Brother Star 15 Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother Star 15 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring a wide range of built-in stitches, adjustable stitch length and width, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, free arm capability, and multiple presser feet for various sewing techniques. It operates on standard household power (120V AC, 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. Basic Sewing Operations 7. Advanced Techniques 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length/width controls, Reverse stitch lever, Bobbin winder, Free arm, Accessory compartment.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	15 utility and decorative stitches including straight, zigzag, and blind hem
Automatic Needle Threader	Simplifies threading of the needle
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, easy to see and set
Free Arm	Removable flatbed accessory for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Length/Width Control	Adjustable for different fabric types and techniques
Reverse Sewing Lever	For reinforcing stitches at beginning and end of seams
Presser Feet	Includes: All-purpose foot, Zipper foot, Buttonhole foot, Blind hem foot
Power/Speed Control	Foot pedal controls sewing speed; On/Off power switch
Light	Built-in LED light illuminates sewing area
Accessory Storage	Built-in compartment in free arm

Unpacking and Setup

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

Remove machine from packaging: Lift by the carrying handle, not by the free arm.
Attach power cord: Plug into machine's power socket, then into a 120V AC wall outlet.
Install foot pedal: Place on floor in a comfortable position; plug into machine.
Attach accessory tray: Slide onto free arm if removable.
Wind and insert bobbin: Follow threading diagram on machine.
Thread upper thread: Use automatic needle threader if available.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always turn power off when threading or changing accessories.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; perform a test sew on scrap fabric.

Select a straight stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to straight stitch symbol.
Set stitch length: Adjust to medium setting (approx. 2.5).
Place fabric: Lower presser foot lever.
Start sewing: Gently press foot pedal to control speed.
Reverse stitch: Hold reverse lever to sew a few stitches backward at start and end.
Practice basic stitches: Try zigzag and other built-in stitches.

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

Specifications

Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine.
Stitches: 15 built-in stitches.
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm.
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm (for zigzag).
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent, top-loading.
Needle: Standard domestic sewing machine needles (size 11/80 recommended for general use).
Max Sewing Speed: Adjustable via foot pedal.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions: Compact design with free arm.
Weight: Lightweight for portability.

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch lever, Handwheel, Bobbin winder spindle, Presser foot lever, Thread tension dial.

Stitch Guide: Located near dial, shows recommended settings for each stitch. Tension: Adjust for different thread/fabric combinations (usually 4 for normal sewing). Needle Position: Center position for most stitches; can be adjusted for some techniques.

Basic Sewing Operations

Straight Stitch: For seams, topstitching. Zigzag: For finishing edges, stretch fabrics. Buttonhole: 4-step process using buttonhole foot.

Thread machine: Follow numbered path on machine.
Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, wind evenly.
Insert bobbin: Drop into case, pull thread through slot.
Raise needle: Turn handwheel toward you to highest position.
Lower presser foot: Select appropriate foot for task.
Sew: Guide fabric gently with both hands.

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

Advanced Techniques

Using Different Presser Feet:

Zipper Foot: For installing zippers; allows sewing close to zipper teeth.
Buttonhole Foot: Creates evenly sized buttonholes; mark fabric for placement.
Blind Hem Foot: For nearly invisible hems on garments.
Free Arm Sewing: Remove accessory tray for sewing cylindrical items like sleeves.
Decorative Stitches: Use stitch width/length to customize patterns.
Darning: Lower or cover feed dogs for free-motion sewing (requires darning foot).

WARNING! Use correct needle type and size for fabric. Change needle regularly (after 8-10 hours of sewing).

Care & Maintenance

Unplug machine before cleaning. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Cleaning: Use small brush to remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
Oiling: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to designated points as per manual (not required for all models).
Needle: Replace bent or dull needles immediately.
Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air to clean; it can force lint deeper. Never oil without consulting manual.

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 Brother Customer Service at 1-800-284-4357. This product is designed for household use only.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Power cord, foot pedal	Check power connection; ensure foot pedal is plugged in; check On/Off switch.
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect threading, bobbin	Re-thread upper thread and bobbin; ensure bobbin is inserted correctly.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle, bent needle, pulling fabric	Replace needle with correct type/size; do not pull fabric; ensure needle is tight.
Uneven stitches	Tension, threading, needle	Adjust thread tension; re-thread; replace needle.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered, presser foot pressure	Check feed dog position; ensure presser foot is down; clean feed dogs.
Machine is noisy	Lint, lack of oil, loose parts	Clean lint from bobbin area; oil if specified; check for loose screws.
Buttonhole not forming	Incorrect foot, settings	Use buttonhole foot; follow buttonhole steps precisely; stabilize fabric.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur.

Service: 1-800-284-4357; www.brother-usa.com