Brother 4000D owner's manual: Adjustments during the embroidery process

ADJUSTMENTS DURING THE EMBROIDERY PROCESS

Restarting from the Beginning

1 Press [icon: -/+].

2 Press [icon: 0].

→ The embroidery frame moves, returning the needle to the pattern’s beginning position.

3 Press the “Presser Foot Lifter” button to lower the presser foot and start sewing.

Resuming Embroidery After Turning Off the Power

The current color and stitch number are saved when embroidery is stopped. The next time that the machine is turned on, you can choose whether or not to continue the stopped sewing operation.

Memo Even if the power goes out in the middle of embroidery, the machine returns to the point where embroidery was stopped when the machine is turned on again.

① Current stitch number when embroidery was stopped

Note

• Do not remove the embroidery unit or the memory will no longer remember your design.

1 Turn the main power to ON.

2 Follow the instructions shown on the screen and remove the embroidery frame.

→ The following message will appear.

ADJUSTMENTS DURING THE EMBROIDERY PROCESS

3 Press OK .

→ The previous sewing screen displayed before the machine was turned off appears.

Memo If you want to start a new operation, press CANCEL so the pattern selection screen appears.

4 Continue embroidering.

① Stitch number when embroidery is resumed

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MAKING EMBROIDERY ADJUSTMENTS

MAKING EMBROIDERY ADJUSTMENTS

Adjusting Thread Tension

When embroidering, the thread tension should be set so that the upper thread can slightly be seen on the wrong side of the fabric.

■ Correct Thread Tension

The pattern can be seen from the wrong side of the fabric. If the thread tension is not set correctly, the pattern will not finish well. The fabric may pucker or the thread may break.

(Right side) (Wrong side)

Follow the operations described below to adjust thread tension according to the situation.

Note

• If the thread tension setting is made extremely weak, the machine may stop during sewing. This is not the sign of a malfunction. Increase the thread tension slightly, and begin sewing again.

Memo

• If you turn the main power to OFF or select a different pattern, the thread tension will reset to the automatic setting.
• When you retrieve a saved pattern, the thread tension setting will be the same as when the pattern was saved.

■ Upper Thread is Too Tight

The tension of the upper thread is too tight, resulting in the bobbin thread being visible from the right side of the fabric.

(Right side) (Wrong side)

1 Press [icon].

2 Press [minus icon] to weaken the upper thread tension. (The tension number will decrease.)

3 Press CLOSE .

■ Upper Thread is Too Loose

The tension of the upper thread is too loose, resulting in a loose upper thread, loose thread locks, or loops appearing on the right side of the fabric.

(Right side) (Wrong side)

1 Press [icon]. 2 Press [plus icon] to tighten the upper thread tension. (The tension number will increase.) 3 Press CLOSE .

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MAKING EMBROIDERY ADJUSTMENTS

Using the Automatic Thread Cutting Function (END COLOR TRIM)

The automatic thread cutting function [icon] will cut the thread at the end of sewing each color. This function is initially turned on. To turn this function off, press [icon] key and then [icon]. This function can be turned on or off during embroidering.

• This setting returns to its default [icon] when the machine is turned off.

1 Press [icon].

2 Press [icon] to turn off END COLOR TRIM.

\rightarrow The key will display as [icon]

• When one color thread is sewn, the machine will stop without cutting the thread.

Using the Thread Trimming Function (JUMP STITCH TRIM)

The thread trimming function [icon] will automatically trim any excess thread jumps within the color. This function is initially turned on. To turn this function off, press [icon] key and then [icon]. This function can be turned on or off during embroidering.

• Your customized setting remains after turning off and on the machine.

① Jump stitch

Note

• When this function is turned on, use the enclosed ball point needle 75/107 for embroidering patterns with short jump stitches such as alphabet characters. Using other needled may cause a thread breaking.

1 Press [icon].

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MAKING EMBROIDERY ADJUSTMENTS

2 Press [icon] to turn off JUMP STITCH TRIM.

→ The key will display as [icon].

• The machine will not trim the thread before moving to the next stitching.

■ Selecting the length of JUMP STITCH not to trim

When the thread trimming function [icon] is turned on, you can select the length of the jump stitch not to trim the thread. This function can be turned on or off during embroidering. Select a setting from 5 mm to 50 mm in 5 mm increments.

• Your customized setting remains after turning off and on the machine.

Press [+] or [-] to select the length of JUMP STITCH.

For example: Press [+] to select 25mm (1 inch) and the machine will not trim 25mm or less length of jump stitch before moving to the next stitching.

Note

• If design has many trims it is recommended to select a higher jump stitch trim setting in order to reduce the amount of excess tails on backside of fabric.
• The higher number of the jump stitch length selected, the fewer number of times the machine will trim. In this case, more jump stitches remain on the surface of the fabric.

Adjusting the Embroidery Speed

1 Press [icon] and Embroidery.

2 In the MAX EMBROIDERY SPEED display, use [+] [-] to change the maximum embroidery speed.

• You can choose from 3 different speed levels.

Memo

• SPM is the number of stitches sewn in one minute.
• Decrease the sewing speed when embroidering on thin, thick, or heavy fabrics.
• The sewing speed can be changed while embroidery is being sewn.
• The maximum sewing speed setting does not change until a new setting is selected. The setting specified before the main power is set to OFF remains selected the next time that the machine is turned on.
• Decrease the sewing speed to 600 spm when using a speciality thread like a metallic thread.

3 Press CLOSE.

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MAKING EMBROIDERY ADJUSTMENTS

Changing the Thread Color Display

You can display the name of the thread colors, the time or embroidery thread number.

Memo Colors on the screen may vary slightly from actual spool colors.

1. Press [icon].
2. Press Embroidery.
3. In the THREAD COLOR DISPLAY, use [left arrow] [right arrow] to display the name of the thread colors, the time or the embroidery thread number.

4. When the thread number #123 is displayed, use [left arrow] [right arrow] to select from six embroidery thread brands pictured below.

EMBROIDERY/POLYESTER THREAD#

• 513 EMBROIDERY
• 515 EMBROIDERY
• 001 EMBROIDERY

COUNTRY/COTTON THREAD#

• 444 COUNTRY
• 446 COUNTRY
• 000 COUNTRY

MADEIRA POLY THREAD#

• 1848 MA POLY
• 1770 MA POLY
• 1801 MA POLY

MADEIRA RAYON THREAD#

• 1049 MA RAYON
• 1369 MA RAYON
• 1002 MA RAYON

SULKY POLY THREAD#

• 1177 SULKY
• 1176 SULKY
• 1001 SULKY

ROBISON-ANTON POLY THREAD#

• 5622 RA POLY
• 9091 RA POLY
• 5597 RA POLY

5. Press CLOSE.

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MAKING EMBROIDERY ADJUSTMENTS

Changing the Embroidery Frame Display

1 Press [icon].

2 Press [Embroidery].

3 In the FRAME DISPLAY, use [◄] [►] to change the embroidery frame display mode.

• There are 10 choices.

① Extra large frame embroidering area ② Center line ③ Large frame embroidering area ④ Medium frame embroidering area ⑤ Small frame embroidering area ⑥ Grid lines

4 Press [CLOSE].

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REVISING THE PATTERN

CAUTION

• When you have revised the pattern, check the display of available embroidery frames and use an appropriate frame. If you use an embroidery frame not displayed as available for use, the presser foot may strike the frame and possibly cause injury.

Changing the Pattern Position

Use \beginsmallmatrix\leftarrow & \uparrow & \rightarrow \ \leftarrow & \bullet & \rightarrow \ \leftarrow & \downarrow & \rightarrow\endsmallmatrix to move the pattern in the direction shown by the arrow.

Press \beginsmallmatrix\bullet\endsmallmatrix to center the pattern.

① Distance from the center

Aligning the Pattern and the Needle

Example: Aligning the lower left side of a pattern and the needle

1 Mark the embroidery start position on the fabric, as shown.

2 Press [icon].

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REVISING THE PATTERN

3 Press [icon: needle down].

① Start position → The needle position moves to the bottom left corner of the pattern (the embroidery frame moves so that the needle is positioned correctly).

4 Press CLOSE.

5 Use [icon: 3x3 arrow pad] to align the needle and the mark on the fabric, and begin embroidering the pattern.

Changing the Size

1 Press SIZE.

2 Select the direction in which to change the size.

• Press [icon: expand arrows] to enlarge the pattern.
• Press [icon: shrink arrows] to shrink the pattern.
• Press [icon: horizontal stretch] to stretch the pattern horizontally.
• Press [icon: horizontal compact] to compact the pattern horizontally.
• Press [icon: vertical stretch] to stretch the pattern vertically.
• Press [icon: vertical compact] to compact the pattern vertically.
• Press [icon: square] to return the pattern to its original appearance.

① Size of the pattern

Memo

• Some patterns or characters can be enlarged more than others.
• Some patterns or characters can be enlarged to a greater degree if they are rotated 90 degrees.

3 Press CLOSE to return to the original screen.

Rotating the Pattern

1 Press ROTATE.

REVISING THE PATTERN

2 Select the angle of rotation for the pattern.

• Press [90° icon] to rotate the pattern 90 degrees to the left.
• Press [90° icon] to rotate the pattern 90 degrees to the right.
• Press [10° icon] to rotate the pattern 10 degrees to the left.
• Press [10° icon] to rotate the pattern 10 degrees to the right.
• Press [1° icon] to rotate the pattern 1 degree to the left.
• Press [1° icon] to rotate the pattern 1 degree to the right.
• Press RESET to return the pattern to its original position.

① Degree of rotation

3 Press CLOSE to return to the original screen.

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REVISING THE PATTERN

Creating a Horizontal Mirror Image

Press [icon] so it appears as [icon] to create a horizontal mirror image of the selected pattern. Press [icon] again to return the pattern to normal.

[icon] [icon]

Changing the Density (Alphabet Character and Frame Patterns Only)

The thread density for some alphabet character and frame patterns can be changed. A setting between 80% and 120% in 5% increments can be specified.

1 Press DENSITY.

REVISING THE PATTERN

2 Change the density.

• Press \boxed- to make the pattern less dense.
• Press \boxed+ to make the pattern more dense.

① Normal ② Fine (stitches closer together) ③ Coarse (stitches farther apart) \rightarrow The pattern density changes each time you press a button.

3 Press \boxedCLOSE to return to the pattern selection screen.

Changing the Colors of Alphabet Character Patterns

Combined alphabet character patterns can be sewn with each letter in a different color. If "MULTI COLOR" is set, the machine stops after each character is sewn so that the thread can be changed to a different color.

1 Press \boxedMULTI COLOR so that it appears as \boxedMULTI COLOR.

• Press the key again to return to the original setting.

2 After a character is sewn, change the thread color, and then sew the next character.

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

Embroidery Data Precautions

Observe the following precautions when using embroidery data other than that created and saved in this machine.

CAUTION

• When using embroidery data other than our original patterns, the thread or needle may break when sewing with a stitch density that is too fine or when sewing three or more overlapping stitches. In that case, use one of our original data design systems to edit the embroidery data.

■ Types of Embroidery Data that can be Used

• Only .pes,.pha,.phb,.phc, and .dst embroidery data files can be used with this machine. Using data other than that saved using our data design systems or sewing machines may cause the embroidery machine to malfunction.

■ Types of USB Devices/Media that can be Used

Stitch data can be saved to or recalled from USB media. Use media that meets the following specifications.

• USB Floppy disk drive
• USB Flash drive (USB Flash memory).

Stitch data can be recalled only.

• USB CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW drives

You can also use the following types of USB media with the USB Memory Card Reader/Writer.

• Secure Digital (SD) Card
• CompactFlash
• Memory Stick
• Smart Media
• Multi Media Card (MMC)
• XD-Picture Card

Note

• Some USB media may not be usable with this machine. Please visit our website for more details.
• USB hubs cannot be used with this machine. The machine will not recognize the above USB devices or USB memory cards through a USB hub.
• The access lamp will begin blinking after inserting USB Devices/Media, and it will take about 5 to 6 seconds to recognize the Devices/Media. (Time will differ depending on the USB Device/Media).

When a file folder is necessary to create, use a computer.

■ Computers and Operating Systems with the Following Specifications can be Used

• Compatible models:
  • IBM PC with a USB port as standard equipment
  • IBM PC-compatible computer equipped with a USB port as standard equipment
• Compatible operating systems:
  • Microsoft Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP (Windows 98SE requires a driver. Download the driver from our Web site (www.brother.com). In addition, only Windows 98 Second Edition can use the driver.).

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

■ Precautions on Using the Computer to Create and Save Data

• If the file name of embroidery data cannot be identified, for example, because the name contains special characters, the file is not displayed. If this occurs, change the name of the file.
• If embroidery date larger than 300 mm (H) × 180 mm (W) (approx.12 inches (H) × 7 inches (W)) is selected, a message is shown asking if you wish to rotate the pattern 90 degrees. Even after being rotated 90 degrees, embroidery data larger than 300 mm (H) × 180 mm (W) (approx. 12 inches (H) × 7 inches (W)) cannot be used. (All designs must be within the 300 mm (H) × 180 mm (W) (approx. 12 inches (H) × 7 inches (W)) design field size.)
• .pes files saved with the number of stitches or the number of colors exceeding the specified limits cannot be displayed. Use one of our original data design systems to edit the embroidery pattern so that it meets the specifications.
• Even if the embroidery unit is not attached, the machine will manage embroidery data.

■ Tajima (.dst) Embroidery Data

• .dst data is displayed in the pattern list screen by file name (the actual image cannot be displayed). Only the first eight characters of the file name can be displayed.
• Since Tajima (.dst) data does not contain specific thread color information, it is displayed with our default thread color sequence. Check the preview and change the thread colors as desired.

■ Trademarks

• Secure Digital (SD) Card is a registered trademark or a trademark of SD Card Association.
• CompactFlash is a registered trademark or a trademark of Sandisk Corporation.
• Memory Stick is a registered trademark or a trademark of Sony Corporation.
• Smart Media is a registered trademark or a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.
• Multi Media Card (MMC) is a registered trademark or a trademark of Infineon Technologies AG.
• xD-Picture Card is a registered trademark or a trademark of Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd.
• IBM is a registered trademark or a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
• Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Each company whose software title is mentioned in this manual has a Software License Agreement specific to its proprietary programs. All other brands and product names mentioned in this manual are registered trademarks of their respective companies. However, the explanations for markings such as ® and ™ are not clearly described within the text.

CAUTION

• When disconnecting the USB cable: Before disconnecting the USB cable, click the "Unplug or Eject Hardware" icon in the taskbar of Windows(r) Me/2000 or the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in the taskbar of Windows(r) XP. Then, when the removable disk can safely be removed, disconnect the USB cable from the computer and the machine.

With Windows 98 SE, check that the Access lamp is not flashing before disconnecting the USB cable from the computer and the machine.

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

Saving Embroidery Patterns in the Machine's Memory

You can save embroidery patterns that you have customized and will use often; for example, your name or other combined patterns, patterns that have been rotated or had the size changed, patterns that have had the sewing position changed, etc.

Note

• Do not turn the main power to OFF while the "Saving" screen is displayed. You will lose the pattern you are saving.

Memo

• It takes a few seconds to save a pattern to the machine's memory.
• See page 170 for information on retrieving a saved pattern.

1 Press MEMORY when the pattern you want to save is in the sewing screen.

2 Press .

• Press CLOSE to return to the original screen without saving.

→ The "Saving" screen is displayed. When the pattern is saved, the display returns to the original screen automatically.

■ If the Memory is Full

If the screen below displays, either the maximum number of patterns have been saved or the pattern you want to save takes a lot of memory, and the machine cannot save it. If you delete a previously saved pattern, you can save the current pattern.

1 Press DELETE.

• Press CANCEL to return to the original screen without saving.

→ The machine displays the patterns currently saved.

USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

2 Select the pattern you want to delete.

3 Press DELETE.

① Amount of memory used by the pattern to be deleted ② Amount of memory needed to save the current pattern

4 Press OK.

• If you decide not to delete the pattern, press CANCEL.

→ The “Saving” screen displays. When the pattern is saved, the display returns to the original screen automatically.

Note

• Do not turn the main power to OFF while the “Saving” screen is displayed. You will lose the pattern you are saving.

Memo

• If there is enough memory available after deleting the pattern, the pattern you want to save will be saved automatically. If there is not enough memory available after deleting the pattern, repeat the steps above to delete another pattern from the machine’s memory.
• It takes a few seconds to save a pattern.
• See page 170 for more information about retrieving saved patterns.

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

Saving Embroidery Patterns to USB Media (Commercially Available)

When sending embroidery patterns from the machine to USB media, plug the USB media into the machine’s USB port. Depending on the type of USB media being used, either directly plug the USB device into the machine’s USB port or plug the USB Card Writer/Reader into the machine’s USB port.

Memo Some USB media may not be usable with this machine. Please visit our web site for more details.

1 Press MEMORY when the pattern you want to save is in the sewing screen.

2 Insert the USB media into the USB port connector on the machine.

① USB port connector for media ② USB media

Memo

• The USB media can be inserted or removed at any time.
• Do not insert anything other than USB media into the USB media port connector. Otherwise, the USB media drive may be damaged.

3 Press [USB icon] .

• Press CLOSE to return to the original screen without saving.

→ The “Saving” screen is displayed. When the pattern is saved, the display returns to the original screen automatically.

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Saving Embroidery Patterns in the Computer

Using the included USB cable, the machine can be connected to your computer, and the embroidery patterns can be temporarily retrieved from and saved in your computer.

Note

• Do not turn the main power to OFF while the "Saving" screen is displayed. You will lose the pattern you are saving.

1. Plug the USB cable connector into the corresponding USB port connectors for the computer and for the machine.

   • The USB cable can be plugged into the USB port connectors on the computer and embroidery machine whether or not they are turned on.

① USB port connector for computer ② USB cable connector

→ The "Removable Disk" icon will appear in "My Computer" on the computer.

Note

• The connectors on the USB cable can only be inserted into a connector in one direction. If it is difficult to insert the connector, do not insert it with force. Check the orientation of the connector.
• For details on the position of the USB port on the computer (or USB hub), refer to the instruction manual for the corresponding equipment.

2. Press [MEMORY button icon] when the pattern you want to save is in the sewing screen.

3. Press [computer icon].

   • Press [CLOSE button] to return to the original screen without saving.

→ The pattern will be temporarily saved to "Removable Disk" under "My Computer".

4. Select the pattern's .phc file in "Removable Disk" and copy the file to the computer.

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

Retrieving Patterns from the Machine’s Memory

1 Press [icon of memory card/folder].

→ The machine displays the patterns currently in the memory.

2 Press the key of the pattern you want to retrieve.

• Press CLOSE to return to the original screen.

3 Press SEWING.

→ The sewing screen is displayed.

Recalling from USB Media

You can recall a specific embroider pattern from either directly USB media or a folder in the USB media. If the pattern is under the folder, move down layers of folders following a path to it.

1 Insert the USB media into the USB port connector on the machine (see page 168).

2 Press [USB icon].

→ Embroidery patterns and a folder in a top folder are displayed.

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

3 Press [icon: folder] when there is a subfolder to sort two or more stitch patterns to USB media, the embroidery pattern in the subfolder is displayed.

• Press [CLOSE] to return to the original screen without recalling.

① Folder name ② Embroidery patterns in a top folder ③ Path

→ The path to shows the current folder at the top of the list. Embroidery patterns and folders in a subfolder are displayed.

• Press [icon: back arrow] to return to the previous folder.

4 Press the key of the pattern you want to retrieve.

• Press [CLOSE] to return to the original screen.

5 Press [SEWING].

→ The sewing screen is displayed.

Recalling from the Computer

1 Plug the USB cable connector into the corresponding USB port connectors for the computer and for the machine (see page 169).

2 On the computer, open “My Computer” then go to “Removable Disk”.

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

3 Move/copy the pattern data to “Removable Disk”.

→ Pattern data in “Removable Disk” is written to the machine.

Note

• While data is being written, do not disconnect the USB cable.
• Do not create folders within “Removable Disk”. Since folders are not displayed, stitch pattern data within folders cannot be recalled.

4 Press .

→ The patterns in the computer are displayed on the selection screen.

5 Press the key of the pattern you want to recall.

• Press CLOSE to return to the original screen.

6 Press .

→ The sewing screen is displayed.

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EMBROIDERY APPLICATIONS

Using a Frame Pattern to Make an Appliqué (1)

You can use framed patterns of the same size and shape to create an appliqué. Embroider one pattern with a straight stitch and one pattern with a satin stitch.

1 Select a straight stitch frame pattern. Embroider the pattern onto the appliqué material, then cut neatly around the outside of the shape.

2 Embroider the same pattern from step 1 onto the base fabric.

3 Apply a thin layer of fabric glue or a temporary spray adhesive to the rear of the appliqué created in step 1. Attach the appliqué to the base fabric matching the shapes.

4 Select the satin stitch frame pattern of the same shape as the appliqué. Embroider over the appliqué and base fabric from step 3 to create the appliqué.

Note

• If you change the size or position of the patterns when selecting them, make a note of the size and location.

① Appliqué material

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EMBROIDERY APPLICATIONS

Using a Frame Pattern to Make an Appliqué (2)

This is a second method to make appliqué using embroidery patterns. You do not have to change the fabric in the embroidery frame using this method. Embroider one pattern with a straight stitch and one pattern with a satin stitch.

1 Select a straight stitch frame pattern, and embroider the pattern onto the base fabric.

2 Place the appliqué fabric over the pattern embroidered in step 1.

• Be sure that the appliqué fabric completely covers the seam.

3 Embroider the same pattern on the appliqué fabric.

4 Remove the embroidery frame from the embroidery unit, and cut around the outside of the stitches.

Note

• Do not remove the fabric from the embroidery frame to cut it. Also, do not pull strongly on the fabric. Otherwise, the fabric may loosen in the frame.

5 Select the satin stitch frame pattern of the same shape as the appliqué.

Note

• Do not change the size or position of the pattern.

6 Reattach the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit, and embroider the satin stitch pattern to create an appliqué.

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