Brother NX400 owner's manual

Published by Brother · pages 1–25 of 153 · Original PDF

6 discussions about the Brother NX400

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Operation Manual

1 GETTING READY 2 SEWING BASICS 3 UTILITY STITCHES 4 APPENDIX

Read before use.

Read when additional information is required.

Figure from the manual

Computerized Sewing Machine Operation Manual

Enclosed Accessories

After opening the box, check that the following accessories are enclosed. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your retailer.

Accessories

The following items should also be enclosed in the box.

Figure from the manual

Note

(For U.S.A. only)

  • Foot controller: Model N5V This foot controller can be used on this machine model NX-400/PC-420.
  • The screw of the presser foot holder is available through your authorized dealer (Part code: XA4813-051).
  • The organized accessory tray is available, through your authorized dealer. (Part code: XC4489-051)
No. Part Name Part Code No. Part Name Part Code
U.S.A. Others U.S.A. Others
1 Buttonhole foot “A” XC2691-051 17 Twin needle X59296-051
2 Overcasting foot “G” XC3098-051 18 Cleaning brush X59476-051
3 Monogramming foot “N” X53840-351 19 Eyelet punch 135793-001
4 Zipper foot “I” X59370-051 20 Screwdriver (large) X55467-051
5 Zigzag foot “J” (on machine) XC3021-051 21 Screwdriver (small) X55468-051
6 Blind stitch foot “R” X56409-051 22 Spool cap (large) 130012-054
7 Button fitting foot “M” 130489-001 23 Spool cap (medium)(2) X55260-153
8 Walking foot SA140 XC2214-002 24 Spool cap (small) 130013-154
9 Quilting foot SA129 XC1948-002 25 Extra spool pin XC4654-051
10 Stitch guide foot “P” SA160 XA8839-002 26 Spool net XA5523-050
11 Adjustable zipper/piping foot SA161 XC1970-002 27 Foot controller XC1154-051
12 Non stick foot SA114 XC1949-002 28 Grid sheet set SA527 XC4549-051
13 Open toe foot SA147 XC1964-002 29 Knee lifter XA6941-052
14 Seam ripper X54243-001 30 Operation manual XE1139-001
15 Bobbin (4) SA156 XA5539-151 31 Quick reference guide XC4546-151,XC4589-051
16 Needle set X58358-051 32 Hard case XC2360-152

Cover A

Figure from the manual

Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions

The names of the various parts of the sewing machine and their functions are described below. Before using the sewing machine, carefully read these descriptions to learn the names of the machine parts.

Front view

Figure from the manual

① Thread guide plate / ② Thread guide cover Pass the thread around the thread guide plate when threading the upper thread.

③ Spool pin Place the spool on the spool pin.

④ Thread guide for bobbin winding Pass the thread around this thread guide when winding the bobbin thread.

⑤ Upper cover Open the upper cover to place the spool of thread on the spool pin.

⑥ Bobbin winder Use the bobbin winder when winding the bobbin.

⑦ Operation panel Select a stitch from those that appear in the operation panel. (page Cover E)

⑧ Sewing speed controller Use the sewing speed controller to adjust the sewing speed.

⑨ Knee lifter mounting slot Plug the knee lifter into the knee lifter mounting slot.

⑩ Operation buttons Use the operation buttons to start the sewing machine and automatically cut the thread. (page Cover D)

⑪ Flat bed attachment with accessory compartment Store presser feet and bobbins in the accessory compartment of the flat bed attachment. When sewing cylindrical pieces, remove the flat bed attachment.

⑫ Thread cutter Pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them.

⑬ Needle threader lever Use the needle threader to thread the needle.

⑭ Thread tension dial Use the thread tension dial to adjust the tension of the upper thread.

Cover B

Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions

Needle and presser foot section

Figure from the manual

① Buttonhole lever Lower the buttonhole lever when sewing buttonholes and bar tacks.

② Thread guide discs Pass the thread through the thread guide discs when using the needle threader to thread the needle.

③ Needle bar thread hook Pass the upper thread through the needle bar thread hook.

④ Needle plate The needle plate is marked with guides for sewing straight seams.

⑤ Bobbin cover/shuttle Remove the bobbin cover, and then insert the bobbin into the shuttle.

⑥ Feed dogs The feed dogs feed the fabric in the sewing direction.

⑦ Presser foot The presser foot applies pressure consistently on the fabric as the sewing takes place. Attach the appropriate presser foot for the selected stitching.

⑧ Presser foot holder The presser foot is installed onto the presser foot holder.

Right-side/rear view

Figure from the manual

① Presser foot dial Use the presser foot dial to adjust the amount of pressure that the presser foot applies to the fabric.

② Handle Carry the sewing machine by its handle when transporting the machine.

③ Balance wheel Turn the balance wheel toward you to raise and lower the needle to sew one stitch.

④ Air vent The air vent allows the air surrounding the motor to be exchanged. Do not cover the air vent while the sewing machine is being used.

⑤ Main power switch Use the main power switch to turn the sewing machine on and off.

⑥ Foot controller jack Insert the plug on the end of the foot controller cable into the foot controller jack.

⑦ Power supply jack Insert the plug on the power supply cord into the power supply jack.

⑧ Feed dog position switch Use the feed dog position switch to lower the feed dogs.

Memo ● Refer to Cover B, D or E pages while you are learning to use your machine.

Cover C

Figure from the manual

Operation buttons

The operation buttons help you to easily perform various basic sewing machine operations.

Figure from the manual

① Start/stop button Press the start/stop button to start or stop sewing. The machine sews at a slow speed at the beginning of sewing while the button is depressed. When sewing is stopped, the needle is lowered in the fabric. For details, refer to “Starting to sew” (page 49). The button lights up in green, red or orange, depending on how the sewing machine is being operated. Green: When the machine is ready to start sewing or while it is sewing Red: When the machine is not ready to start sewing Orange: When the bobbin winder shaft is moved to the right for winding the bobbin thread onto the bobbin

② Reverse/reinforcement stitch button Press the reverse/reinforcement stitch button to sew reverse stitches or reinforcement stitches. Reverse stitches are sewn by keeping the button pressed down to sew in the opposite direction. Reinforcement stitches are sewn by sewing 3 to 5 stitches on top of each other. For details, refer to “Securing the stitching” (page 51).

③ Needle position button Press the needle position button to raise or lower the needle. Pressing the button twice sews one stitch.

④ Thread cutter button Press the thread cutter button after stopping sewing to cut both the upper and the bobbin threads. For details, refer to “Cutting the thread” (page 53).

⑤ Sewing speed controller Slide the sewing speed controller to adjust the sewing speed.

⑥ Presser foot lever Raise and lower the presser foot lever to raise and lower the presser foot.

CAUTION

  • Do not press the thread cutter button after the threads have already been cut, otherwise the needle may break, the threads may become tangled or damage to the machine may occur.

Note

  • Do not press the thread cutter button if there is no fabric under the presser foot or while the machine is sewing, otherwise damage to the machine may occur.
  • When cutting thread thicker than #30, nylon thread or other special threads, use the thread cutter on the side of the machine. For details, refer to “Cutting the thread” (page 53).

Cover D

Operation panel

The operation panel, located on the front at the right of the sewing machine, consists of the LCD (liquid crystal display) and keys for specifying various sewing settings.

Figure from the manual

① LCD (liquid crystal display) Settings for the selected stitch and error messages for incorrect operations appear in the LCD. Use keys ② through ⑨, described below, to display various items and select the settings. For details, refer to “Understanding the LCD Screens” (page 12).

② Sewing machine help key Press this key to display operation information. Simple descriptions on threading the upper thread, installing the bobbin, winding the bobbin and replacing the presser foot can be displayed.

③ Stitch selection key Press this key to select the desired type of stitch.

④ + key Press this key to add a pattern when sewing combinations of characters or decorative stitches.

⑤ C key Press this key to remove an added pattern when sewing combinations of characters or decorative stitches.

⑥ Arrow keys Use these keys to move in the indicated direction when selecting an item displayed on the screen. In addition, ◀ ▼ can be pressed to select a lower setting and ▲ ▶ can be pressed to select a higher setting.

⑦ OK key Press this key to apply the selected item.

⑧ Back key Press this key to return to the previous screen.

⑨ Settings key Press this key to select sewing settings, such as for automatic reverse/reinforcement stitching, or other settings such as the operation beep.

⑩ Stitch keys Use these keys to quickly select one of 12 of the most often used stitches. For details, refer to “Selecting stitching” (page 68).

Figure from the manual

Enclosed Accessories

Optional Accessories

The following are available as optional accessories.

Figure from the manual

  1. Side cutter Part code: SA177,XC3879-002
  2. Quilting guide Part code: SA132, XC2215-002
  3. Wide table Part code: SA537,XC4541-051

Memo

  • To obtain optional accessories or parts, contact your sales representative or the nearest authorized service center.

CONTENTS GETTING READY SEWING BASICS

1

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this sewing machine. Before using this sewing machine, carefully read the “Important Safety Instructions” (page 6), and then study this manual for the correct operation of the various functions. In addition, after you have finished reading this manual, store it where it can quickly be accessed for future reference.

Sewing Machine Features

Figure from the manual

① Easy upper threading Since the spool can be installed at the front of the sewing machine, the upper thread can easily be threaded. In addition, the needle can be threaded with a simple operation. (page 24)

② Automatic thread-cutting The sewing machine can be set to automatically cut the thread at the end of the stitching. (page 58)

③ One-touch lower threading You can start sewing without pulling up the bobbin thread. (page 22)

④ Simple bobbin-winding The bobbin can quickly and easily be wound with thread. (page 18)

⑤ Built-in stitches You can select from the built-in stitches available, including utility stitches, character stitches and decorative stitches. Twelve of the most often used utility stitches can quickly be selected with the stitch keys. (page 68)

⑥ Knee lifter Use the knee lifter to raise and lower the presser foot with your knee, leaving both hands free to handle the fabric. (page 61)

2

CONTENTS GETTING READY SEWING BASICS

Contents

  • Enclosed Accessories ........ Cover A
  • Accessories ........ Cover A
  • Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions ........ Cover B
  • Front view ........ Cover B
  • Needle and presser foot section ........ Cover C
  • Right-side/rear view ........ Cover C
  • Operation buttons ........ Cover D
  • Operation panel ........ Cover E
  • Optional Accessories ........ 1
  • Introduction ........ 2
  • Sewing Machine Features ........ 2
  • Contents ........ 3
  • Important Safety Instructions ........ 6

GETTING READY

  • Turning the Machine On/Off ........ 10
  • Power supply precautions ........ 10
  • Turning on the machine ........ 11
  • Turning off the machine ........ 11
  • Understanding the LCD Screens ........ 12
  • Checking machine operating procedures ........ 13
  • Changing the Machine Settings ........ 14
  • Changing the settings ........ 14
  • Changing the needle stop position ........ 16
  • Adjusting the brightness of the LCD ........ 16
  • Changing the screen language ........ 17
  • Winding/Installing the Bobbin ........ 18
  • Bobbin precautions ........ 18
  • Winding the bobbin ........ 18
  • Installing the bobbin ........ 22
  • Upper Threading ........ 24
  • Threading the upper thread ........ 24
  • Threading the needle ........ 27
  • Using the twin needle ........ 28
  • Using thread that winds off quickly ........ 31
  • Pulling up the bobbin thread ........ 31
  • Replacing the Needle ........ 33
  • Needle precautions ........ 33
  • Needle types and their uses ........ 33
  • Checking the needle ........ 34
  • Replacing the needle ........ 35
  • Replacing the Presser Foot ........ 37
  • Presser foot precautions ........ 37
  • Replacing the presser foot ........ 37
  • Adjusting the pressure of the presser foot ........ 39
  • Removing the presser foot holder ........ 39
  • Using the walking foot ........ 40
  • Sewing Cylindrical or Large Pieces ........ 42
  • Stitching cylindrical pieces ........ 42
  • Sewing large pieces of fabric ........ 42

3

SEWING BASICS 45

Sewing 46 General sewing procedure 47 Positioning the fabric 48 Starting to sew 49 Securing the stitching 51 Cutting the thread 53 Adjusting the Thread Tension 54 Changing the tension of theupper thread 54 Adjusting the Stitch Width and Length 55 Adjusting the stitch width 55 Adjusting the stitch length 56 Useful Functions 57 Automatically sewing reverse/reinforcement stitches 57 Automatically cutting the thread 58 Saving stitch settings 60 Hands-free raising and lifting of the presser foot 61 Useful Sewing Tips 62 Trial sewing 62 Changing the sewing direction 62 Sewing curves 62 Sewing thick fabrics 63 Sewing thin fabrics 64 Sewing stretch fabrics 64 Sewing leathers or vinyl fabrics 64 Sewing an even seam allowance 64

UTILITY STITCHES 67

Selecting Stitching 68 Stitch types 68 Selecting stitching 68 Overcasting Stitches 70 Sewing overcasting stitches using overcasting foot “G” 70 Sewing overcasting stitches using zigzag foot “J” 71 Sewing overcasting stitches using the optional side cutter 72 Basic Stitching 74 Basting 74 Basic stitching 74 Blind Hem Stitching 76 Buttonhole Stitching 78 Buttonhole sewing 79 Button sewing 82 Zipper Insertion 85 Inserting a centered zipper 85 Inserting a side zipper 86 Zipper/piping Insertion 89 Inserting a centered zipper 89 Inserting a piping 90 Sewing Stretch Fabrics and Elastic Tape 91 Stretch stitching 91 Elastic attaching 91 Appliqué, Patchwork and Quilt Stitching 93 Appliqué stitching 93 Patchwork (crazy quilt) stitching 95 Piecing 95 Quilting 96 Free-motion quilting 97 Satin stitching 99

4

CONTENTS GETTING READY SEWING BASICS

  • Reinforcement Stitching ........ 100

  • Triple stretch stitching ........ 100

  • Bar tack stitching ........ 100

  • Darning ........ 102

  • Eyelet Stitching ........ 104

  • Decorative Stitching ........ 105

  • Fagoting ........ 106

  • Scallop stitching ........ 107

  • Smocking ........ 107

  • Shell tuck stitching ........ 108

  • Joining ........ 109

  • Heirloom stitching ........ 110

  • Sewing the Various Built-In Decorative Patterns ........ 113

  • Sewing beautiful patterns ........ 113

  • Sewing patterns ........ 113

  • Combining patterns ........ 114

  • Repeat sewing patterns ........ 115

  • Checking the selected pattern ........ 116

  • Changing the pattern size ........ 117

  • Changing the stitch density ........ 118

  • Changing the pattern length ........ 118

  • Mirror imaging the pattern ........ 119

  • Storing a pattern ........ 120

  • Realigning the pattern ........ 121

  • Designing a Pattern ........ 123

  • Drawing a sketch of the pattern ........ 123

  • Entering the pattern data ........ 124

  • Design exampled ........ 126

  • APPENDIX ........ 127

  • Stitch Settings ........ 128

  • Utility stitches ........ 128

  • Other stitches ........ 133

  • Maintenance ........ 135

  • Cleaning the machine surface ........ 135

  • Cleaning the shuttle ........ 135

  • Troubleshooting ........ 137

  • Error messages ........ 141

  • Nothing appears in the LCD ........ 142

  • Operation beep ........ 142

  • Cancelling the operation beep ........ 143

  • Removing the upper cover ........ 143

  • Index ........ 144

CONTENTS GETTING READY SEWING BASICS

5

Important Safety Instructions

When using this 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 machine should never be left unattended while plugged in. Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.

WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons:

  1. Do not allow this machine to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children.
  2. Use this 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 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 machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
  4. Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the 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 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 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 machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.
  16. This sewing machine is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
  17. Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with this machine.
  18. If the Light unit is damaged, it must be replaced by authorized dealer.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS This machine is intended for household use.

CONTENTS GETTING READY SEWING BASICS

6

FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY

If this machine is fitted with a three-pin non-rewireable BS plug then please read the following.

I MPORTANT

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 served from the main lead must be destroyed as a plug with bared flexible cords 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 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 GREEN AND YELLOW.

The wires in this main lead are colored in accordance with the following code:

Blue Neutral Brown Live

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

The wire which is colored blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter 'N' or colored black or blue.

The wire which is colored brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter 'L' or colored red or brown.

7

CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSING OUR MACHINE

Your machine is one of the most advanced computerized household sewing machines. To fully enjoy all the features, we suggest that you study the manual before using the machine.

PLEASE READ BEFORE USING THIS MACHINE

For safe operation

  1. Be sure to keep your eye on the needle while sewing. Do not touch the hand wheel, thread take-up lever, needle, or other moving parts.
  2. Remember to turn off the power switch and unplug the cord when:
    • Operation is completed
    • Replacing or removing the needle or any other parts
    • A power failure occurs during use
    • Maintaining the machine
    • Leaving the machine unattended
  3. Do not store anything on the foot controller.
  4. Plug the machine directly into the wall. Do not use extension cords.

For a longer service life

  1. When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not use or store the machine near a space heater, iron, halogen lamp, 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 when replacing or installing any assemblies, the presser feet, 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 local authorized Brother dealer.

For additional product information and updates, visit our web site at www.brother.com

CONTENTS GETTING READY SEWING BASICS

8

1 GETTING READY

The various preparations required before starting to sew are described in this chapter.

  • Turning the Machine On/Off ........ 10
  • Understanding the LCD Screens ........ 12
  • Changing the Machine Settings ........ 14
  • Winding/Installing the Bobbin ........ 18
  • Upper Threading ........ 24
  • Replacing the Needle ........ 33
  • Replacing the Presser Foot ........ 37
  • Sewing Cylindrical or Large Pieces ........ 42

CONTENTS GETTING READY SEWING BASICS

GETTING READY

Turning the Machine On/Off

This section explains how to turn the sewing machine on and off.

Power supply precautions

Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the power supply.

WARNING

  • Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sources may result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine.
  • Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances:
    • When you are away from the machine
    • After using the machine
    • When the power fails during use
    • When the machine does not operate correctly due to a bad connection or a disconnection
    • During electrical storms

CAUTION

  • Do not use extension cords or multi-plug adapters with many other appliances plugged in to them. Fire or electric shock may result.
  • Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Electric shock may result.
  • When unplugging the machine, always turn off the main power first. Always grasp the plug to remove it from the outlet. Pulling on the cord may damage the cord, or lead to fire or electric shock.
  • Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modified, forcefully bent, pulled, twisted, or bundled. Do not place heavy objects on the cord. Do not subject the cord to heat. These things may damage the cord and cause fire or electric shock. If the cord or plug is damaged, take the machine to your authorized dealer for repairs before continuing use.
  • Unplug the power cord if the machine is not to be used for a long period of time. Otherwise a fire may result.

10

CONTENTS GETTING READY SEWING BASICS

Figure from the manual

Figure from the manual

Turning on the machine

  1. Make sure that the sewing machine is turned off (the main power switch is set to “O”), and then plug the power supply cord into the power supply jack on the right side of the machine.
  2. Insert the plug of the power supply cord into a household electrical outlet.

Figure from the manual

① Power supply jack

  1. Press the right side of the main power switch on the right side of the machine (set it to “I”).

► The sewing lamp and the LCD come on when the machine is turned on.

Turning off the machine

When you are finished using the sewing machine, turn it off. In addition, before transporting the sewing machine to another location, be sure to turn it off.

  1. Make sure that the machine is not sewing.
  2. Press the left side of the main power switch on the right side of the machine (set it to “O”).

Figure from the manual

► The sewing lamp goes off when the machine is turned off.

  1. Unplug the power supply cord from the electrical outlet. Grasp the plug when unplugging the power supply cord.
  2. Unplug the power supply cord from the power supply jack.

Note

  • When the sewing machine is turned off, all stitch settings are cancelled.
  • If a power outage occurs while the sewing machine is being operated, turn off the sewing machine and unplug the power supply cord. When restarting the sewing machine, follow the necessary procedure to correctly operate the machine.

(For U.S.A. only)

  • This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.

Turning the Machine On/Off 11

Figure from the manual

Understanding the LCD Screens

The LCD screen, located on the front at the right of the sewing machine, displays the settings for the selected stitch and error messages if operations are performed incorrectly. When the sewing machine is turned on, the LCD comes on and the following screen appears.

Figure from the manual

① Presser foot that should be used ② Single or twin needle ③ Selected stitch ④ Stitch length (mm) ⑤ Stitch width (mm)

Memo

  • For details on the error messages that appear when an operation is performed incorrectly, refer to “Error messages” (page 141).

Checking machine operating procedures

Simple descriptions on replacing the presser foot, threading the upper thread, winding the bobbin and installing the bobbin can be displayed in the LCD.

1 Turn on the sewing machine.

Figure from the manual

► The LCD comes on.

2 Press (sewing machine help key) in the operation panel.

► The sewing machine help screen appears.

3 Press ▲, ▼, ◄ and ► (arrow keys) until the image illustrating desired topic is selected.

Figure from the manual

① Replacing the presser foot ② Threading the upper thread ③ Winding the bobbin ④ Installing the bobbin

4 Press (OK key).

► The first screen describing the procedure for the selected topic appears.

5 To display the next screen, press ▼. To return to the previous screen, press ▲.

☐ Example: Upper threading

Figure from the manual

6 When you are finished with the help screen, press (OK key).

► The initial stitch screen appears again.

Note

● For details on each topic, refer to the corresponding page in this Operation Manual.

Understanding the LCD Screens 13

Figure from the manual

Figure from the manual

Changing the Machine Settings

Various sewing machine operations and sewing settings can be changed.

Changing the settings

The general procedure for changing machine settings is described below.

1 Turn on the sewing machine.

Figure from the manual

► The LCD comes on.

2 Press (settings key) in the operation panel.

► The settings screen appears.

3 Press ▲, ▼, ◄ and ► (arrow keys) until the stitch or machine attribute that you wish to set is selected.

Figure from the manual

4 Press (OK key).

► A screen containing settings for the selected attribute appears.

5 Press ▲, ▼, ◄ and ► (arrow keys) until the desired setting is selected.

► The setting is changed.

6 Press (OK key).

► The initial stitch screen appears again.

Figure from the manual

List of stitch or machine attribute

The stitch or machine attribute that can be set are listed below. For details on each attribute, refer to the corresponding reference page.

Attribute Icon Details Reference
Automatic reverse/ reinforcement stitching □ Specifies automatic reverse/reinforcement stitching. page 57
Automatic thread-cutting □ Specifies automatic thread-cutting. page 58
Check pattern □ABC Allows combined patterns to be checked. page 116
Left/right mirror imaging □ Mirror images patterns along a vertical axis. page 119
Pattern length □ Adjusts the length of satin stitches. page 118
Pattern size □□ Sets the size of patterns to be large or small. page 117
Repeated/ single sewing □□ Specifies whether the pattern will be sewn once or repeatedly. page 115
Stitching density □ Specifies the sewing density of the stitching. page 118
Save settings □□ Allows adjusted pattern widths and lengths to be saved. page 60
Needle position □□ Specifies where the needle is positioned when the sewing machine is stopped. page 16
Twin needle sewing □□ Specifies the twin needle. page 28
Stitch width control □ Allows the stitch width to be adjusted with the sewing speed controller. page 99
Language □ Allows the language used in the screens to be changed. page 17
Buzzer □ Specifies whether or not a beep is sounded with each operation. page 143
LCD brightness □ Adjusts the brightness of the LCD. page 16
Vertical pattern adjustment □ Adjusts the up and down position of the pattern. page 121

Changing the Machine Settings 15

GETTING READY

Changing the needle stop position

When the sewing machine is purchased, it is set to leave the needle lowered in the fabric when sewing is stopped. However, the machine can be set to instead leave the needle raised when sewing is stopped.

1 Press (settings key) in the operation panel, and then press ▲, ▼, ◄ and ► (arrow keys) until +↓ is selected.

Figure from the manual

2 Press (OK key). ► The screen for changing the needle stop position appears.

3 Press ► to select ↑↓. To return to ↓↑, press ◄.

Figure from the manual

► The machine is now set to stop with the needle in the raised position.

4 Press (OK key). ► The initial stitch screen appears again.

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD

The brightness of the LCD can be adjusted.

1 Press (settings key) in the operation panel, and then press ▲, ▼, ◄ and ► (arrow keys) until ☽ is selected.

Figure from the manual

2 Press (OK key). ► The screen for changing the brightness of the LCD appears.

3 To make the LCD brighter, press ◄ (–). To make the LCD darker, press ► (+).

Figure from the manual

► The brightness of the LCD is changed.

4 Press (OK key). ► The initial stitch screen appears again.

CONTENTS GETTING READY SEWING BASICS

16

Changing the screen language

The language used in the screens that are displayed can be changed to one of the many available. When the sewing machine is purchased, the screens appear in English.

1 Press (settings key) in the operation panel, and then press ▲, ▼, ◄ and ► (arrow keys) until is selected.

Figure from the manual

2 Press (OK key). ► The screen for changing the language of the screens appears.

3 Press ◄ or ► until the desired language is selected. The language can be changed to one of the available: English, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Japanese or others.

Figure from the manual

► The language of the screens is changed.

4 Press (OK key). ► The initial stitch screen appears again.

Winding/Installing the Bobbin

This section describes how to wind the thread onto the bobbin, and then insert the bobbin thread.

Bobbin precautions

Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the bobbin.

CAUTION

  • Only use the bobbin (part code: SA156, XA5539-151) designed specifically for this sewing machine. Use of any other bobbin may result in injuries or damage to the machine.
  • The enclosed bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine. If bobbins from older models are used, the machine will not operate correctly. Use only the enclosed bobbin or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, XA5539-151).

Actual size

11.5 mm (7/16 inch)

This model Older model

Winding the bobbin

Wind the thread around the bobbin to prepare the bobbin thread.

Figure from the manual

① Bobbin winder

Memo

  • The order that the machine should be threaded for winding the bobbin is indicated by a broken line on the sewing machine. Be sure to thread the machine as indicated.

Figure from the manual

Figure from the manual

1 Turn on the sewing machine.

Figure from the manual

2 Lift open the upper cover.

Figure from the manual

3 Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft so that the spring on the shaft fits into the notch in the bobbin.

Figure from the manual

① Notch ② Bobbin winder shaft spring

4 Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the right.

Figure from the manual

5 Remove the spool cap that is inserted onto the spool pin.

Figure from the manual

① Spool pin ② Spool cap

6 Place the spool of thread for the bobbin onto the spool pin. Slide the spool onto the pin so that the spool is horizontal and the thread unrolls from the bottom front of the spool.

Figure from the manual

  • If the spool is not positioned so that the thread unrolls correctly, the thread may become tangled around the spool pin.

7 Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin. With the rounded side of the spool cap positioned toward the left, slide the spool cap onto the spool pin as far as possible until the right side of the spool touches the right end of the spool pin.

Figure from the manual

  • Three spool cap sizes are available (large, medium and small). Use the spool cap with a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the spool. The medium-sized spool cap is already on the spool pin when the sewing machine is purchased.

Figure from the manual

① Spool cap (large) ② Spool cap (medium) ③ Spool

  • When using a spool of cross-wound thread, install the small spool cap with some space between the cap and the spool.

Figure from the manual

① Spool ② Gap ③ Spool cap (small)

Winding/Installing the Bobbin 19

CONTENTS GETTING READY SEWING BASICS

Text converted from the manufacturer's document. A □ marks a character that could not be read in the original. Back to the Brother NX400 discussions