brother sewing machine manual xr3774

The Brother XR3774 is a versatile, full-featured sewing machine perfect for beginners and experienced sewers alike. It offers 37 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a drop-in top bobbin system, a wide table for larger projects, and a variety of accessory feet. This manual provides essential information on setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to help you get the most from your machine.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. Getting Started 4. Specifications 5. Parts and Controls 6. Basic Sewing Operations 7. Using Built-in Stitches 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty & Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main sewing unit, wide table, foot controller, accessory kit, power cord, and instruction manual.

Feature	Description
37 Built-in Stitches	Includes utility, decorative, stretch, and buttonhole stitches
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads the needle with the push of a lever
Drop-in Top Bobbin	Easy to insert and see bobbin thread
Wide Table	Provides extra workspace for larger projects like quilts
LED Lighting	Brightens the sewing area for better visibility
Free Arm	For sewing cylindrical items like sleeves and cuffs
6 Sewing Feet Included	Buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, narrow hemmer foot, blind stitch foot, walking foot
Stitch Selector Dial	Easily choose your desired stitch
Stitch Length/Width Dial	Adjustable for customizing stitch appearance
Reverse Sewing Lever	Reinforces the beginning and end of seams

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack all components and place the machine on a stable, flat surface.

Remove all packaging materials from the machine and accessories.
Attach the wide table by sliding it onto the free arm until it clicks into place.
Plug the foot controller into the machine, then plug the power cord into the machine and a 120V AC outlet.
Raise the presser foot lever and install the needle (flat side to the back).
Wind and insert the bobbin following the diagram in the manual.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle area during operation and when plugging in the power cord.

Getting Started

Power on the machine using the main power switch; the LED light will turn on.

Thread the Machine: Follow the numbered threading path on the machine. Use the automatic needle threader.
Insert the Bobbin: Place the bobbin in the case with thread pulling counterclockwise. Drop it into the shuttle.
Raise the Bobbin Thread: Hold the upper thread, turn the handwheel toward you to bring the bobbin thread up.
Select a Stitch: Turn the stitch selector dial to your desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch #1).
Test Sew: Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the foot, and press the foot controller to start sewing.

CAUTION! Always turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) only. Never force it.

Specifications

Model: Brother XR3774
Stitches: 37 Built-in stitches (6 auto-size buttonholes)
Speed: Up to 800 stitches per minute
Needle: Home sewing machine needles, size 75/11 to 100/16
Bobbin: Brother bobbin (style SA156, Class 15)
Presser Feet: 6 included, snap-on style
Lighting: Bright LED
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: With wide table attached
Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs (6 kg)

Parts and Controls

Main Controls: Main Power Switch, Stitch Selector Dial, Stitch Length Dial (0-4 mm), Stitch Width Dial (0-7 mm), Reverse Sewing Lever, Handwheel.

Key Areas: Needle Area, Presser Foot Lever, Bobbin Area, Thread Tension Dial (usually set to 4), Feed Dogs.

Accessory Feet: Change by raising the presser foot lever, pressing the button on the back of the foot holder, and snapping the new foot into place.

Basic Sewing Operations

Straight Stitch, Zigzag Stitch, and Reverse Stitching.

Select straight stitch (#1) or zigzag stitch (#3).
Place fabric edges aligned with desired seam guide on the needle plate.
Lower the presser foot. Gently press the foot controller to start sewing. Guide the fabric lightly.
To secure seams, press and hold the Reverse Sewing Lever at the start and end of your seam.
To finish, raise the needle to its highest position, raise the presser foot, and pull the fabric back to cut threads.

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric first to get a feel for the speed and fabric guiding.

Using Built-in Stitches

Includes utility, decorative, and stretch stitches.

Select Stitch: Turn the stitch selector dial to the desired number. Refer to the stitch chart.
Adjust Settings: Use the stitch length and width dials to customize. (Shorter length for finer fabrics).
Sewing Buttonholes (Stitch #36):
- Attach the buttonhole foot and mark the buttonhole length on the fabric.
- Place the fabric under the foot, lower the lever on the foot around the button.
- The machine will sew one side, then stop automatically. Reverse the stitch direction lever to sew the other side.
For Decorative Stitches: Use a stabilizer underneath lightweight fabrics for best results.

WARNING! Do not pull or push the fabric forcefully; let the feed dogs move it.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug the machine before any maintenance.

Cleaning: Use the small brush provided to remove lint from the bobbin area and feed dogs.
Oiling: This machine is permanently lubricated at the factory. Do not add oil unless specified in the manual for specific parts (consult manual).
Needle: Change the needle regularly (after every project or 8 hours of sewing).
Cover: Use the dust cover when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never use compressed air to clean the machine as it can force lint deeper into the mechanism.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Not plugged in / Power switch off	Check power cord connections; ensure main switch is ON.
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect bobbin threading / Tension	Re-thread the bobbin and upper thread completely. Check bobbin is inserted correctly.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle type/ Bent needle / Fabric pulled	Replace needle (flat side to back). Do not pull fabric; let machine feed it.
Skips stitches	Dull/bent needle / Incorrect needle for fabric	Replace with a new, appropriate needle (e.g., ballpoint for knits).
Uneven stitches	Thread tension incorrect	Adjust thread tension dial (usually 4). Re-thread.
Buttonhole not forming	Buttonhole foot not attached properly	Ensure buttonhole foot is snapped on securely and the lever is down.

Reset: Unplug machine for 60 seconds to reset the computer if display/buttons are unresponsive.

Warranty & Support

Brother International Corporation provides a limited warranty. For warranty service, you must call the Brother Customer Service Center to obtain a return authorization number.

Support: For technical assistance, replacement parts, or accessories:

Visit: www.brother-usa.com
Call: 1-877-888-6525

Always have your model number (XR3774) ready when contacting support.