Manual for Brother Sewing Machine LX3817A

The Brother LX3817A is a versatile, lightweight, and user-friendly mechanical sewing machine designed for beginners and home sewers. It features 17 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, easy stitch selection, automatic bobbin winding, and a drop-in top bobbin system. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with built-in stitches, Free Arm, Stitch Selector Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Reverse Sewing Lever, Bobbin Winder, and Foot Pedal.

Unpacking & Setup

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

1. Remove machine and accessories from packaging.
2. Attach the Power Cord to the machine and plug into a 120V AC outlet.
3. Attach the Foot Pedal to the machine and place on floor.
4. Install the Needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
5. Wind the Bobbin: Place thread spool on spool pin, follow threading guide to bobbin winder.
6. Insert Bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread running counterclockwise; pull thread through slot.
7. Thread the Upper Thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine to needle.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; lower presser foot before sewing.

1. Select a Stitch: Turn Stitch Selector Dial to desired stitch number.
2. Adjust Stitch Length/Width: Set dials as needed for fabric.
3. Practice on Scrap Fabric: Test stitch and tension settings.
4. Begin Sewing: Gently press foot pedal to start; guide fabric lightly.
5. Reverse Stitching: Hold Reverse Lever to sew backwards at start/end of seam.
6. Finish: Raise needle, lift presser foot, and pull fabric to back to cut thread.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to avoid timing issues. Never pull fabric while needle is in material.

Specifications

• Model: Brother LX3817A Mechanical Sewing Machine.
• Stitches: 17 Built-in stitches (straight, zigzag, blind hem, stretch, decorative).
• Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole.
• Max Sewing Speed: Up to 800 stitches per minute.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable from 0 to 4 mm.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable from 0 to 5 mm.
• Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin (drop-in top loading).
• Needle: Standard household sewing machine needle (HAx1).
• Presser Feet: Includes Zigzag Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Zipper Foot, Button Sewing Foot.
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs (6 kg).

Controls and Functions

Access controls on front and top of machine.

Front/Top Panel: Stitch Selector Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Sewing Lever, Bobbin Winder, Spool Pins, Tension Dial, Built-in Light Switch.

Stitch Guide: Chart on machine shows stitch patterns and recommended settings.

Tension Dial: Adjusts upper thread tension (4 is normal setting).

Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot.

Handwheel: Manually raises/lowers needle; turn toward you only.

Stitch Selection & Settings

Use Stitch Selector Dial to choose from 17 stitches.

1. Straight Stitch (1-4): For seams, topstitching; adjust length.
2. Zigzag Stitch (5-6): For finishing edges, appliqué; adjust width/length.
3. Blind Hem Stitch (7): For nearly invisible hems on garments.
4. Stretch Stitches (8-10): For knit fabrics; prevents popped seams.
5. Decorative Stitches (11-17): For embellishment; use with stabilizer.
6. 4-Step Buttonhole (marked A-D): Follow steps in manual for sizing.

Tip: Always test stitch on a fabric scrap to check tension and appearance.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Supports a variety of sewing projects.

1. Seams: Use straight stitch with appropriate length.
2. Zippers: Attach Zipper Foot for easy installation.
3. Hems: Use Blind Hem Stitch or straight stitch with folded hem.
4. Buttons: Use Button Sewing Foot and zigzag stitch (width 0).
5. Buttonholes: Follow 4-step process using Buttonhole Foot.
6. Decorative Sewing: Use decorative stitches with matching thread.

WARNING! Use correct presser foot for each technique. Keep fingers clear of moving needle.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before any maintenance.

1. Cleaning: Remove needle plate and bobbin case; use brush to remove lint and dust.
2. Oiling: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to hook race and moving parts as per manual (do not over-oil).
3. Needle Replacement: Replace bent or dull needles immediately.
4. Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Use only recommended sewing machine oil. Never use compressed air to clean lint.

Accessories

Included accessories: Zigzag Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Zipper Foot, Button Sewing Foot, Bobbins (Class 15), Needles, Screwdriver, Brush, Seam Ripper, Spool Caps.

Optional: Additional presser feet available for quilting, embroidery, etc.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Keep away from children. Do not operate with damaged cord or plug. Always unplug when not in use, during maintenance, or when changing needles/bobbins. Do not place fingers near moving parts. Use proper ventilation if using adhesive sprays.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur (though mechanical, some functions may reset).

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Brother service center. Visit www.brother-usa.com or call 1-877-888-5525.