Brother Sewing Machine LS 1217 User Manual

The Brother LS 1217 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 17 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, built-in needle threader, drop feed for darning and quilting, and reverse sewing. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, stitch selection dial, stitch length/width controls, reverse lever, built-in needle threader, bobbin winder, presser foot, and accessory storage.

Installation & Setup

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

1. Remove machine from carrying case and place on table.
2. Attach power cord to machine and plug into a 120V AC outlet.
3. Install foot control pedal plug into machine port.
4. Lift the free arm by removing the accessory storage compartment.
5. Install the presser foot: Lower presser foot lever, align foot shank, and secure with screw.

WARNING! Ensure machine is unplugged during setup. Keep fingers away from needle area.

First-Time Use

Power on machine; follow steps to thread machine and wind bobbin.

1. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winder tension, place bobbin on winder shaft, push shaft to right, press foot control.
2. Thread upper thread: Raise presser foot and needle to highest position. Follow numbered threading path on machine, then use built-in needle threader.
3. Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise, pull thread through slot, insert case into shuttle, pull thread under tension spring.
4. Draw up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to lower and raise needle, pull upper thread to bring bobbin thread up through needle plate.
5. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) only.

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical Free-Arm Sewing Machine.
• Stitches: 17 Built-in stitches.
• Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable (0-4 mm).
• Stitch Width: Adjustable (up to 5 mm).
• Needle Positions: Left, center, right.
• Presser Feet: Included: Zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, blind stitch foot.
• Bobbin: Front-loading, Class 15 transparent bobbin.
• Lighting: Built-in LED work light.
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Motor: Standard household sewing machine motor.

Controls and Functions

Access controls on front and top of machine. Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select stitch pattern. Stitch Length Dial: Adjusts length (0-4). Stitch Width Dial: Adjusts width (0-5 mm). Reverse Sewing Lever: Hold down to sew in reverse. Handwheel: Manually raises/lowers needle. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot. Bobbin Winder Shaft & Stop: Winds bobbin. Power/Light Switch: Turns machine and light on/off.

Thread Tension Dial: Adjusts upper thread tension (normal range 4-6). Drop Feed Lever: Lowers feed dogs for free-motion work. Built-in Needle Threader: Lever assists threading needle.

Stitch Selection & Settings

Select stitch via dial; adjust length/width as needed.

1. Straight Stitch: Dial setting 1-3. Use for seams, topstitching.
2. Zigzag Stitch: Dial setting 4-6. Use for finishing edges, appliqué.
3. Blind Hem Stitch: Dial setting 7. Use for hemming garments invisibly.
4. Stretch Stitches: Dial settings 8-10. Use for knit fabrics.
5. Decorative Stitches: Dial settings 11-17. Use for embellishment.
6. Buttonhole: Dial setting marked for 4-step process.

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

Basic Sewing Operations

Follow these steps for general sewing.

1. Prepare fabric: Place fabric under presser foot, lower needle into fabric using handwheel, lower presser foot.
2. Start sewing: Gently press foot control. Guide fabric lightly; do not push or pull.
3. Reverse: Hold reverse lever at beginning and end of seam to lock stitches.
4. Turning corners: Stop with needle down in fabric, raise presser foot, pivot fabric, lower presser foot, continue sewing.
5. Finishing: Raise needle to highest position, raise presser foot, pull fabric toward back, trim threads.
6. Buttonhole: Mark buttonhole position, attach buttonhole foot, select buttonhole stitch, follow 4-step process outlined in manual.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from moving needle. Always unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Cleaning: Unplug machine. Remove needle plate screw, lift off needle plate. Use small brush to remove lint from feed dogs and bobbin area.
2. Oiling: Apply one drop of sewing machine oil to hook race and moving parts as indicated in manual (do not over-oil).
3. Needle: Replace bent or dull needles regularly. Insert new needle with flat side toward back, tighten screw firmly.
4. Cover: Use dust cover when not in use to prevent lint buildup.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning. Use only sewing machine oil; other oils may damage parts.

Accessories

Standard accessories included:

• Zigzag Foot (on machine)
• Buttonhole Foot
• Zipper Foot
• Button Sewing Foot
• Blind Stitch Foot
• Bobbin (4 pcs) - Class 15
• Needles (3 pcs)
• Screwdriver
• Seam Ripper/Lint Brush
• Spool Pin Felt
• Power Cord & Foot Control
• Hard Dust Cover
• Instruction Manual

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 1-877-888-5523. This product conforms to applicable UL and CSA standards.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur.

Service: 1-877-888-5523; www.brother-usa.com. Authorized service centers only.