Brother Sewing Machine LS 1217 Manual

The Brother LS 1217 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 17 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, and easy stitch selection. It is suitable for a wide range of sewing projects from basic mending to garment construction. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing machine head, Free arm, Stitch selection dial, Built-in light, Bobbin winder, Reverse sewing lever, Feed dog control, Accessory compartment.

Installation & Setup

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

1. Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by handle, remove all protective materials.
2. Attach foot control: Plug foot control into machine port.
3. Connect power: Plug power cord into machine, then into 120V AC 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 bobbin winder, wind bobbin evenly.
6. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, insert bobbin with thread unwinding clockwise, pull thread through slot.
7. Thread upper thread: Follow threading guide on machine from spool pin to needle.

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

Getting Started

Power on machine; test on scrap fabric first.

1. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired stitch number.
2. Adjust stitch length/width: Use dials for appropriate fabric and stitch type.
3. Place fabric: Lower presser foot lever.
4. Start sewing: Gently press foot control to begin; guide fabric gently.
5. Reverse: Hold reverse lever to sew backwards for reinforcement.
6. Finish: Raise needle to highest position, raise presser foot, remove fabric, cut threads.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to avoid timing disruption.

Specifications

• Model: Brother LS 1217
• Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine
• Stitches: 17 Built-in stitches
• Buttonhole: 4-step manual
• Max Sewing Speed: Approx. 800 stitches per minute
• Needle: Household sewing machine needle (size 11/75 recommended for general use)
• Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
• Presser Feet: Includes zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Dimensions: Compact design with free arm capability
• Weight: Lightweight for portability

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse sewing lever, Handwheel, Presser foot lever, Feed dog control knob, Built-in light switch.

Stitch Guide: Located on machine; shows stitch patterns and recommended settings.

Basic Settings: Stitch length (0-4 mm), Stitch width (0-5 mm), Needle position (center/left), Tension dial (adjust for balanced stitches).

Stitch Selection & Settings

Select stitch by turning dial to corresponding number. Refer to stitch guide for recommended fabric and usage.

1. Straight Stitch (Pattern 1): For seams, topstitching, basting. Adjust length for fabric weight.
2. Zigzag Stitch (Pattern 2-5): For finishing edges, appliqué, stretch fabrics. Adjust width as needed.
3. Decorative Stitches (Pattern 6-17): For embellishment. Use appropriate thread and stabilizer.
4. Stretch Stitches: For knit fabrics; provides flexibility.

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric of same type before starting project.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Follow these steps for common sewing tasks.

1. Seam Sewing: Align fabric edges, lower presser foot, sew with consistent seam allowance.
2. Edge Finishing: Use zigzag or overcast stitch to prevent fraying.
3. Gathering: Set long stitch length, sew two parallel rows, pull bobbin threads to gather.
4. Zipper Insertion: Use zipper foot for close stitching.
5. Free Arm Sewing: Remove flat bed accessory for sewing sleeves, cuffs, and pant legs.

WARNING! Do not pull fabric while sewing; let feed dogs move it. Keep fingers clear of moving needle.

Buttonhole Sewing

The LS 1217 creates buttonholes in 4 steps using the buttonhole foot.

1. Mark buttonhole position on fabric.
2. Attach buttonhole foot; place button in foot's back holder to set size.
3. Set stitch selection dial to buttonhole symbol (step 1).
4. Sew left side: Lower needle at start mark, sew until desired length.
5. Change to step 2: Sew few stitches to form bar tack at end.
6. Change to step 3: Sew right side back to start.
7. Change to step 4: Sew few stitches to form bar tack at start.
8. Cut buttonhole open carefully with seam ripper.

Practice on scrap fabric first to master steps.

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Cleaning: Unplug machine. Remove needle plate, bobbin case, and use brush to remove lint and dust.
2. Oiling: Apply one drop of sewing machine oil to designated points (see diagram) after every 8-10 hours of use.
3. Needle Replacement: Replace bent or dull needles immediately. Use correct type and size for fabric.
4. Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning or oiling. Use only recommended sewing machine oil.

Regulatory Information

This sewing machine complies with applicable safety standards. Brother International Corporation warrants this product under specific terms. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-6523.

Troubleshooting

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

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