sewing machine manual brother lx3817a

The Brother LX3817A is a versatile 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 feed for free-motion sewing. Powered by a standard household outlet, it comes with essential accessories and is built for durability and ease of use. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical stitch selection dial, Built-in LED light, Free arm, Drop-in bobbin system, Reverse stitch lever, Stitch length and width dials.

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack all contents and place machine on a stable, flat surface.

1. Remove all packaging materials and tape from the machine.
2. Attach the accessory box to the free arm if not already attached.
3. Plug the foot pedal into the machine port and plug the power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet.
4. Install the needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
5. Wind the bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winding tension, place bobbin on winder, push to right, press foot pedal.
6. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop bobbin in with thread clockwise, pull thread through slot.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup and operation. Ensure machine is unplugged when threading or changing needle.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow threading guide printed on machine.

1. Raise presser foot using lever.
2. Place thread spool on spool pin.
3. Follow numbered threading path: through thread guide, tension discs, take-up lever, and finally needle eye from front to back.
4. Lower presser foot.
5. Hold needle thread lightly, turn handwheel toward you to bring bobbin thread up through needle plate.
6. Pull both threads under presser foot toward back.
7. Select a straight stitch (pattern 1) using stitch selection dial.
8. Practice sewing on scrap fabric, controlling speed with foot pedal.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you (counter-clockwise) only. Never force the machine.

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine.
• Stitches: 17 Built-in Stitches.
• Buttonhole: 4-Step Manual Buttonhole.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm.
• Bobbin: Drop-in, Class 15 transparent bobbin.
• Needle: Standard domestic sewing machine needle (HAx1).
• Lighting: Built-in LED light.
• Free Arm: Yes, with removable accessory compartment.
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Included Accessories: All-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, seam ripper, brush, needles, bobbins, screwdriver, spool caps, instruction manual.

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch Selection Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Stitch Lever, Presser Foot Lifter, Handwheel, Bobbin Winder, Power Switch, Foot Pedal.

Stitch Guide: Located on machine bed, shows stitch patterns (1-17) and recommended settings. Thread Tension Dial: Adjust for balanced stitches (default 4). Drop Feed Lever: Located near free arm, lowers feed dogs for free-motion work.

Basic Settings: For straight stitch (1), set width to 0, length to 2-2.5. For zigzag (3), adjust width as desired. For buttonhole, use stitch pattern 13 and follow 4-step sequence.

Basic Stitching Guide

Follow threading and bobbin instructions. Select fabric and appropriate needle/thread.

1. Straight Stitch: Use for seams, topstitching. Select pattern 1.
2. Zigzag Stitch: Use for finishing edges, sewing stretch fabrics. Select pattern 3.
3. Blind Hem Stitch: Use for nearly invisible hems. Select pattern 5, fold fabric as per manual guide.
4. Decorative Stitches: Patterns 6-12 for embellishment.
5. Stretch Stitches: Patterns 14-17 for knits and elastic fabrics.

Tip: Always test stitch on a scrap of your project fabric first. Adjust tension and length if needed.

Advanced Functions

4-Step Buttonhole:

1. Attach buttonhole foot. Mark buttonhole placement on fabric.
2. Step 1 (Left side): Select pattern 13, position fabric, sew forward to desired length.
3. Step 2 (Bartack): Turn selection dial to step 2 icon, sew few stitches.
4. Step 3 (Right side): Turn to step 3, sew back to start.
5. Step 4 (Bartack): Turn to step 4, sew few stitches to finish.

Free-Motion Sewing: Lower feed dogs using drop feed lever. Attach darning or quilting foot. Move fabric manually in any direction.

Reverse Stitching: Hold reverse lever to sew backwards at beginning and end of seam to lock stitches.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before any maintenance.

1. Cleaning: Remove needle plate screws, lift plate. Use small brush to remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs. Wipe with dry cloth.
2. Oiling: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to hook race and moving parts as indicated in manual (usually not required frequently).
3. Needle: Replace bent or dull needles immediately. Use correct type for fabric.
4. Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

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

Safety Information

Always unplug machine when not in use, during threading, needle changes, or cleaning. Keep fingers away from moving needle. Do not sew over pins. Use proper ventilation if using adhesive sprays. Keep machine out of reach of children. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-6526.

Accessories List

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur (though mechanical, resets any light circuit).

Service: 1-877-888-6526; www.brother-usa.com. For repairs, contact authorized Brother service center.