Brother HC1850 Sewing Machine User Manual

The Brother HC1850 is a versatile computerized sewing machine featuring 130 built-in stitches, 8 styles of one-step auto-size buttonholes, automatic needle threading, drop-in bobbin system, LCD display, adjustable sewing speed, built-in free arm, and multiple presser feet for various sewing techniques. 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 Settings 6. Stitch Selection & Functions 7. Advanced Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Safety Information 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Computerized control panel, LCD display, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, free arm, accessory storage, and multiple presser feet.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	130 utility, decorative, and quilting stitches
Buttonholes	8 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles
Needle Threader	Automatic needle threading system
Bobbin System	Drop-in top loading with clear cover
LCD Display	Shows selected stitch, settings, and recommendations
Sewing Speed	Adjustable with slider control
Free Arm	Built-in for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Presser Feet	Includes zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, blind hem, and more
Needle Position	Automatic needle up/down function
Thread Cutter	Built-in thread cutter on side

Installation & Setup

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

Remove all packaging materials and protective covers.
Attach the foot controller to the machine's port.
Plug the power cord into the machine and then into a 120V AC outlet.
Install the needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Wind the bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, follow threading guide, wind bobbin using bobbin winding function.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread running counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.

WARNING! Keep hands away from needle area during setup. Ensure machine is unplugged when installing needle.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow basic threading procedure.

Raise presser foot using lever.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine, use automatic needle threader.
Pull up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
Pull both threads under presser foot toward back.
Select basic straight stitch (01) using stitch selection dial.
Place fabric under presser foot, lower presser foot lever.
Gently press foot controller to begin sewing.

CAUTION! Always lower presser foot before sewing. Keep fingers away from moving needle.

Specifications

Model: Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing Machine
Stitches: 130 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, heirloom, and quilting
Buttonholes: 8 one-step auto-size buttonholes
Needle System: HA-1 needle, size 11/75 to 14/90
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Stitch Width: Up to 7mm
Stitch Length: Up to 5mm
Sewing Speed: Up to 850 stitches per minute
Display: LCD with stitch information
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: 16.3" x 7.2" x 12.2" (W x H x D)
Weight: 13.2 lbs

Controls and Settings

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

Control Panel: Stitch selection dial, LCD display, reverse stitch button, auto-lock stitch button, needle position button, stitch width adjustment (+/-), stitch length adjustment (+/-), sewing speed control slider.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 130 stitches. LCD Display: Shows selected stitch number, recommended presser foot, stitch width/length settings. Adjustments: Modify stitch width (0-7mm) and length (0-5mm) using +/- buttons. Speed Control: Use slider to adjust maximum sewing speed.

Stitch Selection & Functions

Select from 130 stitches using stitch selection dial.

Utility Stitches (01-10): Basic sewing, stretch, and reinforcement stitches.
Decorative Stitches (11-70): Ornamental patterns for embellishment.
Heirloom Stitches (71-90): Vintage-style decorative stitches.
Quilting Stitches (91-130): Stitches designed for piecing and quilting.
Buttonholes (31-38): 8 styles including rounded, keyhole, and stretch.
Auto-Lock Stitch: Automatically sews locking stitches at beginning and end.
Reverse Stitch: Sew in reverse for reinforcement; press and hold reverse button.
Needle Position: Set needle to stop in up or down position using needle position button.

Tip: Refer to LCD display for recommended presser foot and settings for each stitch.

Advanced Sewing Techniques

Utilize specialized presser feet and functions for advanced projects.

Buttonholes: Attach buttonhole foot, select buttonhole style, place button in foot, machine sews automatically sized buttonhole.
Zippers: Use zipper foot for centered or invisible zipper installation.
Blind Hem: Attach blind hem foot for nearly invisible hemming on garments.
Quilting: Use walking foot for even fabric feeding when quilting multiple layers.
Monogramming: Select alphabet stitches for personalization.
Free-Motion Sewing: Lower feed dogs, use darning foot for free-motion quilting or embroidery.
Twin Needle: Install twin needle for parallel rows of decorative stitching.

WARNING! Always use correct presser foot for each technique. Ensure needle is appropriate for fabric type.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before maintenance. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance.

Remove needle plate screws, lift off needle plate.
Use small brush to remove lint and thread fragments from feed dogs and bobbin area.
Clean bobbin case with brush; remove if necessary for thorough cleaning.
Wipe exterior with soft, dry cloth.
Oil machine as indicated in manual (specific points marked with red dots).
Replace needle regularly (after 8-10 hours of sewing or with new project).

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air as it can force lint deeper into machine. Never oil plastic parts.

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for sewing machine operation.

Always unplug machine when changing needle, cleaning, or when not in use.
Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially needle area.
Do not sew over pins; remove pins before they reach needle.
Use proper needle size and type for fabric being sewn.
Ensure adequate lighting in sewing area.
Keep machine on stable, flat surface during operation.
Disconnect power cord by pulling plug, not cord.
Supervise children and inexperienced users.

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 Brother Customer Service at 1-800-284-4357. This product conforms to applicable UL standards and CSA requirements.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't start	Power connection	Check power cord connections; ensure power switch is on; check outlet.
Needle breaks	Incorrect needle/fabric	Use correct needle type/size; don't pull fabric; check needle installation.
Thread bunching underneath	Threading/bobbin	Rethread upper thread; ensure bobbin inserted correctly; clean bobbin area.
Skipped stitches	Needle/thread issues	Replace needle; use quality thread; ensure proper threading.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust thread tension; rethread completely; check for lint buildup.
Machine jams	Thread buildup	Remove fabric, cut threads, clean race area; remove jammed threads carefully.
Buttonhole not forming	Foot/stitch selection	Use buttonhole foot; ensure proper stitch selection; check fabric stabilization.

Reset: Turn machine off and on to reset computerized functions if experiencing electronic issues.

Service: 1-800-284-4357; www.brother-usa.com for authorized service centers.