Brother PR600 owner's manual: Embroidering tutorial

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL

9. Checking the Embroidery Area

Check the embroidery area to make sure that the embroidery will be sewn in the desired location and will not be misaligned and that the embroidery frame will not hit the presser foot. If the embroidery frame is not correctly positioned, it moves to the correct position, and then the embroidering position is indicated.

1. Touch [icon].

► A message appears, warning that the embroidery frame will move.

2. Touch OK.

► The embroidery frame moves to the correct position.

3. Touch [icon] again. ► The presser foot is lowered and the embroidery frame moves to show the embroidery area.

4. The corners of the octagon showing the embroidery area for the pattern are indicated by needle punchpoints.

Carefully watch the movement of the embroidery frame and check that the embroidery is sewn in the desired location and that the embroidery frame does not hit the presser foot.

■ Checking with the embroidery frame stopped/Stopping checking The embroidery frame can be temporarily stopped at a desired position or the checking of the embroidering area can be stopped.

5. When the embroidery frame moves to the desired position, touch [icon] again. ► The embroidery frame stops moving, and the next screen appears.

① Touch to continue moving the frame. ② Touch to stop checking the embroidering area.

6. To continue moving the embroidery frame, touch OK. To stop checking the embroidering area, touch CANCEL.

Continuing to the embroidering screen

After finishing the necessary operations in the embroidering settings screen, continue to the embroidering screen.

1. Touch SEWING.

► The embroidering screen appears.

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10. Upper Threading

Check the embroidering screen for information on which needle bars should be threaded with which thread colors, and then thread the upper threads.

Checking the needle bars and thread colors

In the embroidering settings screen, touch SEWING to display the embroidering screen and the message instructing that the needle bars be threaded (that the thread spools from the previous time be changed). Check the thread colors in this screen.

Embroidering screen (For details on the keys and other information on the screen, refer to page 55.)

① Thread information for the first needle bar ② Thread information for the second needle bar ③ Thread information for the third needle bar ④ Thread information for the fourth needle bar ⑤ Thread information for the fifth needle bar ⑥ Thread information for the sixth needle bar ⑦ If no thread color name is displayed, that needle bar is not being used. ⑧ Change thread spools message (Refer to page 75.) This message appears when it is necessary for the thread spools to be changed. If CLOSE ⑨ is not touched to close the message, embroidering cannot continue.

Thread with the color name that appears beside each needle bar number is threaded on that needle bar. For the screen shown 1: Lime green 2: Moss green 3: Orange 4: Red 5: Yellow If there is no name beside the needle bar number, that needle bar is not used. For this example, needle bar 6 is not used.

Upper Threading 33

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL

1 Touch CLOSE.

▶ The screen indicating that the spools be changed is closed.

• In addition to checking the thread colors, information such as the number of stitches and the sewing time can be checked and various embroidering settings can be specified in the embroidering screen.

① Shows the embroidering order for the thread colors. ② Indicates the needle bar number where the thread color at the left is assigned. ③ Shows the number of thread color changes, the number of stitches, the embroidering time and the length of time until the spools will need to be changed. ④ Touch a key to move the selected needle bar to the sewing position. Use when threading the needle with the automatic needle-threading mechanism. ⑤ Use these keys to specify various embroidering settings or to return to the embroidering settings screen. ⑥ To start the machine, touch this key to unlock the machine, and then press the start/stop button.

CAUTION

• When (unlock key) in the embroidering screen is touched, the start/stop button begins flashing in green and the embroidery machine can start sewing. If the upper threading is being performed or the needle is being threaded, be careful that the embroidery machine is not accidentally started, otherwise injuries may result.

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Upper threading

Use embroidery thread to thread the needle bars in order, starting with needle bar 1. Press [icon] → OPERATIONS → [icon] → [icon] → [icon] in order to view a video of the operation on the LCD (see page 151).

CAUTION

• When threading the upper thread, carefully follow the instructions. If the upper threading is not performing correctly, the thread may break or become tangled, causing the needle to bend or break.

Note

• It is recommended that rayon or polyester embroidery thread be used (120 den/2, 135 dtex/2, 40 weight (in Americas and Europe), #50 (in Japan)).

Memo

• The path that the embroidery machine should be threaded is indicated by a line on the machine. Be sure to thread the machine as indicated.

Upper Threading 35

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL

The numbers indicate the thread path for each of the numbered needle bars. Be very careful to correctly thread the needle bars.

1 Place on spool pin 1 the spool of thread with the color (lime green) specified for needle bar 1.

• Make sure that the spool stand is opened in the shape of a V.
• When using small spools of thread, be sure to place the enclosed spool mat on the spool pin before placing the spool on the pin.

① Spool mat ② Small spool

2 Pass the thread through the number 1 hole in the thread guide just above the spool, and then pass the thread through the number 1 hole in the thread guide toward the front of the machine.

① Number 1 hole in the thread guide above the spool ② Number 1 hole in the thread guide toward the front of the machine

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3 Pass the thread through the hole in the number 1 upper thread guide. Pass the thread toward you from the inside of the thread guide.

① Hole in upper thread guide

4 Pass the thread through the number 1 upper thread guide. Hold the thread with both hands, and then pass it under the guide from the right.

① Upper thread guide

5 Wind the thread clockwise once around the number 1 thread tension disc.

① Thread tension disc • Make sure that the thread is securely caught in the thread tension disc and passed correct thread guide pins.

Note ● All thread tension disc are threaded in clockwise direction.

Pass through here.

Upper Threading 37

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL

6 Pass the thread along the thread path indicated on the machine, and then pass it through the number 1 middle thread guide.

① Middle thread guide ② Thread guide pin

• The path from the upper thread guide around the thread tension disc and to the middle thread guide (steps 5 through 6) differ depending on the spool number. Passing the thread from the left to the right through the thread guide pin is designed to prevent the thread from becoming tangled. Thread each needle bar as shown in the illustration.

7 Pass the thread along the number 1 slot to pass it through the number 1 take-up lever hole from the right.

① Thread take-up lever

8 Pass the thread through the slot in the thread guide, and then through the hole in the number 1 lower thread guide.

① Hole in lower thread guide

9 Use the included threader to pass the thread through the number 1 needle bar thread guide.

① Needle bar thread guide ② Needle changing tool (Threader)

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Threading the needle

Use the automatic needle-threading mechanism to thread the needle.

Press [icon] \rightarrow OPERATIONS \rightarrow [icon] \rightarrow [icon] in order to view a video of the operation on the LCD (see page 151).

1 Press the automatic needle-threading button.

\blacktriangleright The hook on the automatic needle-threading mechanism passes through the eye of the needle.

CAUTION

• While the hook of the automatic needle-threading mechanism is passed through the eye of the needle, do not rotate the handwheel, otherwise the automatic needle-threading mechanism may be damaged.

Note

• To avoid the damage the automatic needle-threading mechanism may return to the back position when you turn the handwheel.
• The automatic needle-threading mechanism can thread one needle at the sewing position. When this mechanism is used, be sure that the needle bar that you want to thread is positioned as the sewing position, otherwise the automatic needle-threading mechanism cannot be used at the particular needle. If the needle bar is not at the sewing position, move it there. (Refer to page 40.)

2 Pull out about 15 cm (6 inches) of thread. Then, as shown in the illustration, pull the thread through the fork of the automatic needle-threading mechanism from the right, and then, after pulling the thread through the guide on the presser foot, pull the thread through the thread cutter to cut it.

① Hook Fork ③ Guide on presser foot ④ Thread cutter

• If enough thread is not pulled out, the thread cannot be pulled through the thread cutter.

3 Press the automatic needle-threading button.

• The threader moves back away from the needle. The thread is put through the eye.
• The wiper comes out and catches the thread between the needle and the threader.
• The threader goes back to the original home position.

This completes the upper threading for needle bar 1.

Upper Threading 39

Thread the remaining needle bars in the same way. However, if the needle bar to be threaded is not moved to the sewing position, the needle cannot be threaded with the automatic needle-threading mechanism. For the remaining needle bars, perform the following operation to move the needle bar to the sewing position before trying to thread the needle.

■ Moving the needle bar to be threaded to the sewing position

1 Touch the key for the needle bar that you wish to thread.

► The selected needle bar moves to the sewing position.

Note

• If the thread is not taut, it may come out of the thread tension disc. After upper threading is finished, check again to make sure that the thread is securely passed into the thread tension disc. (Refer to step 5 on page 37.)

Memo

• When changing one of the upper thread colors, it is easy to re-thread by cutting the thread currently being used between the spool and the thread guide. Place the new spool on the spool pin and tie the end of the new thread to the end of the previous thread. Then pull the thread through to the needle. (Refer to page 76.)

■ Using the spool net When using metallic thread or any other strong thread, place the included spool net over the spool before sewing. If the spool net is too long, fold it once to match the size of the spool before placing it over the spool. It may be necessary to adjust thread tension when using the spool net.

① Spool net ② Thread

11. Sewing the Embroidery

Now, the embroidery machine is ready to begin sewing. When the machine starts sewing, the presser foot is automatically lowered, the necessary thread trimming operations at the end of stitching are performed, the threads are changed as necessary while the embroidery is sewn, and the machine stops when the end of the stitching is reached.

CAUTION

• For safety reason, the embroidery machine must not be left unattended while it is sewing.
• While the machine is in operation, pay special attention to the needle location. In addition, keep your hands away from all moving parts such as the needle, needle bar case, thread take-up lever and carriage, otherwise injuries may result.

■ Locking mechanism

For safety reason, this embroidery machine is equipped with a locking function. Normally, the embroidery machine is locked (it cannot start sewing). Unless the machine is unlocked, it cannot start sewing. If the embroidery machine is not started within 10 seconds after unlocking it, it automatically returns to being locked. The start/stop button shows whether or not the embroidery machine is locked. If the start/stop button lights up in red, the machine is locked. If the start/stop button flashes in green, the machine is unlocked.

Starting embroidering

! Note

• Make sure that there are no objects within the moving area of the embroidery frame. If the embroidery frame hits another object, the pattern may become misaligned.

1 Touch ! to unlock the embroidery machine.

► The start/stop button begins flashing in green and the embroidery machine can be started.

• If the start/stop button is not pressed within 10 seconds after unlocking the embroidery machine, the machine becomes locked again.

2 Press the start/stop button. Press the start/stop button while it is flashing in green. If the start/stop button returns to being lit in red, perform this procedure again from step 1.

► The start/stop button lights up in green and begins sewing the first color.

Sewing the Embroidery 41

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL

► The following screen appears.

① The red frame around the thread information indicates that needle bar is currently being used for sewing.

• While the embroidery machine is sewing, the point being sewn is indicated by the green crosshairs in the pattern display area. In addition, the number of stitches and the time count up.

3 After sewing of the first color is finished, the machine automatically stops and trims the thread. The needle bar case moves to the 2nd color position and sewing of the second color begins.

► The thread color display in the screen continues to the second color, and the thread information for the second needle bar is surrounded by the red frame.

4 This continues until the last color is sewn, and the embroidery machine automatically stops. ► The embroidering settings screen reappears. ► The start/stop button lights up in red.

• No thread trimming operations at the beginning of stitching and at the end of stitching are necessary.

■ Continuing embroidering

To sew the same pattern again, touch SEWING.

► The embroidering screen appears so the same pattern can be sewn again. To select a new pattern, touch QUIT or New Embroidery.

► The pattern type selection screen appears.

Note

• Automatic Lock stitching can be set so that it is sewn at the beginning of the embroidery, when starting to sew after change thread colors, and when trimming the thread. (Refer to "Automatic Lock Stitch Setting" on page 86.)
• The sewing speed can be changed, even while the pattern is being sewn. (Refer to "Maximum Sewing Speed Setting" on page 89.)

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Stopping embroidering

The machine can be stopped during sewing.

■ Temporarily pausing

1. Press the start/stop button.

► The machine stops and the start/stop button lights up in red. • The thread is not trimmed. • To continue sewing, after checking that the upper thread is taut, touch the unlock key, and then press the start/stop button.

Memo

• If the Reserve Stop key is touched while embroidery is being sewn, the machine stops before sewing for the next color begins. (Refer to "Stopping the machine at the next color change" on page 90.)
• Before starting to sew, the machine can be set to stop at any thread color change. (Refer to "Specifying pause locations before embroidering" on page 90.)

■ Resume sewing after the machine was turned off

1. Press the start/stop button.

► The embroidery machine stops and the start/stop button lights up in red. • The thread is not trimmed.

2. Press the thread trimming button.

► The bobbin and upper threads are trimmed. • Before turning off the embroidery machine, be sure to trim the threads.

3. Set the main power switch to "O".

► The embroidery machine is turned off and the display and the start/stop button indicator go off. • Sewing can resume after the embroidery machine is turned on again. Back up several stitches to overlap the stitching. For details, refer to "Resume Embroidering After Turning Off the Machine" on page 81.

Memo

• The machine can be stopped at any time, even while it is embroidering; however, if the machine is stopped when the thread color is changed, it is not necessary to go back through the stitching when embroidering is continued. The machine can be set to stop when the thread color is changed. (For details, refer to "Specifying pause locations before embroidering" on page 90.)

■ If the thread breaks while sewing

If a problem occurs while sewing, such as if the thread breaks, the machine stops automatically. Re-thread the broken thread, back up several stitches, and then continue sewing. For details, refer to "If the Thread Breaks or the Bobbin Thread Runs Out While Embroidering" on page 77.

Sewing the Embroidery 43

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL

12. Checking the Thread Tension

Check the embroidery to see if it was sewn with the correct thread tension. If the thread tension is not adjusted correctly, the stitching may be uneven or there may be puckering in the fabric.

■ Correct thread tension From the wrong side of the fabric, the bobbin thread should be about one third of the stitch width.

(Right side) (Wrong side)

If the embroidery appears as shown below, the thread tension is incorrect. Correct the thread tension.

(Right side) (Wrong side)

The tension of the upper thread is too tight, resulting in the lower thread being visible from the right side of the fabric.

Loosen the tension dial by turning the dial counterclockwise.

(Right side) (Wrong side)

The tension of the upper thread is too loose, resulting in a loose upper thread, loose thread locks or loops appearing on the right side of the fabric.

Tighten the tension dial by turning the dial clockwise.

For details on adjusting the thread tension, refer to "Adjusting the Thread Tension" on page 83.

Note

• In this tutorial, the thread tension was checked after embroidering was finished. However, normally, embroidering should be temporarily paused and the thread tension should be checked after the first 100 stitches of each color sewn with each needle bar.
• The resulting embroidery may not appear as expected, due to the type or thickness of the fabric being sewn or to the type of stabilizer material used. Be sure to sew a trial embroidery before sewing on your project.

Memo

• In the built-in embroidery patterns, one pattern is used for checking the thread tension. For details, refer to "Checking the thread tension of built-in patterns" on page 160.

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13. Removing the Embroidery Frame and Fabric

After sewing is finished, remove the embroidery frame, and then remove the fabric from the frame.

Removing the embroidery frame

CAUTION

• When removing the embroidery frame, make sure that the start/stop button is lit in red. If the start/stop button is flashing in green, the machine may start sewing. If the machine accidentally starts operating, injuries may result.
• When removing the embroidery frame, be careful that the embroidery frame does not hit any other part of the machine.
• Do not lift up the embroidery frame holder with extreme force, otherwise it may be damaged.

1 With both hands, grab the left and right sides of the arms of the embroidery frame holder, and then slightly lift up the frame. The pins on the arms of the embroidery frame holder should come out of the holes in the sides of embroidery frame.

2 Pull off the embroidery frame toward you.

Removing the fabric

1 Loosen the outer frame screw.

► If the screw was tightened using a disc-shaped screwdriver, use the included disc-shaped screwdriver to loosen it.

2 Remove the outer frame, and then remove the fabric.

Removing the Embroidery Frame and Fabric 45

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL

14. Turning Off the Machine

After all embroidery is finished, turn off the machine.

1 Set the main power switch to “O”.

► The embroidery machine is turned off and the display and the start/stop button indicator goes off.

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

3 If necessary, unplug the power supply cord from the machine. Store the power supply cord in a safe place.

Memo

• If the embroidery machine is turned off while the pattern type selection screen or the pattern list screen is displayed with no pattern selected, the pattern type selection screen appears when the machine is turned on again.

If SET is not touched to confirm the selection of the pattern in the pattern list screen, the selection will be erased if the machine is turned off.

After the opening screen

Note

• If a power outage occurs while the embroidery machine is being operated, turn off the embroidery machine and unplug the power supply cord. When restarting the embroidery machine, follow the necessary procedure to correctly operate the machine. (Refer to “Turning ON the Machine” on page 20)

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2

• If the embroidery machine is turned off while the pattern editing screen is displayed, the way that the pattern appears before the machine was turned off is stored in the machine's memory. When the embroidery machine is turned on again, the pattern editing screen as it appeared before the machine was turned off can be displayed again. (Refer to page 60.)

After the opening screen

• If the embroidery machine is turned off while the embroidery settings screen either before or after embroidering or the embroidering screen is displayed, the embroidery settings screen for the pattern before the machine was turned off is stored in the machine's memory. When the embroidery machine is turned on again, the embroidery settings screen as it appeared before the machine was turned off can be displayed again. (Refer to page 60.)

After the opening screen

• If the machine is turned off while it is sewing, embroidering can continue when the machine is turned on again. (Refer to "Resume Embroidering After Turning Off the Machine" on page 81.)

After the opening screen

Turning Off the Machine 47

Screen Quick Reference Guide

Descriptions of the keys and other information that appear in the screens are provided in the tables below.

Key displays

The appearances of the keys have the following meanings.

• (Normal color display) : This key is not selected, but can be selected.
• (Dark-colored display) : This key is selected.
• (Gray display) : This key cannot be selected.

Common screen controls

The keys described below, except for the settings key, appear in all screens and can always be used. However, the settings key cannot be used in the embroidering screen.

Understanding the pattern type selection screen

In this screen, select a pattern category (type).

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL

Understanding the pattern list screen

In this screen, select the pattern.

*Some patterns cannot be edited with ⑨, ⑩ or ⑪.

Understanding the pattern editing screen

In this screen, the pattern can be edited.

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL

Understanding the embroidering settings screen

From this screen, the entire pattern can be edited and embroidering settings can be specified. In addition, the embroidering position can be checked and a pattern can be saved for later use.

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL

• The functions and operations for the change thread color key ③ and the preview key ⑬ are the same in both the pattern editing screen and the embroidering settings screen.

Understanding the embroidering screen

From this screen, the total number of thread colors and the sewing time can be checked, the needle bar settings can be specified, and the stitching forward or backward can be done.

*The functions and operations for the maximum sewing speed keys ⑪ are the same in both the pattern editing screen and the embroidering settings screen.

Memo

• The thread color numbers in the thread color sequence display and the thread color set up display can be changed, for example, to the color name or the thread color number for other brands. (Refer to “Changing the thread color information” on page 145.)

EMBROIDERING TUTORIAL