Brother Super Ace 3 Manual

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Needle and presser foot section
aNeedle threader (for models equipped with the needle 
threader) (page 26) 
bButtonhole lever
Lower the buttonhole lever when sewing buttonholes 
and bar tacks.
cPresser foot holder
The presser foot is installed onto the presser foot holder.
dPresser foot holder screw
Use the presser foot holder screw to hold the presser 
foot holder in place.ePresser foot
The presser foot applies pressure consistently on the 
fabric as the sewing takes place. Attach the appropriate 
presser foot for the selected stitching.
fNeedle plate cover release
Use when removing the needle plate cover.
gNeedle plate cover
Remove the needle plate cover to clean the race.
hFeed dogs
The feed dogs feed the fabric in the sewing direction.
iQuick-set bobbin (for models equipped with the quick-
set bobbin)
You can start sewing without pulling up the bobbin thread.
jBobbin cover
Open the bobbin cover to set the bobbin.
kNeedle plate
The needle plate is marked with guides for sewing 
straight seams.
lNeedle bar thread guide
Pass the upper thread through the needle bar thread guide.
mPresser foot lever
Raise and lower the presser foot lever to raise and lower 
the presser foot.
nNeedle clamp screw
Use the needle clamp screw to hold the needle in place.
Operation buttons
The operation buttons help you to easily perform various basic sewing machine operations.
The operation buttons differ depending on the sewing machine model.
aReverse/reinforcement stitch button 
Press the reverse/reinforcement stitch button to sew 
reverse stitches. Reverse stitches are sewn by keeping 
the button pressed down to sew in the opposite 
direction. For details, refer to “Sewing reinforcement 
stitches” (page 40).
■Buttons provided on some models
bStart/stop button   (for models equipped with the 
start/stop button)
Press the start/stop button to start or stop sewing. The 
machine sews at a slow speed at the beginning of 
sewing while the button is depressed. When sewing is 
stopped, the needle is lowered in the fabric. For details, 
refer to “Starting to sew” (page 39).cNeedle position button   (for models equipped with 
the needle position button)
Press the needle position button to raise or lower the 
needle. Be sure to raise the needle before threading the 
needle. Use this button to change the sewing direction 
or for detailed sewing in small areas. Pressing the button 
twice sews one stitch.
dSewing speed controller (for models equipped with the 
sewing speed controller)
Slide the sewing speed controller to adjust the sewing 
speed. 
						

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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Operation panel
The operation panel, located on the front of the 
sewing machine, allows you to select a stitch and 
specify how the stitch will be sewn. 
The operation panel differs depending on the sewing 
machine model.
aLCD (liquid crystal display)
The number of the selected stitch (
1), the presser foot 
type to be used (2), the stitch length (mm) (3), and the 
stitch width (mm) (4) are displayed here.
bStitch selection keys
Press the stitch selection keys, and then select the 
number for the stitch that you wish to use. For details, 
refer to “Selecting a stitch” (page 37).
cStitch length adjustment key
Press this key to adjust the stitch length. (Press the “–” 
side to reduce the stitch length; press the “+” side to 
increase the stitch length.)
dStitch width adjustment key
Press this key to adjust the stitch width. (Press the “–” 
side to reduce the stitch width; press the “+” side to 
increase the stitch width.)
■Keys and indicators provided on some models
eStitch category selection key
Press this key to select desired stitch category. For 
details, refer to “Selecting a stitch” (page 37) .
fUtility stitch indicator
This indicator lights up when the utility stitch is selected 
with the stitch category selection key.
gMirror image stitch indicator
This indicator lights up when the mirror image stitch is 
selected with the stitch category selection key.
hCharacter stitch indicator (for models equipped with 
character stitches)
This indicator lights up when the character stitch is 
selected with the stitch category selection key.
Spool pin
As shown, press down on the spool pin lever with 
your finger to raise the spool pin.
■Storing the spool cap
The enclosed spool cap (large, medium, small) 
can be stored by attaching it to the spool pin as 
shown in the illustration. When attaching the 
spool cap, position it with the rounded side 
toward the spool pin.
5 786
●Do not grab the bar to raise the spool pin, 
otherwise, the spool pin may bend or break.
CAUTION 
						

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■Storing the spool pin
When placing the cover on the sewing machine 
before storing or if the spool pin will not be used, 
return the spool pin to its storage position. 
Remove the spool from the spool pin, and then 
fold up the spool pin, as shown in the illustration, 
until it snaps into place to secure it.
■Installing the spool pin
aIf the spool pin has been removed from the 
machine, insert the tab on the spool pin into 
the hole on the back of the machine, as 
shown.
aHole
bTab
b
Push the spool pin down until it locks into 
place. 
						

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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE
Power supply precautions
Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the power supply.
Power supply
aInsert the plug into a wall outlet.
aMain power switch
bJack/socket connector
b
Set the main power switch to “I”.
XThe sewing lamp comes on when the 
machine is turned on.
cTo turn off the machine, set the main power 
switch to “
{”.
XThe sewing lamp goes off when the 
machine is turned off.
Note
●If a power outage occurs while the sewing 
machine is being operated, turn off the 
sewing machine and unplug the power 
supply cord. When restarting the sewing 
machine, follow the necessary procedure to 
correctly operate the machine.
(For U.S.A. only)
●This appliance has a polarized plug (one 
blade wider than the other). To reduce the 
risk of electric shock, this plug is intended 
to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If 
the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, 
reverse the plug.
If it still does not fit, contact a qualified 
electrician to install the proper outlet. Do 
not modify the plug in any way.
●Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sources may result in 
fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine.
●Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and the power 
supply jack on the machine.
●Do not insert the plug on the power cord into an electrical outlet that is in poor condition.
●Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances:
 When you are away from the machine
 After using the machine
 When the power fails during use
 When the machine does not operate correctly due to a bad connection or a disconnection
 During electrical storms
●Use only the power cord included with this machine.
●Do not use extension cords or multi-plug adapters with many other appliances plugged in to them. Fire 
or electric shock may result.
●Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Electric shock may result.
●
When unplugging the machine, always turn off the main power first. Always grasp the plug to remove it from 
the outlet. Pulling on the cord may damage the cord, or lead to fire or electric shock.
●Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modified, forcefully bent, pulled, twisted, or bundled. 
Do not place heavy objects on the cord. Do not subject the cord to heat. These things may damage the 
cord and cause fire or electric shock. If the cord or plug is damaged, take the machine to your 
authorized dealer for repairs before continuing use.
●
Unplug the power cord if the machine is not to be used for a long period of time. Otherwise a fire may result.
WARNING
CAUTION
1
2 
						

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Foot controller
Insert the foot controller plug into its jack/socket on 
the rear side of the sewing machine.
aFoot controller jack/socket
When you press the foot controller down lightly, the 
machine will run at a low speed. When you press 
harder, the machine’s speed will increase. When you 
take your foot off the foot controller, the machine 
will stop. 
You should make sure that nothing is placed on the 
foot controller when the machine is not in use.
Note
●When the foot controller is plugged in, the 
start/stop button cannot be used to start 
sewing (only for models equipped with the 
start/stop button).
Sewing speed controller 
(for models equipped with 
the start/stop button)
aSlide the sewing speed controller to the left or 
right to select the desired sewing speed.
Slide the sewing speed controller to the left to 
sew at a slower speed, or slide the speed 
controller to the right to sew at a faster speed.
aSewing speed controller
 The speed set using the sewing speed 
controller is the foot controller’s maximum 
sewing speed.
Changing the needle stop position
Normally, the sewing machine is set to leave the needle in 
the fabric when sewing is stopped. Instead, the machine can 
be set to leave the needle raised when sewing is stopped.
aTurn off the sewing machine.
bHold down the “–” side of   (stitch selection 
key) on the left and turn on the sewing machine.
After turning on the sewing machine, release 
the “–” side of   (stitch selection key).
XThe needle stop position changes to the 
raised position.
Memo
 Perform the same operation to change the 
needle stop position to the lowered position.
●When connecting the foot controller, be sure 
to turn off the sewing machine in order to 
prevent the machine from accidentally being 
started.
●Do not allow pieces of cloth and dust to build 
up on the foot controller. Doing so could 
cause a fire or an electric shock.
CAUTION
Slower
Faster
CAUTION 
						

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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Changing the initial needle 
position
Normally, the straight stitch (left needle position) is 
automatically selected when the sewing machine is 
turned on. The machine can be set so that the 
straight stitch (center needle position) is 
automatically selected when it is turned on.
aTurn off the sewing machine.
bHold down the “+” side of   (stitch selection 
key) on the left and turn on the sewing 
machine.
After turning on the sewing machine, release 
the “+” side of   (stitch selection key).
XThe initial needle position changes to 
the center needle position.
Memo
●The specified initial needle position is 
maintained even after the machine is turned 
off.
●Perform the same operation to change the 
initial needle position to the left needle 
position.
Cancelling the operation beep
When the sewing machine is purchased, it is set to 
beep each time a key is pressed. This setting can be 
changed so that the machine does not beep.
aTurn off the sewing machine.
bHold down the “–” side of   (stitch width 
adjustment key) and turn on the sewing 
machine.
After turning on the sewing machine, release 
the “-” side of   (stitch width adjustment 
key).
XThe machine is now set so that it will 
not beep.
Memo
●Perform the same operation to change the 
setting so that machine beeps. 
						

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THREADING THE MACHINE
Winding the bobbin
This section describes how to wind the thread onto the bobbin.
 For details on the fast bobbin winding, see page 18.
aAs shown, press down on the spool pin lever 
with your finger.
XThe spool pin swings up.
bRemove the spool cap.
aSpool pin
bSpool cap
●Only use bobbins (part code: SA156, SFB: XA5539-151) that have been designed for this sewing 
machine. Using other bobbins may cause damage to the machine.
●We designed the bobbin that comes with this machine. If you use bobbins from other models, the 
machine will not work properly. Only use the bobbin that comes with this machine or bobbins of the 
same type (part code: SA156, SFB: XA5539-151).
aBobbin-winding 
thread guide
bBobbin winder shaft
cBobbin
CAUTION
Actual size
This model Other models 11.5 mm
(7/16 inch)
●Do not grab the bar to raise the spool pin, 
otherwise, the spool pin may bend or break.
CAUTION●Be sure to raise the spool pin when winding 
the bobbin. The thread may become tangled if 
the bobbin winder is used without raising the 
spool pin.
CAUTION 
						

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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
cFully insert the spool of thread for the bobbin 
onto the spool pin.
Slide the spool onto the pin so that the spool is 
horizontal and the thread unwinds to the front 
at the bottom.
dSlide the spool cap onto the spool pin.
With the slightly rounded side of the spool cap 
positioned toward the left, slide the spool cap 
onto the spool pin as far as possible to the right 
so that the spool is moved to the right end of 
the spool pin.
Memo
●When sewing with fine, cross-wound 
thread, use the small spool cap, and leave a 
small space between the cap and the spool.
aSpool cap (small)
bSpool (cross-wound thread)
cSpace
eWhile holding the spool with your right hand, 
and then pass the thread under the thread 
guide.
aThread guide
f
Pass the thread under the thread guide cover 
from the back to the front.
Hold the thread with your right hand so that 
there is no slack in the thread that is pulled out, 
and then pass the thread under the thread 
guide cover with your left hand.
aThread guide cover
●If the spool or the spool cap is not positioned 
correctly, the thread may become tangled 
around the spool pin or the machine may be 
damaged.
●Three spool cap sizes are available, allowing 
you to choose a spool cap that best fits the 
size of spool being used. If the spool cap is too 
small for the spool being used, the thread may 
catch on the slit in the spool or the machine 
may be damaged.
CAUTION
ac
b 
						

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g
Pull the thread to the right, pass it under the 
hook of the bobbin-winding thread guide, and 
then wind the thread counterclockwise 
between the discs, pulling it in as far as 
possible.
a Bobbin-winding thread guide
Make sure that the thread passes under the 
pre-tension disk.
bHook
c Pre-tension disk
d Pull it in as far as possible.
Note
●Make sure that the thread is pulled as far as 
possible into the pre-tension disk, otherwise 
the bobbin may not be wound cleanly.
hPut the bobbin onto the bobbin winder shaft 
and slide the bobbin winder shaft to the right. 
Turn the bobbin clockwise, by hand, until the 
spring on the shaft slides into the notch in the 
bobbin.
• Make sure to pull out 7 to 10 cm (2-3/4 to 
3-15/16 inches) of thread from the hole on 
the bobbin.
a Spring on the shaft
b Notch
c 7-10 cm (2-3/4 – 3-15/16 inches) i
Turn on the sewing machine.
jWhile holding the end of the thread, gently 
press the foot controller or press   (start/
stop button) (for models equipped with the 
start/stop button) to wind the thread around 
the bobbin a few times. Then stop the 
machine.
Note
●
If the sewing machine is to be operated 
using the foot controller, connect the foot 
controller before turning on the machine.
● When the foot controller is plugged in, the 
start/stop button cannot be used to start 
sewing (only for models equipped with the 
start/stop button).
kTrim the excess thread above the bobbin.
 Pull 1 cm (3/8 inch) of thread from the hole 
on the bobbin.
a 1 cm (3/8 inch)
●Pull the thread taut and hold the end of the 
thread straight up. If the thread is too short, 
not pulled taut or held at an angle, injuries 
may occur when the thread is wound around 
the bobbin.
● Make sure you follow the instructions 
carefully. If you do not cut the thread 
completely, and the bobbin is wound, when 
the thread runs low it may tangle around the 
bobbin and cause the needle to break.
CAUTION
1
CAUTION 
						

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KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
lSlide the sewing speed controller to the right 
(to set the speed to fast). (For models 
equipped with the sewing speed controller.)
aSewing speed controller
m
Press the foot controller or press   (start/
stop button) (for models equipped with the 
start/stop button) to start.
nWhen the bobbin seems full and begins 
spinning slowly, take your foot off the foot 
controller or press   (start/stop button) (for 
models equipped with the start/stop button).
oCut the thread, slide the bobbin winder shaft 
to the left and remove the bobbin.
pSlide the sewing speed controller back to its 
original position (for models equipped with 
the sewing speed controller).
Memo
● When the sewing machine is started or the 
handwheel is turned after winding the 
thread around the bobbin, the machine will 
make a clicking sound; this is not a 
malfunction.
● The needle bar does not move when you 
slide the bobbin winding shaft to the right.
■For models equipped with the fast bobbin 
winding system
aPlace the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft 
so that the spring on the shaft fits into the 
notch in the bobbin.
a Notch
b Bobbin winder shaft spring
b
Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the right.
cFollow steps a through g of the procedure 
in “Winding the bobbin” to pass the thread 
around the pre-tension disk (page 15).
dWhile holding the thread that wraps around the 
pre-tension disk with your left hand, use your 
right hand to wind the free end of the thread 
clockwise around the bobbin five or six times.
● Not winding the bobbin properly may cause 
the thread tension to loosen, and may break 
the needle.
a Wound evenly
b Wound poorly
CAUTION
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