Brother PE 400D User Manual

C M Y KENGLISH882-147194147-011Printed in TaiwanOPERATION MANUAL®

7OTHER INCLUDED ACCESSORIES12345678910 11 1213 14 1516 17 18RRNo. Part Name Part Code1 Blind stitch foot “R” X56409-0012 Zipper foot “I” 103561-0023 B

97CLEANINGMAINTENANCECleaning the screenCAUTIONDisconnect the power cord from the wall socket before cleaning, otherwise injury or electricshocks may

98533. Turn the hand wheel towards you. Line up the shelf of racewith the notch of shuttle and remove race.1 Shuttle2 Notch of shuttle3 Race4 Shelf o

99CHANGING THE LIGHT BULBCAUTIONThe glass plate over the light bulb will be hot after running the machine. Please wait for it to cooloff before chang

100BEFORE TAKING YOUR MACHINE IN FOR SERVICETROUBLESHOOTINGBasic sewing machine maintenanceBefore calling for service, check the following items. If t

101• Mechanical troubleFINDING THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEMIf you have gone through the troubleshooting tips and are still unable to find the source of t

102Note* This machine comes equipped with an upper thread sensor to prevent the machine fromturning on if not properly threaded. If the machine doesn

103ERROR MESSAGESWarning messagesA warning buzzer will sound and error message flash on your screen if the “START/STOP” or “REVERSESTITCH” button are

104This message will appearwhen attempting to re-store a memory card pat-tern that has been savedto a different memorycard than the one insertedin the

105This message will appearif you press the “START/STOP” button while thefoot controller is attached.This message is dis-played if a non-buttonholepa

106NAME OF PATTERNPATTERNTYPE OF PRESSERFOOTUSESTITCH LENGTH BY STITCHADJUSTING KEYSTITCH WIDTH BY STITCHADJUSTING KEYREINFORCEMENTSTITCH KEYNAME OF P

8OPTIONS1 Embroidery frame set (Small) SA431 XA6630-0022Backing material (Stabilizer material)X80914-001Memory cardNo.1 Alphabet SA298 X58317-001No.2

107Utility stitchesCharacter embroidering chartFrame pattern embroidering chart

108ONE POINT MARK EMBROIDERY PATTERNPATTERNS (MEMORY CARD)<Embroidering times: 2 - 31 min. (It does not include the time needed to change colors.)&

C M Y KENGLISH882-147194147-011Printed in TaiwanOPERATION MANUAL®

9SELECTION KEYS1 “ ” KEYPress while in the pattern selection screens to goback one page. (also used in Save and Restorescreens)2 “ ” KEYPress to

10OPERATION BUTTONS1 Speed range control leverSlide this lever to change the sewing speed.2 “NEEDLE POSITION” buttonPress this button to move the need

111. Slide the sewing machine cover to the left and off the ma-chine.BASIC SEWING MACHINE OPERATIONFLAT BED EXTENSION TABLE2. With the cutout section

12POWER SUPPLY入切OIWARNING– When leaving the sewing machine unattended or when it is not being used, turn off the mainpower switch of the machine or

13USING THE SCREEN KEYSTouch a key on the screen with your finger to select thepattern which appears inside the key or to start thefunction or operati

14HOW TO CHANGE LANGUAGEWhile touching a selection key, turn the power off andthen back on again.Example: To change the display language toSpanish1. T

15How to clear the language selectionExample: To change the display language fromSpanish back to English1. Touch the “ENGLISH” key.This will cancel th

16BOBBIN WINDING / BOBBIN THREAD SETTINGNote:Always use bobbins that are especially made for this machine. Using bobbins not designed for thismachine

1“IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS”When using a sewing machine, basic safety precautions should always be taken,including the following:“Read all instruc

173. Set the thread spool. The thread end should come from thebottom front of the spool. The spool cap closest to the threadspool size should be used

18215. Guide the thread through the small hole in the side of the bob-bin from the inside. Align the groove in the bobbin with thespring on the shaft

19Setting the bobbin1. Slide open the bobbin cover.1 Bobbin cover2 Bobbin cover release button3. Guide the thread end through the slit, then pull the

20UPPER THREADINGCAUTIONAlways make sure to thread the machine properly asshown in the directions. If the machine is not threadedproperly, the thread

214. Guide the thread as illustrated by the numbers and arrow markson the machine. Threading is easy if you hold the thread gen-tly with your right ha

226. Run thread through the guide above the needle.HOW TO USE THE AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADERCAUTION- Be careful not to turn the machine on while using

231. Place the fabric under the presser foot, lower the presser foot,and then press the “START/STOP” button. The sewing ma-chine starts sewing.* Adjus

24STITCH SELECTION (UTILITY STITCHES)Press the “ ” key and “ ” keys to get to the screen ofthe stitch y ou wish to use . Then press the desired

25TRIAL SEWING1. When the machine is turned on, the straight stitch (left) is al-ways selected.2. Pass the thread underneath the presser foot and pull

264. Lower the presser foot. Press the “REVERSE STITCH” buttonto sew a reverse stitch, and then press the “START/STOP”button. The machine will start s

2FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTAAND CYPRUS ONLY.If your sewing machine is fitted with a three-pin non-rewireable BS plug then please read the followi

27STITCH WIDTH AND STITCH LENGTHYour machine will automatically set stitch length and width when a stitch is selected. See the followinginstructions

28Quick adjustment reference chart for stitch width and stitch lengthSTITCHStraight (Left)Straight (Middle)Triple stitchStretch stitchZigzagElastic zi

29STITCHPatchwork stitchFagotingTriple zigzagDecorative stitchDecorative stitchDecorative stitchDecorative stitchDecorative stitchDecorative stitchDec

30Turn the tension dial to the left to loosen the upper thread tension.1 Locks appear on surface of fabric.2 Surface3 Upper thread4 Bobbin thread5 Loo

31CAUTIONAlways make sure to turn the machine off and unplug it when changing presser feet. If the poweraccidentally comes on, the machine might star

321. Push the “NEEDLE POSITION” button to raise the needle,and then turn off the power.2. Remove the screw on the presser foot holder.1 Disk-shaped sc

33The feed dog adjustment lever can be seen at the back of thesewing machine. Sliding the lever to the left will lower the feeddogs, for example duri

34NEEDLECAUTION– Always make sure to turn the machine off before changing needles. There is a danger of injuryif the machine accidentally starts runn

35FABRIC/THREAD/NEEDLE COMBINATION CHARTBroad clothMedium Taffeta/SatinFlannel, GabardineLawnLightweight GeorgetteChallisDenimHeavy CorduroyTweedStret

36STRAIGHT STITCHES1 Straight (Left)2 Straight (Mid dle)UTILITY STITCHES12J1. Attach the J f oot. Handle thread and fabric with y our left handwhile

1CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSINGA BROTHER COMPUTER SEWING MACHINEYour machine is the most advanced computerized home use sewing machine available.To fully

37When sewing a straight stitch along the left edge of the f abric, youcan press the stitch width arro ws to mo ve the needle position fromleft to r i

383Sew slowly, while keeping the seams parallel with the f abric edgeas you guide the f abric around the cur ve.When the foot angles up at the approac

393Place thin paper or stabiliz er material under the fabric, and thenstart sewing.1 PaperThe free arm is handy when sewing hard-to-reach areas like h

40STRETCH STITCH AND TRIPLE STITCH1 Stretc h stitc h2 Reinforced stitc h12J5353Use on knit fabrics that stretch. Do not stretch f abric while sewing

41ZIGZAG STITCHESJThe zigzag stitch is handy f or overcasting or w orking with applique and patchw ork.Sew the o vercasting along the edge of the f ab

42353An attractive stitch can be achie ved when sewing around cor nersby using a narrow stitch width.Turn back the desired width of f abric and positi

43DOTTED ZIGZAGElastic zigza gJ5353Stretch elastic while se wing.1 Elastic BandUse when sewing stretchab le fabrics. Allow the needle to drop offover

44OVERCASTINGJFor use on medium or lightw eight f abrics. Attach the G f oot. Keepfoot guide along edge of f abric while sewing hem as illustrated i

45For use on stretchab le fabrics. Attach J f oot. Keep foot on theedge of f abric so that needle drops slightly o ver the edge of f abricwhile sewi

46BLIND HEM STITCHESR1. Fold the f abric and baste it as illustrated.1 0.5 cm (1/64”)2 Basting stitch3 Overcasting4 0.5 cm (1/64”)Use the on stretch

2WARNING LABELSThere should be several warning labels on your sewing machine.Please heed warning labels when operating the sewing machine.If you don&a

47Touch the “ ” key stitch width setting k ey. This moves theneedle closer to the f old.Touch the “ ” key stitch width setting k ey. This moves

48BUTTONHOLE STITCHESA1. Mark the positions of the b uttonholes on the f abric.* The maximum buttonhole length is 3 cm (1-3/16”) (total ofdiameter + t

495. Press the “START/STOP” button to star t the machine, whilegently holding the end of the upper thread.* Gently, feed the fabric by hand.* The mach

50Sewing stretch fabrics ( )35352. Lower the presser f oot and star t sewing.* Set the stitch width to match the diameter of the gimpthread.When sew

51BAR TACKINGA1. Attach p resser foot “A” and set the size by measuring the areato be b ar tacked.1 Scale2 0.5 cm (13/64”)3 Length of bar tac k* 0.5 t

525. Start the machine while holding the end of the upper threadgently.* The machine will sew a reinforcement stitch and stop au-tomatically after se

53APPLIQUESAPreparations:Attach the applique to the fabric. The applique should be at-tached with fabric glue or a basting stitch so that it will not

54SCALLOPJ1. Attach the J foot. While sewing, take care to leave a little spacebetween the stitches and the edge of the fabric.Use to put a decorativ

55PATCHWORK STITCHJPreparations:Press the seam open from the wrong side of the cloth.1 Straight stitch2 Seam allowance3 1 cm (3/8”)4 Reverse sideAttac

56ZIPPER INSERTION (CENTERED AND SIDE APPLICATION)IPreparations:Attach presser foot “J” and sew straight stitches up to the crotchend. Change to a bas

3CONTENTSSETTING UP... 5PRINCIPAL PARTS ... 5OTHER INCLUDED

57Preparations:Attach presser foot “J” and sew straight stitches up to the crotchend. Change to a basting stitch and sew to the top of the fabric.1 Re

584. Close zipper. Turn fabric over to the right side and baste.1 Left pressed edge of zip opening (wrong side)2 Right pressed edge of the zip openin

59SMOCKINGJSelect a straight stitch with a stitch length of 4.0 mm Reduce threadtension and sew a few rows of stitches about one centimeter apart.1 Ab

60BUTTON SEWINGM1. Raise the presser foot lever and slide the feed dog adjustmentlever to the right to lower the feed dog. ( )1 Feed dog adjustment le

615. Once sewing is completed, return the feed dog to its originalposition, pull the bobbin thread at the sewing end down andpull the upper thread at

62BEFORE YOU BEGINEMBROIDERINGJ1. Raise needle with the up-needle button. Turn power off.2. Loosen the screw on the foot holder and remove foot hold

633. Attaching the embroidery unitCAUTIONAlways make sure the power is off when attaching the embroidery unit or damage could result.1. Turn off sewin

64Removing embroidery unit1. Remove embroidery hoop. Push “ ” key. Push “ ”key. The carriage will move to the storage position.CAUTION– If the car

65CHOOSING EMBROIDERY PATTERNS (PART I)This computerized sewing machine comes with pre-programmed alphabet and patterns. You may also useoptional memo

66One-point patterns1. Push “ ” key.* If you are not at the screen shown in the diagram, simplypush “ ” key to come to this screen.*170and 270 me

4CHECKING THREAD COLORS AND TIMEREQUIRED ... 81Checking thread colors ...

673. The Sew screen will appear.* Pushing “ ” key will bring you back to the previousscreen.

68Borders1. Push “ ” key.* If you are not on the screen shown in the diagram, simplypush “ ” key to come to this screen.Allows you to select a bor

69LetteringPress “ ” key.* If you are not on the screen shown in the diagram, simplypush “ ” key to come to this screen.Example: For practice, try

70Numerals and punctuationPushing the “ ” key will take you to the Punctuation andNumber screens.Lower and upper case lettersThe “ ” key button al

71Selecting patterns from a memory card1. Turn off the power.2. Insert the memory card you wish to use into the card slot,which is located on the ri

72CHOOSING EMBROIDERY PATTERNS (PART II)If you accidentally choose the wrong design1. Press the “ ” key to go back to the previous screen.If you cho

73To make wordsExample: For practice, try entering the characters"ABCDEFGH"1. Press “ ” key. The letters will scroll across your screento

74EMBROIDERINGEmbroidering attractive finishesStabilizers– Use stabilizers to create beautiful embroider without puck-ering or poor stitch conformatio

75Setting the fabric into the embroidery frame1. Mark the fabric using a chalk pen or fabric marking pen toindicate the embroidering position.2. Loose

765. Press down into the outer frame so that the mark doesn’t moveout of place.1 Outer frame2 Inner frame3 Surface of fabric6. Remove the embroidery s

5SETTING UPPRINCIPAL PARTSBA123456789101112131415CD161– Handle2– Spool cap3– Thread guide for bobbin winding4– Upper tension control dial5– Speed rang

77Fitting the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit53121. Raise the presser foot to its highest position. Then pass theembroidery frame under the pr

78EmbroideringCAUTION– When sewing embroidery, Brother embroidering thread (X81164-001) must be used for thebobbin thread.– Check bobbin thread before

795. Change the thread to the next color and start sewing again.The machine will continue to stop for thread changes.6. Continue changing threads and

80THREAD TENSIONSet thread tension according to the fabric you are using with the tension dial.6 5 4 When doing machine embroidery, the tension dial s

81CHECKING THREAD COLORS AND TIME REQUIREDChecking thread colorsPress “ ” key. Colored sections will move one after anotherto the left, from the fi

82Checking time required to complete a patternPress “ ” key.The amount of time required for the pattern will be calculated anddisplayed on the scree

83CHOOSING EMBROIDERY PLACEMENT1. Press “ ” key to go to the edit screen.* You cannot choose or delete patterns from the “ ”key screen. If you wi

84Moving the embroidery locationUse directional arrows to change the placement of pattern on thefabric.CAUTIONDo not lower the needle while the hoop i

85Embroidering from a specific starting point1. Mark the point to begin embroidering as shown in the dia-gram.2. Press “ ” key. The embroidery hoop

86ROTATING AND MIRRORING PATTERNSRotating patterns1. Press “ ” key. Each time you press it, your design willrotate in 90° increments to the right.

6A. MAIN POWER SWITCH ANDCONNECTORS1 Power socketUse to connect machine to power supply.2 Main power switchUse to turn on/off the main power.3 Air ven

87CHANGING SIZE AND STITCH DENSITY OF CHARACTERS AND BORDERSTo change size1. Press “ ” key to go to the edit screen.* You cannot select or delete a

88To change stitch density (limited to certain alphabets and borders)1. Press “ ” key, then press “ ” key.2. Press “ ” key for a finer stitch de

89IF THE THREAD BREAKS DURING EMBROIDERYIf the upper thread breaks1. Stop the machine, raise the needle and foot, and rethread themachine.· If the bob

905. Lower the presser foot and push “START/STOP” button.· The machine might not start sewing right away after press-ing “ ” key or “ ” key . This

91EMBROIDERY APPLICATIONSCombining characters to form words1. Enter "ABC", press “ ” key, and then press “ ”key.2. Press “ ” key to mo

926. Use “ ” key to move the foot so the needlewill make its first stitch at the point it ended off "ABC".1 Needle position of last

93Embroidering appliques (using a frame pattern)1. Select the frame shape to be embroidered and select the“ ” stitch. Embroider onto the applique mat

94Embroidering onto small pieces of fabric or onto cornersUse a stabilizer to support the fabric while stitching. When finished, remove the stabilize

95MEMORYSaving groups of charactersFor example, to save the word “one” on page one.1. Enter the letters “ONE”.2. Press “ ” key.3. Use “ ” and “ ”

96Restoring saved designsFor example, to restore the word "GIRL".1. Press “ ” key.2. Press “ ” key.3. Press “ ” key.4. Pattern has been