brother sewing machine model jx2517 manual

The Brother JX2517 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 stitch selection dial, free arm capability, built-in LED light, and adjustable stitch length and width. It is powered by a standard household outlet (120V, 60Hz). Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection Guide 7. Threading and Bobbin Winding 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, stitch selection dial, handwheel, bobbin winder, presser foot, needle plate, and accessory storage.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches17 stitches including straight, zigzag, blind hem, and decorative stitches
Buttonhole4-step, easy-to-follow buttonhole function
Stitch Selection DialTurn to select desired stitch pattern
Free ArmRemovable accessory tray for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Built-in LED LightIlluminates the sewing area
Adjustable Stitch LengthControl dial for stitch length (0-4 mm)
Adjustable Stitch WidthControl dial for stitch width (0-5 mm for zigzag)
Reverse Sewing LeverFor reinforcing stitches at beginning and end of seams
Drop FeedLever to lower feed dogs for free-motion sewing or darning
Power/Foot ControlIncludes foot pedal for speed 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 accessory tray to the free arm if detached.
  3. Plug the power cord into the machine and then into a standard 120V AC wall outlet.
  4. Connect the foot control pedal to the machine.
  5. Install the needle and presser foot as described in the manual.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle area during operation. Always turn the power off and unplug the machine when changing needles, cleaning, or performing maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Power on the machine using the foot control; familiarize yourself with basic controls.

  1. Wind the bobbin: Follow the illustrated path on the machine.
  2. Insert the bobbin: Place bobbin in the case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
  3. Thread the upper thread: Follow the numbered threading path from spool to needle.
  4. Raise the presser foot and pull both threads under the foot towards the back.
  5. Select a straight stitch (position 1 on dial) for your first seam.
  6. Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the foot, and gently press the foot control to start sewing.

CAUTION! Always use the correct needle and thread for your fabric type. Ensure the presser foot is lowered before sewing.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

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

Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to choose from 17 stitch patterns. Stitch Length Dial: Controls the distance between stitches (0-4). Stitch Width Dial: Controls the side-to-side width of zigzag and decorative stitches (0-5). Reverse Sewing Lever: Hold down to sew in reverse. Handwheel: Manually raise/lower the needle. Turn towards you. Bobbin Winder Spindle & Stopper: For winding the bobbin. Drop Feed Lever: Lowers feed dogs for darning or free-motion work.

Stitch Selection Guide

Refer to the stitch chart on the machine or manual. Common uses:

  1. Straight Stitch (1): General sewing, seams.
  2. Zigzag Stitch (3-6): Finishing edges, appliqué, stretch fabrics.
  3. Blind Hem Stitch (7): For nearly invisible hems.
  4. Decorative Stitches (8-17): For embellishment on garments and crafts.
  5. 4-Step Buttonhole (A-D): Follow the four marked positions on the dial to create a buttonhole.

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

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Correct threading is essential for proper stitch formation.

  1. Winding the Bobbin: Place spool on pin, guide thread through pre-tension, wrap around bobbin 3-4 times, push bobbin winder to right, press foot pedal.
  2. Inserting the Bobbin: Open bobbin cover, place bobbin so thread unwinds counterclockwise, pull thread into the slot and under the tension spring.
  3. Threading the Upper Thread: Follow the numbered path: spool pin, thread guide, tension discs, take-up lever, thread guides, needle (front to back).
  4. Pull up the bobbin thread by holding the upper thread and turning the handwheel one full rotation.

WARNING! Ensure the presser foot is raised when threading the upper thread to allow the thread to seat properly in the tension discs.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the machine before any maintenance.

  1. Cleaning: Use the small brush to remove lint from the bobbin area and feed dogs. Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
  2. Oiling: This is a mechanical machine. Apply one drop of sewing machine oil to the designated points (see manual) periodically, especially after heavy use.
  3. Needle Replacement: Turn handwheel to raise needle to its highest position. Loosen needle clamp screw, remove old needle, insert new needle with flat side to the back, 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 into the mechanism. Use only sewing machine oil.

Regulatory Information

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. "Brother" is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-5522.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread bunching underneath (bird's nest)Incorrect bobbin threading; upper thread not in tension discs.Re-thread bobbin and upper thread completely, ensuring presser foot is up when threading top.
Skipped stitchesDull/bent needle; wrong needle for fabric.Replace needle with a new, correct type (e.g., ballpoint for knits).
Machine not feeding fabricFeed dogs are lowered; stitch length set to 0.Check drop feed lever is in UP position; adjust stitch length dial.
Needle breaksNeedle incorrectly inserted; pulling fabric; bent needle.Ensure needle is fully up and tightened, flat side to back. Let machine feed fabric; don't pull.
Uneven or loose stitchesIncorrect thread tension.For top tension too loose, increase dial number. Test on scrap fabric.
Machine doesn't runNot plugged in; foot control unplugged; power switch off.Check all power connections. Ensure foot control is firmly plugged into machine.

Reset: Unplug machine for 60 seconds to reset electronic components (if applicable). For persistent mechanical issues, consult the manual.

Service: 1-877-888-5522; www.brother-usa.com

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