brother sewing machine manual lx3817a

The Brother LX3817A is a versatile, user-friendly mechanical sewing machine designed for beginners and home sewers. It features 17 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, automatic needle threading, a drop-in bobbin system, adjustable stitch length and width, and a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves. Powered by 120V AC, it comes with essential accessories and is ideal for a wide range of sewing projects. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, built-in stitch patterns, free arm, accessory storage, power cord and foot control.

Unpacking and Setup

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

1. Remove machine and accessories from packaging.
2. Attach the power cord to the machine and plug into a 120V AC outlet.
3. Connect the foot control to the machine.
4. Install the needle, thread the machine, and wind the bobbin as described in later sections.

WARNING! Keep hands away from the needle and moving parts during operation. Always unplug the machine when not in use or when performing maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Prepare the machine for its first use.

1. Raise the presser foot using the lever.
2. Turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle to its highest position.
3. Select a straight stitch (pattern 1) using the stitch selection dial.
4. Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the presser foot lever, and gently press the foot control to start sewing.
5. Practice on scrap fabric to get familiar with speed control and guiding the fabric.

CAUTION! Always start with the needle in the highest position and the presser foot lowered. Do not pull fabric; let the feed dogs move it.

Specifications

• Model: Brother LX3817A
• Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine
• Stitches: 17 Built-in Stitches
• Buttonhole: 4-Step Manual
• Needle Threading: Automatic
• Bobbin: Top-loading, Drop-in, Class 15 transparent
• Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm
• Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm (for zigzag)
• Free Arm: Yes
• Light: Built-in LED
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Included Accessories: All-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, seam ripper/brush, needles, bobbins, screwdriver, spool caps, instruction manual.

Controls and Functions

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

Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select one of the 17 stitch patterns. The number corresponds to the stitch diagram on the machine.

Stitch Length Dial: Controls the distance between stitches (0-4). Higher numbers for longer stitches.

Stitch Width Dial: Controls the side-to-side width of zigzag and decorative stitches (0-5). Set to 0 for straight stitches.

Reverse Sewing Lever: Press and hold to sew in reverse for reinforcement.

Handwheel: Turn toward you to raise/lower the needle manually. Always turn toward you only.

Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers the presser foot.

Bobbin Winder: Located on the top right, used to wind thread onto the bobbin.

Stitch Selection and Settings

Refer to the stitch chart on the machine. Common settings:

1. Straight Stitch (Pattern 1): For seams and topstitching. Set width to 0.
2. Zigzag Stitch (Pattern 3-6): For finishing edges, appliqué, or sewing stretch fabrics. Adjust width as needed.
3. Blind Hem Stitch (Pattern 7): For nearly invisible hems.
4. Elastic Stitch (Pattern 10-12): For sewing elastic or decorative effects on knits.
5. Decorative Stitches (Pattern 13-17): For embellishments.
6. 4-Step Buttonhole (Pattern 8): Use the buttonhole foot. Follow the numbered steps marked near the dial.

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

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Winding the Bobbin:

1. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin.
2. Pull thread through the bobbin winding tension guide.
3. Thread the hole in the bobbin from the inside to outside.
4. Place bobbin on the winder shaft, push to the right.
5. Hold the thread end, press the foot control to wind. Stop when full, cut thread, and push shaft back.

Threading the Upper Thread:

1. Raise the presser foot and needle to highest position.
2. Place spool on spool pin. Follow the numbered threading path on the machine.
3. Use the automatic needle threader: Pull down the lever, hook the thread, and release the lever to pull the thread through the needle eye.

Inserting the Bobbin:

1. Open the bobbin cover. Place the bobbin in the case so the thread unwinds counterclockwise.
2. Pull the thread through the slot and under the tension spring.
3. Close the cover. Pull the upper thread toward you to bring the bobbin thread up through the needle plate.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the machine before any cleaning or maintenance.

1. Cleaning: Use the small brush to remove lint from the feed dogs, bobbin area, and needle plate. Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
2. Oiling: This is a mechanical machine that may require occasional oiling. Use only high-quality sewing machine oil. Apply a small drop to moving parts as indicated in the manual. Run the machine on scrap fabric to absorb excess oil.
3. Needle Replacement: Turn handwheel to raise needle. Loosen the needle clamp screw, remove old needle, insert new one with flat side to the back, and tighten screw.
4. Storage: Cover the machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never use compressed air to clean the machine as it can force lint deeper. Do not use household oils or solvents.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-5523. This product is designed for household use only.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug the machine for 60 seconds to reset any electronic issues (though mechanical, this can clear minor faults).

Service: For repairs not covered in this guide, contact Brother Authorized Service Center. 1-877-888-5523; www.brother-usa.com