Manual for Brother Sewing Machine JX2517

The Brother JX2517 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 17 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin system, and easy stitch selection dial. It operates on 120V AC and includes essential accessories. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection & Settings 7. Basic Sewing Operations 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with stitch dial, Free arm, Bobbin system, Presser foot, Handwheel, Foot controller, Power cord.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches17 stitches including straight, zigzag, blind hem, and decorative
4-Step ButtonholeEasy manual buttonhole creation
Free ArmRemovable accessory tray for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Length/Width ControlAdjustable for customization
Built-in Needle ThreaderSimplifies threading
Top Drop-in BobbinEasy bobbin insertion and viewing
Stitch Selection DialTurn to select desired stitch
Reverse Sewing LeverFor reinforcing stitches
Presser Foot Pressure DialAdjustable for different fabrics
Foot ControllerControls sewing speed

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable table.

  1. Attach foot controller: Plug into machine port.
  2. Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet (120V).
  3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten.
  4. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winder, press bobbin onto winder shaft, engage winder.
  5. Insert bobbin: Open cover, drop bobbin into case with thread clockwise, pull thread through slot.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup. Ensure machine is unplugged when installing needle or bobbin.

First-Time Use

Plug in power; turn on power switch (if equipped) or press foot controller.

  1. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides, use built-in threader.
  2. Pull up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
  3. Select stitch: Turn dial to desired stitch (e.g., straight stitch).
  4. Adjust settings: Set stitch length (2-4 for normal sewing) and width (if applicable).
  5. Test sew: Use scrap fabric to check tension and stitch quality.

CAUTION! Always start with needle at highest position. Keep foot controller accessible.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse sewing lever, Handwheel, Presser foot lifter, Bobbin winder.

Stitch Dial: Turn to select stitch pattern (numbered 1-17). Length Dial: Adjusts stitch length (0-4). Width Dial: Adjusts stitch width (0-5). Reverse Lever: Hold to sew backward. Handwheel: Manual needle control; turn toward you. Presser Foot Lifter: Raises/lowers presser foot. Bobbin Winder: Winds thread onto bobbin.

Stitch Selection & Settings

Refer to stitch chart on machine. Common stitches:

  1. Straight Stitch (1): For seams, topstitching; set length 2-4, width 0.
  2. Zigzag Stitch (3): For finishing edges, appliqué; adjust width as needed.
  3. Blind Hem Stitch (5): For invisible hems; use blind hem foot.
  4. Decorative Stitches (7-17): For embellishments; use appropriate length/width.
  5. Buttonhole (marked steps 1-4): Use buttonhole foot; follow step sequence.

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric matching your project.

Basic Sewing Operations

Follow these steps for general sewing.

  1. Prepare fabric: Place under presser foot, lower needle into fabric manually.
  2. Lower presser foot: Use lifter.
  3. Start sewing: Press foot controller gently to begin.
  4. Guide fabric: Keep hands on fabric, steer gently; do not push or pull.
  5. Reverse: Hold reverse lever at start and end to lock stitches.
  6. Finish: Raise needle to highest position, lift presser foot, remove fabric, cut threads.
  7. Buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot, select buttonhole stitch, follow step sequence (1-4) as indicated.

WARNING! Never sew over pins; remove them as you sew. Keep fingers clear of moving needle.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before maintenance.

  1. Clean lint: Remove needle plate screws, lift plate, use brush to clean feed dogs and bobbin area.
  2. Oil: Apply drop of sewing machine oil to hook race and other moving parts as per manual (if required).
  3. Needle: Replace bent or dull needles regularly.
  4. Cover: Use dust cover when not in use.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint deeper. Use only recommended oil.

Accessories

Included accessories and their uses:

AccessoryUse
All-purpose foot (A)General sewing
Buttonhole footCreating buttonholes
Zipper footInstalling zippers
Button sewing footSewing on buttons
Darning plateFree-motion darning/quilting
Needles (HAx1)Size 14/90 included; use appropriate size for fabric
Bobbins (Class 15)Pre-wound and empty
Seam ripper/brushFor removing stitches and cleaning

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.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine does not runPower connectionCheck power cord, outlet, and foot controller connection.
Thread bunching underneathIncorrect threading/bobbinRe-thread upper and bobbin threads; ensure bobbin inserted correctly.
Needle breaksWrong needle/bent needleReplace needle; ensure it is inserted fully and tightened.
Uneven stitchesTension issuesCheck threading; adjust tension dial (usually 4 for normal).
Fabric not feedingPresser foot pressure/feed dogsAdjust pressure dial; ensure feed dogs are up and clean.
Buttonhole not formingIncorrect steps/footFollow buttonhole steps in order; use buttonhole foot.

Reset: Unplug machine for 1 minute if electronic issues occur.

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

Manual for Brother Sewing Machine JX2517 © - All Rights Reserved 2025