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Brother Quattro 3 User Manual

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    							CHANGING THE NEEDLE
    Getting Ready
    69
    1
    About the Needle
    The sewing machine needle is probably the most important part of the sewing machine. Choosing the 
    proper needle for your sewing project will result in a beautiful finish and fewer problems. Below are some 
    things to keep in mind about needles.
     The smaller the needle number, the finer the needle. As the numbers increase, the needles get thicker.
     Use fine needles with lightweight fabrics, and thicker needles with heavyweight fabrics.
     To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 with stretch fabrics.
     To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 when sewing character or decorative stitches.
     Use needle 75/11 for embroidery. Use ball point needle 75/11 for embroidering patterns with short jump  stitches such as alphabet characters when the thread trimming function is turned on.
     Ball point needles (golden colored) 90/14 are not recommended for embroidery, as they may bend or break,  causing injury.
     It is recommended that a 90/14 needle should be used when embroidering on heavyweight fabrics or 
    stabilizing products (for example, denim, puffy foam, etc.). A 75/11 needle may bend or break, which could 
    result in injury.
     A home sewing machine needle 75/11 is inserted in the sewing machine.
    Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations
    The following table provides information concerning the appropriate thread and needle for various 
    fabrics. Please refer to this table when selecting a thread and needle for the fabric you wish to use.
    Fabric type/ApplicationThreadSize of needleTy p eSize
    Medium weight fabrics Broadcloth Cotton thread
    60 - 9075/11 - 90/14
    Taffeta Synthetic thread
    Flannel, Gabardine Silk thread 50
    Thin fabrics LawnCotton thread
    60 - 9065/9 - 75/11
    Georgette Synthetic thread
    Challis, Satin Silk thread 50
    Thick fabrics DenimCotton thread 30
    90/14 - 100/16
    50
    Corduroy Synthetic thread
    50 - 60
    Tweed Silk thread
    Stretch fabrics JerseyThread for knits
    50 - 60Ball point needle 
    (gold colored)75/11 - 90/14
    Tr i c o t
    Easily frayed fabrics Cotton thread
    50 - 90
    65/9 - 90/14
    Synthetic thread
    Silk thread 50
    For top-stitching Synthetic thread
    50 90/14 - 100/16
    Silk thread
    Memo
     For transparent monofilament nylon thread, always use needle sizes 90/14 or 100/16.
    The same thread is usually used for the bobbin thread and upper thread.
     CAUTION
     Be sure to follow the needle, thread, and fabric combinations listed in the table. Using an improper 
    combination, especially a heavyweight fabric (i.e., denim) with a small needle (i.e., 65/9 - 75/11), may 
    cause the needle to bend or break, and lead to injury. Also, the seam may be uneven, the fabric may 
    pucker, or the machine may skip stitches. 
    						
    							Chapter 2
    Sewing Basics
    SEWING .............................................................................................. 72
    Sewing a Stitch ........................................................................................................ 72
    ■Using the Multi-Function Foot Controller ....................................................................... 73
    Sewing Reinforcement Stitches ............................................................................... 74
    Sewing Curves ......................................................................................................... 74
    Changing Sewing Direction ..................................................................................... 75
    ■Sewing a Seam Allowance of 0.5 cm or Less ................................................................... 75
    Sewing Heavyweight Fabrics ................................................................................... 75
    ■If the Fabric does not Fit under the Presser Foot ............................................................. 75
    ■ If the Fabric does not Feed .............................................................................................. 76
    Sewing Hook-and-Loop Fastener ............................................................................. 76
    Sewing Lightweight Fabrics ..................................................................................... 76
    Sewing Stretch Fabrics ............................................................................................ 77
    STITCH SETTINGS ............................................................................... 78
    Setting the Stitch Width .......................................................................................... 78
    Setting the Stitch Length ......................................................................................... 79
    Setting the Thread Tension ...................................................................................... 79
    ■Proper Thread Tension .................................................................................................... 79
    ■ Upper Thread is Too Tight............................................................................................... 80
    ■ Upper Thread is Too Loose.............................................................................................. 80
    USEFUL FUNCTIONS .......................................................................... 81
    Automatic Reinforcement Stitching ........................................................................ 81
    Automatic Thread Cutting ....................................................................................... 82
    Using the Knee Lifter ............................................................................................... 83
    Pivoting ................................................................................................................... 84
    Automatic Fabric Sensor System (Automatic Presser Foot Pressure) ....................... 85
    Needle Position – Stitch Placement ......................................................................... 86
    Locking the Screen .................................................................................................. 86
    Checking the Needle Location in the Screen ........................................................... 87 
    						
    							SEWING
    72
    SEWING
    Sewing a Stitch
    aTurn the main power to ON and press  to display the utility stitches, and 
    push the “Needle Position” button to raise 
    the needle.
    bPress the key of the stitch you want to sew.
    → The symbol of the correct presser foot will be 
    displayed in the upper left corner of the LCD screen.
    cInstall the presser foot (“CHANGING THE 
    PRESSER FOOT” on page 65).
    dSet the fabric under the presser foot. Hold 
    the fabric and thread in your left hand, and 
    rotate the handwheel to set the needle in 
    the sewing start position.
    eLower the presser foot.
    * You do not have to pull up the bobbin thread. 
     CAUTION
     To avoid injury, pay special attention to the needle while the machine is in operation. Keep your hands 
    away from moving parts while the machine is in operation.
     Do not stretch or pull the fabric during sewing. Doing so may lead to injury. 
     Do not use bent or broken needles. Doing so may lead to injury.
     Do not attempt to sew over basting pins or other objects during sewing. Otherwise, the needle may break  and cause injury.
     If stitches become bunched, lengthen the stitch length setting before continuing sewing. Otherwise, the  needle may break and cause injury. 
     CAUTION
     Always use the correct presser foot. If the wrong presser foot is used, the needle may 
    strike the presser foot and bend or break, 
    possibly resulting in injury. 
    Refer to page 365 for presser foot 
    recommendations.
    Memo
     The black button on the left side of presser foot “J” should be pressed only if the fabric 
    does not feed or when sewing thick seams 
    (see page 76). Normally, you can sew with-
    out pressing the black button. 
    						
    							SEWING
    Sewing Basics
    73
    2
    fAdjust the sewing speed with the speed 
    control slide.
    * You can use this slide to adjust sewing speed during sewing.
    a Slow
    b Fast 
    gPress the “Start/Stop” button to start 
    sewing.
    * Guide the fabric lightly by hand.
    hPress the “Start/Stop” button again to stop 
    sewing.
    iPress the “Thread Cutter” button to trim 
    the upper and lower threads.
    →The needle will return to the up position 
    automatically.
    jWhen the needle has stopped moving, raise 
    the presser foot and remove the fabric.
    ■Using the Multi-Function Foot 
    Controller
    You can also use the included multi-function foot 
    controller to start and stop sewing.
    Memo
     When the foot controller is being used, you 
    cannot start sewing by pressing the “Start/
    Stop” button.
     CAUTION
     Do not press the “Thread Cutter” button after 
    the threads have been cut. Doing so could 
    tangle the thread or break the needle and 
    damage the machine.
     Do not press the “Thread Cutter” button when  there is no fabric set in the machine or during 
    machine operation. The thread may tangle, 
    possibly resulting in damage. 
    Note
     When cutting thread thicker than #30, nylon monofilament thread, or other decorative 
    threads, use the thread cutter on the side of 
    the machine.
    Memo
     This machine is equipped with a bobbin thread sensor that warns you when the bob-
    bin thread is almost empty. When the bobbin 
    thread is nearly empty, the machine auto-
    matically stops. However, if the “Start/Stop” 
    button is pressed, a few stitches can be 
    sewn. When the warning displays, re-thread 
    the machine immediately.
     CAUTION
     Do not allow fabric pieces and dust to collect 
    in the foot controller. Doing so could cause a 
    fire or an electric shock. 
    						
    							SEWING
    74
    aInsert the plugs for the main foot controller 
    into the foot controller jack and the 
    external port on the right side of the 
    machine.
    * Refer to Operation Manual Addendum for detailed instructions of connecting the multi-function foot 
    controller.
    * Before connecting the multi-function foot controller, 
    be sure to assemble the controller according to 
    Operation Manual Addendum.
    a Foot controller jack
    b External port
    bSlowly depress the foot controller to start 
    sewing.
    Pressing down on the foot controller increases the 
    sewing speed; releasing the pressure on the foot 
    controller decreases the sewing speed.
    cRelease the foot controller to stop the 
    machine.
    Sewing Reinforcement Stitches 
    Reverse/reinforcement stitches are generally 
    necessary at the beginning and end of sewing. You 
    can use the “Reverse/Reinforcement Stitch” button 
    to sew reverse/reinforcement stitches manually 
    (see page 15). 
    If the automatic reinforcement stitch is selected on 
    the screen, reverse stitches (or reinforcement 
    stitches) will be sewn automatically 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) automatically at the end of 
    sewing (see page 81).
    aReverse stitch
    b Reinforcement stitch
    If the stitch which you select has a double mark 
    “ ” at the top of the key display, you can sew 
    reverse stitches by holding the “Reverse/
    Reinforcement Stitch” button.
    If the stitch which you select has a dot mark “ ” at 
    the top of the key display, you can sew 
    reinforcement stitches by holding the “Reverse/
    Reinforcement Stitch” button.
    Sewing Curves
    Sew slowly while keeping the seam parallel with 
    the fabric edge as you guide the fabric around the 
    curve.
    Memo
     Refer to Operation Manual Addendum for 
    the detailed instructions of the multi-function 
    foot controller.
     When the foot controller is being used, you  cannot start sewing by pressing the “Start/
    Stop” button.
     The foot controller cannot be used when  embroidering.
     The foot controller can be used for sewing  utility and decorative stitches when the 
    embroidery unit is attached.
    Memo
     The speed that is set using the sewing speed controller is the foot controller’s maxi-
    mum sewing speed. 
    						
    							SEWING
    Sewing Basics
    75
    2
    Changing Sewing Direction 
    Stop the machine. Leave the needle in the fabric, 
    and press the “Presser Foot Lifter” button to raise 
    the presser foot. Using the needle as a pivot, turn 
    the fabric so that you can sew in the new 
    direction. Press the “Presser Foot Lifter” button to 
    lower the presser foot and start sewing.
    The pivot setting is useful when changing the 
    sewing direction. When the machine is stopped at 
    the corner of the fabric, the machine stops with the 
    needle in the fabric and the presser foot is 
    automatically raised so the fabric can easily be 
    rotated (“Pivoting” on page 84).
    ■Sewing a Seam Allowance of 0.5 cm 
    or Less
    Baste the corner before sewing, and then, after 
    changing the sewing direction at the corner, pull the 
    basting thread toward the back while sewing.
    a 5 mm (approx. 3/16 inch) 
    Sewing Heavyweight Fabrics
    The sewing machine can sew fabrics up to 6 mm 
    (approx. 1/4 inch) thick. If the thickness of a seam 
    causes sewing to occur at an angle, help guide the 
    fabric by hand and sew on the downward slope.
    ■If the Fabric does not Fit under the 
    Presser Foot
    If the presser foot is in the up position, and you are 
    sewing heavyweight or multiple layers of fabric 
    which do not fit easily under the presser foot, use 
    the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot to its 
    highest position. The fabric will now fit under the 
    presser foot.
     CAUTION
     Do not forcefully push fabrics more than 
    6 mm (approx. 1/4 inch) thick through the 
    sewing machine. This may cause the needle to 
    break and cause injury.
     Thicker fabrics require a larger needle  (“CHANGING THE NEEDLE” on page 67).
    Memo
     You cannot use the presser foot lever after the presser foot has been raised using the 
    “Presser Foot Lifter” button. 
    						
    							SEWING
    76
    ■If the Fabric does not Feed
    If the fabric does not feed when starting to sew or 
    when sewing thick seams, press the black button on 
    the left side of presser foot “J”. 
    aRaise the presser foot. 
    bWhile keeping the black button on the left 
    side of presser foot “J” pressed in, press the 
    “Presser Foot Lifter” button to lower the 
    presser foot.
    cRelease the black button.
    → The presser foot remains level, enabling the fabric to 
    be fed.
    Sewing Hook-and-Loop Fastener
    Make sure that the needle passes through the 
    hook-and-loop fastener by rotating the handwheel 
    and lower the needle into the hook-and-loop 
    fastener before sewing. Sew the edge of the hook-
    and-loop fastener at a slow speed.
    If the needle does not pass through the hook-and-
    loop fastener, replace the needle with the needle 
    for thick fabrics (page 69).
    aEdge of the hook-and-loop fastener
    Sewing Lightweight Fabrics 
    Place thin paper or tear away embroidery 
    stabilizer under thin fabrics to make sewing easier. 
    Gently tear off the paper or the stabilizer after 
    sewing.
    aThin paper
    Memo
     Once the trouble spot has been passed, the 
    foot will return to its normal position.
     When “Automatic Fabric Sensor System”  (Automatic Presser Foot Pressure) in the 
    machine settings screen is set to “ON”, the 
    thickness of the fabric is automatically 
    detected by the internal sensor so the fabric 
    can be fed smoothly for best sewing results. 
    (see page 85 for details.)
     CAUTION
     Do not use adhesive backed hook-and-loop 
    fastener designed for sewing. If the adhesive 
    sticks to the needle or the bobbin hook race, it 
    may cause malfunction.
     If the hook-and-loop fastener is sewn with a  fine needle (65/9-75/11), the needle may bend 
    or break.
    Note
     Before starting to sew, baste the fabric and hook-and-loop fastener together. 
    						
    							SEWING
    Sewing Basics
    77
    2
    Sewing Stretch Fabrics
    First, baste together the pieces of fabric, and then 
    sew without stretching the fabric.
    In addition, a better result can be achieved by 
    using thread for knits or a stretch stitch.
    aBasting stitching
    Memo
     For best results when sewing stretch fabrics, 
    decrease the pressure of the presser foot 
    (“Using the Machine Setting Mode Key” on 
    page 35). 
    						
    							STITCH SETTINGS
    78
    STITCH SETTINGS
    When you select a stitch, your machine automatically selects the appropriate stitch width, stitch length, 
    and upper thread tension. However, if needed, you can change any of the individual settings.
    Setting the Stitch Width
    Follow the steps below when you want to change 
    the zigzag stitch pattern width.
    Example:
    Press   to narrow the zigzag stitch pattern 
    width. 
    →The value in the display gets smaller.
    Press   to widen the zigzag stitch pattern width. 
    →The value in the display gets bigger.
    Note
     Settings for some stitches cannot be changed (refer to the “STITCH SETTING CHART” at the end of 
    this manual).
     If you turn off the machine or select another stitch without saving stitch setting changes (“Saving Your  Stitch Settings” on page 92), the stitch settings will return to their default settings. 
    Memo
     For an alternate method of changing the stitch width using the speed controller, see 
    page 115.
    Memo
     Press   to return the stitch width to the 
    original setting.
    Note
     After adjusting the stitch width, slowly rotate the handwheel toward you (counterclock-
    wise) and check that the needle does not 
    touch the presser foot. If the needle hits the 
    presser foot, the needle may bend or break. 
    						
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