brother PQ1500S Sewing Machine Instruction Manual

brother PQ1500S Sewing Machine

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

“Read all instructions before using.”
When using a sewing machine, basic safety precautions should always be taken, including the following:

DANGER – To reduce the risk of electric shock:

• The sewing machine should never be left unattended while plugged in. Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
• Always unplug before changing the light bulb. Replace bulb with same type rated 120V 15 watts for 120V model or rated 240V 15 watts for the 220-240V model.

WARNING – To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury

• Do not allow this sewing machine to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the sewing machine is used by or near children.
• Use this sewing machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
• Never operate this sewing machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the sewing machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
• Never operate the sewing machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot control free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
• Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
• To disconnect, turn the main switch to the symbol “O” position which represents off, then remove plug from outlet.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Keep your fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
• Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
• Do not use bent needles.
• Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.
• Turn off power to the machine by flipping the ON/OFF switch to the symbol “O” before making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the bobbin or changing the presser foot etc.
• Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.
• This sewing machine is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
• Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with this sewing machine.

CAUTION 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.

SAV E THESE INSTRUCTIONS
“This sewing machine is intended for household use.”

FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY

If your sewing machine is fitted with a three-pin non-rewireable BS plug then please read the following.

IMPORTANT
If the available socket outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, it should be cut off and an appropriate three-pin plug fitted. With alternative plugs an approved fuse must be fitted in the plug.

NOTE
The plug served from the main lead must be destroyed as a plug with bared flexible cords is hazardous if engaged in a live socket outlet. In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362, i.e. carrying the mark, rating as marked on plug.
Always replace the fuse cover, and never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted.

WARNING
DO NOT CONNECT EITHER WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL WHICH IS MARKED WITH THE LETTER ‘E’, BY THE EARTH SYMBOL OR GREEN AND YELLOW.
The wires in this main lead are colored in accordance with the following code:

• Blue Neutral
• Brown Live

As the colors of the wiring in the main lead of this appliance may not correspond with the colored markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows.
The wire which is colored blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘N’ or colored black or blue.
The wire which is colored brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘L’ or colored red or brown.

CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSING A BROTHER SEWING MACHINE

• Your machine is one of the finest sewing machines available for home use.
• To fully enjoy all the features incorporated into it, we suggest that you study this booklet.
• PLEASE READ BEFORE USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

For safe operation

•  Be sure to watch the placement of your hands in relation to the needle while sewing. Do not touch moving parts such as the balance wheel, thread take-up or needle while the machine is operating.
• Remember to turn off the power switch and unplug the cord when:
• Operation is completed
• Replacing or removing the needle or any other parts
• A power failure occurs during use
• Maintaining the machine
• Leaving the machine unattended
• Do not place anything on the foot controller.
• Plug the machine directly into the wall outlet. Do not use extension cords.

For a longer service life

• When storing your sewing machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not store the sewing machine beside a space heater, iron, or other hot objects.
• Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the case. Benzene, thinner, and scouring powders can damage the case and machine, and should never be used.
• Do not drop or hit the machine.
• Always consult the operation manual when replacing any accessories, including: the presser feet, needle or other parts to assure correct installation.

For repair or adjustment
In the event that a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, first follow the troubleshooting table in the back of the operation manual to inspect and adjust the machine yourself. If the problem persists, please consult your nearest authorized Brother service center.
To find out the name and phone number for your authorised Brother service center visit www.brother.com and use our convenient dealer locator.

Accessories

(ORGAN HLX5)  2 Size 11

• 1 Size 14
• 1 Size 16
• 1 Ballpoint Needle

| X80805-001
7| Lining Plate Screw (2)| 062670-812
8| Fabric Separator| 184720-001
9| Feed Pin| 138483-001
10| Feed Pin Changer| XC1407-051
11| General Purpose Foot| XA1425-001
12| Bobbin (5)| SA159
13| Spool Cap| XA2111-000
14| Rolled Hem Foot| X57138-001
15| Zipper Foot| 112797-001
16| Invisible Zipper Foot| 148475-001
17| 1/4” Foot| XA7258-001
18| Quilting Foot| XA7255-201
19| Walking Foot| XA7253-001
20| Seam Guide| XA7256-001
21| Foot Controller| XC1220-051
22| Fabric Extension Table| XC1387-051

Note
Foot controller: Model
This foot controller is used for the sewing machine model PQ1500S.

Machine Features

Before You Begin (1)

Power Cord and Foot Controller

Note
Please use common household current.

• Plug in cord.
• Plug the foot controller into the machine.

Note
Foot controller: Model
This foot controller is used for the sewing machine model PQ1500S.

Power Switch

• Flip the power switch to position to turn on.
• To switch the power off, flip the switch to the” position.

Thread Tension Dial

• When tighter thread tension is desired, turn the tension dial to the right. Upper and bobbin threads will meet on right side of the fabric.
• When looser thread tension is de-sired, turn the tension dial to the left. Upper and lower threads will then meet on the wrong side of the fabric.

Hand Wheel

• Position needle using the hand wheel.
  ✽ Always turn hand wheel towards you. Stitch Length Regulator

• Adjust the desired stitch length using the stitch regulator dial.
  Reverse Stitch Lever

  • Sewing in reverse is possible

• when the reverse stitch lever is in the lowered position.
  ✽ Make sure to push the lever all the way down when reverse sewing is desired.
  ✽ When the feed adjustment dial is set between 5-7mm, the reverse stitch length is always 5 mm.

Presser Foot Lift Lever

Lowering the presser foot lift le-ver lowers the sewing foot down onto the fabric and engages the thread tension function.
When working with heavy fabrics or other fabrics that don’t slide easily under the foot, raise the presser foot lever to position the fabric.

Knee Lift

Using the convenient knee lift to lift and lower the presser foot easily, leaving both your hands-free.

• Push the knee lift bar all the way into the socket.
• When a knee lift is not in use, it can rest at the bottom of the fabric extension table.

Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment Dial

• Turning the pressure adjustment dial raises and lowers the pres-sure indicator needle as the amount of pressure on the presser foot changes.
  See also: “Feed Dog Adjustment Knob” on page 5.

• See “Thread Tension” on page 12.

Fabric Extension Table

• Lower table feet and attach fabric extension table as shown in the below diagram.

Before You Begin (2)

Thread Cutter Button
When the machine stops due to jammed threads and so forth, do not step on the foot controller, turning the power off and moving the needle with the hand wheel, check the situation. Otherwise broken needles could result.

• The thread cutter trims upper and bobbin threads at the end of seams.

Needle Stop Position Button

• When indicator lamp is lit up, the machine will stop sewing with the needle lowered through the fabric.
• When indicator lamp is off, the needle position when sewing stops, will be random.
• If the safety mechanism is acti-vated, for example if the thread becomes tangled, the red lamp flashes.

Light Switch

• Push the light switch to turn the light over the sewing area on and off.

Feed Dog Adjustment Knob

• The height of feed dogs can be adjusted to coincide with fabric weights.

Foot Pressure and Feed Dog Position

Select one of four feed dog positions according to your needs.

Note
If a setting other than is selected, the pin feed mechanism will not operate.

Changing Needles and Light Bulb

Note

Please make sure the power is off before carrying out the following operations. There is a chance of injury if the machine accidentally starts running during this operation.

Changing the Needle

1. Turn the sewing machine off. Raise the needle to highest position using the hand wheel, and lower presser foot.
2. Loosen the screw with a screwdriver, and remove the needle.
3. Hold the needle with the flat side to the right, and insert the needle as far as it will go. Make sure the needle is screwed in tightly.
   • If the needle is not adequately inserted or the screw is loose, this may break the needle or cause a breakdown and the needle threader will not work.
   • Check needles on a flat surface to make sure they are not bent.

Note
HLX5 needles should be used; however, Schmetz 130/ 705H may also be used under normal circumstances.

Note

Please make sure the power is off before carrying out the following operation. The glass plate over the light bulb will be hot immediately after using the machine, therefore it is advisable to wait until the light bulb has had a chance to cool down before changing bulbs.

Changing Light Bulbs

1. Turn off the power.
2. Remove the screw from the head.
3. Remove bulb housing.
4. Unscrew the bulb and remove it.
   Screw in the new bulb.

Sewing Light
See page 20. 6 Re-attach the bulb housing and tighten the screw.

Threading (1)

Bobbin Winding

Note
Do not move the bobbin winding clutch while the machine is running.

1. Raise the thread guide bar all the way.

2. Mount a spool thread on the spool pin.

3. Use a spool cap when using parallel-wound thread.

4. Use a spool cushion when using cross-wound thread.

5. Pass the thread through the triangular hole.

6. Pass the thread through the bobbin winding thread guide as shown in the drawing.

7. Run thread through top thread notch 1, and align bottom thread notch 2 of the bobbin with guide pin on bobbin winder shaft.

8. Press the bobbin winding clutch up against the empty bobbin. If the bobbin stop does not slide easily between the top and bottom of the bobbin, check that the bobbin is seated properly with the guide pin (5) inserted into the lower notch.
   

9. While holding the end of the thread, step on the foot controller for a few seconds. Once enough thread has wound itself around the bobbin to hold itself in place, release the foot controller and trim the excess thread. Continue to wind the bobbin while pressing down on the foot controller.

10. Stop the winding process when the bobbin is full. Take the foot off the controller.

11. Manually move the bobbin winding clutch back to the original position.

12.  Cut the thread and remove the bobbin.

Bobbin Insertion

1. Lift the needle plate and open the bobbin door.

2. Put the bobbin into the bobbin case.

   • Run thread through thread notch and under latch spring, so that a length of thread is exposed.
     Always use the bobbin case that was supplied with this machine. A secondary bobbin case can be ordered from your dealer.

3. Pull the latch lever of the bobbin case out push the bobbin case into the shuttle race and release the latch lever.
   If the latch lever is not set securely on the hook, it may fly off during sewing and cause lower thread breakage.
   Rotate the hand wheel one full rotation toward you to check that the bobbin case is set securely

4. Pass the thread through the quick bobbin thread device in order 1 2, pull in the direction of arrow 3, then cut the thread.

5. Lower the slide plate and close the bobbin door, following numbers 1 and 2 above in order.

When the fabric extension table is set in place
Open the bobbin thread setting cover beforehand, then set the bobbin thread in place. (You can set the bobbin thread in place without removing the fabric extension table.)

Threading (2)
Note Please turn off the power before using the automatic needle threader. Accidentally stepping on the foot controller during this operation could cause bodily injury or damage to the machine.

Upper Threading

• Pull the thread loop to the right.

The automatic needle threader cannot be used with the thread-needle combinations illustrated in the chart to the left. Transparent nylon thread can be used regardless of the chart, provided the needle used is a #14 or #16.

Stitch Samples and Needle Chart

Stitch Samples

1. Set the stitch length regulator to the desired stitch length.

2. Make sure approximately 15 cm of upper and bobbin threads are pulled out and lying behind the presser foot. While the needle is in the raised position, insert a test strip from the garment fabric under the foot.

3. Lower presser foot.

4. Turn the hand wheel forward to lower the needle through the fabric, then step gently on the foot controller to begin.

5. Turn the hand wheel towards you to raise the needle and thread the take-up lever to its highest position.

6. Lift the presser foot, remove the fabric, and then cut the thread.
   When using a thread cutter:

7. Press the thread cutter button
   while the presser foot lever is in the down position.

8. Lift the foot and remove the fabric.

Thread
Bobbin thread should feed smoothly. Adjust the bobbin thread to match that of the upper thread. (If bobbin thread is too tight it may cause fabric to bunch up.)

Selecting the proper needle for use with the fabric and thread you are working with
The following chart applies to many different fabric, thread, and needle combinations.

• HLX5 needles are recommended; however, Schmetz 130/705H needles may also be used under normal sewing conditions.
• Adjust the pressure adjustment dial and the feed dog adjustment knob according to the chart on the sewing machine.
• When sewing on knit fabrics such as jersey or tricot, use a ballpoint needle or a needle designed for use with knit fabrics.

Changing Presser Feet

Note Make sure the power is off before changing presser feet.

Changing Presser Feet (Zipper Feet)

1. Raise the presser foot, and raise the needle to the highest position.
2. Loosen and remove the screw using a screwdriver.
3. Attach the zipper foot and tighten the screw.

• Use the same method to attach the other feet that come with your PQ1500S.
• See page 18 for directions on attaching the “Walking Foot”.
• Use the position knob on the back of the zipper foot to adjust the position of the foot in relation to the needle.
• Only the zipper foot has a position knob. You can begin sewing with all other presser feet immediately after attaching.

Presser Feet

• Pin Feed Foot For perfect stitch-ing on otherwise difficult fabrics like velvet, leather, and suede.

• Rolled Hem Foot Use on the edge of the fabric, such as on hems of dress shirts, to fold the edge of the fabric in three while sewing.
  

• Invisible Zipper Foot

• Use to attach concealed fasteners.

• Quilting Foot Spring action foot for darning, quilting, or free-motion embroidery.

Use only feet supplied with your PQ1500S. Each foot is specially designed for this machine and has clearance for the pin at the rear of each foot. The use of other presser feet with the PQ series machines may damage or break the pin feed mechanism.

General purpose Foot

• This foot is used for most sewing. (Can also be used for sewing thick fabrics or seams.)

• When sewing thick seams, lightly guide the fabric with your hand on the downward side of the seam. Can also be used with pin feeding.

• Zipper Foot
  Use to attach fasteners other than concealed fasteners.

• 1/4” Foot
  For quilt and patchwork piecing with 1/4” or 1/8” seam allowance.

• Walking Foot For sewing or quilting on fabrics that stick or tend to slip Useful for sewing multiple layers as in quilting.

Basic Sewing (1)

1. Lift the foot, pull about 15 cm of upper and bobbin thread under and behind the foot, and position the fabric under the foot.

2. Lower presser foot lever to lower foot.

3. Turn the hand wheel forward to lower the needle through the fabric, then step gently on the foot controller to begin.

4. Raise the needle to the highest position.

5. Lift the foot, remove the fabric, and cut the thread.
   

6. Make sure the needle is pierced through the fabric.

7. Lift the presser foot, and turn the fabric using a needle as an axis.

8. Lower foot continues sewing.

Pin Feeding (for hard-to-handle fabrics)
The fabrics shown above can be joined evenly by activating the pin feed mechanism.

1. Move the feed adjustment knob to the pin feeding position.
2. Adjust pressure pressure-adjustment dial until the indicator needle is in the right position in the matching color-coded area.
3. Gently pull the thread until the feed pin catches the fabric and sew.

The feed pin passes up through all layers of fabric moving with the feed dog’s motion to feed all layers of the fabric evenly.
For safety, the feed pin is automatically lowered when the presser foot is raised.

Basic Sewing (2)
Note Make sure power is off before changing feet.

Rolled Hem Foot

1. Attach rolled hem foot.
   Refer to page 13 for instructions on changing sewing feet.

2. Insert needle approximately 0.5 cm from the edge of the fabric and sew 2 stitches.

3. Turn the hand wheel towards you to raise the needle, raise the presser foot, and then pull the fabric forward.

4. Hold the 4 threads in your left hand.
   

5. With your right hand, put the edge of the rolled hem under the presser foot, from the spot where the threads come out. Insert the edge so that it lies directly under the needle. Lower the presser foot.

6. Pull gently on threads in the left hand while sewing the first 3-4 stitches to hold them in place.

7. Fold the hem over about 0.5 cm and continue feeding the folded hem under the foot while sewing towards the curved guide on the foot.

Basic Sewing (3)
Make sure the power is off before changing feet.

• When attaching zippers to stretch fabrics, use the pin feed method and adjust foot pressure accordingly.
• The zipper foot can also be used as a guide when attaching piping to fabric.

Zipper Foot

1. Attach zipper foot.per

2. Turn the hand wheel towards you to lower the needle and adjust the position of the foot relative to the needle using the adjustment screw to slide the foot from left to right.

3. Line up the zipper to the section of fabric it will be attached to, and mark the base of the opening on the fabric. It should be set approximately 0.5 cm below zip stop. Sew from below the base of the opening.

4. Divide the seam margin. Fold the seam margin with the overlap of the zipper position facing down 0.2 cm on the outside of the mark.

5. Secure the zipper with basting and sew along the mark.

6. Line up the folded hem on the opposite side with the stitches.

7. Change the position of the zipper foot.

8. Turn the hand wheel to lower the needle and position the presser foot.

9. With the fabric right side up, baste the zipper onto the fabric, then sew the edge of the basting.
   

• Reinforce the base of the opening by sewing over it twice.
• If the zipper slide gets in the way, lower the needle all the way through the fabric, lift the foot, and move the slider out of the way.

Invisible Zipper Foot

1. Attach invisible zipper foot.
2. Align zipper with fabric. Mark the base of the opening approximately 2 cm above the end of the zipper.
3. Baste the zipper position.
4. Separate the seam allowance.
5. With the zipper mounted, baste just the seam margin on one side of the zipper.
6. Close the zipper and baste the other side of the zipper.
7. Remove the basting at the zipper position.
8. Fit the zipper teeth into the presser foot groove, guide them to prevent them from falling over, and sew them to the base of the opening.

✽ When sewing with the teeth to the right, the left side of the foot should line up with the left teeth of the zipper.

1/4” Foot
Sewing machine settings:
Stitch length = 2 – 2.5

• Sew a consistent seam allowance (1/4”, 6.4 mm) when piecing together a quilt.
• Use guides (mark) to begin, end, or pivot 1/4” from the edge of the fabric.
• Accurately top stitch 1/8” from the seam.

Quilting Foot
Reduce the foot pressure and turn the dial on the machine lowering the feed dogs for free motion quilting.

Note
If the foot is frequently used, be sure to apply a small amount of oil about once a month to the area indicated by the arrow. (If too much oil is applied, wipe off the excess with a cloth.)

Walking Foot

Do not press the foot controller all the way down.
Try to keep the sewing speed low (500 r.p.m. or less).

• The fabric may not feed if you sew at high speeds.
• The feed dog for feeding the cloth may not move if the foot pressure on the fabric is too strong. Use the presser foot pressure adjustment dial to achieve the desired results.
• It is not advisable or necessary to use the Pin Feed mode with the walking foot.

1. Insert the forked part of the operation lever while raised in an upright position onto the screw on the right side of the needle bar, as shown and then insert the capscrew.
2. Tighten the screw securely with a screwdriver. Tightening adequately is important as the screw might loosen due to the foot and forked operation lever vibration.

Fabric Separator(for joining lining to fabric)
Use this technique for sewing velvet and lining together.

1. Raise the needle and foot.

2. Move the separator so it sits under the presser foot.

3. Make sure it is lined up so that the needle passes through the slot of the separator without hitting the plate itself.

4. Secure the liner plate in place with lining plate screws.

5. Set pressure of sewing feet and feed position to pin feeding position.

6. Pull the thread until the lower needle catches the fabric.
   Sew 2-3 reinforcement stitches.

7. When not using a separator, it can be swung off to the side as drawing.

Note
Lighten the presser foot pressure slightly when using the fabric separator.
Use the separator to neatly sew 2 hard to managed fabrics together by keeping them from interacting with one and another before the needle sews them together in a perfect seam.

Seam Guide

1. Tighten the screw securely with a screwdriver since it might otherwise loosen due to vibration.
   To be able to adjust the position of the foot towards the arrow.

Caring for Your Machine

Note
Make sure the power is off before cleaning the sewing machine.

1. Turn the machine off.
2. Remove foot.
3. Remove the needle plate.
4. Clean out dust and thread scraps.
5. Thread scraps can be swept out through the bobbin door.
   • When the area under the needle plate is cleaned out, the oil hook of the bobbin case with sewing machine oil.
   • Use a cloth to clean the machine of any excess oil.
6. Attach needle plate and foot.

Lubrication Points

• When using the sewing machine every day, apply a few drops of oil to each location indicated twice a month.
• Use a cloth to wipe the machine clean of any oil spilled near the lubrication points.
•  Keep Your Sewing Machine Clean
  Please use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off light dirt and dust. If the sewing machine is very dirty, wipe with a cloth soaked in warm water, or in warm water containing a neutral detergent. Then wipe off any detergent residue, and wipe off water with a dry cloth.

Precautions

• Please keep the sewing machine away from heat sources such as irons and space heaters. Do not use chemicals like benzene or thinner to clean your machine. When the machine is not in use, please keep the machine out of direct sunlight.

Trouble Shooting

Before taking your sewing machine in for service, check the following chart.
If you still cannot find the problem, please take your sewing machine to the shop where you purchased it or your nearest Brother dealer for repair.

ENGLISH
884-639 193639-011 1 Printed in Taiwan

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