Brother LS 1717 Manual

The Brother LS 1717 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use. It features 17 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, and a drop feed for darning and free-motion sewing. It is powered by a foot pedal and operates on standard household voltage. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stitch Selector Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Sewing Lever, Bobbin Winder, Handwheel, Free Arm, Accessory Storage, Foot Pedal.

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, well-lit surface.

1. Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by its carry handle.
2. Attach foot pedal: Plug cord into machine port.
3. Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet.
4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
5. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension disc, wind onto bobbin.
6. Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
7. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.

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

First-Time Use

Power on machine; test stitches on scrap fabric.

1. Select stitch: Turn Stitch Selector Dial to desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
2. Set length/width: Adjust dials for stitch length (2-3 mm for straight) and width (0 for straight).
3. Practice sewing: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, press pedal gently to start.
4. Reverse stitching: Hold Reverse Lever to sew backwards at start and end of seam.
5. Change stitches: Stop machine, raise needle, adjust dials, resume sewing.

CAUTION! Always raise needle before changing settings or removing fabric.

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine.
• Stitches: 17 built-in stitches.
• Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable from 0 to 4 mm.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable from 0 to 5 mm.
• Free Arm: Yes, removable flatbed.
• Feed Dogs: Drop feed capability.
• Needle: Standard household sewing machine needle (HAx1).
• Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin.
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz (or local voltage).
• Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs (6 kg).

Controls and Settings

Access controls via dials and levers on front and side of machine.

Stitch Selector Dial: Turn to choose from 17 stitch patterns (icons indicate stitch type). Stitch Length Dial: Controls distance between stitches (0 for darning). Stitch Width Dial: Adjusts zigzag width (0 for straight stitches). Reverse Sewing Lever: Hold to sew in reverse. Handwheel: Manually raise/lower needle; turn toward you. Bobbin Winder: Push bobbin onto winder shaft to engage. Drop Feed Lever: Lowers feed dogs for free-motion work.

Presser Feet: Snap-on system includes Zigzag Foot (standard), Buttonhole Foot, Zipper Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Button Sewing Foot.

Stitch Selection & Techniques

Use Stitch Selector Dial to choose pattern; adjust length/width as needed.

1. Straight Stitch (Pattern 1): General sewing; set width to 0, length 2-3 mm.
2. Zigzag Stitch (Pattern 2): Overcasting, appliqué; set width 2-5 mm, length 1-2 mm.
3. Blind Hem Stitch (Pattern 3): Hemming garments; use Blind Hem Foot.
4. Elastic Stitch (Pattern 4): Sewing elastic and stretch fabrics.
5. Decorative Stitches (Patterns 5-17): For embellishment; test on scrap first.
6. 4-Step Buttonhole: Attach Buttonhole Foot; follow steps marked on foot (1-4).

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

Basic Sewing Guide

Follow these steps for common sewing tasks.

1. Seam Sewing: Select straight stitch, align fabric edges, lower presser foot, sew forward, reverse at ends.
2. Zigzag Finish: Sew seam, then zigzag along raw edge to prevent fraying.
3. Buttonhole: Mark button placement, attach Buttonhole Foot, follow 4-step sequence.
4. Zipper Installation: Use Zipper Foot; baste zipper tape, stitch close to teeth.
5. Darning/Free Motion: Drop feed dogs, attach Darning Foot, move fabric manually.
6. Free Arm Sewing: Remove flatbed accessory to access free arm for sleeves and cuffs.

WARNING! Do not pull fabric while sewing; let feed dogs move it.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before maintenance. Clean lint and dust regularly.

1. Cleaning: Use small brush to remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
2. Oiling: Apply one drop of sewing machine oil to hook race and moving parts as per manual (not required frequently).
3. Needle Replacement: Replace bent or dull needles immediately.
4. Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Use only recommended sewing machine oil. Do not use household oils.

Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother customer service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur (though mechanical).

Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother-usa.com