Brother PC-8500 owner's manual: Changing the size of characters, frame patterns and pattern SIZE

Changing the size of characters, frame patterns and pattern SIZE

You can change the size of character and frame patterns to any size you wish.

[When changing character size]

1. Touch the “SIZE” key.

2. To increase the pattern size, touch the “A→A” key; to reduce the size, touch the “A←A” key to reset the size touch the “RESET” key. The size will change each time one of these keys is pressed.

• The maximum frame pattern size is different for each pattern.
• Some frame patterns can be enlarged further if they are rotated 90°.

3. After adjustment is competed, touch the “END SIZE CHANGE” key.

CAUTION After the size of a character, frame patterns or embroidery patterns have been changed, check the display to see which embroidery frames can be used. If an embroidery frame which is not displayed is used, the embroidery foot may touch the frame, or injury may result.

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[When changing frame pattern and patterns size]

1. Touch the “SIZE” key.

2. To increase the pattern size, touch the “A→A” key; to reduce the size, touch the “A←A” key to reset the size touch the “RESET” key. The size will change each time one of these keys is pressed.

• The maximum frame pattern size is different for each pattern.
• Some frame patterns can be enlarged further if they are rotated 90°.

3. After adjustment is competed, touch the “END SIZE CHANGE” key.

CAUTION After the size of a character, frame patterns or embroidery patterns have been changed, check the display to see which embroidery frames can be used. If an embroidery frame which is not displayed is used, the embroidery foot may touch the frame, or injury may result.

• There are some patterns that cannot be enlarged or reduced.
• Use the standard needle size if the thread breaks or splits when using reduced patterns change to a finer needle.
• Use the standard embroidery thread weight, if gaps become obvious when using enlarged patterns change to a heavier weight thread.

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ADJUSTMENTS DURING THE EMBROIDERY PROCESS

If the thread breaks during embroidering

1. Stop the machine, raise the needle and the presser foot lever and re-thread the upper thread.

If the bobbin thread has broken 1 Cut the upper thread and remove the embroidery frame. 2 Check the under side of the embroidery for any thread build-up, clean. 3 Reset the bobbin thread and re-attach the embroidery frame.

2. Touch the “HELP” key.

❶ The needle will return to the start position for the whole pattern. ❷ The needle will return to the start position for the color (or character) currently being embroidered (without embroidering). ❸ The needle will proceed to the start position for the next color (or character) to be embroidered (without embroidering). ❹ The needle will move back one stitch (without embroidering). If this key is touched continuously, the needle will move back in jumps of 17 stitches starting from the 6th stitch. ❺ The needle will move forward one stitch (without embroidering). If this key is touched continuously, the needle will move forward in jumps of 17 stitches starting from the 6th stitch. ❻ The display will return to the original screen (sewing screen).

3. Touch the “BACK” key to move back a short way past the point where the thread broke.

• If the machine stops moving backward before you reach the point where you need to resume embroidering, touch the “REVERSE SEARCH” key and the “FORWARD” key. When you reach the point at which you would like to resume embroidering press the “START/STOP” button.

4. Lower the presser foot lever and start embroidering.

• The “START/ STOP” button may not function for a few seconds after the “FORWARD SEARCH” or “REVERSE SEARCH” key is touched, however this is not a sign of a malfunction.

Continuing a pattern after the power has been momentarily turned off

Example: Continuing to embroider halfway through the second color

1. Select the pattern and then touch the “HELP” key.
2. Touch the “FORWARD SEARCH” key to move to the start of the second color.
3. Touch the “FORWARD” key to move forward to a position slightly before the point where embroidering is to continue.
4. Lower the presser foot and start embroidering.

• When moving the embroidering position on the layout screen before continuing to embroider the pattern, move the position on the layout screen by the same amount before carrying out the above procedure.

When sewing again from the beginning

1. Touch the “HOME” key. The needle will return to the embroidery start position.
2. Lower the presser foot lever and start embroidering.

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EMBROIDERY APPLICATIONS

Linking characters

Use this feature when the characters cannot be sewn all at once.

Example: Embroidering ABC, then linking DE

1. Touch “A”, “B”, and “C”, touch the “LAYOUT” key to move the needle to the center position, and then touch the “CENTER START” key.

2. Press the “START/STOP” button and start embroidering. Once embroidering is completed, move the fabric to the position where “DE” is to be embroidered.

❶ The embroidery end position

• Match the line of embroidery with reference lines on the embroidery sheet that fits the frame you are using.

3. Select “DE”, then touch the “LAYOUT” key, and touch the “CENTER START” key to highlight START.

4. Use the arrow keys to move the needle to the embroidery end position for “ABC”.

5. Press the “START/STOP” button and start embroidering.

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Embroidering appliqués (using a frame pattern)

You can use frame patterns with the same shape and size to sew appliqués.

1. Select the applique material for the project, attach a stabilizer material, place it into the embroidery frame and attach the embroidery frame to the machine.

2. Select the frame shape to be embroidered and select the “ ” stitch. Embroider onto the applique material. Remove the fabric from the embroidery frame. Cut neatly around the outside of the shape made by the stitches.

3. Embroider a base fabric in the same way using the same frame pattern shape and the “ ” stitch as in step 2.

4. Apply a thin layer of fabric glue to the rear of the applique material which is created in step 2, and then attach it to the base fabric so that it follows the frame shape just stitched.

❶ Fabric glue

5. Without changing the frame shape or size, select the “|” stitch, and use it to embroider the applique material onto the project.

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❶ Satin stitch “ | ”

Finished applique on the project

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Embroidering onto small pieces of fabric or onto corners

Use stabilizer fabric to provide extra support while embroidering. After embroidering is completed, remove the stabilizer fabric carefully. Use stabilizer fabric which is designed specially for embroidering.

Case A

1. Fabric
2. Attach the stabilizer fabric by ironing. (If you do not wish to iron, attach the stabilizer fabric with a basting stitch.)
3. Stabilizer

Case B

1. Fabric
2. Stabilizer

Case C

1. Ribbon (Secure with double-sided tape)
2. Stabilizer

NOTE Temporary spray on adhesive will also enable you to tack down unusually shaped objects. Some glue may get onto the presser foot, needle and needle plate at this time. Finish embroidering the applique pattern and then clean away the glue.

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5. EMBROIDERY EDITING

EMBROIDERY EDITING CAPABILITIES

Embroidery editing lets you change the pattern layout by rotating and moving the pattern within an 18 cm long x 13 cm wide embroidery area. Also positioning is easy when combining one point patterns with characters and when sewing characters on a curved line. Use the "EMBROIDERY EDIT" key to combine patterns and characters or two or more patterns so that you can make your very own original emblems or name tags.

Explanation of the Editing Functions

Layout (Movement) Patterns can be moved to a desired position within the 18 cm long x 13 cm wide embroidery area by using the edit function and confirming the position on the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.

Combinations Combining one-point patterns with border patterns, characters and embroidery card patterns is easy.

Rotation Directional position of patterns and characters can be changed by rotating them in 5-degree steps.

Expansion and Reduction Up to 50 increments size changes can be made to characters and border patterns.

Configurations Up to 6 different types of character configuration can be selected.

Other Useful Functions

• One-point patterns can be mirror imaged in the left or right direction.
• The space between characters can widened or closed.

HOW TO EDIT

1. Attach the embroidery unit and make necessary preparations before Embroidering.

• See pages 106 to 108 for details.

2. Press the “EMBROIDERY EDIT” key to display the following screen.

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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Character Editing

Example: Editing the Alphabet “$A B C D E F G$”

1. Select character type.

2. First, designate the character size. (If you select hiragana/katakana, also designate vertical characters or horizontal characters at the same time.)

3. Next, select character configuration. Press the “ARRAY” key.

4. Select configuration type. After making your selection, press the “END ARRAY ASSIGNMENT” key.

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5. Select character, then press the “SET” key.

After a while the characters will be displayed. The characters will be laid out in the center of the embroidery area.

1. Press these keys to move patterns in the direction of the arrows. (See page 139 for details.)
2. Press this key to bring the pattern back to the center of the embroidery area.
3. Press this key to delete the pattern being edited. (See page 141 for details.)
4. Use this key to change the pattern to be edited.
5. Use this key to change character spacing. (See page 139 for details.)
6. Use this key to change character size. (See page 140 for details.)
7. Use this key to rotate characters to the right or left in 5-degree steps. (See page 140 for details.)
8. Press this key when you want to change character configuration. (See page 141 for details.)
9. Press this key when you want to change the extent of a curve. (See page 141 for details.)
10. Press this key to move to the next stage.

Moving Characters

Press the key marked with the arrow pointing in the direction you want to move the character.

Spacing Characters

Press the “CHARACTER SPACING” key to alter character spacing.

Press the “[icon: down arrow over spaced boxes]” key to open the space between characters.

Press the “[icon: down arrow over close boxes]” key to close the space between characters.

Press the “END SPACING EDIT” key when character spacing is completed.

Press the “RESET” key to revert back to the original character spacing.

Changing Character Size Press the “SIZE” key to alter character sizes.

Press the “A↔A” key to increase character size. Press the “A↔A” key to decrease character size. Press the “END SIZE CHANGE” key when Changing of character size is completed. Press the “RESET” key to revert back to the original character size.

Rotating Characters Press the “ROTATE” key to rotate patterns.

The pattern will rotate 5 degrees to the right each time the “↗+5°” key is pressed. The pattern will rotate 5 degrees to the left each time the “↙-5°” key is pressed. Press the “END ROTATION CHANGE” key when pattern rotation is completed. Press the “RESET” key to revert back to the original rotation angle.

NOTE The angle of rotation that you have currently selected is displayed on the screen at this time.

Changing Configurations Press the “ARRAY” key to change configuration.

Select the type of Configuration. After selecting configuration type, press the “END ARRAY ASSIGNMENT” key.

Changing the Extent of the Curve The “CURVE” key is displayed when curve configuration is selected. Press the “CURVE” key.

The curve becomes more pronounced each time the “↰” key is pressed. The curve becomes less pronounced each time the “↱” key is pressed. Press the “END EDIT SPACE BETWEEN CURVES” key when curve changing is completed. Press the “RESET” key to revert to the original curve.

Deleting a Pattern being Edited Press the “DELETE” key to delete a pattern currently being edited. The pattern will disappear from the edit screen.

Completing Edit Work

Press the “END” key when editing is completed.

The edited pattern is displayed on the edit screen. Select pattern type if another pattern is to be edited at this point.

1 Press this key when you want to correct an edited pattern. (See page 154 for details.) 2 Press this key when editing is completed.

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One-point Editing

1. Select the one-point type. Example: [Image of three small icons]

2. Select embroidery pattern.

3. Designate size, then press the “SET” key.

• “L S” is displayed when there are 2 pattern sizes and “L M S” is displayed when there are 3 pattern sizes. Select a size.

After a while the characters will be displayed on the edit screen.

1. The pattern changes size of the pattern.
2. The pattern rotates 5 degrees to the left or right with each press of this key. (See page 140 for details.)
3. Use this key to mirror image the pattern to the left or right.

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Mirror Imaging Patterns to the Left or Right

Press the “ ” key to mirror image patterns to the left or right.

• Sometimes the “ ” key is not displayed due to the pattern selected.

See pages 139 to 142 for details on other editing methods.

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Border Pattern Editing

1. Select border pattern.

2. Select border shape.

3. Select stitching style.

4. The selected border pattern will be displayed on the edit screen. (See pages 139 to 142 for details on editing methods.)

❶ Use this key to change the size of the pattern. (See page 140 for details.) ❷ Use this key to rotate the pattern.

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Editing Patterns on Embroidery Cards (sold separately)

Note Only insert or remove embroidery cards when " [icon] " is displayed.

Example: Editing Patterns on the "Flower Card" (sold separately)

1. Fully insert the embroidery card (with the card arrow , found is on the front side, pointing in the direction of the slot) into the card slot found on the side of your machine.

Note Do not try to insert the card in any other direction than that of the card arrow and do not try to forcefully insert the card as either of these actions may cause damage.

2. Press the “Embroidery Edit” key followed by the “ [icon] ” key to display the pattern selection screen for the embroidery card.

3. Select a pattern, then edit. (See pages 135 to 142 for details on editing methods.)

❶ Use this key to change size of pattern. (Refer page 140) ❷ Use this key to rotate the pattern. (See page 140 for details.) ❸ Use this key to mirror image the pattern to the left or right. (See page 144 for details.)

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Editing Combinations

Example: Editing the "BEAR BEAR" alphabet characters with stitching pattern in one location.

1. Attach the embroidery unit and carry out pre-embroidery preparations. (See Page 106 to 108 for details.)

2. Press the "Embroidery Edit" key. The available types of stitching patterns will be displayed.
3. Press " ".

4. Select " ", and press "SET". Item " " will be called up.

5. The embroidery pattern will be laid out in the center of the embroidery area. Press "END".

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6. Select alphabet characters. Press “ABC”.

7. Specify alphabet character size, then select “ARRAY”.

8. Select “B”, then press “END ARRAY ASSIGNMENT”.

9. Input "BEAR BEAR", then press “END”.

10 Press “\uparrow” to move the alphabet characters upwards to a position that is well balanced with the “bear”.

11. Press “CURVE” when you would like to adjust the degree of the alphabet character array curve.

12. Press “\curveleft” and “\curveright” to adjust the degree of the alphabet character array curve, and press “END EDIT SPACE BETWEEN CURVES” when all adjustments are completed.

• Press “RESET” to return to initial status.

13. Press “END”.

14. Finish editing.

Press “END EDIT”.

15. The "SEWING" screen will be displayed. (See page 153 for details on sewing.)

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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)

SAVING A PATTERN COMBINATION TO MEMORY

You can save up to 15 different patterns in the memory. However, if some of the patterns contain large amounts of data, it may not be possible to save the whole 15 patterns.

1. Touch the “MEMORY” key.

2. The word “SAVING” will appear on the screen. After the pattern is saved, the display will return to the original screen. Refer to page 156 for details on how to retrieve characters and patterns which have been saved to memory.

• Do not turn off the power while the word “Saving” is displayed on the screen. If you turn off the power during this time, the data being saved may be deleted.

If no more patterns can be saved There are already 15 patterns in the memory. The data currently stored has filled the entire memory area. To delete a pattern that is already saved in the memory, touch the “DELETE” key. To cancel the saving of a pattern, touch the “CANCEL” key. The saving process will continue.

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