Brother PC-8500 owner's manual: Pintuck

PINTUCK

Select the “ ” stitch and then touch the “ ” key.

1. Mark along the folds on the reverse side of the fabric. ❶ Reverse side

2. Turn the fabric and iron the folded parts only. ❶ Surface

3. Select the “ ” stitch and then touch the “ ” key.

   • It will not be necessary to adjust the thread tension if pintucking is selected by pressing the “ ” key.

4. Put the right end of presser foot “I” into the holder, and sew a straight stitch along the fold. ❶ Width for pintuck ❷ Reverse side ❸ Surface

   • When the automatic thread cutting and automatic reinforcement stitch are preset, reinforcement stitches will be sewn automatically at the start of sewing. Press the “REVERSE STITCH” button to sew a reinforcement stitch and trim the thread automatically at the finish of sewing.

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5. Iron the folds toward the same direction.

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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)

FLAT FELL SEAM

Use for reinforcing seams and finishing edges neatly.

1. Attach presser foot “J”. Sew the finish line, then cut half of the seam allowance from the side that the flat fell seam will lie. ❶ About 1.2 cm (1/2") ❷ Reverse side

• When the automatic thread cutting and automatic reinforcement stitch are preset, reinforcement stitches will be sewn automatically at the start of sewing. Press the “REVERSE STITCH” button to sew a reinforcement stitch and trim the thread automatically at the finish of sewing.

2. Spread out the fabric along the finish line. ❶ Finish line ❷ Reverse side

3. Press both seam allowances toward the more narrow (cut one) side and iron them. ❶ Reverse side

4. Fold the longer seam allowance around more narrow one, and sew the edge of the fold. ❶ Reverse side

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Finished flat fell seam

❶ Surface

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APPLIQUES

1. Attach the applique to the fabric. ❶ Applique ❷ Fabric glue

• The applique should be attached with fabric glue or a basting stitch so that it will not move during sewing.

2. Attach presser foot "J". Make sure that the needle drop point is just outside the applique and then start sewing. ❶ Applique

• When the automatic thread cutting and automatic reinforcement stitch are preset, reinforcement stitches will be sewn automatically at the start of sewing. Press the "REVERSE STITCH" button to sew a reinforcement stitch and trim the thread automatically at the finish of sewing.

3. Finish ❶ Applique ❷ Needle drop point

Sewing the applique around corners

1. Stop the machine and position the needle just outside the applique.
2. Raise the presser foot and turn the fabric as needed to keep the correct needle position.

APPLIQUE QUILTS

Use a blind hem stitch for applique quilts.

1. Trace the pattern onto the applique fabric and then cut around it.

   • Seam margin (0.3 to 0.5 mm)

2. Place a piece of thick paper cut to the finished size onto the fabric, and then fold over the seam margin using an iron.

3. Turn the fabric over and sew basting stitches around the edge. Attach monogramming foot “N” and then sew around the edge, while dropping the needle as close to the edge as possible.

• When the automatic thread cutting and automatic reinforcement stitch are preset, reinforcement stitches will be sewn automatically at the start of sewing. Press the “REVERSE STITCH” button to sew a reinforcement stitch and trim the thread automatically at the finish of sewing.

❶ Dresden Plate ❷ Stained Glass ❸ Sunbonnet Sue

SCALLOP STITCH

Stitch for decorating collars of blouses, edges of table cloths, etc.

1. Attach presser foot “N”. Sew the remaining edge of the fabric so that the stitch doesn’t go right to the edge of the fabric.

❶ Surface

• When the automatic thread cutting and automatic reinforcement stitch are preset, reinforcement stitches will be sewn automatically at the start of sewing. Press the “REVERSE STITCH” button to sew a reinforcement stitch and trim the thread automatically at the finish of sewing.

2. Trim along the stitches carefully so as not to cut the stitches.

• There are products in the marketplace that will “seal” the trimmed areas. This will give a more finished appearance.

SMOCKING STITCH

This stitch is used for decorative stitching on clothing.

1. Select the “□” stitch, set the stitch length to 4.0 mm and set the thread tension to a weak setting. Then sew straight stitches at intervals of 1 cm.

❶ About 1 cm (3/8")

2. Pull the bobbin threads to obtain the desired amount of gather, and then smooth the gathers by ironing them.

3. Attach presser foot “J” and sew over the top of the straight stitches, selecting from one of the two decorative stitches shown above.

4. Pull out the straight stitch threads.

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PATCHWORK STITCH

1. Match the fabric seams right sides together, join together with a straight stitch. Open seam allowance [about 1 cm (3/8")] and press flat.

❶ Straight stitch ❷ Seam allowance ❸ 1 cm (3/8") ❹ Reverse side

2. Attach presser foot "J". Set the center of the presser foot on the seam lines of the joined fabrics and then sew over the seam, using one of the decorative stitches shown above.

❶ Surface ❷ Seam

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FAGOTING

Stitch for fagoting, decoration, etc.

1. Baste the fabric onto thin paper or water-soluble stabilizer sheet.

   ❶ Basting stitch ❷ 0.4 cm (3/16") ❸ Thin paper or stabilizer sheet

2. Attach presser foot “J”. Center the presser foot on the paper between the folded edges of fabric and begin sewing.

   ❶ Basting stitch

   • Use thick thread. (#30)
   • After sewing, remove the paper.

DECORATIVE STITCHING

Select the stitch you would like to use.

Decorative stitching

These stitches are used for sewing crazy quilts and for decorating hems.

Shell tacking

1. Attach presser foot “J”, select “ ” and set the thread tension to a strong setting.

2. Fold the fabric in half diagonally.

   • Use a thin fabric.

3. Drop the needle slightly to the outside of the edge of the fabric, and then start sewing.

4. Open out the fabric and iron the fold down to one side.

HEM-STITCH (HEIRLOOM STITCH)

Use for sewing tablecloths, decorative hems on clothes and decorative stitching on shirt fronts.

A more attractive finish can be obtained if you use the “130/705H Wing” needle when sewing these patterns. If using a wing needle and the stitch width has been set to manually, check that the needle will not touch the presser foot before starting sewing by carefully rotating the balance wheel.

“[icon]” hem-stitching

1. Pull out several threads from one area on a piece of fabric. This will leave the fabric frayed in this one area. About 5 or 6 threads will leave a 3 mm (1/8") area.

2. Attach presser foot “N”. With the reverse side of the fabric facing up, sew one edge of the frayed part.

3. With the back side of the fabric continuing to face you, turn the fabric and sew the other edge of the frayed part, aligning the stitches so they are parallel.

4. Illustration of finished product.

“ ” hem-stitching

1. Pull out several threads from both sides of the 4 mm (3/16") part which is not yet frayed. [Pull out four threads, leave five threads and then pull out four threads, the width of five threads is approximately 4mm (3/16") or less.]

   ❶ Approx. 4.0 mm (3/16") or less. ❷ Four threads (Pull out) ❸ Five threads (Leave)

2. Sew the decorative stitch on the center of the five threads created above.

   • Wing needle is a option.

3. Illustration of finished product.

LATERAL SEWING (STRAIGHT/ZIGZAG)

Multi-directional sewing on tubular fabrics.

“”, “”, “” and “” can also be used to sew diagonally. Slide the flat bed attachment off the machine to create the free arm.

1. Attach presser foot “N”. Sew with the “” stitch to the point required. ❶ Start point

2. Select the “” stitch, and then sew until you reach the desired length.

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3. Select the “ ” stitch again, and press the “REVERSE STITCH” button.

4. Select the “ ”stitch, and then sew until you reach the starting point.

• Lateral zigzag sewing should be carried out using the same procedure as lateral straight sewing.

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3. CHARACTERS AND DECORATIVE STITCHES

CHARACTER SEWING

1. Touch the “CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH” key.

   1. Alphabetical characters
   2. Decorative stitch
   3. Satin stitch
   4. Cross stitch
   5. MY CUSTOM STITCH™ (Function for creating your own stitches)
   6. Decorative stitch (7 mm width)
   7. Card

2. Select the style.

   1. Block style
   2. Alphabet
   3. Italic style

1. Character selection keys

2. Touch this key to change the thread tension.

3. Touch this key to save a pattern combination to memory. (Refer to page 100.)

4. Touch this key to change the character size. (Refer to page 94.)

   “L”: Larger “S”: Smaller

5. Touch this key to cancel your last entry.

6. An advice screen will appear if you touch this key while sewing. (Refer to page 42.)

7. Touch this key to cut the thread automatically after sewing is completed. (Refer to page 39.)

8. Touch this key to confirm your entry. (Refer to page 100.)

Combinations of characters

Try entering “Bus”.

1. Touch “B”.
   • If you select the wrong character by mistake, touch the “CLEAR” key to clear the character selection.

2. Touch “abc...” to switch to lower-case.

3. Touch “u” and “s”.
   • Any combination of 70 characters or spaces can be accepted at one time. 1 Space key

DECORATIVE STITCHES

1. Touch the “CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH” key.
2. Touch the “[icon]” key. The decorative stitch pattern selection screen will be displayed.

❶ Pattern selection keys ❷ Touch this key to change the thread tension. ❸ Touch this key to select single or repeat sewing. (Refer to page 94.) ❹ Touch this key to change the pattern size. (Refer to page 94.) ❺ Touch this key to move to the next screen. ❻ Touch this key to return to the previous screen. ❼ An advice screen will appear if you touch this key while sewing. (Refer to page 42.)

3. Select the pattern.

• Touch the “[icon]” key to display the next decorative stitch pattern selection screen.

DECORATIVE STITCHES (7 mm)

1. Touch the “CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH” key.
2. Touch the “ ” key. The decorative stitch pattern selection screen will be displayed.

❶ Pattern selection keys ❷ Touch this key to change the thread tension ❸ Touch this key to save a pattern combination to memory. (Refer to page 100) ❹ Touch this key to select single or repeat sewing. (Refer to page 94) ❺ Touch the key to reverse the pattern horizontally. ❻ Touch the key to reverse the pattern vertically. ❼ Touch this key to adjust the stitch width and stitch length. ❽ Touch this key to move to the next screen. ❾ Touch this key to move to the previous screen. ❿ Touch this key to cancel your entry. ⓫ An advice screen will appear if you touch this key while sewing. (Refer to page 42) ⓬ Touch this key to confirm your entry. (Refer to page 100)

SATIN STITCHES

1. Touch the “CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH” key. The different types of patterns available will be displayed.
2. Touch the “ ” key. The satin stitch selection screen will be displayed.

• The thread may easily become knotted when certain types of fabric or thread are used; therefore, the feed should be adjusted according to the application.

1. Pattern selection keys
2. Touch this key to adjust the stitch width and stitch length settings.
3. Touch this key to change the thread tension.
4. Touch this key to save a pattern combination to memory. (Refer to page 100.)
5. Touch this key to select single or repeat sewing. (Refer to page 89.)
6. Touch this key if you would like to change the pattern length without changing the stitch width or stitch length settings. (Refer to page 95.)
7. Touch this key to move the pattern up by about half of it’s finished height when sewing. (Refer to page 97.)
8. Touch this key to move the pattern down by about half of it’s finished height when sewing. (Refer to page 97.)
9. Touch this key to cancel your entry.
10. An advice screen will appear if you touch this key while sewing. (Refer to page 42.)
11. Touch this key to confirm your entry. (Refer to 100.)

3. Touch the pattern that you would like to use. The pattern you touch will then be selected for use.

• If you select the wrong pattern by mistake, touch the “CLEAR” key to clear the pattern selection.
• Up to 70 different patterns can be combined into a single pattern.

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CROSS STITCHING

1. Touch the “CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH” key. The different types of patterns available will be displayed.
2. Touch the “[icon]” key. The cross stitch selection screen will be displayed.

1. Pattern selection keys
2. Touch this key to change the thread tension.
3. Touch this key to save a pattern combination to memory. (Refer to page 100.)
4. Touch this key to select single or repeat sewing. (Refer to page 94.)
5. Touch this key to cancel your entry.
6. An advice screen will appear if you touch this key while sewing. (Refer to page 42.)
7. Touch this key to confirm your entry. (Refer to page 100.)

3. Touch the pattern that you would like to use. The pattern you touch will then be selected for use.

• If you select the wrong pattern by mistake, touch the “CLEAR” key to clear the pattern selection.
• Up to 70 different patterns can be combined into a single pattern.

CHARACTER AND DECORATIVE STITCH ADJUSTMENT

Changing the pattern size (Actual size)

Touch the “L S” (large/small) key to change the pattern size.

Single/repeat sewing

Touch the “R S” (repeat/single) key to sew one stitch pattern only or to repeat same stitch pattern.

1. Select the pattern.
2. Touch the “R S” (repeat/single) key. The selected stitch pattern will be single.

❶ Single sewing ❷ Repeat sewing

Note If “repeat sewing” has been selected, you can switch to “single sewing” as you approach the end of the next decorative stitch.

Elongation

For satin stitches, it is possible to use the “ key to change the size of the pattern in five steps without changing the stitch width or stitch length.

❶ Actual size ❷ Pattern length

1. To change the length of the pattern, touch the “ key to change the number.

• The number shown in the darkened square indicates the current setting.

2. Select the pattern.

Example: To combine “ [icon: stitch pattern x 1] ” and “ [icon: stitch pattern x 3] ”

Note Pressing the [CHECK] key will provide a confirmation of the selected stitches.

1. Select the “ [icon: stitch pattern] ” stitch.

2. Touch the “ [icon: stitch pattern x 1] ” key twice to switch to “ [icon: stitch pattern x 3] ”.

3. Select the “ [icon: stitch pattern] ” stitch.

The thread may easily become knotted when certain types of fabric or thread are used; therefore, the upper thread tension should be adjusted according to the application.

Changing the stitch length and the stitch width

Touch the “ [icon: width/length adjustment] ” key. The stitch width and stitch length setting screen will be displayed. Touch the stitch width and stitch length setting keys to change the settings. (Refer to pages 24 to 26.)

The thread may easily become knotted when certain types of fabric or thread are used; therefore, the upper thread tension should be adjusted according to the application.

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Customize patterns by combining satin stitches using the “↗” and “↘” keys

One touch of the “up” key will move the stitch pattern up half of it’s finished height.

One touch of the “down” key will move the stitch pattern down half of it’s finished height.

Example: Satin stitch pattern

Note Pressing the [CHECK] key will provide a confirmation of the selected stitches.

1. Select the pattern.

2. Touch the “↗” key. The next pattern will move up half of it’s finished height.

3. Select the pattern.

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4. Touch the “↘” key. The next pattern will move down half of it’s finished height.

Making various pattern combinations

Stitch patternOperation

Note Pressing the [CHECK] key will provide a confirmation of the selected stitches.

Changing Mirror Image [Left and Right (the “ ” key), and Top and Bottom (the “ ” key)]

1. Touch the “ ” key. Mirror Imaging with the “ ” Key

2. Patterns selected when this key is activated will be mirror imaged from left to right.

Mirror Image Horizontally (left to right) \longleftrightarrow Normal

1. Touch the “ ” key. Inverting with the “ ” Key

2. Patterns selected when this key is activated will be mirror imaged from top to bottom.

Mirror Image Vertically (top to bottom) \longleftrightarrow Normal

Confirming entry of combined stitch patterns

1. Touch the “CHECK” key. Stitch patterns will appear while moving on the screen.

2. After checking the patterns, touch the “CLOSE” key. The display will return to the original screen.

Saving combined stitch patterns

You can save words, your name for example, and patterns that you use often into the machine’s memory. The memory can save up to 12 such patterns. After you have combined characters or patterns, touch the “MEMORY” key. Once the pattern has been saved, the display will return to the previous screen. Refer to page 156 for details on how to retrieve characters and patterns which have been saved in memory.

CAUTION 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 stored may be deleted.

• It takes approximately 10 seconds for a pattern to be saved. For details on retrieving a pattern which has been saved, refer to page 156.

If the memory is full and no more patterns can be saved

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.

Erasing a pattern

1. Touch the “DELETE” key.

❶ This indicates a pocket which has a pattern saved in it. ❷ If you touch pockets, the pattern which is saved in that pocket will be displayed. ❸ Touch this key to delete a saved pattern. ❹ Touch this key to cancel the erasing of a saved pattern.

2. Touch a pocket key to select the pattern to delete, and then touch the “DELETE” key.

3. Touch the “CONFIRM” key. The new pattern will then be saved automatically.

• To cancel the deleting of a pattern, touch the “CANCEL” key.

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