Brother Super Ace 3 Manual

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Starting to sew
aRaise the needle by turning the handwheel 
toward you (counterclockwise) so that the mark 
on the wheel points up. (With models equipped 
with   (needle position button), raise the 
needle by pressing   once or twice.)
bRaise the presser foot lever.
aPresser foot lever
c
Place the fabric under the presser foot, pass 
the thread under the presser foot, and then 
pull out about 5 cm (2 inches) of thread 
toward the rear of the machine.
a5 cm (2 inches)d
While holding the end of the thread and the 
fabric with your left hand, turn the handwheel 
toward you (counterclockwise) with your 
right hand to lower the needle to the starting 
point of the stitching.
eLower the presser foot lever.
aPresser foot lever
f
On models equipped with a sewing speed 
controller, slide the sewing speed controller 
to the left or right to adjust the sewing speed. 
Refer to “Sewing speed controller (for models 
equipped with the start/stop button)” 
(page 13).
aSewing speed controller
g
Slowly press down on the foot controller. 
(With models equipped with   (start/stop 
button), if the foot controller is not connected, 
press  once.)
aStart/stop button
XThe machine starts sewing.
aMarkbNeedle position button
or
or 
						

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SEWING BASICS ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
hTake your foot off the foot controller, or press 
 (start/stop button) once (if the machine 
was started by pressing   (start/stop button)) 
(for models equipped with the start/stop 
button).
XThe machine stops sewing.
iRaise the needle by turning the handwheel 
toward you (counterclockwise) so that the 
mark on the wheel points up. (With models 
equipped with   (needle position button), 
raise the needle by pressing   once or 
twice.) 
This procedure is not necessary if the 
needle stop position has been set to the 
raised position (page 13).
jRaise the presser foot lever.
kPull the fabric to the left side of the machine, 
and then pass the threads upward from below 
through the thread cutter to cut them.
aThread cutter
Memo
●When the foot controller is plugged in, start/
stop button cannot be used to start sewing 
(for models equipped with the start/stop 
button).
●
When sewing is stopped, the needle remains 
lowered (in the fabric). The machine can be 
set so that the needle will stay up when 
sewing is stopped. For details on setting the 
machine so that the needles stay up when 
sewing is stopped, refer to “Changing the 
needle stop position” (page 13).
■Sewing reinforcement stitches
When sewing stitches other than straight or zigzag 
stitches that are secured with reverse stitching, 
pressing   (reverse/reinforcement stitch button) 
sews reinforcement stitches, 3 to 5 stitches on top 
of each other.
aReverse stitching
bReinforcement stitching
Memo
●Whether reverse stitches or reinforcement 
stitches are sewn depends on the stitch that 
is selected. For details, refer to “STITCH 
SETTINGS” (page 79).
1 
						

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Thread tension
The thread tension will affect the quality of your 
stitches. You may need to adjust it when you change 
fabric or thread.
Memo
●We recommend that you do a test sample 
on scrap of a fabric before you start to sew.
■Correct tension
Correct tension is important as too much or too 
little tension will weaken your seams or cause 
puckers on your fabric.
■Upper tension is too tight
Loops will appear on the surface of the fabric.
Note
●If the bobbin thread was incorrectly 
threaded, the upper thread may be too tight. 
In this case, refer to 
“Lower threading” 
(page 20)
 and rethread the bobbin thread.
Solution
Reduce the tension by turning the upper 
tension-control dial to a lower number.
Memo
●When you finish sewing, remove the 
bobbin cover and then make sure that the 
thread is shown as below. If the thread is 
not shown as below, the thread is not 
inserted through the tension-adjusting 
spring of the bobbin case correctly. Reinsert 
the thread correctly. For details, refer to 
page 20, 21.
■Upper tension is too loose
Loops appear on the wrong side of the fabric.
Note
●If the upper thread was incorrectly 
threaded, the upper thread may be too 
loose. In this case, refer to 
“Upper 
threading” (page 23)
 and rethread the upper 
thread.
Solution
Increase the tension by turning the upper 
tension-control dial to a higher number.
1
2
3
4
aWrong side
bSurface
cUpper thread
dLower thread
1
2
3
4
5
aWrong side
bSurface
cUpper thread
dLower thread
eLoops appear on 
surface of fabric
435
1
2
3
45
aWrong side
bSurface
cUpper thread
dLower thread
eLoops appear on 
wrong side of 
fabric
435 
						

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SEWING BASICS ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
USEFUL SEWING TIPS
Various ways to achieve better results for your sewing projects are described below. Refer to these tips when 
sewing your project.
Trial sewing
After you select a stitch, the machine automatically 
sets the stitch width and length for the stitch that is 
selected.
However, a trial piece of fabric should be sewn since, 
depending on the type of fabric and stitching being 
sewn, the desired results may not be achieved.
For the trial sewing, use a piece of fabric and thread 
that are the same as those used for your project, and 
check the thread tension and stitch length and width. 
Since the results differ depending on the type of 
stitching and the number of layers of fabric sewn, 
perform the trial sewing under the same conditions 
that will be used with your project.
Changing the sewing 
direction
aWhen the stitching reaches a corner, stop the 
sewing machine.
Leave the needle lowered (in the fabric). If the 
needle was raised, lower the needle either by 
turning the handwheel toward you 
(counterclockwise) or by pressing   (needle 
position button) once (for models equipped 
with the needle position button).
bRaise the presser foot lever, and then turn the 
fabric.
Turn the fabric using the needle as a pivot.
cLower the presser foot lever and continue 
sewing.
Sewing curves
Stop sewing, and then slightly change the sewing 
direction to sew around the curve.
When sewing along a curve while using a zigzag 
stitch, select a shorter stitch length in order to obtain 
a finer stitch.
Sewing thick fabrics
■If the fabric does not fit under the presser foot
If the fabric does not fit easily under the presser 
foot, raise the presser foot lever even higher to 
bring the presser foot to its highest position. ●When using the twin needle, be sure to raise 
the needle before changing the sewing 
direction. If the fabric is turned while the 
needle is lowered, the needle may bend or 
break.CAUTION 
						

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■If thick seams are being sewn and the fabric does 
not feed at the beginning of stitching
The fabric may not feed when thick seams are 
being sewn and the presser foot is not level, as 
shown below. In this case, use the presser foot 
locking pin (black button on the left side of zigzag 
foot “J”) so that the presser foot remains level 
while sewing, allowing the fabric to be fed 
smoothly.
aSewing direction
a
Raise the presser foot lever.
bAlign the beginning of stitching, and then 
position the fabric.
cWhile holding zigzag foot “J” level, hold the 
presser foot locking pin (black button on the 
left side) pressed in, and lower the presser 
foot lever.
aPresser foot locking pin (black button)
d
Release the presser foot locking pin (black 
button).
XThe presser foot remains level, allowing 
the fabric to be fed.
 After the seam is sewn, the presser foot will 
return to its original angle.
Sewing hook-and-loop 
fastener
Note
●Before start sewing, baste together the fabric 
and the hook-and-loop fastener.
Make sure that the needle passes through the hook-
and-loop fastener by turning the handwheel and 
lower the needle into the hook-and-loop fastener 
before sewing. And then, 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 29). 
aEdge of the hook-and-loop fastener
●If fabric more than 6 mm (15/64 inch) thick is 
sewn or if the fabric is pushed with too much 
force, the needle may bend or break.
●Use only the ungummed hook-and-loop 
fastener which is for sewing. If the glue is 
attached to the needle or the bobbin hook 
race, it may cause malfunction.
●If the hook-and-loop fastener is sewn with the 
thin needle (65/9-75/11), the needle may 
bend or break.
CAUTION
CAUTION 
						

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SEWING BASICS ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Sewing thin fabrics
When sewing thin fabrics, the stitching may become 
misaligned or the fabric may not feed correctly. If 
this occurs, place thin paper or stabilizer material 
under the fabric and sew it together with the fabric. 
When you have finished sewing, tear off any excess 
paper.
aStabilizer material or paper
Sewing stretch fabrics
First, baste the pieces of fabric together, and then 
sew without stretching the fabric.
aBasting
Stitching cylindrical pieces
Removing the flat bed attachment makes it easier to 
sew cylindrical pieces such as cuffs and pant legs, or 
hard-to-reach areas.
aSlide the flat bed attachment to the left to 
release it.
aFlat bed attachment
XWith the flat bed attachment removed, 
free-arm sewing is possible.
 When sewing cylindrical pieces, follow the 
next step.
Note
●When you are finished with free-arm 
sewing, install the flat bed attachment back 
in its original position.
bSlide the part that you wish to sew onto the 
arm, and then sew from the top. 
						

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3UTILITY STITCHES
OVERCASTING STITCHES
You can use the overcasting stitches to join together seams and finish them in one operation. They are also 
useful for sewing stretch materials.
*Do not use reverse stitching. **Select a stitch width of 5.0 mm (3/16 inch) or less.
Using zigzag foot
aAttach zigzag foot “J”.
bSelect a stitch.
 For details, refer to “Selecting a stitch” 
(page 37).
cSew with the edge of the fabric.
aNeedle drop point
Stitch NamePatternPresser Foot
Pattern 
No.Application
Stitch Width
[mm (inch.)]Stitch Length 
[mm (inch.)]
Twin NeedleWalking FootReverse 
(Rev.
)/
Reinforcement (Rfc.
) 
StitchingAuto
Manual
Auto
Manual
Zigzag stitchJ 04 Overcasting and attaching appliqués3.5 (1/8)
0.0–7.0
(0–1/4)1.4 (1/16)
0.0–4.0
(0–3/16)**
Yes
( J )*
YesRev.
3-point zigzag 
stitchJ05Overcasting on medium weight or 
stretch fabrics, attaching elastic, 
darning, etc.5.0 (3/16)
1.5–7.0
(1/16–1/4)1.0 (1/16)
0.2–4.0
(1/64–3/16)**
Yes
( J )No Rfc.
Overcasting 
stitchG06Overcasting on thin or medium 
weight fabrics3.5 (1/8)
2.5–5.0
(3/32–3/16)2.0 (1/16)
1.0–4.0
(1/16–3/16)No No Rfc.
G 07 Overcasting on thick fabrics5.0 (3/16)
2.5–5.0
(3/32–3/16)2.5 (3/32)
1.0–4.0
(1/16–3/16)No No Rfc.
J 08 Overcasting on stretch fabrics5.0 (3/16)
0.0–7.0
(0–1/4)2.5 (3/32)
0.5–4.0
(1/32–3/16)**
Yes
( J )No Rfc.
J09Overcasting on thick or stretch fab-
rics5.0 (3/16)
0.0–7.0
(0–1/4)2.5 (3/32)
0.5–4.0
(1/32–3/16)**
Yes
( J )No Rfc.
●Be sure to turn off the main power before replacing the presser foot. Otherwise, injuries may occur if 
the foot controller or  (start/stop button) is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
CAUTION 
						

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UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Using overcasting foot
aAttach overcasting foot “G”.
bSelect stitch or .
 For details, refer to “Selecting a stitch” 
(page 37).
cPosition the fabric with the edge of the fabric 
against the guide of the presser foot, and then 
lower the presser foot lever.
aGuide
d
Slowly turn the handwheel toward you 
(counterclockwise) and check that the needle 
does not touch the presser foot.
eSew with the edge of the fabric against the 
presser foot guide.
aNeedle drop point
●After adjusting the stitch width, slowly turn 
the handwheel toward you 
(counterclockwise) and check that the needle 
does not touch the presser foot. If the needle 
hits the presser foot, the needle may bend or 
break.
aCheck that the needle does not touch the 
presser foot.
1
CAUTION 
						

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BASIC STITCHING
Straight stitches are used for sewing plain seams. Three stitches are available for basic stitching.
*Do not use reverse stitching. **Select a stitch width of 5.0 mm (3/16 inch) or less.
Basic stitching
aBaste or pin together the fabric pieces.
bAttach zigzag foot “J”.
cSelect a stitch.
 For details, refer to “Selecting a stitch” 
(page 37).
dLower the needle into the fabric at the 
beginning of the stitching.
eStart sewing.
 For details, refer to “Starting to sew” 
(page 39).
 For details on sewing reverse/reinforcement 
stitches, refer to “Sewing reinforcement 
stitches” (page 40).
fWhen sewing is finished, cut the thread.
 For details, refer to “Starting to sew” 
(page 39).
■Changing the needle position
With the straight stitch (left needle position) and 
the triple stretch stitch, the needle position can be 
adjusted. Pressing the “+” side of the stitch width 
adjustment key moves the needle to the right; 
pressing the “–” side of the stitch width 
adjustment key moves the needle to the left.
aStitch width
bStitch width adjustment key
cLeft needle position
dRight needle position
Stitch NamePatternPresser Foot
Pattern 
No.Application
Stitch Width
[mm (inch.)]Stitch Length 
[mm (inch.)]
Twin NeedleWalking FootReverse 
(Rev.
)/
Reinforcement (Rfc.
) 
StitchingAuto
Manual
Auto
Manual
Straight
LeftJ00Basic stitching, sewing gathers or 
pintucks, etc.0.0 (0)
0.0–7.0
(0–1/4)2.5 (3/32)
0.2–5.0
(1/64–3/16)**
Yes
( J )*
YesRev.
CenterJ01Attaching zippers, basic stitching, 
and sewing gathers or pintucks, etc.3.5 (1/8)
0.0–7.0
(0–1/4)2.5 (3/32)
0.2–5.0
(1/64–3/16)**
Yes
( J )*
YesRev.
Triple stretch 
stitchJ02Attaching sleeves, sewing inseams, 
sewing stretch fabrics and decora-
tive stitching 0.0 (0)
0.0–7.0
(0–1/4)2.5 (3/32)
1.5–4.0
(1/16–3/16)**
Yes
( J )No Rfc.
●Be sure to turn off the main power before replacing the presser foot. Otherwise, injuries may occur if 
the foot controller or   (start/stop button) is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
CAUTION 
						

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UTILITY STITCHES —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
BLIND HEM STITCHING
You can use the Blind Hem Stitch to finish the edge of a project, like the hem of a pair of trousers, without the stitch showing.
Memo
●When selecting stitch   or  . Stitch numbers “0”, “-1”, “-2” or “-3” may be displayed on the LCD by 
pressing “-” side of the stitch width adjustment key, then the needle drop point will be changed to the 
left. Stitch numbers “0”, “1”, “2” or “3” may be displayed on the LCD by pressing “+” side of the stitch 
width adjustment key, then the needle drop point will be changed to the right.
●When the size of cylindrical pieces is too small to slide onto the arm or the length is too short, the 
fabric will not feed and desired results may not be achieved.
aReverse the skirt or pants.
aWrong side of fabric
bRight side of fabric
cEdge of fabric
dBottom sideb
Fold the fabric along the desired edge of the 
hem, and press.
Stitch NamePatternPresser Foot
Pattern 
No.Application
Stitch Width
[mm (inch.)]Stitch Length 
[mm (inch.)]
Twin NeedleWalking FootReverse 
(Rev.
)/
Reinforcement (Rfc.
) 
StitchingAuto
Manual
Auto
Manual
Blind hem stitchR10Blind hem stitching on medium 
weight fabrics0 (0)
-3← →32.0 (1/16)
1.0–3.5
(1/16–1/8)No No Rfc.
R11Blind hem stitching on stretch fab-
rics0 (0)
-3← →32.0 (1/16)
1.0–3.5
(1/16–1/8)No No Rfc.
●Be sure to turn off the main power before replacing the presser foot. Otherwise, injuries may occur if 
the foot controller or   (start/stop button) is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
CAUTION
2
1
3
4
aWrong side of fabric
bRight side of Fabric
cEdge of fabric
dDesired edge of hem



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