Brother Super Ace 3 Manual
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99 4 ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— p Insert the bobbin case so that the S mark on the bobbin case aligns with the z mark on the machine. Align the S and z marks. aS mark bz mark cBobbin case Make sure that the indicated points are aligned before installing the bobbin case. qAttach the needle plate cover according to steps h and i in “Cleaning the race” (page 91). rCheck the condition of the needle, and then install it. If the needle is in a poor condition, for example, if it is bent, be sure to install a new needle. Refer to “Checking the needle” (page 30) and “Replacing the needle” (page 30). Note ●After completing this procedure, continue with the following procedure in “Checking machine operations” to check that the machine is operating correctly. Memo ●Since the needle may have been damaged when the fabric was caught in the machine, we recommend replacing it with a new one. ●Never use a bobbin case that is scratched, otherwise the upper thread may become tangled, the needle may break or sewing performance may suffer. For a new bobbin case (part code: XE7560-001), contact your nearest authorized service center. ●Make sure that you fit the bobbin case properly, otherwise the needle may break. CAUTION ●Never use bent needles. Bent needles can easily break, possibly resulting in injuries. CAUTION
100 APPENDIX ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— ■Checking machine operations If the needle plate has been removed, check machine operations to confirm that installation has been completed correctly. aTurn on the machine. bSelect (middle needle position stitch). Note ●Do not yet install the presser foot and thread. cSlowly turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise), and look from all sides to check that the needle falls at the center of the hole in the needle plate. If the needle contacts the needle plate, remove the needle plate, and then install it again, starting with step m in “Removing the fabric from the machine” (page 98). aHole in the needle plate bHandwheel d Select zigzag stitch . At this time, increase the stitch length and width to their maximum settings. For details on changing the settings, refer to “Adjusting the stitch length and width” (page 38). eSlowly turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) and check that the needle bar and feed dogs operate correctly. If the needle or feed dogs contact the needle plate, the machine may be malfunctioning; therefore, contact your nearest authorized service center. fTurn off the machine, and then install the bobbin and presser foot. Refer to “Lower threading” (page 20) and “Replacing the presser foot” (page 34). gCorrectly thread the machine. For details on threading the machine, refer to “Upper threading” (page 23). Note ●The thread may have become tangled as a result of incorrect upper threading. Make sure that the machine is correctly threaded. hPerform trial sewing with normal fabric. Note ●Incorrect sewing may be the result of incorrect upper threading or sewing thin fabrics. If there are poor results from the trial sewing, check the upper threading or the type of fabric being used.
101 4 ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— List of symptoms ■Before sewing SymptomPossible causeHow to put it rightReference The needle threader can not be used. (For models equipped with the needle threader lever.)You have not moved the needle holder to its highest position.Raise the needle either by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up or by pressing (needle position button) once or twice.page 23 The needle is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the needle. page 30 The sewing light does not come on.The sewing lamp is damaged.Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center.– The machine is not turned on. Turn on the machine. page 12 Bobbin thread does not wind neatly on the bob- bin.The thread is not passed through the bobbin-winding thread guide correctly.Correctly pass the thread through the bobbin-winding thread guide.page 17 Bobbin spins slowly. (for models equipped with the sewing speed controller.)Move the sewing speed controller to the right (so that the speed will be fast).page 19 The thread that was pulled out was not wound onto the bobbin correctly. (For models equipped with the fast bobbin winding system.)Wind the thread that was pulled off round the bobbin five or six times clockwise.page 18 The thread does not pass through the eye of the nee- dle. (For models equipped with the needle threader lever.)You have not moved the needle holder to its highest position.Raise the needle either by turning the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up or by pressing (needle position button) once or twice.page 23 The needle is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the needle. page 30 The needle threader lever does not lower to the correct position. (For models equipped with the needle threader lever.)The needle has not been raised to the correct position.Press the needle position button. page 23 While winding the bobbin, the bobbin thread was wound below the bobbin winder seat.You have not wound the bobbin thread properly.After removing the thread wound below the bobbin winder seat, wind the bobbin correctly.page 15
102 APPENDIX ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— ■While sewing SymptomPossible causeHow to put it rightReference The sewing machine does not work.The machine is not plugged in. Plug the machine in. page 12 The main power switch is turned off. Turn on the main power switch. page 12 The bobbin winder shaft is pushed to the right.Move the bobbin winder shaft to the left.page 18, 19 You have not used the foot controller properly.Use the foot controller properly. page 13 The foot controller or the start/stop button was not pressed (for models equipped with the start/stop button).Press the foot controller or the start/ stop button.page 39 The presser foot lever is raised. Lower the presser foot lever. page 39 The start/stop button was pressed, even though the foot controller is connected. (for models equipped with the start/stop button)Do not use the start/stop button when the foot controller is connected. To use the start/stop button, disconnect the foot controller.page 39 Fabric being sewn with the machine cannot be removed.Thread is tangled below the needle plate.Lift up the fabric and cut the threads below it, and clean the race.page 97 The needle breaks.The spool or spool cap is incorrectly installed.Correctly install the spool or spool cap.page 24 The upper thread was not threaded correctly.Correct the upper threading. page 23 The needle is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the needle. page 30 The needle clamp screw is loose.Use the disc-shaped screwdriver to firmly tighten the screw.page 31 The needle is bent or blunt. Replace the needle. page 30 You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle.Choose a thread and needle that are appropriate for the type of fabric. page 29 The presser foot you are using is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you want to sew.Attach the presser foot that is correct for the type of stitch that you want to sew.page 79 The upper thread tension is too tight. Loosen the upper thread tension. page 41 You are pulling the fabric too much. Lightly guide the fabric. – The area around the hole in the needle plate is scratched.Replace the needle plate. Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center.– The area around the hole in the presser foot is scratched.Replace the presser foot. Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center.– The bobbin case is scratched.Replace the bobbin case. Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center.– You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.Incorrect bobbins will not work properly. Only use a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.page 15
103 4 ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— The upper thread breaks.The upper thread was not threaded correctly (for example, the spool is not installed correctly, the spool cap is too big for the spool being used, or the thread has come out of the needle bar thread guide.)Correct the upper threading. Use the spool cap that best fits the size of the spool being used.page 23 There are knots or tangles in the thread.Remove any knots or tangles. – The needle is not appropriate for the thread you are using.Choose a needle that is appropriate for the type of stitch. page 29 The upper thread tension is too tight. Loosen the upper thread tension. page 41 The thread is tangled, for example, in the race.Remove the tangle thread. If the thread is tangled in the race, clean the race.page 89, 93 The needle is bent or blunt. Replace the needle. page 30 The needle is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the needle. page 30 The area around the hole in the needle plate is scratched.Replace the needle plate. Contact your retailer or the nearest authorised service center.– The area around the hole in the presser foot is scratched.Replace the presser foot. Contact your retailer or the nearest authorised service center.– The bobbin case is scratched, or has a burr on it.Replace the bobbin case. Contact your retailer or the nearest authorised service center.– You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.Incorrect bobbins will not work properly. Only use a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.page 15 The lower thread is tangled or breaks.You have not wound the bobbin thread properly.Wind the bobbin thread properly. page 15 The bobbin is scratched or does not turn smoothly.Replace the bobbin. – The thread is tangled.Remove the tangled thread and clean the race.page 89, 93 You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.Incorrect bobbins will not work properly. Only use a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.page 15 Bobbin is set incorrectly. Reset the bobbin thread correctly. page 20, 21 The fabric is wrinkled. You have not threaded the upper thread properly or fitted the bobbin properly.Thread the upper thread and wind the bobbin thread properly.page 20, 21, 23 The spool or spool cap is incorrectly installed.Correctly install the spool or spool cap.page 24 You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle.Choose a thread and needle that are appropriate for the type of fabric.page 29 The needle is bent or blunt. Replace the needle. page 30 If thin fabrics are being sewn, the stitch is too long or the fabric is not being fed correctly.Sew with the stabilizer material under the fabric.page 44 If thin fabrics are being sewn, the stitch is too coarse.Shorten the stitch length, or sew with stabilizer material under the fabric.page 38, 44 SymptomPossible causeHow to put it rightReference
104 APPENDIX ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— The fabric is wrinkled.The presser foot you are using is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you want to sew.Attach the presser foot that is correct for the type of stitch that you want to sew.page 79 The thread tension is incorrect. Adjust the tension of the upper thread. page 41, 96 Stitches are skipped.You have not threaded the upper thread properly.Correct the upper threading. page 23 You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle.Choose a thread and needle that are appropriate for the type of fabric.page 29 The needle is bent or blunt. Replace the needle. page 30 The needle is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the needle. Dust has accumulated under the needle plate or in the race.Remove the needle plate cover and clean the plate and the race.page 89 There is a high- pitched noise while sewing.Dust has built up in the feed dogs or in the race.Remove the needle plate cover and clean the plate and the race.page 89 You have not threaded the upper thread properly.Correct the upper threading. page 23 The bobbin case is scratched.Replace the bobbin case. Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center.– You have not used bobbin that has been designed for this machine.Incorrect bobbins will not work properly. Only use a bobbin that has been designed for this machine. page 15 The fabric does not feed.The feed dogs are lowered. Slide the feed dog position lever to .page 55, 65 The stitch is too fine. Lengthen the stitch length. page 38 You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle.Choose a thread and needle that are appropriate for the type of fabric.page 29 The thread is tangled, for example, in the race.Remove the tangle thread. If the thread is tangled in the race, clean the race.page 89, 93 The presser foot you are using is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you want to sew.Attach the presser foot that is correct for the type of stitch that you want to sew.page 79 The needle is bent or blunt. Replace the needle. page 30 Zigzag foot “J” is slanted on a thick seam at the beginning of stitching.Use the presser foot locking pin (black button on the left side) on zigzag foot “J” to keep the presser foot level while sewing.page 43 The fabric feeds in the opposite direction.The feed mechanism is damaged.Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center.– SymptomPossible causeHow to put it rightReference
105 4 ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— ■After sewing SymptomPossible causeHow to put it rightReference The upper thread has tightened up.The bobbin thread is incorrectly installed.Correctly install the bobbin thread. page 20, 92 The thread tension is incorrect.You have not threaded the upper thread properly.Correct the upper threading. page 23 You have not wound the bobbin thread properly.Wind the bobbin thread properly. page 15 The bobbin thread is incorrectly installed.Correctly install the bobbin thread. page 20 You have not threaded the right com- bination of thread and needle for the fabric you are using.Choose a thread and needle that are appropriate for the type of fabric. page 29 You have not attached the presser- foot holder properly.Attach the presser-foot holder properly.page 35 The thread tension is incorrect.Adjust the tension of the upper thread.page 41, 96 You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.Incorrect bobbins will not work properly. Only use a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.page 15 Bobbin is set incorrectly. Reset the bobbin thread correctly. page 20, 21 The thread is tangled on the wrong side of the fabric.You have not threaded the upper thread properly.Correct the upper threading. page 23, 93 The stitch is not sewn correctly.The presser foot you are using is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you want to sew.Attach the presser foot that is correct for the type of stitch that you want to sew.page 79 The thread tension is incorrect.Adjust the tension of the upper thread.page 41, 96 The thread is tangled, for example, in the race.Remove the tangle thread. If the thread is tangled in the race, clean the race.page 89, 93 The stitch adjustment level is incorrect.Adjust the stitch. page 77
106 APPENDIX ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— ERROR MESSAGES If an operation is performed incorrectly before the sewing machine is set up, an error message appears on the operation panel. Follow the instructions indicated in the table. If you press the stitch selection key or do the operation correctly while the error message is displayed, the message disappears. Note ●If error message “F1” through “F9” appears in the LCD while the sewing machine is being used, the machine may be malfunctioning. Contact your nearest authorized service center. Operation beep Each time a key is pressed you will hear one beep. If a non-functioning key is pressed or an incorrect operation is performed you will hear two or four beeps (only for models equipped with the operation beep). ■If a key is pressed (correct operation) One beep sounds. ■If an incorrect operation is performed or a non-functioning key is pressed Two or four beeps sound. ■If the machine locks up, for example, because the thread is tangled The sewing machine beeps for four seconds and the machine automatically stops. Be sure to check for the cause of the error, and correct it before continuing to sew. Error MessageProbable CauseSolution The foot controller was pressed (or the start/ stop button was pressed if the foot controller is not connected) and the reverse/reinforcement stitch button was pressed while the presser foot is raised.Lower the presser foot lever before continuing the operation. A stitch other than the buttonhole or bar tack stitch was selected and the foot controller was pressed (or the start/stop button was pressed if the foot controller is not connected) while the buttonhole lever is lowered.Raise the buttonhole lever before continuing the operation. The buttonhole or bar tack stitch was selected and the foot controller was pressed (or the start/stop button was pressed if the foot controller is not connected) while the buttonhole lever is raised.Lower the buttonhole lever before continuing the operation. The reverse/reinforcement stitch button or needle position button was pressed while the bobbin winder shaft is moved to the right.Move the bobbin winder shaft to the left before continuing the operation. The start/stop button was pressed while the foot controller was connected.Disconnect the foot controller, and then press the start/stop button. Otherwise, operate the machine by using the foot controller. The motor locked up because the thread is tangled.Clean the race to remove the tangled thread (p.93). After cleaning the race, insert the bobbin case properly. If the needle is bent or broken, replace the needle. Then, thread the upper thread properly, and continue the operation.
107 4 ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— i INDEX Numerics 3-point zigzag stitch ....................................................... 45 A accessories ....................................................................... 6 adjusting stitches ............................................................ 77 appliqués ....................................................................... 61 B bar tack .......................................................................... 66 basic stitching ................................................................ 47 blind hem stitching......................................................... 48 bobbin ........................................................................... 20 bobbin case.................................................................... 21 bobbin cover ...................................................... 9 , 20, 21 bobbin winder......................... 8, 15, 18, 101, 102, 106 button sewing................................................................. 55 buttonhole foot........................................................ 52 , 66 buttonhole lever ................................................. 9, 53, 67 buttonhole sewing .......................................................... 51 C character stitch indicator ......................................... 10, 73 checking characters........................................................ 75 combining characters ..................................................... 74 crazy quilt stitching ........................................................ 62 D darning.................................................................... 45, 59 deleting characters ......................................................... 75 E elastic tape ..................................................................... 59 error messages.............................................................. 106 extra spool pin ............................................................... 32 eyelet punch .................................................................. 54 F fagoting .......................................................................... 69 fast bobbin winding........................................................ 18 feed dog position lever ....................................... 8 , 55, 65 feed dogs............................................................ 9 , 55, 64 flat bed attachment............................................... 7, 8, 44 foot controller .................................................... 6, 13, 39 free-motion quilting........................................................ 64 H handwheel ................................................................ 8, 39 heirloom stitching .......................................................... 72 hook-and-loop fastener .................................................. 43 J joining............................................................................ 71 joining stitch ........................................................... 61, 68 M main parts ........................................................................ 8 main power switch ......................................................... 12 mirror image stitch indicator ................................... 10 , 37 monogramming ....................................................... 70, 72 N needle ............................................................................ 29 needle bar thread guide............................................. 9, 26 needle clamp screw .................................................. 9, 31 needle plate ..................................................................... 9 needle plate cover ..................................................... 9 , 89 needle position............................................................... 47 needle position button...................................................... 9 needle threader ......................................................... 9 , 26 O openings ........................................................................ 66 operation beep ...................................................... 14, 106 operation buttons ............................................................. 9 operation panel .............................................................. 10 optional accessories ......................................................... 7 overcasting stitches ........................................................ 45 P patchwork stitching ........................................................ 62 piecing ........................................................................... 62 pocket corners................................................................ 66 presser foot................................................................ 9 , 34 presser foot holder..................................................... 9 , 35 presser foot lever ....................................................... 9, 23 Q quick-set bobbin ................................................ 9, 21, 28 quilting........................................................................... 63 quilting foot.................................................................... 64 quilting guide .......................................................... 63 , 64 R race ................................................................................ 89 reinforcement stitching ................................................... 40 reverse/reinforcement stitch button............................ 9 , 40 S scallop stitching ............................................................. 70 seam ripper .................................................................... 54 sewing machine needles ................................................ 29 sewing speed controller............................................. 9 , 13 sewing the character stitches .......................................... 76 sleeve holes.................................................................... 66 smocking........................................................................ 70 spool cap .................................................... 6 , 10, 15, 24 spool pin .......................................................... 10, 15, 23 start/stop button......................................................... 9 , 39 stitch category selection key ...................... 10, 37, 73, 74 stitch length.................................................................... 38 stitch selection key .................................................. 10 , 74
108 APPENDIX ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— stitch settings .................................................................. 79 stitch width .................................................................... 38 straight stitch .................................................................. 47 stretch fabrics ................................................................. 44 T thick fabrics.................................................................... 42 thin fabrics ..................................................................... 44 thread cutter ................................................................... 40 thread tension ................................................................ 41 trial sewing..................................................................... 42 triple stretch stitch .......................................................... 47 troubleshooting .............................................................. 92 twin needle ............................................................. 31 , 32 U upper tension-control dial .................................. 8, 41, 96 upper threading .............................................................. 23 utility stitch indicator............................................... 10 , 37 W walking foot ................................................................... 63 wing needle ................................................................... 72 Z zigzag stitch ..................................................... 42, 45, 61 zipper foot...................................................................... 57 zipper insertion .............................................................. 57