINTENANCE ERROR MESSAGE TROUBLESHOOTING PATTERNS EMBROIDERING USING A SMALL FRAME (OPTIONAL) EMBROIDERING USING A EXTRA-SMALL FRAME (OPTIONAL) EMBROIDERING USING A LARGE FRAME (OPTIONAL)

Example: To find out how to wind a bobbin

1. Press “BASIC OPERATION”.
2. Touch “WINDING BOBBIN”.

The operation procedure for winding a bobbin will be displayed.

❶ “BASIC OPERATION” key

Example: To find out the combination of fabric, needle and thread

1. Press “MODIFY & ADVISE”.
2. Touch “FABRIC AND THREAD AND NEEDLE”.

❷ “MODIFY & ADVISE” key

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HOW TO USE THE LANGUAGE SELECTION KEY

You can use the “LANGUAGE SELECTION” key to easily change the display language for all the keys and messages on the LCD screen to the language you need.

1. Press “BASIC OPERATION”.
2. Touch “LANGUAGE SELECTION”.
3. The language display screen will then appear. Touch the key which corresponds to the desired language.

• You can move to the next screen by touching “NEXT”.

❶ “BASIC OPERATION” key

Example: To change the display language to Spanish

1. Touch “LANGUAGE SELECTION”.
2. Touch “NEXT”.
3. Touch “ESPAÑOL (SPANISH)”. This will change the language setting to Spanish.
4. The display will then return to the screen which was previously being displayed.

NOTE

• When the “LANGUAGE SELECTION” is used to set the display language, error messages will also be displayed in the language selected.
• The display language can be selected from a list of 13 languages (English, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, Portuguese, Turkish and Chinese).

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How to clear the language selection

Example: To change the display language from Spanish back to English

1. Press “BASIC OPERATION”.
2. Touch “SELECCION DE LENGUAJE”.
3. Touch “ENGLISH”. This will cancel the Spanish language setting and return all screen displays and error messages to the English language.

❶ “BASIC OPERATION” key

CAUTION

• This function can not be used as a translation function.
• If the power supply is turned off, the current language setting will be retained and will not be cleared.

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BOBBIN WINDING AND INSTALLATION

How to wind a bobbin and set the lower thread.

❶ “BASIC OPERATION” key

1. Connect the machine to the power supply and turn on the main power. ❶ ON ❷ OFF

2. Set the thread spool. The thread end should come from the bottom front of the spool. The spool cap closest to the thread spool size should be used to hold the spool securely on the spool post.
   • The spool cap should be pushed on as far as it will go. ❶ Spool cap ❷ Spool ❸ Spool felt

NOTE

• If using a fine thread such as cross wound thread, remove the spool felt and slightly separate the spool cap from the thread on the spool before using. ❶ Cross wound thread ❷ Spool cap (small) ❸ Separate slightly ❹ No spool felt

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3. Guide the thread through the machine and the bobbin winding guide as marked with the dotted line.

4. Guide the thread through the small hole in the side of the bobbin from the inside. Holding the thread end, push the bobbin winder shaft to right.

• Match the groove of the bobbin with the spring on the shaft.

❶ Spring on the shaft ❷ Groove in the bobbin

5. Holding the thread end, press the “START/STOP” button. Wind the thread a few times around the bobbin and press the “START/STOP” button again. Trim the excess thread from the top of the bobbin after the machine stops.

• It is important to trim the thread close to the spoolend.

6. Press the “START/STOP” button. The machine will stop automatically when the bobbin is full. Press the “START/STOP” button to stop at any time or when the bobbin has stopped moving and the motor is still running.

❶ “START/STOP” button

7. Push the bobbin shaft to the left. Remove the bobbin and continue sewing.

8. Set the bobbin into the shuttle as shown on page 15.

It’s a good idea to have several full bobbins on hand before start your project.

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Setting the bobbin

The bobbin cover is located in front of the needle plate.

1. Slide open the bobbin cover by pushing the bobbin release button to the right.

❶ Bobbin cover ❷ Bobbin cover release button.

2. Insert the bobbin into the shuttle following the thread direction as noted in the etching under the bobbin cover.

• (Use a plastic bobbin as shown on page 6)

3. Guide the thread end around the finger through the channel toward the back, pulling the thread toward you which will cut off any excess.

4. Close the bobbin cover by placing the left end in place and pressing down lightly on the right end to snap in place.

• There is no need to pull up the lower (bobbin) thread, it is done automatically. Embroidery can begin without pulling out the lower thread.

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UPPER THREADING

Thread according to the number and arrow marks on the machine.

❶ “BASIC OPERATION” key

1. Raise the presser foot lever (If the presser foot is not raised, the upper thread cannot be threaded.)
2. Turn the balance wheel to raise the needle to its highest position.
3. Guide the thread as illustrated with the solid line on the machine following the number sequence.
4. Lower the presser foot.
5. Thread the needle using the auto needle threading device (See page 17) or manually.

• Be sure the spool felt is behind the spool. (shown above *) ** You do not need to pull the lower thread up before you start embroidering.

CAUTION Always be sure to raise the presser foot before removing the upper thread to prevent damage to the thread tension system.

USING THE EXTRA SPOOL PIN AND NET

Extra spool pin

Use when embroidering with metallic thread.

1. Insert the extra spool pin into the hole on the top of the machine.
2. Install the spool felt and the thread spool in that order, and then thread the upper thread.

• Do not thread the thread onto bracket (A).
• When sewing using the metallic thread, set thread tension control dial (B) to the “0” position.
• When setting the thread spool, set it so that the thread winds off from the front of the spool.
• If using metallic thread, we recommend that you use a 90/14 home sewing machine needle.

❶ Insert the extra spool pin into the hole on the top of the machine ❷ Spool felt ❸ Thread spool

NOTE This method keeps the thread from twisting as it comes off the spool pin.

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CONTENTS

MACHINE KNOWLEDGE

EMBROIDERING

MAINTENANCE

ERROR MESSAGE

TROUBLESHOOTING

PATTERNS

EMBROIDERING USING A SMALL FRAME (OPTIONAL)

EMBROIDERING USING A EXTRA-SMALL FRAME (OPTIONAL)

EMBROIDERING USING A LARGE FRAME (OPTIONAL)

Net If using special threads which wind quickly off the thread spool, attach a net to the spool before using.

• Cut the net to match the size of the spool.

1 Net 2 Thread spool 3 Spool pin 4 Spool cap

Auto needle threading device

1. Guide the thread through the wire loop thread guide (number “6”) and gently pull the thread towards you.
2. Lower the presser foot.
3. Lower the needle threader lever until it stops. Hook the thread into the guide and pull it across to the right.

1 Wire loop thread guide 2 Needle threader lever 3 Guide

• The needle threading device cannot be used while the needle is lowered.

4. Push the needle threader lever toward the back. Check to be sure that the hook has passed through the eye of the needle and route the thread under the metal guides and the hook.

• Pull the thread toward you and check that it is being held by the thread hook.

1 Hook 2 Metal guides 3 Thread correctly under the metal guides and the hook.

5. While gently holding the thread, pull the needle threader lever forward.

6. Release the thread from the needle threader lever.

7. Pull the upper thread through the needle eye toward the rear of the machine.

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PREPARATION BEFORE EMBROIDERING

Be sure to turn off the power before carrying out the following.

❶ “BASIC OPERATION” key

Attaching stabilizer material

Attach a stabilizer material to the reverse side of the area of fabric to be embroidered. It is not necessary to attach a stabilizer material to fabric which is already sufficiently stiff. For thin, knit and stretch fabric which may move in the frame, attach the fabric to a non-woven stabilizer material before embroidering. The stabilizer material should be framed along with the fabric for the best results. There are many types of non-woven stabilizers available on the market. The goal of the stabilizer is to prevent stretch or movement of the fabric. Best results for stretch, knit or light weight fabrics will be obtained by using a light weight non-woven iron-on stabilizer.

❶ Embroidery frame ❷ Fabric ❸ Non-woven stabilizer material

Embroidering different types of fabric

From normal fabrics to thick fabrics

It’s a good idea to place a piece of stabilizer fabric under (not within) the frame holding the fabric being embroidered.

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Thin fabrics such as organza or cotton batiste.

After selecting your fabric, place a piece of stabilizer fabric within the frame beneath the fabric being embroidered. We also recommend using a spray-on stabilizer first, allow it to dry or iron to dry then use a non-woven stabilizer with it in the frame.

Stretchable fabrics such as jerseys

Adhere a piece of iron-on stabilizer material which is slightly larger than the frame onto the fabric to be embroidered, and then stretch it over the frame area.

• SA517 (X80914-001)

A stabilizer material that can be torn away without affecting the embroidering is ideal.

Use the smallest frame possible that can still accommodate the pattern being embroidered, as this will give better results.

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Setting the fabric in the embroidery frame

1. Make a mark on the fabric with chalk or marking pencil indicating the center of the area to be embroidered.

2. Loosen the adjusting screw of the outer frame, place the fabric on top of the outer frame with the right side of the fabric up, and then place the inner frame into the outer frame to clamp the fabric.

• Make sure that the ▼ marks of the outer and inner frames are aligned.

1. Fabric

2. Right side surface for embroidering

3. Adjusting screw

4. Inner frame

5. Outer frame

6. Loosen

7. Firmly tighten the adjusting screw, and then temporarily remove the fabric and the inner frame from the outer frame.

8. Tighten

4. Place the embroidery sheet on top of the inner frame so that the center crosshairs on the embroidery sheet and the mark on the fabric are aligned.

5. Inner frame

6. Vertical + horizontal crosshair lines

1. Area available for embroidering
2. Vertical + horizontal crosshair lines
3. Center of the crosshairs and the pattern

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5. Insert the fabric and inner frame back into the outer frame while ensuring that the mark on the fabric does not slip out of position.

Correct setting

• Clamp securely so that the edges of the outer frame and inner frame are even.

1 Outer frame 2 Inner frame 3 Fabric

6. Check to be sure that the center of the design is in the correct location based on the crosshairs of the embroidery sheet. Remove the embroidery sheet using the finger hole to pull up.

1 Finger hole for lifting

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Fitting the embroidery frame to the machine

1. Raise the presser foot to its highest position. Then pass the embroidery frame under the presser foot with the mounting pins on the right side and the fabric right side up.

❶ Frame holder ❷ Pins

2. Align the two pins on the embroidery frame with the frame holder, and then insert the frame into the frame holder until a click is heard.

• Be sure to insert both pins. If only the forward or the back pin is inserted, the pattern may not turn out correctly.

❶ Frame holder ❷ Pins

Removing the embroidery frame

Push the release lever to the right and remove the embroidery frame by pulling up.

❶ Release lever

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