Brother CE 4000 Manual

The Brother CE 4000 is a versatile electronic sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 70 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a drop-in bobbin system, a built-in LED light, and a wide table for larger projects. It supports various sewing techniques including decorative, utility, and quilting stitches. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main sewing unit, wide table, foot pedal, power cord, accessory kit.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	70 stitches including utility, decorative, and quilting
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads the needle with a lever
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, jam-resistant bobbin
LED Light	Bright illumination of the sewing area
Wide Table	Extra workspace for larger projects like quilts
Stitch Length/Width Adjustment	Manual dials for customizing stitches
Buttonhole Stitch	One-step automatic buttonhole
Free Arm	For sewing cylindrical items like sleeves
Speed Control Slider	Adjusts maximum sewing speed
Reverse Stitch Lever	Reinforces seams at beginning and end

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, flat surface.

1. Remove machine and accessories from packaging.
2. Attach the wide table: Slide it onto the free arm until it clicks into place.
3. Connect the foot pedal: Plug into the port on the right side of the machine.
4. Connect the power cord: Plug into the machine and then into a 120V AC outlet.
5. Install the needle and thread the machine (see First-Time Use).

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care. Ensure the surface is stable to prevent tipping.

First-Time Use

Power on the machine; the LED light will illuminate.

1. Install the needle: Loosen the needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
2. Wind the bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winding tension disc, place bobbin on winder, push to right, press foot pedal.
3. Insert the bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread running counterclockwise; pull thread through slot.
4. Thread the upper thread: Follow numbered path on machine; use automatic needle threader.
5. Pull up the bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring bobbin thread up.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from needle during operation. Always turn off and unplug for maintenance.

Specifications

• Model: Brother CE 4000.
• Stitches: 70 built-in stitches.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 7mm.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 5mm.
• Needle Positions: Left, center, right.
• Bobbin: Class 15 (drop-in style).
• Lighting: Built-in LED.
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Dimensions: With wide table: 16.5" W x 7.1" H x 11.4" D.
• Weight: 13.2 lbs.

Controls and Functions

Access settings via dials and buttons on the front panel.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever, automatic needle threader lever, thread cutter.

Side Controls: Power switch, foot pedal jack, bobbin winder.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to desired stitch number (1-70). Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter/longer stitches (0-5). Stitch Width: Adjust for narrower/wider stitches (0-7). Reverse Stitch: Hold lever to sew backward. Needle Threader: Push lever down to thread needle automatically. Thread Cutter: Built-in blade on side of machine.

Stitch Selection and Settings

Select stitches using the dial; adjust length and width as needed.

1. Turn the stitch selection dial to the desired stitch number (refer to stitch chart).
2. Adjust stitch length: Turn dial for longer (higher number) or shorter (lower number) stitches.
3. Adjust stitch width: Turn dial for wider (higher number) or narrower (lower number) stitches.
4. For buttonholes: Select buttonhole stitch, place fabric under foot, press foot pedal for automatic cycle.

Tip: Test stitches on a scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Basic Sewing Operations

Supports straight stitch, zigzag, decorative stitches, and buttonholes.

1. Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot using lever.
2. Press foot pedal to start sewing; guide fabric gently.
3. Use reverse lever at start and end to lock stitches.
4. Raise presser foot and pull fabric to rear to cut thread using built-in cutter.
5. For free arm sewing: Remove wide table for sewing sleeves and cuffs.
6. Change presser feet: Lift lever to release foot; snap on new foot.
7. Adjust tension: Use upper thread tension dial if stitches are uneven (usually set to 4).

WARNING! Never pull fabric while sewing; let the feed dogs move it. Always lower presser foot before sewing.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Unplug machine before cleaning. Remove lint and dust regularly.

1. Clean bobbin area: Remove bobbin and use brush to remove lint.
2. Oil the machine: Apply sewing machine oil to hook race and other moving parts as per manual (usually every few months).
3. Wipe exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
4. Replace needle regularly (after 8-10 hours of sewing).

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint into mechanics. Use only sewing machine oil.

Accessories

Included accessories: Wide table, foot pedal, power cord, accessory kit.

Accessory	Use
All-purpose foot	General sewing
Zipper foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole foot	Making buttonholes
Button sewing foot	Sewing on buttons
Overcasting foot	Finishing edges
Quilting foot	Quilting projects
Bobbin (3)	Extra bobbins
Needles (3)	Assorted sizes
Brush/seam ripper	Cleaning and unpicking
Screwdriver	Needle plate removal

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-800-284-4357.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine not running	Power connection	Check power cord is plugged in; ensure power switch is on.
Needle breaks	Incorrect needle/thread	Replace needle; ensure needle is inserted correctly; use correct thread.
Thread bunching underneath	Bobbin threading	Re-thread bobbin; ensure bobbin is inserted correctly.
Skipped stitches	Needle/tension issues	Replace needle; adjust tension; check thread quality.
Uneven stitches	Tension settings	Adjust upper thread tension; re-thread top and bobbin.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered	Check feed dog position (should be up); clean feed dogs.
Noise during operation	Lint/jam	Clean bobbin area; remove any jammed thread or fabric.

Reset: Turn off machine, unplug for 1 minute, then restart.

Service: 1-800-284-4357; www.brother-usa.com