brother ls 1520 sewing machine manual

The Brother LS-1520 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 15 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, and easy stitch selection. It offers adjustable stitch length and width, a drop feed for free-motion sewing, built-in needle threader, and a top drop-in bobbin system. Powered by a standard household outlet, it is suitable for a wide range of sewing projects from garment construction to repairs. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse sewing lever, Built-in needle threader, Top drop-in bobbin, Foot pressure dial, Included accessories (presser feet, bobbins, needles, seam ripper, brush, screwdriver).

Parts Identification

Familiarize yourself with the main parts of your sewing machine.

1. Front: Handwheel, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse sewing lever, Power switch, Foot pedal socket.
2. Top: Spool pin, Thread guides, Tension dial, Take-up lever, Needle clamp screw, Presser foot lever, Built-in needle threader.
3. Free Arm Area: Needle plate, Feed dogs, Bobbin cover, Slide plate for free arm conversion.
4. Accessory Compartment: Located in the free arm, stores feet and tools.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle area during operation. Always turn the handwheel toward you.

Installation & Setup

Unpack the machine and place it on a stable, well-lit table.

1. Power Connection: Plug the foot pedal into the machine, then plug the power cord into a standard household outlet.
2. Winding the Bobbin: Place spool on spool pin, thread through bobbin winder tension disc, wind bobbin evenly.
3. Inserting the Bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop bobbin in with thread unwinding clockwise, pull thread under tension spring.
4. Threading the Upper Thread: Follow numbered guides on machine from spool pin to needle, using the built-in threader.
5. Drawing Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring bobbin thread up through needle plate.

CAUTION! Ensure the machine is turned off during setup. Use the correct needle and bobbin type (Class 15).

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical Free-Arm Sewing Machine.
• Built-in Stitches: 15.
• Buttonhole: 4-step manual.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4 mm.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable 0-5 mm.
• Needle Positions: Left, Center, Right.
• Max Sewing Speed: Approx. 800 stitches per minute.
• Bobbin: Top drop-in, Class 15 type.
• Presser Feet: Included: Zigzag foot, Buttonhole foot, Zipper foot, Button sewing foot, Blind stitch foot.
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Dimensions & Weight: Compact design for easy storage.

Controls and Settings

Primary controls are located on the front right panel 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 other utility stitches. Reverse Sewing Lever: Press and hold to sew in reverse for seam reinforcement. Tension Dial: Adjusts upper thread tension (usually set between 3-5 for balanced stitches). Foot Pressure Dial: Adjusts pressure of presser foot on fabric (higher for thick fabrics). Drop Feed Lever: Located near free arm, lowers feed dogs for free-motion work.

Basic Sewing Operations

Follow these steps for general sewing.

1. Raise presser foot and needle to highest position using handwheel.
2. Place fabric under presser foot, lower the presser foot lever.
3. Gently press foot pedal to start sewing. Guide fabric lightly with hands.
4. At end of seam, press reverse lever to backstitch a few stitches.
5. Raise needle, then raise presser foot, and pull fabric and threads to the rear.
6. Cut threads using the built-in thread cutter or scissors.

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric first. Always start and end with the needle in the highest position.

Stitch Selection Guide

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

1. Straight Stitch (Pattern 1): For seams, topstitching, basting. Use center needle position.
2. Zigzag Stitch (Pattern 2-4): For finishing edges, appliqué, sewing on buttons, stretch fabrics.
3. Blind Hem Stitch (Pattern 5): For nearly invisible hems on garments.
4. Stretch Stitches (Pattern 6-7): For seams on knit fabrics, provides elasticity.
5. Decorative Stitches (Pattern 8-15): For embellishment on various projects.
6. 4-Step Buttonhole (Pattern A-D): Follow numbered steps marked near stitch selection dial.

WARNING! Select the correct stitch and presser foot for your fabric. Test settings on a scrap first.

Care & Maintenance

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity.

1. Daily Cleaning: Unplug machine. Remove needle plate and bobbin case. Use brush to remove lint and dust from feed dogs and bobbin area.
2. Oiling: Refer to manual for specific oiling points. Use only high-quality sewing machine oil sparingly.
3. Needle Replacement: Replace bent or dull needles immediately. Loosen needle clamp screw, insert new needle with flat side to the rear, tighten screw.
4. Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation. Store in a dry place.

CAUTION! Always unplug the machine before cleaning or maintenance. Do not use compressed air.

Regulatory Information

This sewing machine complies with applicable safety standards. The Brother logo is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Turn power off and unplug for 1 minute if electronic issues occur (though machine is mechanical).

Service: For repairs not covered in manual, contact authorized Brother service center.