Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother CS6000i is a versatile, feature-rich computerized sewing machine ideal for beginners and experienced sewers. It offers 60 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a drop-in bobbin system, adjustable sewing speed, a built-in free arm, and an LCD display. This manual covers essential safety information, machine features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to help you get the most from your machine.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Machine Setup & Parts Identification 3. First-Time Use & Threading 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Stitch Selection 6. Basic Sewing Operations 7. Using Built-in Stitches & Functions 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories & Optional Feet 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: LCD screen, stitch selection dial, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin, free arm, accessory storage, foot pedal, and power adapter.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches60 stitches including utility, decorative, heirloom, and 7 auto-size buttonholes
Automatic Needle ThreaderEasily threads the needle with a lever mechanism
Drop-in Bobbin SystemTop-loading, jam-resistant bobbin with clear cover
Adjustable Sewing SpeedSpeed control slider for slow to fast operation
LCD DisplayShows selected stitch, stitch length/width settings, and error messages
Built-in Free ArmRemovable accessory compartment for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Automatic ButtonholerOne-step automatic buttonhole with built-in sensor
Needle Stop Up/DownSelector for needle position when stopping
Presser Foot PressureAdjustable for different fabric types
Included AccessoriesMultiple presser feet, bobbins, needles, seam ripper, cleaning brush

Machine Setup & Parts Identification

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

  1. Power Connection: Connect the foot pedal to the machine, then plug the power adapter into the machine and a wall outlet.
  2. Needle Installation: Use the included screwdriver to loosen the needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, and tighten.
  3. Bobbin Winding: Place thread spool on spool pin, guide thread through bobbin winding tension, place bobbin on winder, push bobbin winder shaft to right, and press foot pedal.
  4. Drop-in Bobbin: Insert wound bobbin into bobbin case with thread running counterclockwise, pull thread through slot and under tension spring.

WARNING! Ensure machine is unplugged during needle/bobbin installation to prevent accidental start.

First-Time Use & Threading

Power on machine; LCD will illuminate. Follow threading path marked on machine.

  1. Upper Threading: Raise presser foot and needle to highest position. Place spool on spool pin, follow numbered guides, use automatic needle threader lever.
  2. Lower Threading: Hold upper thread tail, turn handwheel toward you to lower and raise needle, pull upper thread to bring bobbin thread up through needle plate.
  3. Thread Tension: Default setting (4) is suitable for most fabrics. Adjust dial for specialty threads or fabrics.
  4. Test Sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and gently press foot pedal to begin sewing.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle. Always use the handwheel to raise/lower needle when threading.

Specifications

Controls & Stitch Selection

Access functions via dials, buttons, and LCD. Front Panel: Power switch, stitch selection dial, stitch length/width dials, reverse button, needle up/down button.

LCD Display: Shows selected stitch number, recommended presser foot, stitch length/width settings, and error codes.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to choose stitch (1-60). Buttonhole stitches are grouped together (31-37).

Adjustments: Stitch Length (0-5mm), Stitch Width (0-7mm), Thread Tension (0-9).

Special Buttons: Reverse (for reinforcing stitches), Needle Up/Down (sets needle position when stopping), Start/Stop (for sewing without foot pedal).

Basic Sewing Operations

Straight stitch, zigzag, buttonholes, and decorative stitches.

  1. Straight Stitch: Select stitch #1. Adjust length as needed (2.5mm is standard).
  2. Zigzag Stitch: Select stitch #3-6. Adjust width for seam finishing or appliqué.
  3. Buttonhole: Select desired buttonhole stitch (31-37). Attach buttonhole foot, place button in back of foot, sensor automatically sizes buttonhole.
  4. Reverse Stitching: Press and hold reverse button at beginning and end of seam to lock stitches.
  5. Changing Presser Feet: Raise needle, lift presser foot lever, snap off old foot, align new foot with bar, and lower lever to lock.

Tip: Always test stitch settings on a fabric scrap before sewing your project.

Using Built-in Stitches & Functions

Machine includes utility, decorative, and quilting stitches.

  1. Decorative Stitches: Select stitches 8-30. Use for embellishments, borders, or monogramming (requires optional monogramming foot).
  2. Blind Hem Stitch: Select stitch #2. Use blind hem foot for nearly invisible hems on garments.
  3. Overcasting Stitch: Select stitch #5 or 6. Use overcasting foot to finish raw edges and prevent fraying.
  4. Quilting Stitches: Select stitches 38-60. Use walking foot for even fabric feeding when quilting.
  5. Automatic Needle Threader: Lower needle threader lever, hook thread onto guide, pull lever back up to pull thread through needle eye.
  6. Free Arm Conversion: Remove accessory storage compartment by pulling toward you to access free arm for sewing sleeves and cuffs.

WARNING! Do not force fabric while sewing. Let the feed dogs move the fabric naturally.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before cleaning. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Bobbin Area: Remove needle plate screws, lift plate, use brush to remove lint and thread bits.
  2. Feed Dogs: Clean with brush; lower feed dogs for darning or embroidery (dial on back of machine).
  3. Exterior: Wipe with soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or sprays.
  4. Oiling: Refer to manual for specific oiling points; use only sewing machine oil sparingly.
  5. Needle Replacement: Replace needle after every 8-10 hours of sewing or with each new project.

CAUTION! Never blow into machine as moisture can damage internal components.

Accessories & Optional Feet

Included accessories: 9 presser feet, 4 bobbins, 3 needles (universal, ballpoint, twin), screwdriver, seam ripper, cleaning brush, spool caps, instruction manual.

Optional Accessories: Extension table (part SA140), rolling carry case (BC2100), additional specialty feet (monogramming, piping, gathering).

Presser Feet Guide: - Zigzag Foot (A): General sewing. - Buttonhole Foot (A): Automatic buttonholes. - Zipper Foot (I): Installing zippers. - Overcasting Foot (G): Edge finishing. - Blind Stitch Foot (R): Hemming. - Button Sewing Foot (M): Attaching buttons. - Walking Foot (optional): Even feeding for quilting or thick fabrics.

Safety Information

Important safety precautions to prevent injury and machine damage.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine not runningNot plugged in; power switch offCheck power connection; ensure switch is on.
Needle breaksWrong needle type; bent needle; incorrect threadingReplace needle; rethread upper and lower threads.
Thread bunching/birds nestingIncorrect bobbin threading; upper thread not in tension discsRethread bobbin; ensure upper thread passes through all guides.
Skipped stitchesDull/bent needle; wrong needle for fabricReplace needle; use ballpoint for knits, universal for wovens.
Uneven stitchesIncorrect tension; dirty feed dogsAdjust tension; clean feed dogs and bobbin area.
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs lowered; presser foot pressure too lightRaise feed dogs; increase presser foot pressure.
Buttonhole not formingButton not placed in foot; incorrect stitch selectionPlace button in back of buttonhole foot; select correct buttonhole stitch.
Automatic needle threader not workingNeedle not in highest position; thread not properly hookedRaise needle to highest position; ensure thread is in thread guide.

Reset: Turn power off and on to clear error codes.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Brother service center. US/Canada: 1-877-467-4289 or visit www.brother-usa.com.

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