Brother Pacesetter PS-3700 Manual

The Brother Pacesetter PS-3700 is a versatile electronic sewing machine designed for home use, featuring a wide range of built-in stitches, automatic buttonholer, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, drop feed for darning and quilting, built-in needle threader, and variable speed control. It operates on standard household current and is compatible with standard sewing machine needles and bobbins. 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. Basic Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length/width controls, Reverse stitch lever, Bobbin winder, Built-in needle threader, Foot pressure dial, Power/light switch, Foot pedal connector.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches37 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches
Automatic ButtonholerOne-step buttonhole for consistent results
Drop FeedLowers feed dogs for free-motion sewing, darning, and quilting
Free ArmRemovable accessory compartment for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Variable Speed ControlAdjustable sewing speed via foot pedal or slider
Built-in Needle ThreaderAssists in easy threading of the needle
Stitch Length/WidthAdjustable for customizing stitch appearance
Reverse Stitch LeverFor reinforcing seams at beginning and end
Bobbin WinderBuilt-in for winding bobbin without removing from machine
Foot Pressure DialAdjusts pressure on fabric for different materials

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Remove machine from carrying case and place on table.
  2. Attach foot pedal: Plug cord into connector on right side of machine.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and then into wall outlet (120V AC).
  4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side toward back, tighten screw.
  5. Wind bobbin: Place bobbin on winder spindle, thread through tension disc, press bobbin winder to engage.
  6. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop in bobbin with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
  7. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading guide on machine, use built-in needle threader.

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

First-Time Operation

Plug in power cord and turn on power switch.

  1. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
  2. Set stitch length/width: Adjust dials according to fabric and stitch type.
  3. Practice on scrap fabric: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and gently press foot pedal.
  4. Reverse stitching: Hold reverse lever to sew backwards for reinforcement.
  5. Automatic buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot, select buttonhole stitch, place fabric, and start sewing.

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

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access controls via front panel and dials. Front Panel: Power/Light switch, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch lever, Bobbin winder stop.

Additional Controls: Foot pressure dial (on top), Drop feed lever (rear), Free arm release button.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select stitch pattern (numbered 1-37). Stitch Length: 0-4mm (0 for darning). Stitch Width: 0-5mm for zigzag and decorative stitches. Needle Position: Adjust with stitch width dial for straight stitch. Reverse: Hold lever for backward sewing. Drop Feed: Lower feed dogs for free-motion work.

Stitch Selection & Functions

Supports utility, decorative, and stretch stitches.

  1. Straight Stitch: For seams, topstitching (length 1.5-4mm).
  2. Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges, appliqué (adjust width).
  3. Blind Hem Stitch: For nearly invisible hems (use blind hem foot).
  4. Elastic Stitch: For sewing stretch fabrics.
  5. Decorative Stitches: For embellishment (select pattern).
  6. Buttonhole: One-step automatic (attach buttonhole foot).
  7. Darning: Lower feed dogs and use darning foot.
  8. Quilting: Use walking foot (optional accessory).

Tip: Refer to stitch chart on machine for recommended settings.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Follow these steps for common tasks.

  1. Seam Sewing: Select straight stitch, place fabric under foot, lower foot, sew forward, reverse at end.
  2. Zigzag Edging: Set zigzag stitch, width 3-4mm, sew along raw edge to prevent fraying.
  3. Buttonhole: Mark buttonhole position, attach buttonhole foot, select buttonhole stitch, start sewing.
  4. Button Sewing: Attach button foot, place button, select zigzag stitch with width 0, sew slowly.
  5. Zipper Insertion: Use zipper foot, baste zipper opening, stitch close to zipper teeth.
  6. Blind Hem: Fold hem, select blind hem stitch, align fold with guide on foot, sew.

WARNING! Do not pull fabric while sewing; let feed dogs move it. Use correct needle for fabric type.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before cleaning. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  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 other moving parts as per manual (do not over-oil).
  3. Needle Replacement: Replace bent or dull needles immediately.
  4. Bobbin Case: Remove and clean lint from bobbin case periodically.

CAUTION! Use only recommended oil. Do not use compressed air; it can force lint deeper.

Accessories

Standard accessories included: Assorted presser feet (zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, etc.), Bobbins (Class 15), Needles, Seam ripper/Lint brush, Screwdriver, Spool pin felt, Instruction manual.

Optional accessories: Walking foot, Quilting guide, Extension table, Carrying case.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: Class B digital device; complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-5522.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine does not runPower connectionCheck power cord is plugged in; ensure power switch is on.
Needle breaksIncorrect needle/threadUse correct needle for fabric; ensure needle is inserted fully; avoid pulling fabric.
Thread bunches underneathBobbin threadingRe-thread bobbin ensuring correct direction; check upper threading.
Skips stitchesNeedle/blunt needleReplace needle; ensure correct needle type; check threading.
Uneven stitchesTension settingsAdjust thread tension; re-thread top and bobbin; clean machine.
Buttonhole not formingFoot attachmentEnsure buttonhole foot is attached correctly; stabilize fabric.
Noise during operationLint/oilClean lint from bobbin area; oil if necessary.

Reset: Turn power off and on. Re-thread completely if problems persist.

Service: 1-877-888-5522; www.brother-usa.com

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