Brother Quattro 3 User Manual

							Chapter 3
Utility Stitches
SELECTING UTILITY STITCHES ...................... 90
■Stitch Selection Screens............................................................ 90Selecting a Stitch .............................................................. 91
■Using the Mirror Image Key ..................................................... 91
■ Using the Image Key................................................................. 92
Saving Your Stitch Settings ............................................... 92
■Saving Settings.......................................................................... 92
■ Retrieving Saved Settings.......................................................... 93
SEWING THE STITCHES ................................. 94
Straight Stitches ................................................................ 94
■Changing the Needle Position 
(Left or Middle Needle Position Stitches Only) ........................ 96
■ Aligning the Fabric with a Mark on the Needle Plate 
or Bobbin Cover (with Mark) ................................................... 96
■
Aligning the Fabric with the Vertical Stitch Alignment “V” Foot........ 97
■Using the Straight Stitch Needle Plate and the Straight Stitch Foot.... 97
■ Basting ..................................................................................... 98
Dart Seam ......................................................................... 99
Gathering.......................................................................... 99
Flat Fell Seam.................................................................. 100
Pintuck............................................................................ 101
Zigzag Stitches ................................................................ 102
■Overcasting (Using a Zigzag Stitch) ....................................... 102
■ Appliqué (Using a Zigzag Stitch) ............................................ 102
■ Patchwork (for Crazy Quilt) ................................................... 103
■ Sewing Curves (Using a Zigzag Stitch) ................................... 103
■ Cord Guide Bobbin Cover (Using a Zigzag Stitch) ................. 103
Elastic Zigzag Stitches ..................................................... 104
■Tape Attaching ....................................................................... 104
■ Overcasting ............................................................................ 104
Overcasting .................................................................... 105
■Overcasting Using Presser Foot “G” ...................................... 105
■ Overcasting Using Presser Foot “J” ........................................ 106
■ Overcasting Using the Side Cutter ......................................... 107
■ When Sewing Straight Stitches While Using the Side Cutter .. 109
Quilting .......................................................................... 110
■Piecing ................................................................................... 113
■ Quilting .................................................................................. 113
■ Appliqué................................................................................. 114
■ Quilting with Satin Stitches .................................................... 115
■ Free Motion Quilting .............................................................. 116
■ Echo Quilting Using the Free Motion Echo 
Quilting Foot “E”.................................................................... 119
Blind Hem Stitches ......................................................... 122
■If the Needle Catches Too Much of the Hem Fold ................. 124
■ If the Needle does not Catch the Hem Fold ........................... 124
Appliqué ......................................................................... 125
■Appliqué Sharp Curves ........................................................... 125
■ Appliqué Corners ................................................................... 125
Shelltuck Stitches ............................................................ 126
Scallop Stitches ............................................................... 127
Crazy Quilting ................................................................ 127
Smocking Stitches ........................................................... 128
Fagoting .......................................................................... 128
Tape or Elastic Attaching ................................................ 129 Heirloom .........................................................................130
■
Hemstitching (1) (Daisy Stitch) ...............................................130
■ Hemstitching (2) (Drawn Work (1)) ........................................130
■ Hemstitching (3) (Drawn Work (2)) ........................................131
One-step Buttonholes ...................................................... 132
■Sewing Stretch Fabrics ............................................................135
■ Odd Shaped Buttons/Buttons that do Not Fit into the Button 
Holder Plate ............................................................................135
Four-step Buttonholes...................................................... 136
■Darning ...................................................................................138Bar Tacks .........................................................................140
■Bar Tacks on Thick Fabrics......................................................141Button Sewing .................................................................142
■Attaching 4 Hole Buttons ........................................................143
■ Attaching a Shank to the Button .............................................143
Eyelet ...............................................................................144
Multi-directional Sewing (Straight Stitch and Zigzag Stitch).....145
Zipper Insertion ...............................................................146
■ Centered Zipper......................................................................146
■ Inserting a Side Zipper ............................................................147
Edge Sewing.....................................................................148 
						

							SELECTING UTILITY STITCHES
90
SELECTING UTILITY STITCHES
■Stitch Selection Screens
There are 6 categories of Utility Stitches. If a page number such as   appears, there is more than one stitch 
selection screen for that category.
Straight/Overcasting Decorative Stitches Heirloom Stitches
Buttonholes/Bar tacks Multi-directional Sewing Quilting Stitches 
						

							SELECTING UTILITY STITCHES
Utility Stitches
91
3
Selecting a Stitch
aTurn the main power to ON and press  to display the utility stitches.
→Either “1-01 Straight stitch (Left)” or “1-03 Straight 
stitch (Middle)” is selected, depending on the setting 
selected in the setting screen.
bUse   to select 
the category you want.
* Press   to view the next page.
* Press   to view previous page.
a Preview of the selected stitch
b Stitch selection screen
c Percentage size of view
cPress the key of the stitch you want to sew.
■Using the Mirror Image Key 
Depending on the type of utility stitch you select, 
you may be able to sew a horizontal mirror image of 
the stitch.
If   is lit when you select a stitch, it will be 
possible to make a mirror image of the stitch.
Press   to create a horizontal mirror image of the 
selected stitch.
The key will display as  .
Memo
 For details on each stitch, refer to the 
“STITCH SETTING CHART” at the end of 
this manual.
a
b
c
Note
 If   is light gray after you select a stitch, 
you cannot create a horizontal mirror image 
of the selected stitch due to the type of stitch 
or type of presser foot recommended (this is 
true of buttonholes, multi-directional sew-
ing, and others).  
						

							SELECTING UTILITY STITCHES
92
■Using the Image Key
You can display an image of the selected stitch. You 
can check and change the colors of the image of the 
screen.
aPress .
→ An image of the selected stitch is displayed.
bPress   to change the thread color of 
the stitch on the screen.
* Press   to display an enlarged image of the 
stitch.
a Stitch screen
cPress   to go back to the original 
screen.
Saving Your Stitch Settings 
The settings for the zigzag stitch width, stitch 
length, thread tension, automatic thread cutting, 
automatic reinforcement stitching, etc., are preset 
in the machine for each stitch. However, if you 
have specific settings that you wish to reuse later 
for a stitch, you can change the settings so that 
they can be saved for that stitch. Five sets of 
settings can be saved for a single stitch.
■Saving Settings
aSelect a stitch. (Example:  )
bSpecify your preferred settings.
Memo
 The color changes every time you press 
.
Note
 If stitches are wider or larger than display, press darkened arrows to move the stitch 
pattern for better visibility.
a 
						

							SELECTING UTILITY STITCHES
Utility Stitches
93
3
cPress .
→The settings are saved and the original screen 
automatically appears.
■Retrieving Saved Settings
aSelect a stitch.
bPress .
cPress the numbered key of the settings to be 
retrieved.
* Press   to return to the original screen without 
retrieving settings.
a Numbered keys
dPress .
→The selected settings are retrieved, and the original 
screen automatically appears.
Memo
 If you try to save settings when there are 
already 5 sets of settings saved for a stitch, 
the message “The pockets are full. Delete a 
pattern” will appear. Close the message and 
delete a setting referring to page 93.
Memo
 When a stitch is selected, the last settings retrieved are displayed. The last settings 
retrieved are retained even if the machine 
was turned off or a different stitch was 
selected.
Memo
 To save new settings when there are already 5 sets of settings saved for a stitch, 
press  . Press the numbered key of 
the setting to be deleted. Press  , 
press   and then  . The new set-
ting will be saved in place of the recently 
deleted setting.
 You can delete all the saved settings by 
pressing .
a 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
94
SEWING THE STITCHES
Straight Stitches
StitchStitch namePresser footApplications
Stitch width [mm (inch)]Stitch length  [mm (inch)]Tw in  
needle
AutoManualAutoManual
Straight stitch (Left) General sewing, gather, pintuck, 
etc. Reverse stitch is sewn while 
pressing “Reverse/
Reinforcement Stitch” button.0.0
(0) 0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 0.2 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) OK
( J )
Straight stitch (Left) General sewing, gather, pintuck, 
etc. Reinforcement stitch is sewn 
while pressing “Reverse/
Reinforcement Stitch” button.0.0
(0) 0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 0.2 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) OK
( J )
Straight stitch 
(Middle) General sewing, gather, pintuck, 
etc. Reverse stitch is sewn while 
pressing “Reverse/
Reinforcement Stitch” button.3.5
(1/8) 0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 0.2 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) OK
( J )
Straight stitch 
(Middle) General sewing, gather, pintuck, 
etc. Reinforcement stitch is sewn 
while pressing “Reverse/
Reinforcement Stitch” button.3.5
(1/8) 0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 0.2 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) OK
( J )
Triple stretch stitch General sewing for 
reinforcement and decorative 
topstitching0.0
(0) 0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 1.5 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) OK
( J )
Stem stitch Reinforced stitching, sewing and 
decorative applications1.0
(1/16) 1.0 - 3.0
(1/16 - 1/8) 2.5
(3/32) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) OK
( J )
Decorative stitch Decorative stitching, top 
stitching0.0
(0) 0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) OK
( J )
Basting stitch Basting
0.0
(0) 0.

0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 20
(3/4) 5 - 30
(3/16 - 1-3/16) NO
a
Left needle position
b Middle needle position  a
Reverse stitch 
b Reinforcement stitch
Memo
 If the selected stitch has a double mark “ ” at the top of the key display, you can sew reverse stitches 
holding the “Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” button. 
 If the selected stitch has a dot mark “ ” at the top of the key display, you can sew reinforcement  stitches holding the “Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” button (see page 74). 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
Utility Stitches
95
3
aSelect a stitch. 
bAttach presser foot “J”. 
* Attach presser foot “N” when you select  .
cHold the thread tail and fabric with your 
left hand, and rotate the handwheel with 
your right hand to insert the needle into the 
fabric. 
aSewing start position
dLower the presser foot, and hold the 
“Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” button to 
sew 3-4 stitches. 
→The machine sews reverse stitches (or reinforcement 
stitches).
ePress the “Start/Stop” button to sew 
forward. 
aReverse stitches 
→ The machine will begin sewing slowly.
fWhen sewing is completed, hold the 
“Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” button to 
sew 3-4 reverse stitches (or reinforcement 
stitches) at the end of the seam.
gAfter sewing, press the “Thread Cutter” 
button to trim the threads. 
 CAUTION
 Be sure the needle does not strike a basting 
pin, or any other objects, during sewing. The 
thread could tangle or the needle could break, 
causing injury. 
Memo
 When the automatic thread cutting and auto-matic reinforcement stitch keys on the 
screen are selected, reverse stitches (or 
reinforcement stitches) will be sewn auto-
matically at the beginning of sewing when 
the “Start/Stop” button is pressed. Press the 
“Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” button to 
sew reverse stitches (or reinforcement 
stitches) and trim the thread automatically at 
the end of sewing. 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
96
■Changing the Needle Position (Left 
or Middle Needle Position Stitches 
Only) 
When you select left or middle needle position 
stitches, you can use   and   in the stitch 
width display to change the position of the needle. 
Match the distance from the right edge of the presser 
foot to the needle with the stitch width, then align 
the edge of the presser foot with the edge of the 
fabric during sewing for an attractive finish.
a Stitch width 
Example: Left/Middle needle position stitches
■Aligning the Fabric  with a Mark on 
the Needle Plate or Bobbin Cover 
(with Mark)
While sewing, align the edge of the fabric with the 
16 mm (approx. 5/8 inch) mark on the needle plate 
or bobbin cover (with mark) depending on the 
needle position (left or middle (center) needle 
position stitches only).
For stitches with a left needle position
(Stitch width: 0.0 mm)
a Seam
b Presser foot
c Centimeters
d Inches
e Needle plate
f 16 mm (5/8 inch)
For stitches with a middle (center) needle position
(Stitch width: 3.5 mm)
aSeam
b Presser foot
c Inches
d Bobbin cover (with mark)
e 16 mm (5/8 inch)
12.0 mm
 (approx.  1/2 inch) 8.5 mm
(approx.  11/32 
inch) 6.5 mm
 (approx.  1/4 inch) 5.0 mm
(approx. 
3/16 inch) 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
Utility Stitches
97
3
■Aligning the Fabric with the Vertical 
Stitch Alignment “V” Foot
Sew while keeping the right edge of the fabric 
aligned with a desired position of markings on the 
vertical stitch alignment “V” foot.
You can also use the vertical stitch alignment “V” 
foot for setting a stitch width using the built-in 
camera (see page 148).
a Seam
b Vertical stitch alignment “V” foot
c Markings
■Using the Straight Stitch Needle 
Plate and the Straight Stitch Foot
The straight stitch needle plate and the straight stitch 
foot can only be used for straight stitches (middle 
needle position stitches). Use the straight stitch 
needle plate and the straight stitch foot when sewing 
thin fabrics or when sewing small pieces which tend 
to sink into the hole of the regular needle plate 
during sewing. The straight stitch foot is perfect to 
reduce puckering on lightweight fabrics. The small 
opening on the foot provides support for the fabric 
as the needle travels through the fabric.
aPress the “Needle Position” button to raise 
the needle and turn the main power to OFF 
or press  .
bRemove the needle and the presser foot 
holder (see page 66 through 67).
cRemove the flat bed attachment or the 
embroidery unit if either are attached.
dGrasp both sides of the needle plate cover, 
and then slide it toward you.
a Needle plate cover
eGrasp the bobbin case, and then pull it out.
aBobbin case
fUse the disc-shaped screw driver included 
with the machine to unscrew and remove 
the regular needle plate.
gSet the straight stitch needle plate in place 
and use the disc-shaped screw driver to 
tighten the plate.
aRound hole
 CAUTION
 Always use the straight stitch foot in 
combination with the straight stitch needle 
plate.
Note
 Align the two screw holes on the needle plate with the two holes on the machine. Use 
the disc-shaped screw driver included with 
the machine to secure the screws in the 
needle plate. 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
98
hInsert the bobbin case in its original 
position, and then attach the needle plate 
cover.
iAfter reinstalling the needle plate cover, 
select any of the straight stitches.
jInsert needle and attach the straight stitch 
foot.
aNotch
b Pin
kStart sewing.
* After sewing, make sure to remove the straight stitch 
needle plate and the straight stitch foot, and reinstall 
the regular needle plate, the needle plate cover and 
the presser foot “J”.
■Basting
aSelect   and attach presser foot “J”.
bPress the “Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” 
button to sew reinforcement stitches, then 
continue sewing.
cSew while keeping the fabric straight. 
dEnd the basting with reinforcement stitches.
Memo
 When using the straight stitch needle plate, 
all straight stitches become middle needle 
position stitches. You cannot change the 
needle position using the width display.
 Always secure the needle plate before  inserting the bobbin case into its original 
position.
 CAUTION
 Selecting other stitches will cause an error 
message to be displayed.
 Slowly rotate the handwheel toward you  (counterclockwise) before sewing and make 
sure that the needle is not contacting the 
straight stitch foot and straight stitch needle 
plate.
Memo
 To prevent puckering on fine fabrics, use a fine needle, size 75/11, and a short stitch 
length. For heavier fabrics, use a heavier 
needle, size 90/14, and longer stitches.
Memo
 When you use the basting stitch for gathering, do not use a reinforcement stitch 
at the beginning; you should lift the presser 
foot, rotate the handwheel toward you 
(counterclockwise), pull up the bobbin 
thread and pull a length of top and bobbin 
thread out from the rear of the machine.
 You can set the stitch length between 5 mm  (approx. 3/16 inch) and 30 mm (approx. 
1-3/16 inches) 
a Between 5 mm (approx. 3/16 inch) and 30 mm 
(approx. 1-3/16 inches)