Manual for Brother LS-2125i Sewing Machine

The Brother LS-2125i is a lightweight, easy-to-use mechanical sewing machine ideal for beginners and basic sewing projects. It features 25 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, automatic needle threading, drop-in bobbin system, free arm capability, and adjustable stitch length and width. Powered by standard household electricity. 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 Stitching Guide 7. Buttonhole Making 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length/width dials, Bobbin winder, Automatic needle threader, Presser foot lever, Reverse stitch button.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	25 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches
4-Step Buttonhole	Manual buttonhole creation in four simple steps
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads the needle with a lever mechanism
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, clear-view bobbin for easy monitoring
Free Arm	Removable flatbed accessory for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Length/Width Dials	Adjustable for customizing stitch appearance
Reverse Stitch Lever	For reinforcing the beginning and end of seams
Lightweight Design	Portable and easy to store
Power/Foot Control	Includes foot pedal for speed control
Accessory Storage	Built-in compartment in the free arm

Unpacking and Setup

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

Remove machine and accessories from packaging.
Attach the power cord to the machine and plug into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Attach the foot control pedal to its port.
Install the needle (flat side toward the back) and tighten the screw.
Wind and insert the bobbin following the diagram in the bobbin area.
Thread the upper thread using the automatic needle threader.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle area during setup and operation. Ensure the machine is unplugged during needle and bobbin installation.

First-Time Operation

Plug in the machine and turn on the power switch (if equipped) or press the foot control lightly.

Select a stitch: Turn the stitch selection dial to the desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
Adjust stitch length/width: Set dials as needed (shorter for finer fabrics, longer for basting).
Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the presser foot lever.
Gently press the foot control to start sewing. Guide fabric gently; do not push or pull.
Use the reverse stitch lever at the beginning and end of seams to lock stitches.
Raise the presser foot and remove fabric when finished. Cut threads with the built-in cutter.

CAUTION! Always turn the handwheel toward you (counter-clockwise) to avoid timing issues. Never sew over pins.

Specifications

Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine.
Stitches: 25 Built-in stitches.
Buttonhole: 4-step manual.
Needle Threading: Automatic.
Bobbin: Top-loading, drop-in system, Class 15 transparent bobbin.
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm.
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm (for zigzag and decorative stitches).
Free Arm: Yes, with removable flatbed.
Light: Built-in LED light above needle area.
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Weight: Approximately 11 lbs (5 kg).

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch lever, Presser foot lever, Handwheel.

Operation Panel: Stitch pattern guide, Thread tension dial (usually set to 4), Bobbin winding guide, Needle threader lever.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to align desired stitch symbol with the indicator. Stitch Length: 0-4 mm (0 for buttonholes, 4 for basting). Stitch Width: 0-5 mm for zigzag and decorative stitches. Tension: Adjust for balanced stitches (upper and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric).

Basic Stitching Guide

For straight stitch, zigzag, and decorative stitches.

Select the appropriate presser foot for the stitch (e.g., zigzag foot for most stitches).
Set stitch length and width as recommended for the fabric (consult fabric guide).
Thread the machine with correct upper thread and bobbin.
Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the needle into the fabric manually using the handwheel.
Lower the presser foot and begin sewing with the foot control.
Guide fabric straight for straight stitches, or gently steer for curves.
Finish with reverse stitches, raise the presser foot, and pull fabric to the back to cut threads.

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

Buttonhole Making

Uses the 4-step buttonhole process.

Attach the buttonhole foot. Mark buttonhole placement on fabric.
Set stitch selection dial to Step 1 (right side zigzag). Lower the presser foot.
Sew the right side of the buttonhole until desired length.
Stop with needle in the fabric. Change dial to Step 2 (bar tack at end). Sew a few stitches.
Stop, change to Step 3 (left side zigzag). Sew back to starting point.
Stop, change to Step 4 (bar tack at start). Sew a few stitches to complete.
Remove fabric and carefully cut open the buttonhole with a seam ripper.

WARNING! Always use a stabilizer behind lightweight fabrics for clean buttonholes. Practice first.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug the machine before any maintenance.

Cleaning: Remove the needle plate screws, lift the plate, and use the small brush provided to remove lint and dust from the feed dogs and bobbin area. Wipe exterior with a dry cloth.
Oiling: This model generally requires minimal oiling. Refer to the manual for specific oiling points if necessary. Use only sewing machine oil.
Needle Replacement: Replace bent or dull needles immediately. Use correct needle type and size for your fabric.
Storage: Cover the machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air to clean as it can force lint deeper into the mechanism. Never use household oils or lubricants.

Accessories

Standard accessories included:

Zigzag Foot (on machine)
Buttonhole Foot
Zipper Foot
Button Sewing Foot
Bobbin (Class 15 transparent) x 1
Needles (Assorted sizes)
Seam Ripper/Lint Brush
Screwdriver
Spool Pin Felt
Instruction Manual

Additional accessories are available for purchase separately.

Safety Information

Important safety instructions for household use.

Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when making any adjustments, changing needles, or cleaning.
Do not operate with a damaged cord or plug.
Keep fingers away from all moving parts, especially the needle and handwheel.
Never use bent or damaged needles.
Switch off or unplug when leaving the machine unattended.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities.
Keep the foot control away from children.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Not plugged in / Power switch off	Check power cord connection and outlet. Ensure foot control is plugged in.
Needle breaks	Incorrect needle installation / Bent needle / Pulling fabric	Reinstall needle correctly (flat side back). Replace needle. Do not pull fabric; let feed dogs move it.
Thread bunches underneath	Bobbin not inserted correctly / Upper threading error	Re-thread the bobbin ensuring it turns in the correct direction. Re-thread the upper thread with presser foot up.
Skips stitches	Wrong needle type/size / Dull needle	Use a new, correct needle for the fabric (e.g., ballpoint for knits).
Uneven stitches (looping)	Incorrect thread tension	Adjust the thread tension dial. Re-thread completely. Ensure threads are properly seated in the tension discs.
Fabric not feeding	Presser foot is up / Feed dogs lowered	Lower the presser foot. Check that the feed dog lever (if present) is set to the raised position.
Noise or jamming	Lint buildup / Thread jam in bobbin area	Unplug, remove needle plate, and clean lint and tangled thread from bobbin area and feed dogs.

Reset: For persistent issues, unplug the machine for 5 minutes, then re-plug and re-thread completely.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Brother service center. Visit www.brother-usa.com or call 1-877-467-4289 for support.