Brother LS 1217 Manual

The Brother LS 1217 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use. It features a wide range of built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, and adjustable stitch length and width. This manual provides essential information for safety, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your sewing machine.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection & Settings 7. Basic Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Troubleshooting 10. Regulatory & Warranty

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Stitch selection dial, Bobbin winder, Reverse stitch lever, Stitch length/width dials, Presser foot, Foot pedal, Power cord.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	Includes straight, zigzag, blind hem, and decorative stitches
4-Step Buttonhole	Easy-to-create buttonholes in four simple steps
Free Arm	Removable flatbed accessory for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Length Dial	Adjustable from 0 to 4 mm
Stitch Width Dial	Adjustable up to 5 mm for zigzag stitches
Reverse Sewing Lever	For reinforcing seams at beginning and end
Drop Feed	For darning, free-motion embroidery, and button sewing
Bobbin Winding System	Built-in bobbin winder for quick preparation
Light	Built-in LED light for illuminating the sewing area
Accessory Storage	Built-in compartment for feet, bobbins, and needles

Installation & Setup

Unpack the machine and all accessories. Place on a stable, flat surface.

Remove all packaging materials and protective covers.
Connect the foot pedal to the machine port.
Plug the power cord into the machine and then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Install the needle: Loosen the needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
Wind the bobbin: Place thread spool on pin, guide thread through bobbin winder tension, place bobbin on winder shaft, push shaft to right, press foot pedal.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread running counterclockwise, pull thread through slot, insert case into machine.
Thread the upper thread: Follow numbered path on machine from spool pin to needle.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially the needle. Always turn power off when threading or changing accessories.

First-Time Operation

Before sewing your first project, perform these checks.

Turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle to its highest position.
Raise the presser foot using the lever.
Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the presser foot lever.
Select a straight stitch using the stitch selection dial.
Set stitch length to 2.5 (medium).
Gently press the foot pedal to start sewing. Control speed with pedal pressure.
Practice on scrap fabric to get familiar with machine handling.

CAUTION! Never pull or push fabric while sewing; let the feed dogs move it. Always start with the needle in the fabric.

Specifications

Model: Brother LS 1217
Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine
Stitches: 17 Built-in stitches including utility and decorative
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4 mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5 mm
Needle: Household sewing machine needle (size 11/75 or 14/90)
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Max Sewing Speed: Approximately 800 stitches per minute
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Light: Built-in LED
Dimensions: Approximately 15.4" W x 6.7" H x 12.2" D
Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs

Controls and Functions

Main controls are located on the front and right side of the machine.

Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select desired stitch pattern (symbols correspond to stitch chart). Stitch Length Dial: Controls distance between stitches (0 for darning, 4 for basting). Stitch Width Dial: Adjusts width of zigzag and decorative stitches. Reverse Stitch Lever: Press and hold to sew in reverse. Handwheel: Turn toward you to manually raise/lower needle. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot. Bobbin Winder Shaft & Tension: For winding bobbin. Drop Feed Lever: Lowers feed dogs for free-motion work.

Stitch Selection & Settings

Refer to the stitch chart on the machine or manual for specific settings.

Select stitch by turning dial to corresponding symbol/number.
For straight stitch: Set width to 0. Adjust length as needed (2-2.5 for medium weight fabric).
For zigzag: Adjust width for desired zigzag spread. Adjust length for stitch density.
For buttonhole: Follow the 4-step sequence marked on the machine (1: Left side, 2: Front bar tack, 3: Right side, 4: Rear bar tack).
For blind hem: Use blind hem foot and select blind hem stitch. Fold fabric as instructed.

Tip: Always test stitch settings on a scrap of your project fabric first.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Master these fundamental techniques.

Starting a Seam: Position fabric under needle, lower presser foot. Hold both thread tails lightly. Sew a few stitches, then press reverse lever to backstitch, then continue forward.
Seam Guide: Use lines on needle plate to maintain consistent seam allowance.
Turning Corners: Stop with needle down in fabric. Raise presser foot, pivot fabric, lower foot, continue sewing.
Finishing a Seam: Reverse stitch for 3-4 stitches at end. Raise needle, lift presser foot, pull fabric to back and cut threads.
Using Free Arm: Remove accessory storage compartment to access free arm for sewing cylindrical items.

WARNING! Always turn the handwheel toward you (counter-clockwise) only. Turning backward can cause timing issues.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs with small brush.
Needle: Replace bent or dull needles immediately. Use correct type and size for fabric.
Oiling: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to designated points (see manual) after every 8-10 hours of use. Wipe excess oil.
Exterior: Wipe with soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemicals or solvents.
Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Always unplug the machine before performing any maintenance or cleaning.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect bobbin threading; upper thread not in tension discs	Rethread bobbin and upper thread completely. Ensure presser foot is up when threading top.
Needle breaks	Bent needle; incorrect needle installation; pulling fabric	Replace needle, ensure flat side is to back. Do not pull fabric while sewing.
Machine does not sew	Not plugged in; foot pedal disconnected; main power switch off	Check all connections. Ensure power switch on machine is on.
Uneven stitches (skipping)	Dull/bent needle; wrong needle for fabric; incorrect threading	Change needle. Rethread. Ensure thread is properly seated in tension assembly.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered; stitch length set to 0	Check drop feed lever is in normal position. Adjust stitch length dial.
Unusual noise	Lint/jam in bobbin area; lack of oil	Clean bobbin area thoroughly. Oil machine as per manual.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes to reset electronic components (if applicable).

Regulatory & Warranty

This sewing machine complies with applicable safety standards. Brother International Corporation warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship. For warranty service, contact Brother Customer Service or an authorized service center. Always use genuine Brother parts and accessories for optimal performance and safety.

For Support: Visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.