brother sewing machines manuals lx3817a

The Brother LX3817A is a versatile and user-friendly mechanical sewing machine designed for beginners and home sewers. It features 17 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, easy threading, and a drop-in bobbin system. This manual covers essential information for setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to help you get the most out of your machine.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical stitch selection dial, Built-in needle threader, Drop-in bobbin, Free arm, Built-in LED light, Reverse sewing lever.

Installation & Setup

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

1. Remove machine from packaging and all protective materials.
2. Attach the accessory compartment to create a flat sewing surface.
3. Plug the foot control into the machine, then plug the power cord into a wall outlet (120V AC).
4. Turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle to its highest position.
5. Install the needle and presser foot as described in the Parts Identification section.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle and moving parts during operation. Always turn off and unplug the machine before changing needles, presser feet, or performing maintenance.

Parts Identification

Familiarize yourself with the main parts of your Brother LX3817A.

1. Spool Pin: Holds the thread spool.
2. Thread Guide: Directs thread from spool to needle.
3. Thread Tension Dial: Adjusts upper thread tension (2-6 normal range).
4. Take-up Lever: Moves up and down with the needle.
5. Needle Clamp Screw: Holds the needle in place.
6. Presser Foot: Holds fabric against feed dogs.
7. Feed Dogs: Move fabric under the presser foot.
8. Needle Plate: Metal plate with seam guide lines.
9. Bobbin Winder: Winds thread onto the bobbin.
10. Stitch Selection Dial: Selects the desired stitch pattern.
11. Handwheel: Raises and lowers the needle manually.
12. Reverse Sewing Lever: Hold to sew in reverse.

CAUTION! Do not force the handwheel. If it does not turn freely, check for thread jams or incorrect bobbin installation.

Specifications

• Model: Brother LX3817A
• Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine
• Stitches: 17 Built-in Stitches
• Buttonhole: 4-Step Manual Buttonhole
• Max Sewing Speed: 800 stitches per minute
• Needle Positions: Center, Left, Right (for zigzag)
• Presser Feet: 4 Included (Snap-on type)
• Bobbin: Class 15 (top-loading, drop-in)
• Lighting: Built-in LED Light
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Dimensions: Approximately 15.0" W x 6.7" H x 12.2" D
• Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs

Basic Operation

Power on the machine and prepare for sewing.

1. Turn the power switch to the "I" (On) position.
2. Raise the presser foot lever and place fabric under the foot.
3. Lower the presser foot lever to hold the fabric in place.
4. Gently press the foot control to start sewing. The harder you press, the faster the machine sews.
5. Guide the fabric gently with your hands; do not push or pull it.
6. To finish, press the reverse sewing lever to sew a few reverse stitches, then release.
7. Raise the presser foot and pull the fabric and threads toward the back. Cut threads using the built-in thread cutter.

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

Stitch Selection & Settings

Use the stitch selection dial to choose your stitch pattern.

Stitch Length Dial: Controls the distance between stitches. Higher numbers (up to 4) for longer stitches; lower numbers (down to 0) for shorter stitches. Use shorter stitches for finer fabrics and reinforcement.

Stitch Width Dial: Controls the width of zigzag and decorative stitches. Turn to "0" for straight stitches. Adjust for wider or narrower zigzag patterns.

Thread Tension Dial: Normally set between 2 and 6. Adjust if stitches are looping (decrease tension) or if the bobbin thread is pulling to the top (increase tension).

4-Step Buttonhole:

1. Select the first buttonhole step on the stitch dial.
2. Sew the left side of the buttonhole.
3. Select the second step and sew the bottom bar tack.
4. Select the third step and sew the right side.
5. Select the fourth step and sew the top bar tack.

Threading & Bobbin Winding

Correct threading is essential for proper stitch formation.

1. Winding the Bobbin:
   1. Place the spool on the spool pin.
   2. Pull thread through the bobbin winding tension disc.
   3. Wind thread clockwise around the bobbin a few times by hand.
   4. Push the bobbin winder shaft to the right until it clicks.
   5. Hold the end of the thread and press the foot control to wind.
   6. When full, cut the thread and push the shaft back to the left.
2. Upper Threading:
   1. Follow the numbered threading path on the machine.
   2. Use the built-in needle threader: Push the lever down, hook the thread, and pull the lever back up to pull the thread through the needle eye.
3. Inserting the Bobbin:
   1. Open the bobbin cover.
   2. Place the bobbin in the case with the thread running counterclockwise.
   3. Pull the thread through the slot and under the tension spring.
   4. Close the cover.

WARNING! Always raise the needle to its highest position before threading. Ensure the presser foot is raised when threading the upper thread to open the tension discs.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures smooth operation and longevity.

1. Daily: Remove lint and dust from the needle plate and bobbin area using the small brush provided.
2. Monthly: Remove the needle plate screws and lift the plate to clean the feed dogs and surrounding area.
3. Oiling: This is a mechanical machine. Apply one drop of sewing machine oil to the moving parts near the handwheel and bobbin hook race as indicated in the diagram, if the machine becomes noisy or stiff. Use only sewing machine oil.
4. Needle: Replace the needle regularly (after every 8-10 hours of sewing or with each new project). A dull or bent needle can cause skipped stitches and fabric damage.
5. Storage: Cover the machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Always unplug the machine before cleaning or oiling. Do not use compressed air as it can force lint deeper into the mechanism.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For persistent issues, turn off and unplug the machine for 60 seconds, then restart.

Accessories

The following accessories are included with the Brother LX3817A:

• Zigzag Foot (on machine)
• Buttonhole Foot
• Zipper Foot
• Button Sewing Foot
• Class 15 Bobbins (3)
• Needles (Assorted sizes)
• Seam Ripper/Lint Brush
• Screwdriver
• Spool Cap (Large and Small)
• Instruction Manual
• Power Cord & Foot Control

Note: Use only Brother genuine parts and accessories for optimal performance and safety.

Warranty & Support

Brother International Corporation provides a limited warranty. Refer to your warranty card for specific terms and duration.

For technical support, replacement parts, or to locate an authorized service center:

• Visit: www.brother-usa.com
• Call: 1-877-888-5525

Always have your model number (LX3817A) and serial number (located on the machine's rear or bottom) ready when contacting support.

Copyright & Trademarks: Brother is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. © [Year] Brother International Corporation. All rights reserved.