brother sewing machine manual lx3817

The Brother LX3817 is a versatile, user-friendly mechanical sewing machine designed for beginners and home sewers. It features 17 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, easy threading, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, and a built-in LED light. Powered by a standard household outlet, it is ideal for a wide range of sewing projects from garment construction to repairs and crafts. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Bobbin winder, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length/width controls, Reverse stitch lever, Presser foot, Built-in LED light, Foot pedal, Power cord.

Unpacking and Setup

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

1. Remove all packaging materials from the machine and accessories.
2. Attach the machine head to the base if it is separate (some models).
3. Plug the foot pedal into the machine, then plug the power cord into the machine and a standard 120V AC wall outlet.
4. Install the needle, thread the machine, and wind the bobbin as described in the First-Time Operation section.

WARNING! Keep hands away from the needle and moving parts during setup and operation. Ensure the machine is turned off when plugging in.

First-Time Operation

Power on the machine using the switch; familiarize yourself with the controls.

1. Winding the Bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winder tension, place bobbin on winder, push to engage, and press foot pedal.
2. Installing the Bobbin: Open the bobbin cover, drop in the bobbin with thread unwinding counter-clockwise, pull thread through the slot and under the tension spring.
3. Threading the Upper Thread: Raise presser foot and needle to highest position. Follow numbered guides on machine, then use the built-in needle threader.
4. Drawing Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread tail, turn handwheel toward you to lower and raise needle, pull upper thread to bring bobbin thread up through needle plate.
5. Selecting a Stitch: Turn the stitch selection dial to the desired pattern number.

CAUTION! Always turn the handwheel toward you (counter-clockwise) only. Never force controls.

Specifications

• Model: Brother LX3817
• Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine
• Built-in Stitches: 17
• Buttonhole: 4-step manual
• Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm
• Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm (for zigzag and decorative stitches)
• Needle Positions: Center, Left, Right
• Free Arm: Yes
• Lighting: Built-in LED
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Machine Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs (6 kg)

Controls and Functions

Main controls are located on the front and right side of the machine.

Front/Side Panel: Stitch Selection Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Stitch Lever, Bobbin Winder Spindle & Stop, Handwheel, Power Switch, Presser Foot Lifter.

Basic Functions: Use the handwheel to manually raise/lower the needle. The reverse stitch lever is held to sew backwards. The stitch length dial controls stitch density (higher number = longer stitch). The stitch width dial controls the side-to-side motion of zigzag stitches. The presser foot lifter raises and lowers the presser foot.

Stitch Selection and Settings

Refer to the stitch chart on the machine or manual.

1. Select Stitch: Turn the stitch selection dial to the pattern number.
2. Set Length: For straight stitch, a setting of 2.5 is standard. For basting or gathering, use a longer length (3-4). For reinforcement, use a shorter length (1.5-2).
3. Set Width: For straight stitch, set width to 0. For zigzag or decorative stitches, adjust width as desired (1-5).
4. Needle Position: Use the stitch width dial to move the needle to left, center, or right positions for techniques like topstitching.

Tip: Always test stitch settings on a scrap of your project fabric first.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Follow these steps for basic seams.

1. Prepare Fabric: Place fabric under presser foot, lower the needle into the fabric by hand, then lower the presser foot.
2. Start Sewing: Gently press the foot pedal. Hold thread tails for the first few stitches.
3. Reinforce Seam: Press and hold the reverse stitch lever to sew a few stitches backwards at the beginning and end of your seam.
4. Guidance: Guide fabric gently with your hands; do not push or pull.
5. Turning Corners: Stop with needle down in fabric, lift presser foot, pivot fabric, lower presser foot, and continue sewing.
6. Creating a 4-Step Buttonhole:
   1. Mark buttonhole position on fabric.
   2. Attach buttonhole foot. Set stitch selector to Step 1 (right side zigzag).
   3. Sew the first side. Stop with needle in left position.
   4. Select Step 2 (zigzag at end). Sew a few stitches.
   5. Select Step 3 (left side zigzag). Sew second side.
   6. Select Step 4 (zigzag at beginning). Sew to complete.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle path. Always look at the needle area while sewing.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance. Unplug the machine before any maintenance.

1. Cleaning the Bobbin Area: Remove needle plate screws, lift off needle plate. Use the small brush provided to remove lint and thread bits from the bobbin case and shuttle area.
2. Oiling: This is a mechanical machine that may require occasional oiling. Use only high-quality sewing machine oil. Apply 1-2 small drops to moving parts as indicated in the manual (e.g., hook race). Wipe away excess oil.
3. Needle: Change the needle regularly, especially after 8-10 hours of sewing or if it becomes dull or bent.
4. Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth.

CAUTION! Never use compressed air to clean, as it can force lint deeper into the mechanism. Do not immerse the machine in water.

Accessories

The machine includes a standard accessory set.

Safety Information

This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.

• Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when making any adjustments, changing needles, cleaning, or when not in use.
• Do not operate with a damaged cord or plug.
• Never operate with the ventilation openings blocked.
• Keep fingers, hair, and loose clothing away from all moving parts.
• Do not use bent or broken needles.
• Switch the machine off ("O") before plugging or unplugging.

Troubleshooting

For Service: For repairs not covered here, contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-5522 or visit www.brother-usa.com. Do not attempt to disassemble the machine beyond user maintenance described in this manual.