Brother FS130QC Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother FS130QC is a versatile, user-friendly sewing machine designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It features a wide range of built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a drop-in bobbin system, and a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves. This manual provides essential information on setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to help you get the most out of your machine.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. Getting Started 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Basic Sewing Operations 7. Stitch Selection and Settings 8. Maintenance and Cleaning 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty and Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Foot controller, Power cord, Accessory box (including presser feet, bobbins, needles, screwdriver, seam ripper).

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	130 utility, decorative, and quilting stitches
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads the needle with a simple lever
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, jam-resistant bobbin system with clear cover
Free Arm	Removable flatbed accessory for sewing cylindrical items
LCD Screen	Displays selected stitch, stitch length, and stitch width
Adjustable Stitch Length/Width	Customize stitch settings for different fabrics
Automatic Buttonhole	One-step automatic buttonhole function
Speed Control Slider	Adjusts maximum sewing speed
Built-in LED Light	Illuminates the sewing area
Presser Feet Included	Zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, etc.

Unpacking and Setup

Remove all items from the box and place the machine on a stable, flat surface.

Install the Foot Controller: Plug the foot controller into the machine's port.
Connect Power: Plug the power cord into the machine and then into a 120V AC outlet.
Attach the Free Arm: If removed for packaging, slide the free arm onto the machine.
Wind and Insert the Bobbin: Follow the threading diagram to wind the bobbin and place it in the bobbin case.
Thread the Upper Thread: Use the automatic needle threader or follow the numbered threading path.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle and moving parts during operation. Always turn off the power before changing needles or presser feet.

Getting Started

Power on the machine using the main power switch. The LCD screen will illuminate.

Select a Stitch: Turn the stitch selection dial or use the +/- buttons to choose a stitch number.
Adjust Settings: Use the stitch length and width buttons to customize as needed.
Test Sew: Place a scrap fabric under the presser foot, lower the foot, and gently press the foot controller to sew.
Reverse Stitch: Press the reverse button to sew backwards for securing seams.

CAUTION! Always use the correct needle and thread for your fabric type. Ensure the presser foot is lowered before sewing.

Specifications

Model: Brother FS130QC
Stitches: 130 built-in stitches
Buttonholes: 7 one-step automatic buttonhole styles
Max Sewing Speed: 850 stitches per minute
Needle Positions: Adjustable left, center, and right
Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable (for some models)
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Needle: HAx1 needle system
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: Approximately 15.7" W x 7.1" H x 12.2" D
Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: Main power switch, Stitch selection dial/buttons, LCD screen, Stitch length/width adjustment buttons, Reverse stitch button, Needle up/down button, Automatic needle threader lever.

Additional Controls: Handwheel, Presser foot lifter, Bobbin winder spindle, Thread tension dial, Drop feed lever (for darning/free-motion quilting).

Stitch Settings: Length (0-5 mm), Width (0-7 mm). Utility Stitches: Straight, zigzag, stretch, blind hem, overcast. Decorative Stitches: Scallops, waves, leaves, etc. Memory Function: Can store custom stitch settings (if applicable).

Basic Sewing Operations

Straight Stitch: Select stitch #1. Adjust length for fabric. Zigzag Stitch: Select stitch #3-6. Adjust width for seam finishing. Buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot, select buttonhole stitch, place fabric, and press foot controller—the machine sews automatically.

Prepare Fabric: Place fabric under presser foot, aligning edge with seam guide.
Start Sewing: Lower presser foot. Gently press foot controller to start.
Guide Fabric: Guide fabric gently; do not pull.
Finish: Press reverse button to backstitch, then raise needle and presser foot to remove fabric.

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric first to test tension and stitch settings.

Stitch Selection and Settings

Refer to the stitch chart in the manual or on the machine.

Utility Stitches (1-70): For seams, hems, finishing.
Decorative Stitches (71-130): For embellishment.
Quilting Stitches: Included in decorative range.
Adjusting Tension: Normal setting is 4. Increase for lighter fabrics, decrease for heavier.
Using Specialty Feet: Attach appropriate foot for zippers, buttons, or blind hems.

WARNING! Always turn off the power before changing presser feet or needles.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Unplug the machine before any maintenance.

Cleaning the Bobbin Area: Remove bobbin case and use the brush provided to remove lint.
Oil the Machine: Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the hook race and other moving parts as indicated in the manual (usually after every 8-10 hours of use).
Needle Replacement: Turn handwheel to raise needle, loosen needle clamp screw, remove old needle, insert new needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
Exterior Cleaning: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air to clean lint as it can force debris into mechanisms. Never oil the bobbin case itself.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Power cord not connected, main switch off	Check power connections and ensure main switch is on.
Needle breaks	Incorrect needle installation, bent needle, wrong needle for fabric	Install new needle correctly (flat side back). Use correct needle type.
Thread bunches underneath	Bobbin threaded incorrectly, upper tension too tight	Re-thread bobbin and upper thread. Adjust tension dial.
Skipped stitches	Dull/bent needle, wrong needle/thread for fabric	Replace needle. Match needle and thread to fabric weight.
Uneven stitches	Incorrect tension, dirty feed dogs	Clean feed dogs. Adjust thread tension.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered, stitch length set to 0	Raise feed dogs (lever up). Increase stitch length.
Unusual noise	Lint buildup, missing or loose screws	Clean bobbin area. Check for and tighten any loose parts.

Reset: Turn machine off and on again. If problems persist, consult the manual or contact support.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Brother service centers. Do not attempt to disassemble the machine.

Warranty and Support

Brother International Corporation provides a limited warranty for this product. Refer to your warranty card for specific terms and duration. For technical support, replacement parts, or to locate a service center:

Visit: www.brother-usa.com
Call: 1-877-888-5525

Always have your model number (FS130QC) ready when contacting support.