brother sewing machine manual ls 2125i

The Brother LS-2125i is a lightweight, easy-to-use mechanical sewing machine ideal for beginners and everyday sewing projects. It features 25 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, and adjustable stitch length and width. Powered by 120V AC, it includes essential accessories and a free arm for sewing cylindrical items. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection & Settings 7. Basic Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories List 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Reverse stitch lever, Stitch selector dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Bobbin winder, Automatic needle threader, Presser foot lever, Handwheel.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches25 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch
Buttonhole4-step manual buttonhole
Automatic Needle ThreaderEasily threads the needle
Drop-in BobbinTop-loading, clear cover for easy monitoring
Free ArmRemovable accessory tray for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Length/WidthAdjustable dials for customization
Reverse Stitch LeverFor reinforcing seams
LightBuilt-in LED light above needle area
Power/Foot ControlIncludes foot pedal for speed control
Accessory StorageBuilt-in compartment in free arm

Unpacking & Setup

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

  1. Remove machine and accessories from packaging.
  2. Attach the accessory tray to the free arm if detached.
  3. Plug the power cord into the machine and then into a 120V AC outlet.
  4. Connect the foot control pedal to the machine.
  5. Raise the presser foot lever and install the needle (flat side to the back).
  6. Wind and insert the bobbin following the diagram in the manual.
  7. Thread the upper thread using the automatic needle threader.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle area during setup and operation. Ensure the machine is unplugged during needle and bobbin installation.

First-Time Operation

Plug in the machine and turn on the power switch (if applicable).

  1. Select a straight stitch using the stitch selector dial.
  2. Place a scrap fabric under the presser foot, lower the foot lever.
  3. Gently press the foot control to start sewing. Practice controlling speed.
  4. Use the reverse lever at the beginning and end of seams to lock stitches.
  5. Adjust stitch length and width dials to see their effects on the stitch.
  6. Practice threading the needle using the automatic needle threader.

CAUTION! Always turn the handwheel toward you (counter-clockwise) to avoid timing issues. Never force the dials or controls.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch Selector Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Stitch Lever, Handwheel, Presser Foot Lever, Bobbin Winder Spindle and Stop.

Stitch Selector Dial: Turn to choose from 25 stitch patterns (icons correspond to stitch type). Stitch Length Dial: Controls distance between stitches (0 for darning, 1-4 for normal sewing). Stitch Width Dial: Adjusts side-to-side width of zigzag and decorative stitches. Reverse Stitch Lever: Hold down to sew in reverse for reinforcement. Handwheel: Manually raise/lower needle and advance machine; always turn toward you. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers the presser foot. Bobbin Winder: Winds thread onto bobbin automatically when engaged.

Stitch Selection & Settings

Refer to the stitch chart on the machine or manual for pattern numbers and recommended uses.

  1. Turn the stitch selector dial to the desired pattern number.
  2. For straight stitch (pattern 1), set stitch width to 0.
  3. For zigzag (pattern 2-5), adjust width dial for desired width.
  4. Set stitch length: shorter for finer fabrics, longer for basting or thicker fabrics.
  5. For buttonhole (pattern 26), follow the 4-step sequence marked on the machine.
  6. Always test stitch settings on a fabric scrap before starting your project.

Tip: Use the recommended presser foot for each stitch type (e.g., zigzag foot for zigzag stitches, buttonhole foot for buttonholes).

Basic Sewing Techniques

Supports basic sewing, mending, and decorative projects.

  1. Starting: Hold both thread tails behind presser foot, lower needle into fabric manually, lower presser foot, sew a few stitches, engage reverse lever, sew back to start, release lever and continue forward.
  2. Seam Finishing: Use zigzag or overcast stitch to prevent fraying.
  3. Buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot, select pattern 26, follow the 4-step sequence (right side, front bar tack, left side, rear bar tack).
  4. Zipper Insertion: Use zipper foot (optional accessory) and straight stitch.
  5. Free Arm Sewing: Remove accessory tray to sew sleeves, cuffs, and pant legs.

WARNING! Do not pull fabric while sewing; let the feed dogs move it. Keep fingers away from moving needle.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before any maintenance.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs with small brush.
  2. Needle: Replace bent or dull needles immediately. Use correct type (e.g., Universal, Ballpoint, Denim) for fabric.
  3. Oiling: This model generally requires no user oiling. Refer to manual for specific points if needed.
  4. Exterior: Wipe with soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or sprays.

CAUTION! Never immerse machine in water. Keep ventilation openings clear of dust and lint.

Accessories List

Standard accessories included:

Note: Additional accessories may be purchased separately.

Safety Information

This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, unless they have been given supervision or instruction. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine does not runNot plugged in / Power switch offCheck power connection and switch. Ensure foot control is plugged into machine.
Needle breaksIncorrect needle installation / Bent needle / Wrong needle for fabric / Pulling fabricReinstall needle correctly (flat side back). Replace needle. Use appropriate needle. Do not pull fabric.
Upper thread breaksIncorrect threading / Tension too tight / Damaged needle / Poor quality threadRethread upper thread following guide. Reduce tension. Replace needle. Use good quality thread.
Bobbin thread breaks or bunchesBobbin not inserted correctly / Lint in bobbin area / Damaged bobbinRemove and reinsert bobbin ensuring thread unwinds in correct direction. Clean bobbin area. Replace bobbin.
Uneven stitches or skippingNeedle is dull/bent / Wrong needle size/type / Incorrect threading / Lint under throat plateChange needle. Use correct needle. Rethread completely. Clean under throat plate.
Fabric not feedingPresser foot is up / Stitch length set to 0 / Feed dogs lowered (if applicable) / Lint clogging feed dogsLower presser foot. Adjust stitch length. Check feed dog position. Clean feed dogs.
Loud noise or grindingThread jammed in hook area / Lint buildup / Needle hitting presser foot or throat plateUnplug, remove needle plate and clear jam. Clean thoroughly. Ensure needle is straight and correctly installed.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes to reset internal electronics if applicable.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Brother service center. Do not attempt to disassemble the machine yourself.

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