Brother PC-8500 owner's manual: Sewing

SEWING

Sewing attractive finishes

Refer to the table below and the “RELATED CHART OF SEWING FABRICS, THREADS AND NEEDLES” for recommended fabrics, threads and needles to use in order to obtain attractive sewing finishes. Furthermore, fabric pattern slippages may occur when using different fabric thicknesses or types of stabilizers. Be sure to carry out a test sewing beforehand to check.

\begin{tabular}{|l|p{0.6\linewidth}|} \hline FABRIC & When sewing thin or stretch fabrics, fabrics with coarse weaves, or characters/decorative stitches stored in the machine attach interfacing to the reverse side. If you do not wish to attach interfacing, place the fabric onto a thin paper such as tracing paper before starting to sew. This acts as a stabilizer. \ \hline THREAD & #50 – #60 \ \hline NEEDLE & Thin and medium fabrics \newline 75/11 (Embroidery) \newline \newline Thick fabrics \newline 90/14 (Embroidery) \newline \newline Stretch fabrics \newline #14 (Golden needle) \ \hline \end{tabular}

1 Fabric 2 Stabilizer 3 Thin paper

Using a pattern sheet

You can use the clear plastic pattern sheet which is provided as an accessory to make reference marks on your material for use in positioning. This is particularly helpful when sewing large characters.

1. Align the picture on the pattern sheet with the place where the pattern is to be sewn on the fabric, and use a chalk pen to make marks on the fabric at the positions of the holes.

• When sewing patterns in mirror image, turn the pattern sheet upside-down.

1 Initial needle drop point

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2. Draw lines to join the marks as shown in the illustration.

Sewing

1. Attach presser foot “N”.
2. Place the fabric under the presser foot, pull the upper thread out to the side and then lower the presser foot.

• If you used the pattern sheet to make positioning marks on the fabric, place the fabric so that the marks are aligned with the needle reference points in the presser foot and pull the upper thread out to the side before lowering the presser foot.

❶ Needle hole reference line

3. Press the “START/STOP” button. Sewing will then start.

4. Once sewing of the character has been completed, the machine will automatically sew a reinforcement stitch and then stop.

• When the automatic thread cutting is set, the machine trims both threads automatically after sewing is completed, and the machine will move on to the next sewing position before stopping.
• When sewing continuous patterns, press the “START/STOP” button to stop the machine, and then press the “REVERSE STITCH” button to sew a reinforcement stitch.

5. When sewing is completed, trim any excess thread.

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

ADJUSTING STITCH PATTERNS

A stitch pattern may get deformed due to the weave of thread or cloth. It is a good idea to first make a trial stitching, and then make adjustments for each stitch pattern if necessary.

1. Touch the “OPERATION GUIDE” key.
2. Touch the “FINE ADJUSTMENT OF STITCH” key.
3. Attach presser foot “N” and then start embroidering. A trial pattern for adjustment purposes can then be embroidered. Adjust shape of stitch using the “+” and “–” keys.
   • From –9 to +9
4. Touch the “END” key when the adjustment is finished.

4. EMBROIDERING

PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING

BE SURE TO ATTACH A PIECE OF STABILIZER FABRIC TO THE BACK OF THE MATERIAL BY IRONING BEFORE STARTING TO EMBROIDER

Using stabilizer fabric is an indispensable part of creating attractive embroidery. It is particularly important to attach stabilizer fabric to the back of stretch fabrics, thin fabrics and fabric with coarse weaves. If necessary, two thicknesses of stabilizer fabric can be attached. If embroidering on fabrics which cannot be ironed, or in places where ironing is difficult, place the stabilizer fabric underneath the frame before embroidering. Use stabilizer fabric which is larger in area than the frame, and make sure that the stabilizer fabric is clamped all the way around by the frame to prevent the fabric from becoming loose.

NOTES ON THE EMBROIDERY UNIT

(1) Always turn off the main power switch when connecting or removing the embroidery unit and embroidery card (memory card). (2) Connect embroidery unit firmly into the plug connector and socket of the machine. (3) Do not touch the connector of embroidery unit. (4) You cannot use a foot controller when the embroidery unit is operational. (5) Always keep the embroidery unit and the memory card in designated cases. (6) Do not carry the machine while the embroidery unit is connected. (7) Always set your machine on a level surface.

• The sewing speed is controlled by the machine automatically according to the pattern selected.

Attaching embroidery foot “Q”

CAUTION Be sure to turn off the power before attaching the embroidery foot “Q”. If the power is left on and the “START/STOP” button is accidentally pressed, the machine will start operating, which could result in serious injury.

1. Press the “NEEDLE POSITION” button to raise the needle, and then turn off the power.

2. While pressing the button to the left of the presser foot holder, pull the presser foot holder downward to remove it.

3. Raise the presser foot lever to the highest position. While pressing the button to the left of the embroidery foot “Q”, push embroidery foot “Q” firmly upward with both hands to install it.

CAUTION Be careful not to touch the needle during this time, otherwise injury may result.

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1. Press the “NEEDLE POSITION” button to raise the needle, and then turn off the power.
2. Raise the presser foot lever.
3. Loosen the set screw to remove the presser foot holder.

4. Attach the embroidery foot “Q”.
5. Set arm of embroidery foot “Q” on needle holder, use the metal disk provided with your machine (accessory #14 on page 7) or a screwdriver to tighten the screw firmly.

CAUTION Be careful not to touch the needle during this time, otherwise injury may result.

NOTE – Make sure that there is no gap between the needle bar and embroidery foot “Q”. – It is recommended that a 90/14 needle should be used when embroidering on thicker fabrics or stabilizing products. (for example denim, puffy foam . .) A 75/11 needle might be bent or broken, which could result in injury.

Fitting embroidery unit

Always turn off the power supply before carrying out the procedure below.

1. Turn off the power.
2. Open the cover of the connecting slot by rotating the plastic bracket in the direction indicated by the arrow. ❶ Connecting slot ❷ Plastic bracket

• When the embroidery unit is not being used, close the cover of the connecting slot.

3. Insert the connector of the embroidery unit into the slot and check that it is connected properly.

• Put the machine on a flat and horizontal surface and slide the embroidery unit towards the machine.

Removing the embroidery unit

Select pattern. ABC ABC ABC ABC EMBROIDERY ARM STORAGE POSITION ALWAYS PRESS WHEN REMOVING EMBROIDERY UNIT

1. Make sure that the embroidery frame has been removed, touch the “EMBROIDERY” key or the “EMBROIDERY EDIT” key, and then touch the “EMBROIDERY ARM STORAGE POSITION” key. The carriage will move to the removal position.

CAUTION If the above procedure is not carried out, the embroidery unit cannot be placed in the case.

2. Turn off the power, hold the left side of the embroidery unit, and while pressing the release button, gently slide the embroidery unit away from the machine.

❶ Release button

CAUTION Make sure that the power is turned off, otherwise damage may result.

Placing the embroidery unit into its case

❶ Hook the embroidery unit onto the tab inside the case. ❷ Secure the embroidery unit with the band. ❸ Close the cover.

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Initializing the embroidery unit

Embroidery arm will start moving. Keep your hands, etc. away from arm.

CHECK

1. Turn on the power. The following display will appear on the LCD.

• When the buttonhole lever, the needle or the presser foot lever are lowered or when the bobbin winding shaft is at the right, an error message will vary depending on which of the conditions mentioned above is occurring. The display shown at left will appear after the error condition has been remedied.

2. Touch the “CHECK” key. The carriage will move in order to initialize the embroidery unit.

CAUTION Do not place your hands near the embroidery arm, otherwise injury may result. Please note that the embroidery arm may make an unusual noise while initialization is being carried out, but this is normal. If the initialization could not be carried out normally, a buzzer will sound. If this occurs, make sure that the embroidery frame is not attached and try again to initialize the embroidery unit. This is not a malfunction.

The types of patterns available will then be displayed on the LCD.

Select pattern.

❶ Alphabetical characters ❷ One-point patterns ❸ Frame patterns ❹ Floral alphabets ❺ Patterns found on memory card (optional) ❻ Touch to position the embroidery arm for removing unit.

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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SELECTING AND SEWING PATTERNS

Selecting alphabetical characters

How to combine characters

1. Select the character required. ABC ABC ABC

   • If another screen is being displayed, touch the “EMBROIDERY” key before selecting the character.

2. Combine characters. (Refer to page 89.)

❶ Touch this key to change the thread tension and the stitch density. (Refer to page 29 and page 122.) ❷ Touch this key when you want to change the color of each character sewn. When displayed in reverse, the machine will sew a reinforcement stitch and stop after each character is embroidered. ❸ Touch this key if the thread breaks during sewing or if you would like to sew again from the beginning. (Refer to page 129.) ❹ Touch this key to move the sewing position. (Refer to page 123.)

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Selecting one-point patterns

1. Touch the “ ” key. The one-point pattern selection screen will be displayed.

• If another screen is being displayed, touch the “EMBROIDERY” key before touching the one-point pattern key.

2. Select the desired pattern. The sewing screen will be displayed.

• If you touch the “ ” key, the next sewing screen will be displayed. If you touch the “ ” key, the previous sewing screen will be displayed.

• If you touch the “RETURN” key, the pattern selection screen will be displayed.

1. The selected pattern will be displayed.
2. This indicates the order of color changes. The color displayed below each pattern is for reference only. For details about the color change table, refer to page 191.
3. Touch this key to move the sewing position. (Refer to page 123.)
4. Touch this key if the thread breaks during sewing or if you would like to sew again from the beginning. (Refer to page 129.)
5. Touch this key to return to the previous screen (pattern selection screen).
6. This shows the amount of time required to embroider the pattern and the total amount of time remaining. It does not include the time needed to change colors. (The totals are calculated and displayed after a pattern is selected.)
7. This shows the size of the pattern.

Selecting frame patterns

Select pattern. ABC ABC ABC EMBROIDERY ARM STORAGE POSITION ALWAYS PRESS WHEN REMOVING EMBROIDERY UNIT

Frame patterns are created by combining the desired frame and type of stitch.

1. Touch the “□□□” key. The frame pattern selection screen will be displayed.

• If another type of pattern such as characters was selected previously or if a memory card has been inserted, touch the “EMBROIDERY” key first and then touch the frame pattern key.

Select frame. RETURN

2. Select the desired shape for the frame. The frame pattern will be selected and the stitch pattern selection screen will be displayed.

• If you touch the “RETURN” key, the previous screen will be displayed.

Select stitch. RETURN

3. Select the desired type of stitch to form the frame. The combined pattern is then shown on the LCD screen.

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The selected pattern can be changed with the options shown on screen.

1. Indicates the stitch selected for the frame pattern.
2. This indicates the order of color changes.
3. Touch this key to change the thread tension and the stitch density. (Refer to page 29 and page 122.)
4. Touch this key to move the sewing position. (Refer to page 123.)
5. Touch this key if the thread breaks during sewing or if you would like to sew again from the beginning. (Refer to page 129.)
6. Touch this key to return to the previous screen (pattern selection screen).
7. This shows the amount of time required to embroider the pattern and the total amount of time remaining. It does not include the time needed to change colors. (The totals are calculated and displayed after a pattern is selected.)
8. Indicates the current pattern size.

Selecting floral alphabets

1. Touch the “ABC” key.
   • If another screen is being displayed, touch the “EMBROIDERY” key before touching the “ABC” key.

2. Select the pattern you require.
3. The sewing screen will be displayed.
   • These patterns can also be used to embroider alphabet characters without embroidering the flowers.

1 Indicates the pattern selected. 2 This indicates the order of color changes. The color displayed below each pattern is for reference. For details about the color change table, refer to page 191.

• If you would like to embroider just the alphabetical characters, embroider the color of the alphabet characters only.

3 Touch this key to change the thread tension. 4 Touch this key to move the sewing position. (Refer to page 123.) 5 Touch this key if the thread breaks during sewing or if you would like to sew again from the beginning. (Refer to page 129.) 6 Touch this key to return to the previous screen (pattern selection screen). 7 This shows the amount of time required to embroider the pattern and the total amount of time remaining. It does not include the time needed to change colors. (The totals are calculated and displayed after a pattern is selected.) 8 This shows the size of the pattern.

Selecting patterns from a memory card

1. Hold the memory card so that the arrow is facing toward you, and then insert it all the way into the slot on the right side of the machine.

CAUTION – Be sure to insert and remove the memory card only while “” is being displayed or while the power is turned off. – Do not insert the card in any direction other than that described above, and do not force it into the slot, otherwise the card or the slot may become damaged. – Insert so that the card appears as shown in the illustration at left. If you try to push the card in any further, the connector will become damaged.

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Select pattern.

ABC ABC ABC ABC

EMBROIDERY ARM STORAGE POSITION

ALWAYS PRESS WHEN REMOVING EMBROIDERY UNIT

2. Touch the “ ” key.

3. The memory card pattern selection screen will be displayed. [The illustration at left shows the Transportation card No.12 (SA312, XA0275-001) (option).]

• If another screen is being displayed, touch the “EMBROIDERY” key before touching the “ ” key.

4. Select the desired pattern.

• If you touch the “RETURN” key, the previous screen will be displayed.

1 Indicates the selected pattern. 2 This indicates the order of color changes. The color displayed below each pattern is for reference. 3 Touch this key to change the thread tension. 4 Touch this key if you would like to move the sewing position. (Refer to page 123.) 5 Touch this key if the thread breaks during sewing or if you would like to sew again from the beginning. (Refer to page 129.) 6 Touch this key to return to the previous screen (pattern selection screen). 7 This shows the amount of time required to embroider the pattern and the total amount of time remaining. It does not include the time needed to change colors. (The totals are calculated and displayed after a pattern is selected.) 8 This shows the size of the pattern.

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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MEMORY

Saving a pattern combination in memory

Memorizing combined pattern in memory for later use (12 memories are available)

You can combine and save characters and all edited embroidery patterns.

Example: To save the “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” pattern in memory address 1.

1. Enter the characters to create the pattern.

2. Touch the “MEMORY” key. Once the pattern has been saved, the display will return to the previous screen.

• Do not turn off the power while a pattern is being saved (while “Saving” is displayed).
• 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 pattern cannot be saved Refer to page 100.

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EMBROIDERING

Embroidering attractive finishes

Refer to the table below and the “RELATED CHART OF SEWING FABRICS, THREADS AND NEEDLES” to use in order to obtain attractive sewing and embroidery finishes. Pattern slippages may occur when using different fabric thicknesses or types of stabilizers. Be sure to carry out a test sewing beforehand to check.

| FABRIC | When embroidering fabrics, attach a non-woven type of stabilizer fabric.

• It is recommended that you use a special stabilizer fabric for embroidering which can be torn off around the design when the project is finished. | | --- | --- | | THREAD | Upper thread
  Brother poly 40 color thread set (#50)
  Refer to page 8.
  Bobbin thread
  Brother embroidery bobbin thread
  Refer to page 8. | | NEEDLE | 75/11 (Embroidery) |

Always use Brother embroidery bobbin thread.
Adjust thread tension when thread quality is not compatible.

Setting the fabric into the embroidery frame

Three types of embroidery frames are available: Large, medium and small
Embroidering area for large frame: 18 cm (H) × 13 cm (W)
Embroidering area for medium frame: 10 cm (H) × 10 cm (W)
Embroidering area for small frame: 2 cm (H) × 6 cm (W) (for embroidering initials)

CAUTION
Depending on the size of the pattern and the position of the pattern to be embroidered, it may not be possible to use the medium and small frames. When using these frames, be sure to check the layout screen display (refer to page 123) before starting to embroider any patterns. If the frames are used by mistake, the presser foot may strike the frames, which could cause injury.

1. Mark the fabric using a chalk pen or fabric marking pen to indicate the embroidering position.

2. Loosen the adjusting screw and separate the inner and outer frames. Lay the fabric on top of the outer frame and secure it between the inner and outer frame, and tighten the adjusting screw just enough to secure the fabric. Gently remove the fabric from the frame without loosening the adjusting screw.

❶ Inner frame ❷ Outer frame ❸ Adjusting screw ❹ Loosen

• This precautionary step will help reduce pattern distortion while embroidering.
• Be sure to align the ▲ mark on the inner frame with the ▼ mark on the outer frame.

❶ Tighten

3. Place the embroidery sheet into the inner frame, while matching lines on the sheet with mark on fabric.

• For best results lay the outer frame on a flat table surface and lay the fabric on top of it.

❶ Inner frame ❷ Standard line

4. Press down into the outer frame so that the mark doesn't move out of place.

❶ Outer frame ❷ Inner frame ❸ Surface of fabric

• Press down firmly until the outer frame and inner frame are at the same height.

5. After the fabric is clamped between the inner and outer frame tighten the adjusting screw by hand.

❶ Tighten

• To avoid stripping the screw, do not use a screwdriver to tighten.

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6. Remove the embroidery sheet before starting to embroider.

❶ Hole for removing

Fitting the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit

Be sure to wait until the embroidery unit has finished initializing before fitting the embroidery frame. (Refer to page 109.)

1. Raise the presser foot to its highest position. Then pass the embroidery frame under the presser foot with the mounting bracket on the left side and the fabric right side up.

2. Align the two pins on the embroidery unit frame holder with the mounting bracket on the frame, and then press the frame into the embroidery unit frame holder until a click is heard.

❶ Embroidery arm frame holder ❷ Pins

• Be sure to insert both pins. If only the forward or the back pin is inserted, the pattern may not turn out correctly.

Removing the embroidery frame While pushing the lever of the embroidery frame holder to the left, lift the embroidery frame up to remove it.

❶ Lever

Embroidering

Always use Brother embroidery thread. Select from different thread qualities to achieve a variety of results.

Example:

1. Select the desired pattern. The order of sewing for each part will be displayed.

• The color displayed below each pattern is for reference. Some color regions may not have a color displayed below them; you can sew these parts with any color you like.

2. Thread the needle for the first color and pass it through embroidery foot "Q". Hold this thread in your left hand while leaving a certain amount of slack in the thread.

• Be sure to raise the presser foot lever before threading the needle.

3. Lower presser foot lever and start embroidering. After 5 to 6 stitches have been sewn, stop the machine and cut off any surplus thread from the end of the seam.

• If you are using the embroidery unit, the foot controller cannot be used at this time.
• Sewing can start even if "" is being displayed.

4. Start the machine once more. The part indicated by (1) in the illustration will be embroidered and the machine will then stop automatically. Once embroidering is completed, the display will automatically move to the left and the next color to be embroidered will be displayed at the left edge of the screen.

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5. Replace the upper thread with the thread for the second region of color, and then start the machine again. After the part indicated by (2) has been embroidered, the machine will once more stop automatically.

6. Replace the upper thread with the thread for the third region of color, and then start the machine again. After the part indicated by (3) has been embroidered, the machine will once more stop automatically.

7. Replace the upper thread with the thread for the fourth region of color, and then start the machine again. After the part indicated by (4) has been embroidered, the machine will once more stop automatically. The display will return to the original condition.

8. Trim any excess thread.

Embroidering order for pattern parts

Embroidering a single color pattern when “MULTI COLOR” is displayed

1. Touch the “MULTI COLOR” key to change to the single color mode. If the “START/STOP” button is pressed, a single color of the pattern will be embroidered and then the machine will stop automatically.
2. Trim any excess thread.

• This pattern is the No. 2 FLOWER pattern from the option card.

Changing the stitch density for characters and some frame patterns

The stitch density adjustment is not available for all patterns. Patterns other than the characters and some frame patterns are not adjustable.

1. Touch the “TENSION” key.

2. The stitch density will become further apart (coarser) each time the “◄” key is touched. The stitch density will become closer together (finer) each time the “►” key is touched.

❶ AUTO ❷ Fine (stitches closer together) ❸ Coarse (stitches farther apart)

• The normal setting is standard.

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MOVING THE LOCATION (LAYOUT)

The position for embroidering the pattern can be changed by touching the “LAYOUT” key. This is useful if you want to embroider a pattern at a location such as in the corner of the fabric or if you want to align a pattern away from the center of the embroidery area of the frame.

Touch the “LAYOUT” key. The layout screen will be displayed.

1. Touch these keys to move the embroidering position within the embroidery area.
2. If you touch this key, the embroidering position will be returned to the center of the embroidery area.
3. This moves the needle position to the middle of the pattern or to the sewing start position, etc. Use it when you would like to set the embroidering position.
4. If you touch this key, the embroidery frame will move so that you can check the embroidering position.
5. If you touch this key, the pattern image will be displayed.
6. If you touch this key, the pattern will be reversed horizontally. This function cannot be used with some patterns.
7. Touch this key to rotate the selected pattern in 90° steps.
8. If you touch this key, the display will change from the layout screen back to the original screen.
9. This displays the different types of embroidery frames that can be used. (The frames that can be used will be shown in solid color, and the frames that cannot be used will be grayed out.)

CAUTION Do not use any embroidery frames other than those shown here, otherwise injury could result.

10. This shows the distance from the center when the embroidering position has been moved.
11. Indicates the current pattern size.
12. If a character has been selected, this shows details about the character.
13. If you touch this key changing the size of pattern. (Refer to page 129)

Moving the embroidery location

CAUTION After a pattern has been moved, 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 personal injury may result.

1. Touch the arrow key that indicates the direction in which you would like to move the pattern. The embroidery pattern will then move.

❶ Shows the distance from the center position

• If you touch the “CENTER” key, the embroidering position will return to the center.
• Use the hole on the embroidery foot as a guide, and never lower the needle while it is moving.

Example: To move the embroidering position to the upper right

Touch the “↗” key.

Checking the embroidering area

If the “TRIAL” key is touched, the embroidery frame will move and the presser foot will trace the embroidering area to be used for the currently selected pattern and size.

• Do not lower the needle. Use the hole of the presser foot as a guide instead.

Embroidering from a specific starting point

CAUTION After a starting position has been rotated, 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 personal injury may result.

1. Make a mark at the starting position on the fabric in the frame as shown in the illustration. The mark cannot be too close to the edge of the frame as the presser foot prevents the needle from getting very close to the frame.

2. Touch the “ ” key. The needle will move to the starting position. (The embroidery frame will move.)

3. Use the arrow keys to align the mark with the hole in the embroidery foot, and then start embroidering.

Changing the pattern direction

The pattern will be rotated clockwise in 90° steps as shown in the illustration at left each time the “ ” key is touched.

• Some patterns may be too long to be rotated 90°. In such cases, the patterns can be rotated by 180° only.

CAUTION After a pattern has been rotated, 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 personal injury may result.

ABC ➔ ABC

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Reversing patterns

1. Touch the “ ” key to reverse the pattern horizontally.

• If the “ ” key appears on the display in reverse mode, it indicates that the pattern has been reversed horizontally showing a mirror image.
• The “ ” key will not be displayed for some patterns.

Using the “IMAGE” key

1. If you touch the “IMAGE” key, a scale showing the size of the pattern will be displayed.

• If you touch this key once more, the display will return to the original screen.