Manual for Brother CS-100 Sewing Machine

The Brother CS-100 is a versatile and user-friendly computerized sewing machine designed for beginners and intermediate sewers. It features 100 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a drop-in bobbin system, a one-step buttonhole, and a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves. 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. Advanced Functions 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Computerized control panel, Automatic needle threader, Drop-in bobbin, Free arm, Built-in stitches, One-step buttonhole.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	100 stitches including utility, decorative, and heirloom
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads the needle with a simple lever
Drop-in Bobbin	Top-loading, jam-resistant bobbin system
One-Step Buttonhole	Automatically sews a buttonhole in one step
Free Arm	Removable accessory compartment for sewing cylindrical items
LCD Screen	Displays selected stitch, stitch length, and width
Speed Control Slider	Adjusts sewing speed for precision
Start/Stop Button	Sews without using the foot control
Reverse Stitch Button	Reinforces stitches at beginning and end
Presser Foot Pressure Dial	Adjusts pressure for different fabric types

Unpacking and Setup

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

Remove all packaging materials and protective covers.
Attach the foot control pedal to the machine's connector port.
Plug the power cord into the machine and then into a 120V AC outlet.
Install the needle, ensuring the flat side faces the back.
Wind and insert the bobbin into the drop-in bobbin case.
Thread the upper thread using the automatic needle threader.

WARNING! Keep hands away from the needle area during setup and operation. Ensure the machine is unplugged when installing the needle or bobbin.

First-Time Operation

Power on the machine; familiarize yourself with the controls.

Turn on the power switch located on the right side of the machine.
Select a stitch using the stitch selection dial or buttons.
Adjust stitch length and width using the corresponding buttons.
Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the presser foot lever.
Press the foot control pedal or Start/Stop button to begin sewing.
Use the Reverse Stitch button to secure the beginning and end of seams.

CAUTION! Always turn off the power and unplug the machine when not in use or when performing maintenance.

Specifications

Model: Brother CS-100
Type: Computerized Sewing Machine
Built-in Stitches: 100 stitches
Buttonholes: 1 one-step automatic buttonhole
Needle Threader: Automatic
Bobbin: Top-loading, drop-in, Class 15 type
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 5mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 7mm
Speed: Up to 750 stitches per minute
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: 16.1" x 7.2" x 12.2" (W x H x D)
Weight: 13.2 lbs

Controls and Functions

Access functions via the control panel and mechanical dials.

Control Panel: Power switch, LCD screen, Stitch selection buttons, Stitch length/width adjustment buttons, Reverse stitch button, Start/Stop button, Needle up/down button.

Mechanical Controls: Handwheel, Presser foot lever, Thread cutter, Bobbin winder spindle, Presser foot pressure dial, Free arm release.

Stitch Categories: Utility stitches (straight, zigzag, stretch), Decorative stitches, Heirloom stitches, Buttonhole stitch.

Basic Sewing

Follow these steps for basic straight and zigzag stitching.

Select the straight stitch (01) or zigzag stitch (02-06).
Adjust stitch length (2.5mm recommended for straight stitch).
Adjust stitch width (0mm for straight, 2-5mm for zigzag).
Place fabric under presser foot, aligning edge with seam guide.
Lower presser foot and needle into fabric.
Press foot control pedal to sew, guiding fabric gently.
Press Reverse stitch button at start and end to secure.
Raise presser foot and pull fabric back to cut thread on built-in cutter.

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric to adjust tension and stitch settings before sewing your project.

Advanced Functions

Utilize the machine's advanced features for complex projects.

One-Step Buttonhole: Select buttonhole stitch, place fabric under buttonhole foot, press Start/Stop button to sew automatically.
Decorative Stitches: Select from decorative stitch patterns; adjust length and width for variation.
Needle Up/Down: Use button to set needle position for pivoting fabric.
Free Arm Sewing: Remove accessory compartment to sew sleeves, cuffs, and pant legs.
Automatic Thread Cutter: (If equipped) Press thread cutter button after sewing.
Twin Needle Sewing: Install twin needle for parallel rows of stitching (use zigzag stitch only).

WARNING! Do not use bent or damaged needles. Always use the correct presser foot for the selected stitch.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Unplug the machine before any cleaning or maintenance.
Remove the needle plate to clean lint and dust from bobbin area.
Use the small brush provided to clean feed dogs and hook area.
Oil the machine as per manual instructions (use only sewing machine oil).
Wipe exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemicals or abrasives.
Replace needle regularly (after every 8-10 hours of sewing).

CAUTION! Never immerse the machine in water. Avoid oiling plastic parts.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with the Brother CS-100.

All-purpose foot (on machine)
Buttonhole foot
Zipper foot
Button sewing foot
Overcasting foot
Blind stitch foot
Monogramming foot
Walking foot (optional)
Quilting foot (optional)
Extra bobbins (Class 15)
Needle set
Seam ripper/brush
Screwdriver
Foot control pedal
Power cord
Instruction manual

Safety Information

Important safety precautions to prevent injury and damage.

Always unplug the machine when changing needles, bobbins, or cleaning.
Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially the needle area.
Do not use damaged or bent needles.
Use the correct presser foot for the selected stitch.
Disconnect power during electrical storms.
Do not operate if cord or plug is damaged.
Keep the machine out of reach of children.
Use only Brother recommended accessories.
Avoid using extension cords; plug directly into wall outlet.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Power cord not connected	Ensure power cord is plugged into machine and outlet; turn power switch on.
Needle breaks	Incorrect needle installation, bent needle, wrong foot	Reinstall needle correctly (flat side back); replace needle; use correct foot.
Thread bunches underneath	Bobbin threaded incorrectly, upper tension too tight	Rethread bobbin; adjust upper thread tension.
Skipped stitches	Dull/bent needle, wrong needle type for fabric	Replace needle; use correct needle (e.g., ballpoint for knits).
Uneven stitches	Thread tension incorrect, dirty feed dogs	Adjust tension dial; clean feed dogs.
Fabric not feeding	Presser foot pressure too low, feed dogs lowered	Increase presser foot pressure; ensure feed dogs are raised.
Buttonhole not forming	Buttonhole foot not attached properly	Reattach buttonhole foot; ensure fabric is flat.
Automatic needle threader not working	Needle not in highest position, thread not in hook	Turn handwheel to raise needle to highest position; place thread in hook.

Reset: Turn power off and on to reset computerized functions.

Service: For technical support, contact Brother at 1-877-888-5625 or visit www.brother-usa.com.