1Operation

Manual

Sewing Machine

Video tutorials included on DVD.

888-X53/X54/X55/X56

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read these safety instructions before attempting to use the machine.

DANGER- To reduce the risk of electric shock:

1 Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using, when cleaning, when making any user servicing adjustments mentioned in this manual, or if you are leaving the machine unattended.

WARNING- To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to

persons.

2 Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when making any adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual:

To unplug the machine, switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off, then grasp the plug and pull it out of the electrical outlet. Do not pull on the cord.

Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord.

Always unplug your machine if the power is cut.

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 water is spilled on the unit. Return the machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

While the machine is stored or in use if you notice anything unusual, such as an odor, heat, discoloration or deformation, stop using the machine and immediately unplug the power cord.

When transporting the machine, be sure to carry it by its handle. Lifting the machine by any other part may damage the machine or result in the machine falling, which could cause injuries.

When lifting the machine, be careful not to make any sudden or careless movements, otherwise you may injure your back or knees.

4 Always keep your work area clear:

Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the machine and foot control free from the build up of lint, dust, and loose cloth.

Do not store objects on the foot controller.

Do not use extension cords. Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet.

Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.

Do not use the machine near a heat source, such as a stove or iron;otherwise, the machine, power cord or garment being sewn may ignite, resulting in fire or an electric shock.

Do not place this machine on an unstable surface, such as an unsteady or slanted table, otherwise the machine may fall, resulting in injuries.

5 Special care is required when sewing:

Always pay close attention to the needle. Do not use bent or damaged needles.

Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the

machine needle.

Do not turn on the machine while pressing down the foot controller. The machine may start unexpectedly and cause personal injury or damage to the machine.

Switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off when making any adjustments in the needle area.

Do not use a damaged or incorrect needle plate, as it could cause the needle to break.

Do not push or pull the fabric when sewing, and follow careful instruction when freehand stitching so that you do not deflect the needle and cause it to break.

6 This machine is not a toy:

Your close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children.

The plastic bag that this machine was supplied in should be kept out of the reach of children or disposed of. Never allow children to play with the bag due to the danger of suffocation.

Do not use outdoors.

7 For a longer service life:

When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not use or store the machine near a space heater, iron, halogen lamp, or other hot objects.

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.

Always consult the operation manual when replacing or installing any assemblies, the presser feet, needle, or other parts to assure correct installation.

8 For repair or adjustment:

If the Light unit (light-emitting diode) is damaged, it must be replaced by authorized dealer.

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 local authorized Brother dealer.

XF3656-001

Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual.Use accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.

The contents of this manual and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.

For additional product information, visit our web site at www.brother.com

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This machine is intended for household use.

This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.

FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY IMPORTANT

In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362,

i.e. carrying the

mark, rating as marked on plug.

Always replace the fuse cover. Never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted.

If the available electrical outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, you should contact your authorized dealer to obtain the correct lead.

Using Your Sewing Machine
WARNING

●●Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sources may result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine.

●●Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the power supply jack on the machine.

●●Do not insert the plug on the power cord into an electrical outlet that is in poor condition. ●●Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances:

When you are away from the machineAfter using the machineWhen the power fails during use

When the machine does not operate correctly due to a bad connection or a disconnection

During electrical storms
■■Connecting plugsNote

 

●● If a power outage occurs while the sewing machine is being operated, turn off the main power and unplug the power supply cord. When restarting the sewing machine, follow the necessary procedure to correctly operate the machine.

(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.

Replacing the needle
CAUTION

●●Always turn off the machine before you change the needle. Otherwise, injuries may occur if the foot controller is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.

●●Only use sewing machine needles for home use. Other needles may bend or break and cause injury.

●●Never sew with a bent needle. A bent needle will easily break and cause injury.

■■Checking the needle

Parallel space

Level surface

1

2

3

CAUTION

●●Use only the power cord included with this machine.

●●Do not use extension cords or multi-plug adapters with many other appliances plugged in to them. Fire or electric shock may result.

●●Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Electric shock may result.

●●When unplugging the machine, always turn off the main power first. Always grasp the plug to remove it from the outlet. Pulling on the cord may damage the cord, or lead to fire or electric shock.

●●Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modified, forcefully bent, pulled, twisted, or bundled. Do not place heavy objects on the cord. Do not subject the cord to heat. These things may damage the cord and cause fire or electric shock. If the cord or plug is damaged, take the machine to your authorized dealer for repairs before continuing use.

●●Unplug the power cord if the machine is not to be used for a long period of time. Otherwise a fire may result.

Changing the presser foot
■■Main power and sewing ■■Foot controller light switch

 

Slower

 

Faster

 

Press the foot

Press the power switch toward the

controller down to start

sewing. Take your foot

“I” mark to turn the main power

off the foot controller to

and sewing light on. Press toward

stop sewing.

the “O” mark to turn off.

 

CAUTION

●●Do not allow pieces of cloth and dust to build up on the foot controller. Doing so could cause a fire or an electric shock.

Note (For U.S.A. only)

●● Foot Controller: Model KD- 1902. This foot controller can be used on the machine with product code 888-X53/X54/ X55/X56. The product code is mentioned on the machine rating plate.

4

CAUTION• Mark on the wheel points up to rise the needle

●●Before replacing the needle, place fabric or paper under the presser foot to prevent the needle from falling into the hole in the needle plate.

Turn the screw counterclockwise

Note

●● Do not use excessive force when loosening or tightening the needle clamp screw.

5

With the flat side of the needle toward the back of the machine,

insert the needle until touching this stopper

 

CAUTION

Tighten the needle

●●Make sure you insert the needle until
it touches the stopper, and securely

clamp screw

tighten the needle clamp screw with a

 

screwdriver, otherwise the needle may

 

break or the machine may be damaged.

CAUTION

●●Always turn off the machine before you change the presser foot. If you leave the power on and step on the controller, the machine will start and you may be injured.

●●Always use the correct presser foot for the stitch pattern you have chosen. If you use the wrong

presser foot, the needle may strike the presser foot and bend or break, and may cause injury.

●●Only use presser feet that have been designed to be used with this machine. Using any other presser foot may cause accident or injury.

1

2

Mark on the wheel points up to rise the needle

3

4

■■Presser foot installation orientation

 

 

CAUTION

 

 

●●If the presser foot is not installed with the

Shank

This snaps in

correct orientation, the needle may strike

 

to the shank

the presser foot, which may bend or break

Remove the presser foot by

the needle and cause injury.

 

pulling it vertically downward.

 

 

Reverse sewing
Trial sewing
Changing the sewing direction
Sewing thick fabrics
Sewing thin fabrics
Sewing stretch fabrics
Stitching cylindrical pieces

To sew in reverse, push the reverse sewing lever in as far as possible and hold it in that position while you lightly push the foot controller.

To sew forward, release the reverse sewing lever. The machine will then sew forward.

The length of reverse stitches is fixed at 2 mm

(1/16 inch).

Reverse sewing lever

Use a piece of fabric and thread that are the same as those used for your project, and check the thread tension and stitch length and width.

Stop the machine with the needle in the fabric at the point where you want to change the sewing direction,

and then raise the presser foot lever. Using the needle

as a pivot, turn the fabric, lower the presser foot lever, and then continue sewing.

If the fabric does not fit easily under the presser foot, raise the presser foot lever even higher to bring the presser foot to its highest position.

CAUTION

If fabric more than 6 mm (15/64 inch) thick is sewn or if the fabric is pushed with too much force, the needle may bend or break.

When sewing thin fabrics,

 

the stitching may become

 

misaligned or the fabric

 

may not feed correctly.

 

If this occurs, place thin

 

paper or stabilizer material

Stabilizer material

under the fabric and sew

or paper

it together with the fabric.

 

When you have finished

 

sewing, tear off any excess

 

paper.

 

First, baste the pieces of fabric together, and then sew without stretching the fabric.

Basting

1

Slide the flat bed attachment to the left to release it.

Note

●● When you are finished with free-arm sewing, install the flat bed attachment back in its original position.

2

Slide the part that you wish to sew onto the arm, and then sew from the top.