Brother FS210 Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother FS210 is a versatile and user-friendly sewing machine designed for home use, featuring a variety of built-in stitches, automatic needle threading, easy bobbin winding, adjustable stitch length and width, and a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection & Settings 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Foot Controller, Power Cord, Accessory Box (including presser feet, bobbins, needles, screwdriver, lint brush), Spool Pins, Thread Guide, Bobbin Winder, Stitch Selector Dial.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches10 utility stitches including straight, zigzag, and blind hem
Automatic Needle ThreaderEasy threading with the push of a lever
Drop-in Bobbin SystemTop-loading, jam-resistant bobbin
Free ArmRemovable flat bed for sewing cylindrical items
Stitch Length/Width ControlAdjustable dials for customizing stitches
Buttonhole StitchOne-step automatic buttonhole
Reverse Sewing LeverFor reinforcing seams
Presser Foot Pressure DialAdjustable for different fabric thicknesses
Power Switch & LightConvenient on/off switch with built-in work light
Foot ControllerControls sewing speed

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Attach Power Cord: Plug into machine and wall outlet (120V AC).
  2. Install Foot Controller: Plug into machine port.
  3. Wind Bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winder, and wind bobbin evenly.
  4. Insert Bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop bobbin into case following directional arrows.
  5. Thread Upper Thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine; use automatic needle threader.
  6. Attach Presser Foot: Lift lever, snap foot into place.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Plug in machine, turn on power switch, and select a basic straight stitch for practice.

  1. Select Stitch: Turn stitch selector dial to desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
  2. Adjust Settings: Set stitch length to 2.5 and width to 0 for straight stitch.
  3. Place Fabric: Lower presser foot lever.
  4. Start Sewing: Gently press foot controller to begin; use reverse lever to backstitch at start and end.
  5. Finish: Raise needle to highest position, lift presser foot, and remove fabric.

CAUTION! Always raise needle before removing fabric to avoid needle breakage.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: Stitch Selector Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Sewing Lever, Presser Foot Lever, Bobbin Winder, Thread Guide, Spool Pins.

Side/Rear: Power Switch, Power Socket, Foot Controller Socket, Handwheel, Free Arm Release.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to match desired stitch symbol. Length/Width: Adjust dials for stitch customization. Reverse: Hold lever to sew backwards. Bobbin Winding: Engage bobbin winder when winding thread. Presser Foot Pressure: Adjust dial for thick or thin fabrics.

Stitch Selection & Settings

Use stitch selector dial to choose from 10 built-in stitches.

  1. Straight Stitch: For seams, topstitching; set length 2.0-3.0.
  2. Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges, appliqué; adjust width as needed.
  3. Blind Hem Stitch: For nearly invisible hems; use blind hem foot.
  4. Elastic Stitch: For sewing elastic and stretch fabrics.
  5. Buttonhole Stitch: One-step automatic; use buttonhole foot.
  6. Decorative Stitches: For embellishments; refer to stitch chart.

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

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before any maintenance. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance.

  1. Cleaning Bobbin Area: Remove bobbin case and use lint brush to remove dust and threads.
  2. Oil Machine: Apply one drop of sewing machine oil to hook race and moving parts as per manual (do not over-oil).
  3. Needle Replacement: Turn handwheel to raise needle, loosen needle clamp screw, replace needle with flat side toward back.
  4. Exterior Cleaning: Wipe with soft, dry cloth.

CAUTION! Use only recommended sewing machine oil. Never use household oils.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-800-284-4357.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine does not runPower cord/foot controllerCheck power connection; ensure foot controller is plugged in.
Needle breaksIncorrect needle/thread tensionReplace needle; ensure needle is inserted correctly; adjust tension.
Thread bunches underneathBobbin threadingRe-thread bobbin ensuring correct direction; check upper threading.
Skipped stitchesDull/bent needleReplace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric.
Uneven stitchesThread tensionAdjust thread tension dial; re-thread top and bobbin threads.
Machine is noisyLint/dust buildupClean bobbin area and feed dogs; oil if necessary.

Reset: Unplug machine for 1 minute to reset electronic components if issues persist.

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

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