brother sewing machine se 400 manual

The Brother SE-400 is a computerized embroidery and sewing machine featuring a 4" x 4" embroidery area, 67 built-in embroidery designs, 70 built-in sewing stitches, automatic needle threading, LCD touch screen display, USB port for importing designs, built-in lettering fonts, automatic thread cutter, and adjustable sewing speed. 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. Basic Sewing 7. Embroidery Functions 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with LCD screen, embroidery unit, foot pedal, accessory box, power cord, and instructional DVD.

FeatureDescription
Embroidery Area4" x 4" (100mm x 100mm) hoop size
Built-in Designs67 embroidery designs, 5 lettering fonts
Sewing Stitches70 built-in utility, decorative, and heirloom stitches
LCD Touch ScreenColor display for selecting stitches and editing designs
USB PortFor importing custom embroidery designs (PES format)
Automatic Needle ThreaderEasily threads needle with lever mechanism
Automatic Thread CutterOne-touch thread cutting button
Speed Control SliderAdjusts sewing speed up to 710 stitches per minute
Needle Up/DownProgrammable needle position
Bobbin WindingAutomatic bobbin winding system

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack all components and place machine on stable surface.

  1. Remove packing materials: Take machine, embroidery unit, and accessories from box.
  2. Attach embroidery unit: Slide unit into machine until it clicks into place.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet (120V).
  4. Install foot pedal: Connect to port on right side of machine.
  5. Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions in manual.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Ensure machine is on flat, stable surface.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow on-screen prompts.

  1. Thread machine: Use automatic needle threader for upper thread.
  2. Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread pulling clockwise.
  3. Select stitch: Use LCD screen to choose sewing or embroidery mode.
  4. Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test tension and stitch settings.
  5. Load embroidery design: Insert USB or select built-in design.

CAUTION! Always turn off power before changing needles or presser feet.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Access functions via LCD touch screen and control buttons.

Front Panel: Power switch, USB port, thread cutter button, speed control slider, start/stop button.

LCD Screen: Stitch selection, design editing, settings menu, help guide.

Sewing Settings: Stitch length, stitch width, tension adjustment, needle position.

Embroidery Settings: Design rotation, resizing, mirroring, color sequence editing.

Utility Functions: Thread cutter, needle up/down, bobbin winding, automatic threading.

Basic Sewing

Follow these steps for basic sewing operations.

  1. Select sewing mode: Press sewing icon on LCD screen.
  2. Choose stitch: Browse categories (utility, decorative, quilting).
  3. Attach presser foot: Select appropriate foot for chosen stitch.
  4. Adjust settings: Modify stitch length/width if needed.
  5. Begin sewing: Press foot pedal or start/stop button.
  6. Finish seam: Use automatic thread cutter or manual method.

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing project.

Embroidery Functions

Machine supports built-in and custom embroidery designs.

  1. Attach embroidery unit: Ensure unit is securely locked.
  2. Select embroidery mode: Press embroidery icon on LCD.
  3. Choose design: Select from built-in library or USB drive.
  4. Edit design: Rotate, resize, or mirror using touch screen.
  5. Hoop fabric: Secure fabric in embroidery hoop without wrinkles.
  6. Attach hoop: Place hoop on embroidery unit.
  7. Start embroidery: Press start button; machine will trim jump stitches automatically.
  8. Change colors: Machine will pause for color changes; follow prompts.

WARNING! Keep hands away from moving embroidery hoop during operation.

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Cleaning: Unplug machine. Remove needle plate to clean lint with brush.
  2. Oiling: Apply sewing machine oil to hook race as specified in manual.
  3. Needle replacement: Replace needle every 8-10 hours of sewing.
  4. Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only Brother recommended accessories.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-877-467-4289. This product incorporates copy protection technology.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine not powering onPower connectionCheck power cord connection; ensure outlet is working.
Thread breakingTension/needle issuesRethread machine; check needle for damage; adjust tension.
Poor stitch qualityThreading/bobbinRe-thread upper and lower threads; clean lint from bobbin area.
Embroidery design not loadingUSB/file formatEnsure USB drive is formatted correctly; file is in PES format.
Needle not movingThread jamTurn off machine; remove fabric; clear thread jam from hook area.
LCD screen blankPower/brightnessCheck power connection; adjust screen brightness in settings.

Reset: Turn machine off and on to reset computer functions.

Service: 1-877-467-4289; www.brother-usa.com

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