Brother 4000D owner's manual: Chapter 4: Character/Decorative Stitches

Chapter 4

Character/Decorative Stitches

• SELECTING STITCH PATTERNS ........ 98

• Stitch Selection Screens ........ 99 Selecting Decorative Stitch Patterns/7mm Decorative Stitch Patterns/Satin Stitch Patterns/

• 7mm Satin Stitch Patterns/Cross Stitch/Utility Decorative Stitch Patterns ........ 100
• Alphabet Characters ........ 100

• Deleting Characters ........ 101

• SEWING STITCH PATTERNS ........ 102

• Sewing Attractive Finishes ........ 102

• Basic Sewing ........ 102

• Making Adjustments ........ 103

• EDITING STITCH PATTERNS ........ 105

• Key Functions ........ 105

• Changing the Size ........ 106

• Changing the Length (for 7mm Satin Stitch Patterns Only) ........ 107

• Creating a Vertical Mirror Image ........ 107

• Creating a Horizontal Mirror Image ........ 107

• Sewing a Pattern Continuously ........ 107

• Changing Thread Density (for Satin Stitch Patterns Only) ........ 108

• Checking the Image ........ 108

• COMBINING STITCH PATTERNS ........ 110

• Before Combining ........ 110

• Combining Various Stitch Patterns ........ 110

• Combining Large and Small Stitch Patterns ........ 112

• Combining Horizontal Mirror Image Stitch Patterns ........ 112

• Combining Stitch Patterns of Different Length ........ 113

• Making Step Stitch Patterns (for 7mm Satin Stitch Patterns Only) ........ 114

• More Examples ........ 115

• USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION ........ 116
• Stitch Data Precautions ........ 116

• Types of Stitch Data that can be Used ........ 116
• Types of USB Devices/Media that can be Used ........ 116
• Computers and Operating Systems with the Following Specifications can be Used ........ 116
• Precautions on Using the Computer to Create and Save Data ........ 116
• Trademarks ........ 117

• Saving Stitch Patterns in the Machine's Memory ........ 118

• If the Memory is Full ........ 118

• Saving Stitch Patterns to USB Media (Commercially Available) ........ 120
• Saving Stitch Patterns in the Computer ........ 121
• Retrieving Stitch Patterns from the Machine's Memory ........ 122
• Recalling from USB Media ........ 123
• Recalling from the Computer ........ 124

SELECTING STITCH PATTERNS

SELECTING STITCH PATTERNS

Press Character Decorative Stitch to display the screen below.

① Decorative stitch patterns ② 7mm decorative stitch patterns. You can set stitch length and width. ③ Satin stitch patterns ④ 7mm satin stitch patterns. You can set stitch length and width. ⑤ Cross stitch ⑥ Utility decorative stitch patterns ⑦ Alphabet characters (gothic font) ⑧ Alphabet characters (handwriting font) ⑨ Alphabet characters (outline) ⑩ Patterns stored in “MY CUSTOM STITCH™” (see page 208) ⑪ Patterns saved in the machine’s memory (see page 122) ⑫ Patterns saved in USB media (see page 123) ⑬ Patterns saved on the computer (see page 123) ⑭ Press this key to create your own stitches with the “MY CUSTOM STITCH™” function (see page 202).

Note

• If the screen is locked (🔒), unlock the screen by pressing 🔒. While the screen is locked, no other key can be operated.

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SELECTING STITCH PATTERNS

■ Stitch Selection Screens

There are 9 categories of Character/Decorative stitch patterns. P. 1 / P.10 [icon] indicates that there is more than one stitch selection screen for that category.

Decorative Stitch Patterns

7mm Decorative Stitch Patterns

Satin Stitch Patterns

7mm Satin Stitch Patterns

Cross Stitch

Utility Decorative Stitch Patterns

Alphabet Characters (Gothic Font)

Alphabet Characters (Handwriting Font)

Alphabet Characters (Outline)

4 Character/Decorative Stitches

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SELECTING STITCH PATTERNS

Selecting Decorative Stitch Patterns/7mm Decorative Stitch Patterns/Satin Stitch Patterns/ 7mm Satin Stitch Patterns/Cross Stitch/Utility Decorative Stitch Patterns

1. Select the category of the pattern you want to sew.
2. Press the key of the stitch pattern you want to sew.

• Press [icon: down arrow] to view the next page.
• Press [icon: up arrow] to view the previous page.
• To select a different stitch pattern, press DELETE. When the current stitch pattern is erased, select the new stitch pattern.

→ The selected pattern is displayed.

Alphabet Characters

1. Press [AB], [AB script], or [AB] to select a font.

2. Press ABC, abc, 0~9?!, ÅÅä to change the selection screen, and then enter the characters that you want to sew.

• If you want to continue entering characters in a different font, press CLOSE, and then repeat from step 1.

Memo There are three fonts for alphabet character stitching.

SELECTING STITCH PATTERNS

■ Deleting Characters

1 Press DELETE to delete the last character.

Memo Characters are deleted individually starting with the last character entered.

2 Select the correct character.

ABC 4 Character/Decorative Stitches

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SEWING STITCH PATTERNS

Sewing Attractive Finishes

To achieve attractive results when sewing character/decorative stitches, check the table below for the proper fabric/needle/thread combinations.

Note

• Other factors, such as fabric thickness, stabilizer material, etc., also have an effect on the stitch, so you should always sew a few trial stitches before beginning your project.
• When sewing satin stitch patterns, there may be shrinking or bunching of stitches, so be sure to attach a stabilizer material.
• Guide the fabric with your hand to keep the fabric feeding straight and even during sewing.

Basic Sewing

1. Select a stitch pattern.
2. Attach monogramming foot “N”.
3. Place the fabric under the presser foot, pull the upper thread out to the side, and then lower the presser foot.

4. Press the “Start/Stop” button to start sewing.

CAUTION

• When sewing 7 mm satin stitch patterns and the stitches are bunched, lengthen the stitch length. If you continue sewing when the stitches are bunched, the needle may bend or break (see “Setting the Stitch Length” on page 42).

SEWING STITCH PATTERNS

Memo If the fabric is pulled or pushed during sewing, the pattern may not turn out correctly. Also, depending on the pattern, there may be movement to the left and right as well as front and back. Guide the fabric with your hand to keep the fabric feeding straight and even during sewing.

5 Press the “Start/Stop” button to stop sewing.

6 Press the “Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” button to sew reinforcement stitches.

Memo

• When sewing character stitches, the machine automatically sews reinforcement stitches at the beginning and end of each character.

• When sewing is completed, trim any excess thread.

Note

• When sewing some patterns, the needle will stop in the raised position while the fabric is fed due to the operation of the needle bar separation mechanism which is used in this machine. At such times, a clicking sound different from the sound generated during sewing will be heard. This sound is normal and is not the sign of a malfunction.

Making Adjustments

Your stitch pattern may sometimes turn out poorly, depending on the type or thickness of fabric, the stabilizer material used, sewing speed, etc. If your sewing does not turn out well, sew trial stitches using the same conditions as the real sewing, and adjust the stitch pattern as explained below. If the pattern does not turn out well even after making adjustments based on the 6-133 pattern, make adjustments for each pattern individually.

1 Press [icon] and select 6-133 on P.10.

2 Attach monogramming foot “N” and sew the pattern.

3 Compare the finished pattern to the illustration of the correct pattern below.

4 Character/Decorative Stitches

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SEWING STITCH PATTERNS

4 Press [icon], and then adjust the pattern with the FINE ADJUST VERTI. or HORIZ. displays.

• If the pattern is bunched: Press [+] in the FINE ADJUST VERTI. display. → The displayed value increases each time the button is pressed and the pattern will lengthen.

• If the pattern has gaps: Press [-] in the FINE ADJUST VERTI. display. → The displayed value decreases each time the button is pressed and the pattern will shorten.

• If the pattern is skewed to the left: Press [+] in the FINE ADJUST HORIZ. display. → The displayed value increases each time the button is pressed and the pattern will slide to the right.

• If the pattern is skewed to the right: Press [-] in the FINE ADJUST HORIZ. display. → The displayed value decreases each time the button is pressed and the pattern will slide to the left.

5 Sew the stitch pattern again.

• If the stitch pattern still comes out poorly, make adjustments again. Adjust until the stitch pattern comes out correctly.

Memo You can sew with the setting screen on the display.

6 Press CLOSE to return to the original screen.

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EDITING STITCH PATTERNS

Key Functions

You can create just the finish you want using the editing functions. Make patterns larger or smaller, make mirror images, etc.

Note

• Some editing functions cannot be used with certain stitch patterns. Only the functions for the displayed keys are available when a pattern is selected.

EDITING STITCH PATTERNS

Changing the Size

Select a stitch pattern, then press [Image] to change the size of the stitch pattern. The stitch pattern will be sewn in the size highlighted on the key.

Memo

• If you continue entering stitch patterns after changing the size, those patterns will also be sewn in that size.
• You cannot change the size of combined stitch patterns once the stitch pattern is entered.

Actual Stitch Pattern Size

L S [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image]

L S [Image] [Image]

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EDITING STITCH PATTERNS

Changing the Length (for 7mm Satin Stitch Patterns Only)

When stitch patterns are selected, press [icon: vertical arrows with 3] to choose from 5 automatic length settings, without changing the stitch zigzag width or stitch length settings.

[icon: vertical arrows with 1] [icon: vertical arrows with 2] [icon: vertical arrows with 3] [icon: vertical arrows with 4] [icon: vertical arrows with 5]

Creating a Vertical Mirror Image

To create a vertical mirror image, select a stitch pattern then press [icon: horizontal reflection].

[icon: horizontal reflection] [icon: horizontal reflection]

Creating a Horizontal Mirror Image

To create a horizontal mirror image, select a stitch pattern then press [icon: vertical reflection].

[icon: vertical reflection] [icon: vertical reflection]

Sewing a Pattern Continuously

Press [icon: continuous stitch] to select continuous sewing or single stitch sewing.

[icon: continuous stitch] [icon: single stitch]

Memo To finish a complete motif while sewing the pattern continuously, you can press the [icon: continuous stitch] key while sewing. The machine will automatically stop when the motif is finished.

4 Character/Decorative Stitches

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EDITING STITCH PATTERNS

Changing Thread Density (for Satin Stitch Patterns Only)

After selecting the pattern, press [icon] to select your preferred thread density.

[icon] [icon]

CAUTION If the stitches bunch when thread density is changed to [icon], return the thread density to [icon]. If you continue sewing when the stitches are bunched, the needle may bend or break.

Memo

• Even if you select a new pattern after changing the thread density, the thread density remains the same until you change it.
• You cannot change thread density for a combined pattern after the combination is finished.

Checking the Image

You can display an actual size image of the selected stitch pattern. You can also check and change the colors of the image on the screen.

1 Press [icon].

→ An image of the selected pattern is displayed.

2 Press [icon] to change the thread color in the image.

→ The color changes every time you press the button.

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EDITING STITCH PATTERNS

3 Press [icon: plus/minus buttons] to display the enlarged image.

4 Use [icon: up arrow] [icon: down arrow] [icon: left arrow] [icon: right arrow] to view any part of the image that extends out of the viewable display area.

5 Press [icon: CLOSE button] to return to the original screen.

Memo You can also sew from this screen when the presser foot symbol is displayed.

4 Character/Decorative Stitches

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COMBINING STITCH PATTERNS

COMBINING STITCH PATTERNS

You can combine many varieties of stitch patterns, such as character stitches, cross stitches, satin stitches, or stitches you design with MY CUSTOM STITCH function (see chapter 7 for information about MY CUSTOM STITCH). You can also combine stitch patterns of different sizes, mirror image stitch patterns, and others.

Before Combining

Single stitch sewing is automatically selected for sewing combined patterns. If you want to sew the pattern continuously, press [icon] after finishing the stitch pattern combination.

When changing sizes, creating mirror images, or making other adjustments to a combined stitch pattern, be sure to edit the selected stitch pattern before selecting the next one. You cannot edit a stitch pattern once the next stitch pattern is selected.

Combining Various Stitch Patterns

Example:

1 Press [icon].

2 Select [icon].

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COMBINING STITCH PATTERNS

3 Press CLOSE.

→ The display returns to the stitch selection screen.

4 Press .

5 Select .

6 Press CLOSE.

Memo Patterns are deleted individually starting with the last pattern entered by pressing DELETE.

7 Press to sew the pattern continuously.

• Press to view the completed pattern (see page 108).

4 Character/Decorative Stitches

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COMBINING STITCH PATTERNS

Combining Large and Small Stitch Patterns

Example:

1 Press . → The large size stitch will be selected.

2 Press again, then press L S to select the small size.

→ The pattern is displayed in a smaller size.

3 Press to sew continuously.

→ The entered pattern is repeated.

Combining Horizontal Mirror Image Stitch Patterns

Example:

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COMBINING STITCH PATTERNS

1 Press [icon: 6-082].

2 Press [icon: 6-082] again, then press [icon: flip vertical].

→ The pattern is flipped along a vertical axis.

3 Press [icon: repeat].

→ The entered pattern is repeated.

Combining Stitch Patterns of Different Length

Example:

1 Press [icon: 9-11], then press [icon: up/down arrow with 3] once.

→ The length of the image is set to [icon: up/down arrow with 4].

2 Select [icon: 9-11] again, then press [icon: up/down arrow with 4] 3 times.

→ The length of the image is set to [icon: up/down arrow with 2].

4 Character/Decorative Stitches

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COMBINING STITCH PATTERNS

3 Press [icon: two stars with a star between them].

→ The entered pattern is repeated.

Making Step Stitch Patterns (for 7mm Satin Stitch Patterns Only)

You can use the [icon: arrow pointing down-left] [icon: arrow pointing down-right] keys with 7mm satin stitch patterns to create a step effect.

Stitch patterns sewn so that they create a step effect are called step stitch patterns.

• Press [icon: arrow pointing down-left] to move the stitch pattern a distance equal to half of the stitch pattern’s size to the left.
• Press [icon: arrow pointing down-right] to move the stitch pattern a distance equal to half of the stitch pattern’s size to the right.

Example:

1 Press [icon: button labeled 9-11 with a diamond shape below it].

2 Press [icon: arrow pointing down-right].

→ The next stitch pattern will move to the right.

3 Press [icon: button labeled 9-11 with a diamond shape below it] again.

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COMBINING STITCH PATTERNS

4 Press [icon: down-left arrow].

[figure]

→ The next stitch pattern will move to the left.

5 Press [icon: two stars with a box].

[figure]

→ The entered pattern is repeated.

■ More Examples

Press [icon: 9-15] → [icon: down-right arrow] → [icon: 9-16] → [icon: down-left arrow] → [icon: two stars with a box].

[figure]

Press [icon: 9-09] → [icon: down-right arrow] → [icon: down-right arrow] → [icon: 9-09] → [icon: 9-10] → [icon: down-left arrow] → [icon: down-left arrow] → [icon: 9-10] → [icon: two stars with a box].

[figure]

Press [icon: 9-09] → [icon: down-right arrow] → [icon: down-right arrow] → [icon: two stars with a box].

[figure]

Press [icon: 9-06] → [icon: 9-06] → [icon: down-right arrow] → [icon: down-right arrow] → [icon: 9-11] → [icon: 9-11] → [icon: down-left arrow] → [icon: down-left arrow] → [icon: two stars with a box].

[figure]

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4 Character/Decorative Stitches

USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

Stitch Data Precautions

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

■ Types of Stitch Data that can be Used

• Only .pmu stitch data files can be used with this machine. Using data other than that created using this machine may cause the 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.).

■ Precautions on Using the Computer to Create and Save Data

• If the file name of stitch 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.

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

■ 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 Stitch Patterns in the Machine’s Memory

You can save often-used stitch patterns in the machine’s memory. The machine’s memory can hold up to 20 stitch patterns.

Note

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

Memo

• It takes a few seconds to save a stitch pattern.
• See page 122 for information on retrieving a saved stitch pattern.

1 Press MEMORY.

2 Press [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.

■ If the Memory is Full

If this screen appears while you are trying to save a pattern on the machine’s memory, the memory is too full to hold the currently selected stitch pattern. To save the stitch pattern in the machine’s memory, you have to delete a previously saved stitch pattern.

1 Press DELETE.

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

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

2 Choose a stitch pattern to delete.

• Press so the pattern saved in that pocket appears. If the entire saved stitch pattern is not displayed, press to view the entire stitch pattern.
• Press CLOSE if you decide not to delete the stitch pattern.

① Pockets holding saved stitch patterns

3 Press DELETE.

→ A confirmation message appears.

4 Press OK.

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

→ The machine deletes the stitch pattern, then automatically saves the new stitch pattern.

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

Saving Stitch Patterns to USB Media (Commercially Available)

When sending stitch 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 button icon].

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 button].

• Press [CLOSE button] 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.

120

Saving Stitch Patterns in the Computer

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

Note

• Do not turn the main power to OFF while the “Saving” screen is displayed. You will lose the stitch 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 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 and check the orientation of the connector.
• For details on the position of the USB port on the computer, refer to the instruction manual for the corresponding equipment.

2. Press [MEMORY button icon].

3. Press [USB/Computer icon].

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

→ The stitch pattern will be temporarily saved to “Removable Disk” under “My Computer”.

4 Character/Decorative Stitches

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

4 Select the stitch pattern’s .pmu file and copy the file to the computer.

Note

• Do not turn off the machine while the “Saving” screen is showing. You may lose the data.

Retrieving Stitch Patterns from the Machine’s Memory

1 Press [icon].

→ The pocket selection screen appears.

2 Choose a stitch pattern to retrieve.

• Press [icon] so the pattern saved in that pocket appears. If the entire saved stitch pattern is not displayed, press [icon] to view the entire stitch pattern.
• Press CLOSE to return to the original screen without saving.

① Pockets holding saved stitch patterns

3 Press RETRIEVE.

• Press DELETE to delete the stitch pattern.

→ The selected stitch pattern is retrieved and the sewing screen will be displayed.

122

Recalling from USB Media

You can recall a specific stitch pattern from either directly USB media or a folder in the USB media. If the stitch 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 120).

2. Press [USB Icon].

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

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

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

① Folder name ② Stitch patterns in a top folder: "key" shows only the first pattern over if the patterns is combined. ③ Path → The path shows the current holder at the top of the list. Stitch patterns and a folder in a subfolder are displayed.

• Press [Back Folder Icon] to return to the previous folder.

USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

4. Press the key of the stitch pattern you want to recall.

5. Press RETRIEVE.

• Press DELETE to delete the stitch pattern.

→ The selected stitch pattern is recalled and the sewing screen will be displayed.

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USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION

Recalling from the Computer

1 Plug the USB cable connector into the corresponding USB connectors for the computer and for the machine (see page 121).

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

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

→ Stitch 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 [icon of a computer with an arrow pointing to it].

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

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

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

6 Press RETRIEVE.

• Press DELETE to delete the stitch pattern.

→ The selected stitch pattern is recalled and the sewing screen will be displayed.

Note

• The pattern recalled from the computer is only temporarily written to the machine. It is erased from the machine when the machine is turned off. If you wish to keep the stitch pattern, store it in the machine (see “Saving Stitch Patterns in the Machine’s Memory” on page 118).

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