Brother SE 400 User Manual

The Brother SE 400 is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine designed for home use. It features a wide range of built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a drop-in bobbin system, a large embroidery area, USB connectivity for importing designs, a color LCD touch screen, and a variety of presser feet for different sewing techniques. 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. Connecting to a Computer 7. Sewing and Embroidery 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing machine head, Embroidery unit, LCD touch screen, USB port, Automatic needle threader, Drop-in bobbin, Foot pedal, Accessory box with presser feet.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches70 sewing stitches, 120 frame pattern combinations
Embroidery Area4" x 4" (100mm x 100mm)
LCD Touch ScreenColor display for stitch/embroidery selection and editing
USB PortFor importing embroidery designs from a computer or USB drive
Automatic Needle ThreaderEasily threads the needle with a lever
Drop-in BobbinTop-loading, jam-resistant bobbin system
Quick-Set BobbinSets bobbin thread with the push of a button
Needle Up/DownProgrammable needle position
Speed Control SliderAdjusts sewing speed
Presser FeetIncludes embroidery, zipper, buttonhole, and more

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Attach the embroidery unit: Align and slide into position until it clicks.
  2. Install the foot pedal: Plug into the machine's pedal port.
  3. Connect to power: Plug the power cord into the machine and then into a 120V AC outlet.
  4. Wind and insert the bobbin: Follow on-screen instructions.
  5. Thread the upper thread: Use the automatic needle threader.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from moving parts. Ensure the machine is unplugged during setup when handling needles or bobbins.

First-Time Operation

Power on the machine; the LCD screen will illuminate.

  1. Select mode: Touch "Sewing" or "Embroidery" on the main screen.
  2. Choose a stitch/design: Browse categories and select with the touch screen.
  3. Attach the appropriate presser foot for your selected stitch.
  4. Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the presser foot lever, and gently press the foot pedal to start.
  5. For embroidery: Hoop fabric securely, attach the hoop to the machine, and press "Start".

CAUTION! Always use the correct needle and thread for your fabric. Keep the work area well-lit.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access all functions via the LCD touch screen and physical buttons.

Touch Screen: Main Menu, Stitch Selection, Embroidery Edit, Settings, Help.

Physical Buttons: Power, Start/Stop, Needle Up/Down, Reverse, Speed Control Slider.

Sewing Settings: Stitch length, Stitch width, Thread tension, Mirror image, Twin needle mode.

Embroidery Settings: Design rotation, Resizing, Combining designs, Thread color selection.

Machine Settings: Language, Buzzer volume, Screen brightness, Needle stop position, Unit (mm/inch).

Connecting to a Computer

Transfer custom embroidery designs via the USB port.

  1. Ensure the machine is turned off.
  2. Insert a USB flash drive with .pes or other compatible design files into the machine's USB port.
  3. Turn on the machine and select the "Embroidery" mode.
  4. Touch "USB" on the screen to browse and select your design.
  5. Alternatively, connect the machine directly to a computer with a USB cable for software management (requires Brother software).

Tip: Format your USB drive to FAT32 for best compatibility. Always back up your designs.

Sewing and Embroidery

Follow these steps for basic operations.

  1. Sewing a Stitch: Select stitch > Adjust settings > Position fabric > Start sewing.
  2. Creating a Buttonhole: Select buttonhole style > Use automatic buttonhole foot > The machine sews the buttonhole in one step.
  3. Starting an Embroidery: Hoop fabric & stabilizer > Attach hoop > Select design > Edit if needed > Press "Start".
  4. Changing Thread Colors: The machine will stop automatically. Raise the presser foot, change the thread, lower the foot, and press "Start" to continue.
  5. Editing Designs: Use the touch screen to rotate, resize, combine, or mirror designs.

WARNING! Do not pull or push the fabric; let the feed dogs move it. Keep the embroidery area free of loose threads.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Daily: Remove lint from the bobbin case and feed dogs with the provided brush.
  2. Weekly: Oil the hook race and other points as indicated in the manual (use only Brother sewing machine oil).
  3. As Needed: Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Clean the LCD screen with a microfiber cloth.

CAUTION! Always unplug the machine before cleaning or performing maintenance. Never use compressed air, which can force lint deeper into the mechanism.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-5522. This product may be covered by one or more Limited Warranties. See your dealer for details.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine does not turn onPower connectionCheck if power cord is plugged in securely at both ends. Ensure the power switch is on.
Thread breaks frequentlyThread tension/qualityRethread the machine. Use good quality thread. Check for burrs on the needle.
Uneven stitches or skippingNeedle issueReplace the needle. Ensure it is inserted correctly and is the right type for the fabric.
Bobbin thread not picked upThreading/timingRe-thread the upper thread, ensuring the take-up lever is in the highest position. Reinsert the bobbin.
Embroidery design is misalignedHooping/stabilizerEnsure fabric is taut in the hoop. Use appropriate stabilizer. Re-hoop the fabric.
"USB" not recognizedDrive format/file typeReformat USB drive to FAT32. Ensure design files are in a compatible format (.pes, .dst, etc.).

Reset: Turn the machine off and on again. For persistent issues, consult the "Help" menu on the LCD screen.

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

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