Brother LS14S Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother LS14S is a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use mechanical sewing machine ideal for beginners and basic sewing projects. It features 14 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, and a built-in LED light. Powered by a standard household outlet, it includes essential accessories and is designed for durability and simplicity. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection and Applications 7. Threading and Bobbin Winding 8. Maintenance and Cleaning 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty and Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine body, built-in stitch patterns, free arm, accessory compartment, foot pedal, and power cord.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	14 stitches including straight, zigzag, blind hem, and stretch stitches
4-Step Buttonhole	Easy manual buttonhole creation
Stitch Length Control	Adjustable from 0 to 4 mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjustable up to 5 mm for zigzag stitches
Free Arm	For sewing cylindrical items like sleeves and cuffs
Built-in LED Light	Illuminates the sewing area
Drop Feed	For free-motion sewing like darning or quilting
Reverse Stitch Lever	For reinforcing seams at beginning and end
Bobbin Winding System	Built-in bobbin winder on machine
Accessory Storage	Compartment in free arm for feet, bobbins, etc.

Unpacking and Setup

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

Remove machine from box: Lift by the carrying handle, not by the free arm.
Attach foot pedal: Connect pedal cord to machine port (usually front or side).
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Attach presser foot: Lower presser foot lever, snap foot into place.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup and operation. Ensure machine is unplugged when attaching accessories.

First-Time Operation

Plug in power, turn on machine (if applicable), and follow these steps.

Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winder tension, press bobbin onto winder shaft, and engage winder.
Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop bobbin in with thread unwinding clockwise, pull thread through slot.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine from spool to needle.
Raise bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
Test stitch: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and gently press foot pedal.

CAUTION! Always start with needle at highest position. Keep hands clear of moving needle.

Specifications

Model: Brother LS14S.
Type: Mechanical, Free Arm Sewing Machine.
Stitches: 14 built-in stitches.
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole.
Stitch Length: Adjustable, 0–4 mm.
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5 mm.
Max Sewing Speed: Approximately 750 stitches per minute.
Lighting: Built-in LED light.
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Weight: Approximately 11 lbs (5 kg).
Included Accessories: All-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, seam ripper, brush, screwdriver, bobbins, needle set, spool pin felt, foot pedal, power cord.

Controls and Settings

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

Stitch Selector Dial: Turn to choose stitch pattern (numbered 1–14). Stitch Length Dial: Adjusts stitch length (0–4). Stitch Width Dial: Adjusts zigzag width (0–5 mm). Reverse Stitch Lever: Hold down to sew in reverse. Handwheel: Manual needle control; turn toward you. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot. Bobbin Winder: Located near handwheel for winding bobbins. Drop Feed Lever: Lowers feed dogs for free-motion work.

Stitch Selection and Applications

Refer to stitch chart on machine or manual for recommended uses.

Straight Stitch (1–3): General sewing, seams, topstitching. Adjust length for fabric weight.
Zigzag Stitch (4–6): Finishing edges, appliqué, stretch fabrics. Adjust width as needed.
Blind Hem Stitch (7): Nearly invisible hems on garments.
Stretch Stitches (8–10): For knit and elastic fabrics to prevent popped seams.
Decorative Stitches (11–14): For embellishment and trims.
4-Step Buttonhole: Use buttonhole foot. Follow steps marked on machine: 1 (bartack), 2 (right side), 3 (bartack), 4 (left side).

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

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Proper threading is essential for smooth operation.

Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, around tension disk, and through bobbin hole. Engage winder; press pedal until bobbin is full.
Upper Threading: Follow numbered path: spool pin, thread guide, tension disks, take-up lever, thread guide, needle (eye from front to back).
Needle Insertion: Flat side of needle shank faces back. Tighten clamp screw firmly.
Bobbin Insertion: Open cover, drop bobbin so thread unwinds clockwise. Pull thread through slot and under tension spring.

WARNING! Ensure machine is off or unplugged during threading. Use correct needle type for fabric.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Unplug machine before any maintenance.

Cleaning: Use small brush to remove lint from bobbin area, feed dogs, and tension disks after each project.
Oiling: Refer to manual for oiling points; use only sewing machine oil sparingly.
Needle Replacement: Replace bent or dull needles immediately. Use appropriate type (universal, ballpoint, denim).
Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust buildup.

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

Safety Information

Always follow these safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage.

Disconnect power plug from outlet when changing needles, cleaning, or when not in use.
Keep fingers away from all moving parts, especially the needle and feed dogs.
Do not use bent or damaged needles.
Ensure the presser foot is appropriate for the sewing technique and is correctly attached.
Do not pull or push fabric; let the feed dogs move it.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities.

Warranty and Support

Brother International Corporation provides a limited warranty. For warranty service, you may be required to present proof of purchase. For technical support, accessory orders, or to locate an authorized service center:

Visit: www.brother-usa.com
Call: 1-877-4-BROTHER (1-877-427-6843)

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Power cord not plugged in; Foot pedal not connected	Check power connections; ensure pedal is firmly plugged into machine.
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect bobbin threading; Upper tension too tight	Re-thread bobbin ensuring correct direction; re-thread upper thread; adjust tension dial.
Needle breaks	Bent needle; Incorrect needle insertion; Pulling fabric	Replace needle; ensure flat side is to back; let feed dogs move fabric.
Skip stitches	Dull/bent needle; Wrong needle for fabric; Incorrect threading	Change needle; use correct type (ballpoint for knits); re-thread completely.
Uneven stitches	Poor quality thread; Dirty feed dogs; Incorrect presser foot pressure	Use good quality thread; clean feed dogs; consult manual for pressure adjustment (if available).
Buttonhole not forming	Incorrect foot; Steps not followed in order	Use buttonhole foot; carefully follow the 1-2-3-4 sequence on machine.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes to reset any electronic issues (though mechanical, this can clear minor faults).

Service: For persistent problems, contact Brother customer support or an authorized service center.