Brother FS-40 Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother FS-40 is a versatile electronic sewing machine featuring 40 built-in stitches, automatic needle threading, one-step buttonholer, drop-in bobbin system, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, LED lighting, and multiple presser feet. Designed for home sewing projects with easy operation and reliable performance. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection 7. Threading and Bobbin 8. Maintenance 9. Accessories 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electronic control panel, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, free arm, LED work light, accessory storage.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	40 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch
Automatic needle threader	Easy threading with push lever
One-step buttonholer	Automatic buttonhole sizing
Drop-in bobbin	Top-loading bobbin with clear cover
Free arm	Convertible for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Stitch length/width adjustment	Dial controls for customization
LED lighting	Bright illumination of work area
Presser feet	Includes zipper, buttonhole, blind hem, and more
Speed control slider	Adjustable sewing speed
Reverse stitch button	For reinforcing seams

Unpacking and Setup

Remove machine from packaging and inspect contents. Place on stable table.

Remove all packaging materials and tape.
Attach power cord to machine and plug into 120V outlet.
Install foot controller into front socket.
Attach presser foot: Lower presser bar lever, align foot, and lock.
Wind bobbin and thread machine (see section 7).

WARNING! Keep hands clear of needle area during setup. Ensure machine is unplugged when threading.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow threading guide.

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered path on machine; use automatic needle threader.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case, thread through slot, close cover.
Select stitch: Turn pattern dial to desired stitch.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Test sew on scrap fabric.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep fingers away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Brother FS-40
Stitches: 40 built-in stitches
Buttonholes: One-step automatic
Needle Threading: Automatic
Bobbin: Drop-in, Class 15 transparent
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 5mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 7mm
Lighting: LED bulb
Power Supply: 120V, 60Hz
Weight: 13.2 lbs (6 kg)
Warranty: 25-year limited

Controls and Functions

Main controls located on front and top of machine.

Front Panel: Power switch, stitch pattern dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch button.

Top Features: Thread tension dial, presser foot lifter, handwheel, bobbin winder, spool pins.

Operation: Select stitch with pattern dial. Adjust length/width. Use reverse for backstitching. Speed controlled by foot pedal pressure.

Stitch Selection

Pattern dial includes utility, decorative, and stretch stitches.

Turn pattern dial to select stitch number (1-40).
Refer to stitch chart for recommended fabric types.
For buttonholes: Turn to buttonhole symbol, place fabric under foot, press buttonhole lever.
For zigzag: Select zigzag pattern, adjust width as needed.
For stretch stitches: Use stretch patterns for knits and elastic fabrics.

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

Threading and Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

Upper threading: Raise presser foot and needle. Follow numbered guide. Use automatic threader.
Bobbin winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, wind bobbin evenly.
Bobbin insertion: Drop bobbin into case with thread clockwise. Pull thread through slot.
Bring up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel to lower/raise needle.

WARNING! Ensure machine is off and unplugged during threading to prevent accidental starts.

Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance.

Unplug machine before maintenance.
Remove needle plate and bobbin case to clean lint.
Oil moving parts per manual instructions (use sewing machine oil only).
Replace needle regularly (every 8-10 hours of sewing).
Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint into mechanisms.

Accessories

Included accessories stored in accessory compartment.

Accessory	Use
Zipper foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole foot	Creating buttonholes
Blind hem foot	Hemming garments invisibly
Button sewing foot	Attaching buttons
Overcasting foot	Finishing seam edges
Bobbin (3)	Extra bobbins
Needles (assorted)	Different sizes for fabrics
Screwdriver	For needle plate removal
Seam ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for operation.

Always unplug machine when not in use, during threading, or maintenance.
Keep fingers away from moving needle and parts.
Do not sew over pins; remove before needle reaches them.
Use proper needle type and size for fabric.
Ensure adequate lighting in work area.
Keep machine dry and away from heat sources.
Supervise children near operating machine.

WARNING! Risk of electric shock if used with damaged cord or wet hands.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine not running	Power cord, foot control	Check plug connection; ensure foot control is plugged in.
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect threading, bobbin	Re-thread upper and bobbin threads; ensure bobbin inserted correctly.
Needle breaking	Wrong needle, bent needle	Replace needle; ensure correct type/size; don't pull fabric.
Skipped stitches	Dull needle, wrong needle	Replace needle; use correct needle for fabric.
Uneven stitches	Tension, threading	Adjust thread tension; re-thread machine.
Buttonhole not forming	Foot not attached, settings	Attach buttonhole foot; lower buttonhole lever.
Noise/vibration	Lint, loose parts	Clean lint from bobbin area; tighten screws.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes to reset electronic components.

Service: 1-877-467-4289; www.brother-usa.com