Brother PC-8500 owner's manual

OPERATION

MANUAL

brother®

“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.
2. Always unplug before changing the light bulb. Replace bulb with same type rated 12V 5 watts.

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.

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

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 [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 main 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.

CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSING OUR MACHINE

Your machine is the most advanced computerized home use this machine available. To fully enjoy all the features incorporated we suggest that you study this booklet.

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 pulley, thread take-up, 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 store the 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 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 nearest authorized Brother service center.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

SETTING UP

• PRINCIPAL PARTS ........ 5
• OTHER INCLUDED ACCESSORIES ........ 7
• OPTIONS ........ 8
• POWER SUPPLY ........ 9
• SELECTION KEYS ........ 10 Screen messages guide you through each operation ...10
• OPERATION BUTTONS ........ 11
• Using the operation buttons ........ 11
• USING THE SCREEN KEYS ........ 12
• Examples of the keys on LCD ........ 12
• About the screen ........ 12 If the LCD is hard to see when the power is turned on ..13
• Adjusting the brightness of the LCD ........ 13
• HOW TO USE THE LANGUAGE SELECTION KEY ........ 14
• How to clear the language selection ........ 15
• BOBBIN WINDING / BOBBIN THREAD SETTING ........ 16
• Winding the bobbin and setting the bobbin thread ........ 16
• Setting the bobbin ........ 18
• UPPER THREADING ........ 19 Thread according to number and arrow marks on machine ...19
• Auto-threading device ........ 20
• Using the extra spool pin and the net ........ 21
• START/STOP ........ 22
• “START/STOP” button ........ 22
• Foot controller ........ 22
• Mounting and Using the Knee Lifter ........ 23
• STITCH WIDTH AND STITCH LENGTH ........ 24
• Stitch width ........ 24
• Stitch length ........ 25 Quick adjustment reference chart for stitch width and stitch length ...27
• THREAD TENSION ........ 29
• Correct tension ........ 29
• Loosen tension by touching “◄” (Weak) ........ 29
• Tighten tension by touching “►” (Strong) ........ 30
• Except “UTILITY STITCH” ........ 30
• CHANGING THE PRESSER FOOT ........ 31 Change the presser foot according to the LCD message ...31
• Installing embroidery foot “Q” ........ 31
• Changing the embroidery foot ........ 32
• Feed dog adjustment ........ 33
• CHANGING THE NEEDLE ........ 34
• Setting the needle securely ........ 34
• Checking needle ........ 34
• MACHINE OPERATION KEYS ........ 35

CHAPTER 2

1. SEWING

• TRIAL SEWING ........ 36
• Sewing by using “UTILITY STITCH” ........ 36
• AUTOMATIC REINFORCEMENT STITCHING ........ 38
• Cancelling automatic reinforcement stitching ........ 38
• AUTOMATIC THREAD CUTTING ........ 39
• Cancelling programmed automatic thread cutting ........ 39
• UTILITY STITCH SELECTION ........ 40
• USEFUL SKILLS ........ 42
• The “ ” key ........ 42
• Sewing corners ........ 43
• Sewing thick seams ........ 43
• Sewing curves ........ 43
• Sewing thick fabric ........ 44
• Sewing thin fabric ........ 44

2. UTILITY STITCHES

• STRAIGHT STITCHES ........ 45
• For reinforcement stretching on stretch fabric ........ 46
• Changing the stitch length ........ 46
• Changing the needle position ........ 46
• ADAPTER FOR LOW SHANK ATTACHMENTS ........ 47
• Included accessories ........ 47
• Installation of walking foot ........ 47
• ZIGZAG STITCHES ........ 48
• Overcasting (using a zigzag stitch) ........ 48
• Applique (using a zigzag stitch) ........ 48
• Patchwork (for crazy quilt) ........ 48
• OVERCASTING ........ 49
• When using , or stitches ........ 49
• When using , or stitches ........ 49
• OVERCASTING (When using the side cutter) ........ 50
• BLIND HEM STITCHES ........ 52
• Adjusting the needle drop position ........ 53
• BUTTONHOLE STITCHES ........ 54
• Order of one cycle ........ 56
• Sewing stretch fabrics ........ 56 Buttons that do not fit into the guide plate (Odd-shaped buttons) ...57
• Changing the stitch length ........ 57
• Changing the stitch width ........ 57
• BAR TACKING ........ 58
• Thick fabrics ........ 59
• Changing the bar tack stitch length ........ 59
• Changing the bar tack stitch width ........ 59
• DARNING ........ 60
• Changing the length of the darning stitch ........ 61
• Changing the bar tack stitch width ........ 61
• Darning stitch cycle ........ 61
• TAPE ATTACHING ........ 62
• EYELET STITCH ........ 63
• Size of eyelet (Actual size) ........ 63
• BUTTON SEWING ........ 64
• Attaching buttons with four holes ........ 65
• Attaching a shank to the button ........ 65
• BASTING ........ 66 ZIPPER INSERTION (CENTERED AND SIDE APPLICATION) ...67
• Centered application ........ 67
• Side application ........ 68
• DART SEAM ........ 70
• GATHERING ........ 71
• Pulling out the bobbin thread ........ 72
• PINTUCK ........ 73

FLAT FELL SEAM 75 Finished flat fell seam 76 APPLIQUES 77 Sewing the applique around corners 77 APPLIQUE QUILTS 78 SCALLOP STITCH 79 SMOCKING STITCH 80 PATCHWORK STITCH 81 FAGOTING 82 DECORATIVE STITCHING 83 Decorative stitching 83 Shell tacking 83 HEM-STITCH (HEIRLOOM STITCH) 84 “ ” hem-stitching 84 “ ” hem-stitching 85 LATERAL SEWING (STRAIGHT/ZIGZAG) 86

3. CHARACTERS AND DECORATIVE STITCHES

CHARACTER SEWING 88 Combinations of characters 89 DECORATIVE STITCHES 90 DECORATIVE STITCHES (7 mm) 91 SATIN STITCHES 92 CROSS STITCHING 93 CHARACTER AND DECORATIVE STITCH ADJUSTMENT 94 Changing the pattern size (Actual size) 94 Single/repeat sewing 94 Elongation 95 Changing the stitch length and the stitch width 96 Customize patterns by combining satin stitches using the “ ” and “ ” keys 97 Changing Mirror Image [Left and Right (the “ ” key), and Top and Bottom (the “ ” key)] 99 Confirming entry of combined stitch patterns 100 Saving combined stitch patterns 100 SEWING 102 Sewing attractive finishes 102 Using a pattern sheet 102 Sewing 103 ADJUSTING STITCH PATTERNS 105

4. EMBROIDERING

PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 106 Attaching embroidery foot “Q” 106 Fitting embroidery unit 107 Removing the embroidery unit 108 Placing the embroidery unit into its case 108 Initializing the embroidery unit 109 SELECTING AND SEWING PATTERNS 110 Selecting alphabetical characters 110 Selecting one-point patterns 111 Selecting frame patterns 112 Selecting floral alphabets 113 Selecting patterns from a memory card 114 MEMORY 116 Saving a pattern combination in memory 116 EMBROIDERING 117 Embroidering attractive finishes 117 Setting the fabric into the embroidery frame 117 Fitting the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit 119 Embroidering 120 Embroidering a single color pattern when “MULTI COLOR” is displayed 122 Changing the stitch density for characters and some frame patterns 122 MOVING THE LOCATION (LAYOUT) 123 Moving the embroidery location 124 Checking the embroidering area 124 Embroidering from a specific starting point 125 Changing the pattern direction 125 Reversing patterns 126 Using the “IMAGE” key 126 Changing the size of characters, frame patterns and pattern 127 ADJUSTMENTS DURING THE EMBROIDERY PROCESS 129 If the thread breaks during embroidering 129 Continuing a pattern after the power has been momentarily turned off 129

• When sewing again from the beginning ........ 130 EMBROIDERY APPLICATIONS 131 Linking characters 131 Embroidering appliqués (using a frame pattern) 132 Embroidering onto small pieces of fabric or onto corners 134

5. EDITING EMBROIDERY PATTERNS

EMBROIDERY EDITING CAPABILITIES 135 Explanation of the Editing Functions 135 HOW TO EDIT 136 Character Editing 137 One-point Editing 143 Border Pattern Editing 145 Editing Patterns on Embroidery Cards (sold separately) 146 Editing Combinations 147 SAVING A PATTERN COMBINATION TO MEMORY 151 Let's Sew 153 CORRECTING EDITED PATTERNS 154 Correcting another stitch pattern during editing 154 Correcting stitch patterns after editing 155

6. RETRIEVING

RETRIEVING CHARACTERS AND PATTERNS 156 RETRIEVING AN EMBROIDERY PATTERN 157 RETRIEVING AN EDITED PATTERN 158 DELETING A STORED PATTERN 159

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7. MY CUSTOM STITCH™ (Function for making own stitch Designs)

MAKING THE ILLUSTRATION 160 GENERATING THE DATA 162 EDITING AN EXISTING “ ” 164 Moving a point 164 Moving part or all of a pattern 165 Inserting new points 165 Once you have finished editing 166 STORING THE “ ” WHICH YOU HAVE ENTERED 167 RETRIEVING A “ ” 168

MAINTENANCE CLEANING 169 Cleaning the screen 169 Cleaning the machine surface 169 Cleaning the shuttle 169 CHANGING THE LIGHT BULB 171 RELATED CHART OF SEWING FABRICS, THREAD AND NEEDLE 172

ERROR MESSAGES Warning messages 173 Instruction messages 178 Alarms 179

TROUBLESHOOTING USING THE “OPERATION GUIDE” KEY 180 Trouble with threads and stitches 181 Mechanical trouble 182

SEWING CHART 183

PATTERNS (PROGRAMMED IN MACHINE) Utility stitches 186 Character sewing 186 Character embroidering chart 190 Frame pattern embroidering chart 190

PATTERNS (MEMORY CARD) One point mark embroidery pattern 191

*MY CUSTOM STITCH™ is under application for a registered trademark in the United States of America.

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SETTING UP

CHAPTER 1

PRINCIPAL PARTS

1– Handle 2– Spool cap 3– Thread guide for bobbin winding 4– Needle threader lever 5– Thread cutter 6– Buttonhole lever 7– Needle threader 8– Presser foot 9– Feed dog 10– Bobbin cover 11– Feed dog adjustment lever 12– Bobbin winder device 13– Balance wheel 14– Speed range control lever 15– Presser foot lever 16– Knee Lifter Mounting Slot 17– Knee Lifter

A–Main power switch and connectors B–Accessory compartment C–Selection keys (Refer to page 10) D–L.C.D. (Liquid Crystal Display) E–Operation buttons (Refer to page 11)

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A. MAIN POWER SWITCH AND CONNECTORS

① Card slot
Slot for memory card insertion.

② Main power switch
Use to turn on/off the main power.

③ Controller jack
Insert for foot controller operation.

④ Power cord
Use to connect machine to power supply.

CAUTION

• When leaving the machine unattended, the main switch of the machine must be switched off or the plug must be removed from the socket-outlet.
• When servicing the machine, or when removing covers or changing bulbs, the machine or the electrical set must be unplugged.
• 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, 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.

B. FLAT BED ATTACHMENT WITH ACCESSORY COMPARTMENT

I Tilt the lid of the accessory compartment toward you to open.

II Each presser foot has a symbol.
① Presser foot symbol

III ACCESSORY LIST
The location of each accessory is shown in figure III.

• Always use the plastic bobbin which is supplied with machine or in accessory compartment.
• Always use BROTHER accessories recommended for this machine.

OTHER INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

• Use the same screw when installing both the side cutter and the walking foot.
• If using special threads which wind quickly off the thread spool, place a net on the spool before using.
• If using the walking foot, please refer to the explanatory sheet which is inserted in the instruction book.
• The extra spool pin which is provided as an accessory should be attached to the end of the bobbin winder shaft during use.

Note (For U.S.A. only) Foot controller: Model J2 This foot controller can be used for this machine model PC-8500.

OPTIONS

• This unit cannot be used in conjunction with the memory card S-1.

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

POWER SUPPLY

WARNING – When leaving the machine unattended or when it is not being used, turn off the main power switch of the machine or remove the plug from the wall outlet.

CAUTION – Do not use this sewing machine with extension cords or multi-plug adaptors, otherwise a fire or an electric shock may occur. – Do not remove the plug from the wall outlet with wet hands, otherwise an electric shock may occur. – When unplugging the power cord, turn off the main power switch of the machine, then grasp the plug and pull to unplug the cord. Pulling on the cord may damage it or cause a fire or an electric shock. – Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modified, forcefully bent, pulled, twisted or bundled. In addition, do not place heavy objects on the cord or subject it to heat, otherwise the cord may be damaged or a fire or an electric shock may occur. If the power cord or plug are damaged, contact your nearest authorized Brother dealer or service center. – If the machine is not to be used for a long period of time, unplug the power cord, otherwise a fire may occur.

1. Insert the plug into a wall outlet. ❶ Main power switch
2. Set the main power switch to “ I ”.
3. To turn off the machine, set the main power switch to “ O ”.

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SELECTION KEYS

Screen messages guide you through each operation

C. SELECTION KEYS

• Depending on the country of destination, the selection keys may be displayed by means of characters or by illustrations.

1 “UTILITY STITCH” KEY Use this key when you sew utility stitches such as straight stitches, buttonholes, etc.

2 “CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH” KEY Use this key to sew alphabetical characters and other decorative stitches.

3 “EMBROIDERY” KEY Use this key when using a memory card and when embroidering pre-programmed patterns. When you insert or remove the memory card from the machine, the main power switch should always be turned off.

4 “EMBROIDERY EDIT” KEY Use this key for embroidering patterns which are combinations of other patterns.

5 “OPERATION GUIDE” KEY Use this key if you would like information on how to use machine functions such as upper threading, bobbin winding and bobbin thread setting.

6 “MEMORY RECALL” KEY Use this key to retrieve combined patterns which have been saved in memory.

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OPERATION BUTTONS

Using the operation buttons

D. OPERATION BUTTONS

1 “THREAD CUTTER” BUTTON When you press this button, both upper and bobbin threads are cut automatically.

2 “NEEDLE POSITION” BUTTON Press to change the needle position from up to down or from down to up.

3 “REVERSE STITCH” BUTTON The reverse stitch button is used to secure and end stitching with a reverse stitch or reinforcement stitch. The reverse stitch function stitches backward. The reinforcement stitch function stitches three times in the same position. (See page 38 for full instructions.)

4 “START/STOP” BUTTON The button illuminates green when the machine is ready to be started and while sewing or embroidering. If starting is not possible, it illuminates red. In addition, it illuminates orange when the bobbin thread is being wound onto the bobbin (when the bobbin winder shaft is to the right).

• Sewing continues at low speed while the button is pressed.
• The needle will drop to its lowest position when the machine is stopped.

Setting Up Sewing Utility Stitches Characters and Decorative Stitches Embroidering Editing Embroidery Patterns Retrieving My Custom Stitch ™ Maintenance Error Messages Trouble shooting Sewing Chart Patterns (Programmed in Machine) Patterns (Memory Card)

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USING THE SCREEN KEYS

Touch a key on the screen with your finger to select the pattern which appears inside the key or to start the function or operation indicated inside the key.

CAUTION Be sure to touch the key with your finger only. Never use a pointed instrument such as a sharp pencil or a screwdriver or a hard object to touch the key. Furthermore, do not press down too hard on the screen, otherwise problems may result.

Examples of the keys on LCD

“ ”: Touch this key to return to the previous page. “ ”: Touch this key to move to the next page. “CHECK”: If an error message appears, touch this to return to the original screen. “CLOSE”: If another screen is being displayed over the top of an advice screen, for example, touch this key to remove the topmost screen. “RETURN”: Touch this key to return to the previous screen. “END”: Touch this key to stop using the function. “CONFIRM”: Touch this key to start a function working.

About the screen

NOTES – All or parts of the screen may become darker or lighter at times because of changes in the ambient temperature around the screen. This is normal and is not the sign of a malfunction. Adjust the screen if it is difficult to read. – The screen may be dark, immediately after the power is turned on. This is a feature of the light which illuminates the screen, and is not the sign of a malfunction. The screen will return to its normal level of brightness after approximately 10 minutes.

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If the LCD is hard to see when the power is turned on

1. While touching the LCD (anywhere is OK), turn the power off and then back on again.

• The START/STOP button will not illuminate at this time.

2. Touch any one of the lower three selection keys (EMBROIDERY EDIT, OPERATION GUIDE or MEMORY RECALL). The LCD will become darker each time one of these keys is touched. If you would like to make the LCD lighter, touch any one of the upper three selection keys (UTILITY STITCH, CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH or EMBROIDERY).

3. After you have finished adjusting, turn the power off and back on again once more.

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD.

1. Touch the “OPERATION GUIDE” key.
2. Touch the “BRIGHTNESS OF LCD” key.

❶ Touch this key to make contrast less (lighter). ❷ Touch this key to make contrast greater (darker). ❸ Touch this key to return to the screen which was previously being displayed.

HOW TO USE THE LANGUAGE SELECTION KEY

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

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

Example: To change the display language to Spanish

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

Note

• When the “ ” key 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. Touch the “OPERATION GUIDE” key.
2. Touch the “ ” key.
3. Touch the “ENGLISH” key. This will cancel the Spanish language setting and return all screen displays and error messages to the English language.

CAUTION – This function should 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 / BOBBIN THREAD SETTING

Winding the bobbin and setting the bobbin thread

1. Connect the machine to the power supply and turn on the main power.

2. Place the spool of thread on the spool pin. 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 pin.

   ① Spool cap ② Spool ③ Spool pin

   • The spool cap should be pushed on as far as it will go.

Note If using a fine thread such as cross wound thread, slightly separate the spool cap (small) from the spool of thread before using it.

① Cross wound thread ② Spool cap (small) ③ Gap

3. Steady the spool thread in your right hand, take the end of the thread in your left hand, and pass it through the guides in the order shown by the numbers.

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4. Align the groove in the bobbin with the spring on the shaft and place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft. Then, push the bobbin winder shaft to the right.

❶ Spring on the shaft ❷ Groove of the bobbin

5. Wind the thread clockwise around the bobbin four or five times, pass the end of the thread through the slit in the bobbin winder seat, and then pull the thread in the direction shown in the illustration. Use the cutter to cut the thread.

❶ Bobbin winder seat

6. Slide the speed range control lever to its maximum (as far to the right as possible).
7. Press the “START/STOP” button. The machine will stop automatically when the bobbin is full.
8. After the bobbin has stopped moving, press the “START/STOP” button to stop the machine.
9. Cut the thread, slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left and remove the bobbin.

Setting Up Sewing Utility Stitches Characters and Decorative Stitches Embroidering Editing Embroidery Patterns Retrieving My Custom Stitch™ Maintenance Error Messages Trouble shooting Sewing Chart Patterns (Programmed in Machine) Patterns (Memory Card)

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Setting the bobbin

1. Slide open the bobbin cover.
   • ❶ Bobbin cover
   • ❷ Bobbin cover release button

2. Insert the bobbin into the shuttle with the thread direction as noted in the diagram.

3. Guide the thread end through the slit, then pull the thread toward you to cut off any excess thread.
   • ❶ Built-in thread cutter

4. Close the bobbin cover by placing the left end in place and pressing down lightly on the right end so that it snaps into place.
   • • Sewing can begin without pulling out the bobbin thread.

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UPPER THREADING

Thread according to number and arrow marks on machine.

1. Raise the presser foot lever. (If the presser foot is not raised, the upper thread cannot be threaded.)

2. Press the “NEEDLE POSITION” button to raise the needle to the up position.

3. 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.

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Insert the thread firmly to the bottom of the guide.

4. Steady the spool thread in your right hand, take the end of the thread in your left hand, and keep it taut while passing it through the guides in the order shown by the numbers. Note Incorrect threading may cause damage.

Threading the take-up lever 1 Thread take-up lever

5. Lower the presser foot.
6. Thread the needle manually or using the auto-threading device.

• You do not need to pull the bobbin thread up before you start sewing.

7. Pass the thread underneath the presser foot and pull it out from the rear of the machine by about 5 cm. Note Always raise the presser foot before removing the upper thread from the machine or damage may occur to the auto thread tension unit.

Auto-threading device

1. Guide the thread through the wire loop and gently pull the thread towards you. 1 Needle threader lever 2 Guide (Large hook) 3 Wire loop

• Lowering the presser foot will engage the automatic tension and will allow you to grip the thread as you proceed.

2. Lower the needle threader lever all the way down using your left index finger. Check that the thread is held by the guide (large hook) and that the hook on the needle threader has passed through the eye of the needle. 1 Second set of hooks 2 Third hook

3. As you lower the needle threader lever drape the thread to the left and the large hook will catch the thread. When the needle threader lever is in the lowest position, drape the thread across the eye of the needle.

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• Rotating your right hand slightly to check that the thread is engaged.

4. While gently holding the thread, raise the needle threader lever.

5. Pull the thread towards the rear to finish the upper threading.

6. Pass the thread underneath the presser foot and pull it out from the rear of the machine by about 5 cm (1-15/16").

Using the extra spool pin and the net

Extra spool pin Use when embroidering with metallic thread.

1. Insert the extra spool pin into the end of the bobbin winder shaft.
2. Install the spool felt and the thread spool in that order, and then thread the upper thread.

❶ Insert the extra spool pin into the end of the bobbin winder shaft ❷ Spool felt ❸ Thread spool

• 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.

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

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.

❶ Net ❷ Thread spool ❸ Spool pin ❹ Spool cap

\begin{tabular}{|l|l|} \hline Needle & Thread (cotton) \ \hline 65/9 & #30, 50, 60 \ \hline 75/11 & #30 \ \hline 90/14 & #30 \ \hline 100/16 & #20 \ \hline \end{tabular}

Note The auto-threading device cannot be used with the combinations shown at left. Transparent nylon thread can be used regardless of the chart providing needle used in 90/14 to 100/16.

START/STOP

“START/STOP” button

1. Place the fabric under the presser foot, lower the presser foot, and then press the “START/STOP” button. This machine starts sewing.

• Hold down the “START/STOP” button to sew at a slow speed.

2. Press the “START/STOP” button to stop this machine.

Foot controller

Note Do not allow fabric pieces and dust to collect in the foot controller. Doing so could cause a fire or an electric shock.

1. With this machine turned off, insert the foot controller plug into its jack on this machine.

❶ Foot controller ❷ Foot controller jack

2. Turn on this machine, then slowly depress the foot controller to start sewing.

• The speed set using the speed range control lever is the foot controller’s maximum sewing speed.

3. Release the foot controller to stop this machine.

• When the foot controller is being used, the “START/STOP” button has no effect on the sewing.

Note (For U.S.A. only) Foot controller: Model J2 This foot controller can be used for this machine model PC-8500.

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