Brother 885-V15 Instruction Manual

Operation ManualComputerized Sewing MachineProduct Code: 885-V15GETTING READYSEWING BASICSUTILITY STITCHESAPPENDIXBe sure to read this document before

8IntroductionThank you for choosing this product.Before using this sewing machine, carefully read “Important Safety Instructions”, and then study this

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————98jUse the enclosed disc-shaped s

994qAttach the needle plate cover according to steps i in “Cleaning the race” on page 90.rCheck the condition of the needle, and then install it.If th

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————100gCorrectly thread the machine.

1014cSlide the bobbin winder shaft to the left, and then remove the bobbin from the shaft.dHold the thread end with your left hand, and wind off the t

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————102List of symptomsSymptom Probab

1034The upper thread breaks.The upper thread was incorrectly threaded (for example, the spool is incorrectly installed or the thread has come out of t

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————104The thread tension is incorrec

1054The thread does not pass through the eye of the needle.The needle was not raised.Press (needle position button) once or twice to raise the needl

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————106Error messagesIf the sewing ma

1074Operation beepEach time a key is pressed or an incorrect operation is performed, a beep is sounded. For a correct operationOne beep is sounded.

9Needle and presser foot sectiona Needle threader leverUse the needle threader to thread the needle.b Buttonhole leverLower the buttonhole lever when

108IndexNumerics1/4 inch quilting foot...121/4 inch quilting foot with guide ...

109smocking...80spool cap ...

English885-V15Printed in ChinaXF6232-001

10Operation panelThe operation panel, located on the front of the sewing machine, allows you to select a stitch and specify how the stitch will be sew

11AccessoriesAfter opening the box, check that the following accessories are included. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your dealer.Include

12Optional accessoriesThe following are available as optional accessories to be purchased separately.Memo● To obtain optional accessories or parts, co

1311 GETTING READYTurning the Machine On/OffThis section explains how to turn the sewing machine on and off.Power supply precautionsBe sure to observe

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————14Turning on the machinePrepare t

151Preparing for Upper and Lower ThreadingWinding the bobbinWind the thread onto the bobbin.aTurn on the sewing machine.bPlace the bobbin on the bobbi

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————16fSlide the spool cap onto the s

171iPull the thread to the right, pass it under the hook of the bobbin-winding thread guide, and then wind the thread counterclockwise between the dis

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————18Memo● When the sewing machine i

191eWhile lightly holding down bobbin with your right hand as shown, guide the thread through the slit (1 and 2).• At this time, check that the bobbin

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————20Threading the upper threadIn th

211a Mark on handwheeleTurn off the sewing machine.fSwing up the spool pin, and then remove the spool cap.a Spool pinb Spool capgFully insert the spoo

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————22iWhile holding the spool with y

231oWhile lowering the needle threader lever, hook the thread onto the guide.a Needle threaderb Threadc GuidepCatch the thread on the hook as shown be

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————24cRaise the presser foot lever.a

251fThread the upper thread for the right side in the same way that the upper thread for the left side was threaded.a Thread guide cover• For details,

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————26lStart sewing.• For details on

271Replacing the NeedleThis section provides information on sewing machine needles.Needle precautionsBe sure to observe the following precautions conc

1IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSPlease read these safety instructions before attempting to use the machine.DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————28Needle types and their usesThe

291Checking the needleSewing with a bent needle is extremely dangerous since the needle may break while the machine is being operated.Before using the

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————30dLoosen the needle clamp screw

311Replacing the Presser FootPresser foot precautionsBe sure to observe the following precautions concerning the presser feet.Replacing the presser fo

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————32ePlace the presser foot to be i

331 Attaching the presser foot holderaAlign the presser foot holder with the presser bar.a Presser barb Presser foot holderbHold up the presser foot

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————34cLower the presser foot lever,

351Useful FunctionsFunctions useful in improving sewing efficiency are described below.Changing the needle stop positionNormally, the sewing machine i

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————36Changing the initial needle pos

371Sewing Cylindrical or Large PiecesWhen sewing cylindrical or large pieces of fabric, remove the flat bed attachment. Stitching cylindrical piecesRe

24 Always keep your work area clear:• Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foo

GETTING READY ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————38cInstall the wide table.Keeping

3922 SEWING BASICSStarting to SewBasic sewing operations are described below.Before operating the sewing machine, read the following precautions.Sewin

SEWING BASICS ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————40Selecting a stitchSelect each s

412cPress “+” or “–” side of (stitch width key) to adjust the stitch width.a Stitch width keyb Stitch widthc Narrowd WideMemo● When the stitch lengt

SEWING BASICS ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————42dWhile holding the end of the t

432bPress (start/stop button) once.a Start/stop buttonThe machine starts sewing.• If you continue pressing the (start/stop button) immediately aft

SEWING BASICS ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————44eOnce you are ready to start se

452cAfter sewing 3 to 5 stitches, press (reverse/reinforcement stitch button).Keep (reverse/reinforcement stitch button) held down until you reach

SEWING BASICS ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————46Cutting the threadaWhen you wis

472eAfter reaching the end of the stitching, press the reverse/reinforcement stitch button once.a Reverse/reinforcement stitch button• This step is no

38 For repair or adjustment:• If the Light unit (light-emitting diode) is damaged, it must be replaced by authorized dealer.• In the event a malfuncti

SEWING BASICS ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————48Useful Sewing TipsVarious ways

492 If thick seams are being sewn and the fabric does not feed at the beginning of stitchingThe fabric may not feed when thick seams are being sewn an

SEWING BASICS ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————50Sewing hook-and-loop fastenerNo

512Pulling up the bobbin threadWhen making gathers or before free-motion quilting, first pull up the bobbin thread as described below.aInsert the bobb

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————523 UTILITY STITCHESOvercastingSew overcasting along the edges of

533Sewing overcasting stitches using zigzag foot “J”aTurn on the machine.bWith the pattern selection dial, select , or .cAttach zigzag foot “J”.• Fo

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————54Basic StitchingStraight stitches are used for sewing plain seam

553Blind Hem StitchingThe bottoms of skirts and pants are hemmed. Two stitches are available for blind hem stitching.The values below “Auto” are set w

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————56ePosition the fabric with the edge of the folded hem against th

573Buttonhole StitchingButtonholes can be sewn. Five stitches are available for sewing buttonholes.The values below “Auto” are set when the pattern is

4FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY IMPORTANT• In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362, i.e. car

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————58Buttonholes with a maximum length of 30 mm (1-3/16 inches) (dia

593aUse chalk to mark on the fabric the position and length of the buttonhole.a Marks on fabricb Button hole sewingbPull out the button guide plate of

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————60hPull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible.a Buttonhole

613 Changing the stitch widthPress the “+” or “–” side of the stitch width key to adjust the stitch width.a Stitch width keyb Stitch widthc Narrowd W

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————62Button sewingButtons can be sewn on with the sewing machine. Bu

633iStart sewing.Set the sewing speed controller to the left (so that the speed will be slow).X The sewing machine automatically stops after sewing re

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————64Zipper InsertionA zipper can be sewn in place.The values below

653eAlign the seam with the center of the zipper, and then baste the zipper in place.a Wrong side of fabricb Basting stitchingc ZipperfWith the patter

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————66aTurn on the machine.bAttach zigzag foot “J” and sew straight s

673iSew the zipper to the piece of fabric with the extra 3 mm (1/8 inch), starting from the base of the zipper. jWhen you are about 5 cm (2 inches) fr

5ContentsIMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ...1Introduction ...

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————68Sewing Stretch Fabrics and Elastic TapeStretch fabrics can be s

693cWith the pattern selection dial, select stitch .dAttach zigzag foot “J”.• For details, refer to “Replacing the presser foot” (page 31).eSew the e

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————70Appliqué, Patchwork and Quilt StitchingEight stitches are avail

713Appliqué stitchingaCut out the appliqué, leaving a seam allowance of between 3 and 5 mm (1/8 and 3/16 inch).a Seam allowancebPlace a pattern made o

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————72PiecingSewing together two pieces of fabric is called “piecing”

733aInsert the stem of the quilting guide into the hole at the rear of the walking foot or presser foot holder. Walking foot Presser foot holderbAdj

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————74dHold the quilting foot in place with your right hand, and then

753Reinforcement StitchingReinforce points that will be subject to strain, such as sleeve holes, inseams and pocket corners.The values below “Auto” ar

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————76Bar tack stitchingBar tacks are one type of reinforcement stitc

773gPull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible.a Buttonhole leverThe buttonhole lever should be positioned behind the metal bracket on the butt

6Sewing curves ...

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————78Decorative stitchingVarious decorative stitches can be sewn wit

793FagotingStitching across an open seam is called “fagoting”. It is used on blouses and children's clothing. This stitch is more decorative when

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————80cAttach monogramming foot “N”.dStitch along the edge of the fab

813Shell tuck stitchingThe gathers that look like shells are called “shell tucks”. They are used to decorate trims, the front of blouses or cuffs made

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————82Heirloom stitchingWhen sewing with the wing needle, the needle

833dWith the right side of the fabric facing up, sew along the right edge of the frayed section.eTurn the fabric around to sew the opposite side.fSew

UTILITY STITCHES ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————84Using the side cutter (optional)By using the optional side cutt

853fPosition the side cutter so that the side cutter pin is aligned with the notch in the presser foot holder, and then slowly lower the presser foot

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————864 APPENDIXStitch settingsApplic

874Overcasting stitchGPreventing fraying in thick fabrics and fab-rics that fray easily5.0(3/16)3.5–5.0(1/8–3/16)2.5(3/32)1.0–4.0(1/16–3/16)No No Rein

7Troubleshooting ...93Frequent troublesho

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————88Fagoting stitchJFagoting, smock

894Buttonhole stitchAKeyhole buttonholes for thick or furry fabrics7.0(1/4)3.0–7.0(1/8-1/4)0.5(1/32)0.3–1.0(1/64-1/16)No NoAutomatic ReinforcementBar

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————90MaintenanceSimple sewing machin

914gUse the enclosed cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any lint and dust from the race and its surrounding area.a Cleaning brushb Race• Do

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————92dReturn the needle plate to its

934TroubleshootingIf the machine stops operating correctly, check the following possible problems before requesting service.You can solve most problem

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————94dWhile holding the bobbin in pl

954dRaise the presser foot using the presser foot lever.a Presser foot lever• If the presser foot is not raised, the sewing machine cannot be threaded

APPENDIX ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————96Incorrect thread tension Sympt

974Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removedIf the fabric is caught in the sewing machine and cannot be removed, the thread may have becom