Operation Manual Embroidery Machine Product Code: 888-P30 Instruction Videos https://s.brother/cvjar/ Be sure to read this document before using the machine. We recommend that you keep this document nearby for future reference.
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing this machine. Before using this machine, carefully read the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS”, and then study this manual for the correct operation of the various functions. In addition, after you have finished reading this manual, store it where it can quickly be accessed for future reference. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Please read these safety instructions before attempting to use the machine.
7 This machine is not a toy: • Your close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS • This product contains small parts. Keep the product out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion of small parts. This machine is intended for household use. • The plastic bag that this machine was supplied in should be kept out of the reach of children or disposed of. Never allow children to play with the bag due to the danger of suffocation.
FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. IMPORTANT • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
For Users in Canada This device complies with Industry Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Terms of Use 2.1.5 not to transfer, rent, lease, sub-license, loan, translate, merge, adapt, vary, alter or modify, the whole or any part of the Software nor permit the Software or any part of it to be combined with, or become incorporated in, any other programs; 2.1.6 to include Company’s copyright notice and this Agreement on all entire and partial copies of the Software; and 2.1.
5 Termination 5.1 5.2 6 Miscellaneous terms 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6 Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time by providing a written notice to you if you commit a material breach of any terms of this Agreement and fail to immediately rectify such breach upon Company’s request.
OPEN SOURCE LICENSING REMARKS This product includes open-source software. To see the open source licensing remarks, please go to the manual download section on your model’s home page of Brother support website at https://s.brother/cpjar/. TRADEMARKS WPA™ and WPA2™ are trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®. Any trade names and product names of companies appearing on Brother products, related documents and any other materials are all trademarks or registered trademarks of those respective companies.
CONTENTS CONTENTS Chapter 1 GETTING READY 9 Names of Machine Parts....................................... 9 Included Accessories .......................................... 11 Turning the Machine On/Off.............................. 11 LCD Operation ................................................... 13 Viewing the LCD .................................................................. 13 Settings screen......................................................................
Names of Machine Parts Chapter 1 GETTING READY 1 E Handle Note Carry the machine by its handle when transporting. Names of Machine Parts F Presser foot lever GETTING READY • Be sure to install the latest software. Refer to “Updating Your Machine’s Software” on page 56. Raise and lower the presser foot lever to raise and lower the presser foot. G Main power switch (page 12) H Power supply jack (page 12) I Air vent The air vent allows the air surrounding the motor to circulate.
Names of Machine Parts ■ Operation buttons ■ Operation panel and operation keys a a b c 1 “Start/Stop” button h b g c Press the “Start/Stop” button to start or stop embroidering. The button changes color according to the machine’s operation mode. Green: The machine is ready to embroider or is embroidering. Red: The machine cannot embroider. Orange: The machine is winding the bobbin thread, or the bobbin winder shaft is moved to the right side.
Included Accessories Included Accessories Turning the Machine On/Off For included accessories of your machine, refer to the additional sheet “Included Accessories”. WARNING • • • • 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 CAUTION • Use only the power cord included with this machine. Otherwise, a fire or electric shock may result.
Turning the Machine On/Off When the machine is turned on, the opening movie is CAUTION • (For U.S.A. only) This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized electrical outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the electrical outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper electrical outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.
LCD Operation LCD Operation 7 8 9 Viewing the LCD An opening movie may be displayed when the power is turned on. Touch a key with your finger to select the embroidery pattern, to select a machine function, or to select an operation indicated on the key. 1 4 1 Select the embroidery frame to be used. 2 Select the center mark and grid lines that are displayed. 3 When set to [ON], you can only select the embroidery pattern corresponding to the embroidery frame size that you selected in 1.
LCD Operation ■ Wireless LAN settings Adjusting input sensitivity for operation keys 1 2 3 You can adjust the sensitivity of the operation keys to 5 levels. Display the settings screen to set desired level. 4 a Touch 5 b Display page 5 by touching c Touch [Start]. d Adjust the [Input Sensitivity] by touching 6 to display the settings screen. / . 7 8 9 0 1 Enable/disable the wireless LAN function. (page 15) 2 Display the connected SSID.
Wireless Network Connection Functions Wireless Network Connection Functions Operations available with a wireless network connection Enabling a wireless network connection The machine can be connected to your wireless network. Refer to “Specifications” on page 55 for requirements for a wireless network connection. Touch . GETTING READY a This machine supports a wireless network connection. The following useful operations will be available if the machine is connected to a wireless network.
Wireless Network Connection Functions b Touch beside [Wireless LAN Setup Wizard]. e A list of available SSIDs appears. c When the following message appears, touch . When a connection is established, the following message appears. Select the SSID that was noted in step a. The screen for entering the network key (password) appears. f Touch to exit the setup. Memo • When displaying next or previous pages, touch or to search the SSID that was noted.
Winding/Installing the Bobbin ■ Setting the wireless LAN connection from the [Others] menu Winding/Installing the Bobbin The [Others] menu on page 8 of the settings screen contains the following items. 1 IMPORTANT GETTING READY • Use the plastic bobbin that comes with this machine or bobbins of the same type. The bobbin's height is 11.5 mm (approx. 7/16 inch). SA156 is a Class 15 type bobbin. Winding the bobbin This section describes how to wind thread onto a bobbin.
Winding/Installing the Bobbin Remove the spool cap and place the spool of thread for b the bobbin onto the spool pin. Slide the spool onto the spool pin so that the thread unwinds to the front from the bottom. Note • When using the spool as shown below, use the thread spool insert (mini king thread spool). Make sure that the thread spool insert is firmly inserted. After installing it, pull out some thread, and check that the thread unwinds without getting caught.
Winding/Installing the Bobbin Wind the thread clockwise around the bobbin 5 or 6 f times, pass the thread through the guide slit in the Installing the bobbin bobbin winder seat, and then pull the thread to cut it. a Note • Be sure to wind the thread clockwise around the bobbin, otherwise the thread will become wrapped around the bobbin winder shaft. CAUTION • Be sure to cut the thread as described.
Winding/Installing the Bobbin Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case so that the f thread unwinds to the left. While lightly holding down the bobbin with your right h hand (1), guide the thread through the slit in the needle plate cover (2) and lightly pull it with your left hand (3). Memo • By pulling the thread in this way, the thread will enter the tension spring of the bobbin case to apply the appropriate tension to the bobbin thread during embroidering.
Upper Threading d Upper Threading Raise the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot. 1 CAUTION Memo • If the presser foot is not raised, the machine cannot be threaded. Remove the spool cap and place the spool of thread e onto the spool pin. Threading the upper thread Slide the spool onto the spool pin so that the thread unwinds to the front from the bottom. 1 1 The thread unwinds to the front from the bottom. f a Turn on the machine. Press Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin.
Upper Threading While holding the pulled-out thread so that there is no g slack in it, pass the thread under the hook of the thread • If the needle threader cannot be used, insert the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back by hand. guide, then under the thread guide cover and to the front.
Replacing the Needle Lower the needle threader lever on the left side of the o machine as much as possible to make the hook turn. Replacing the Needle 1 CAUTION 1 ■ Thread and needle number 3 1 Needle threader lever 2 Needle 3 Hook p Raise the needle threader lever slowly. The lower the thread number is, the heavier the thread; the higher the needle number, the larger the needle. ■ Embroidery needles It is recommended to use a 75/11 home sewing machine needle.
Replacing the Needle Follow steps d to g “Replacing the embroidery g foot” on page 47 for reattaching the presser foot. Replacing the needle Use the screwdriver and a new needle that has been determined to be straight according to the instructions in “Checking the needle” on page 23. Press (Needle position button) once or twice to a raise the needle. Place fabric or paper under the presser foot to cover b the hole in the needle plate to prevent the needle from falling into the machine. c Touch .
Embroidering Preparation Chapter 2 EMBROIDERY Attaching the embroidery unit Embroidering Preparation Follow the steps below to prepare the machine for embroidery. Step 6, 7 Step 3 Step 4 Step # Aim CAUTION • Do not move the machine with the embroidery unit in place. The embroidery unit may be dropped and cause injury. Step 5 Action Page 1 Checking the needle Use needle 75/11 for embroidery. 24 2 Embroidery unit attachment Attach the embroidery unit.
Embroidering Preparation c Turn on the machine. A message appears in the screen. Note • If [Opening Screen] is set [ON] within the settings screen, touch screen for the following message to appear. d Be sure that no objects or hands are near the embroidery unit and touch . Embroidering attractive finishes There are many factors that go into beautiful embroidery. Using the appropriate stabilizer (page 27) and hooping the fabric in the frame (page 27) are two important factors mentioned earlier.
Embroidering Preparation Hooping the fabric in the embroidery frame CAUTION ■ Attaching iron-on stabilizers (backing) to the fabric For best results in your embroidery projects, always use stabilizer material for embroidery. Press the iron-on stabilizer material to the wrong side a of the fabric. • Use a piece of stabilizer which is larger than the embroidery frame being used.
Embroidering Preparation Loosen the embroidery frame adjustment screw and a remove the inner and outer frames, placing the outer Tighten the adjustment screw while removing any slack g in the fabric by hand. The goal is to have a drum-like frame on a flat surface. sound when the fabric is struck lightly. Separate the inner and outer frame by removing inner frame upward. a b c 1 Inner frame 2 Outer frame 3 Adjustment screw Place the fabric with the stabilizer material on top of b the outer frame.
Embroidering Preparation Attaching the embroidery frame Note ■ Removing the embroidery frame a Raise the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot. Press the part of the embroidery carriage frame holder • Wind and insert the bobbin before attaching the embroidery frame making sure to use the recommended bobbin thread. Check that there is enough thread in the bobbin. Raise the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot. b Pass the embroidery frame under the presser foot. frame.
Embroidering Embroidering ■ Copyright information The patterns stored in the machine are intended for private use only. Any public or commercial use of copyrighted patterns is an infringement of copyright law and is strictly prohibited. b Touch or to display the desired pattern on the c Select a desired embroidery pattern, and then touch screen. . • Available frame options are displayed on the screen.
Embroidering ■ Selecting character patterns Memo • If [Embroidery Frame Identification View] in the settings screen is set to [ON], the pattern can be edited in the screen as if that embroidery frame is attached. a Touch . b Touch the key of the font you want to embroider. Touch a tab to display the desired selection screen, and c then type in the text. 1 Current line number 2 Tab a b 2 a . • After selecting a character if you would like to change the character size touch .
Embroidering ■ Selecting frame patterns a Touch . Touch the key of the frame shape you want to b embroidery. ■ Checking the pattern position The embroidery frame moves and shows the pattern position. Watch the frame closely to make sure the pattern will be embroidered in the right place. a Touch on the embroidery settings screen. b From , touch the key for the position that you Touch the key of the frame pattern you want to c embroidery. want to check. 1 d Touch .
Embroidering Lower the presser foot, then press the “Start/Stop” d button to start embroidering. Embroidering a pattern After 5-6 stitches, press the “Start/Stop” button again to stop the machine. Embroidery patterns are embroidered with a change of thread after each color. Prepare embroidery thread colors as shown on the a screen. 2 1 Note • Either the thread color name or the thread number appears in this screen, depending on the setting selected in the settings screen.
Embroidering i Cut the excess thread jumps within the color. ■ Changing the thread color display You can display the name of the thread colors or embroidery thread number. Memo • Colors on the screen may vary slightly from actual spool colors. • The default thread brand is set to [Original]. Imported embroidery data is displayed with the thread brand specified in the embroidery editing software. a Touch and use or to display the following settings screen.
Embroidering Adjusting thread tension Embroidering the appliqué patterns The upper thread tension is changed using the thread tension dial. When doing machine embroidery, the thread tension dial should be set somewhere between 2 to 6. a b c When the color embroidering order display shows [ (APPLIQUE MATERIAL)], [ (APPLIQUE POSITION)] or [ (APPLIQUE)], follow the procedure below.
Embroidering ■ 2. Sewing the appliqué position on the base fabric a After the appliqué piece is attached, attach the b embroidery frame to the machine. Thread the machine with the embroidery thread, lower the presser foot lever, and then press the “Start/Stop” button to embroider the appliqué. Sew the appliqué position. 1 Position of appliqué 2 Base material a b Remove the embroidery frame from the embroidery b unit.
Embroidering Select the satin stitch frame pattern of the same shape c as the appliqué. Embroider over the appliqué and base fabric from step b to create the appliqué. Select the satin stitch frame pattern of the same shape e as the appliqué and embroider the satin stitch pattern to create an appliqué. • Do not change the size or position of the pattern. 2 EMBROIDERY ■ Method 2 Select a straight stitch frame pattern, and embroider a the pattern onto the base fabric.
Editing Patterns (Pattern Editing Screen) Split embroidery patterns Editing Patterns (Pattern Editing Screen) Split embroidery patterns created with PE-DESIGN Ver.7 or later can be embroidered. With split embroidery patterns, embroidery designs larger than the embroidery hoop are divided into multiple sections, which combine to create a single pattern after each section is embroidered. When a pattern is selected in the pattern selection screen and is touched, the pattern editing screen appears.
Editing Patterns (Pattern Editing Screen) Display Display No. Explanation No. Key Name 3 Magnify key Explanation Key Name Touch this key to magnify the pattern in the screen. A When a combined pattern is selected, use this key to select a part of the pattern Pattern select key to edit. The selected pattern is outlined by the red box. B Touch this key to make a horizontal mirror image of the selected pattern.
Editing Patterns (Pattern Editing Screen) Display No. Display Explanation No. Key Name 2 Array key Explanation Key Name Touch this key to change the configuration of a character pattern. 7 Character spacing key When selecting an arc ( ), use and degree of the arc. Touch this key to change the spacing of character patterns. to change the : Make the arc flatter. : Make the arc rounder. When selecting , and Touch / to increase or decrease the character spacing. change to and .
Editing Patterns (Embroidery Settings Screen) Editing Patterns (Embroidery Settings Screen) Aligning the pattern and the needle position Example: Aligning the lower left side of a pattern and the needle position When is touched in the editing screen, the embroidery settings screen appears. After editing the pattern, touch to continue to the embroidering screen. ■ Embroidery settings screen 3 6 5 4 Display No.
Editing Patterns (Embroidery Settings Screen) Embroidering linked characters Follow the procedure described below to embroider linked characters in a single row when the entire pattern extends beyond the embroidery frame. Example: Linking “DEF” to the characters “ABC” a Select the character patterns for “ABC”, and then touch and . b Touch . c Touch , and then touch . h Touch to cancel the current character patterns. i Select the character patterns for “DEF”, and then touch and . j Touch .
Using the Memory Function Retrieving embroidery patterns Using the Memory Function Retrieve embroidery patterns saved in the machine's memory, or on a USB flash drive, or transferred via wireless network. Saving embroidery patterns You can save embroidery patterns that you have customized in the machine's memory or USB flash drive. You can also transfer the patterns to your computer via wireless network.
Using the Memory Function d Touch . Memo • When saving a retrieved pattern, touch the following keys. 1.Touch . 2.Touch the key for the desired destination. : Saves to the machine. : Saves to the USB flash drive. : Temporarily saves to the wireless function pocket. When saving patterns retrieved via USB or wireless network to the machine, touch • When you touch , the selected embroidery pattern will be deleted permanently. 44 .
Care and Maintenance Chapter 3 APPENDIX Care and Maintenance CAUTION • Unplug the power cord before cleaning the machine, otherwise injuries may occur. Cleaning the LCD Stitching performance will suffer if lint and dust collects in the bobbin case, therefore, it should be cleaned regularly. a Press b Turn off the machine. Unplug the power cord from the power supply jack on c the right side of the machine. d Remove the needle and embroidery foot. e Remove the embroidery unit.
Care and Maintenance i Grasp the bobbin case, and then pull it out. CAUTION Use the cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove j any lint and dust from the race and bobbin thread sensor and the surrounding area. Touch panel is malfunctioning a c • Never use a bobbin case that is scratched or has a burr on it. Otherwise the upper thread may become tangled, the needle may break and cause injury. For a new bobbin case, contact your nearest Brother authorized service center.
Care and Maintenance ■ Correct thread tension Upper thread slightly appears on the wrong side (bottom) of fabric. Replacing the embroidery foot 1 Right side (top) of fabric 2 Wrong side (bottom) of fabric ■ Bobbin thread is too loose Bobbin thread appears slightly on the right side (top) of fabric. 1 Right side (top) of fabric 2 Wrong side (bottom) of fabric a Press b Touch (Needle position button) to raise the needle. 3 .
Care and Maintenance Secure embroidery foot “Q” with the embroidery foot f screw, making sure that embroidery foot “Q” is vertical. If the thread becomes tangled under the bobbin winder seat If the bobbin winding starts when the thread is not passed under the pretension disk of the bobbin winding thread guide correctly, the thread may become tangled under the bobbin winder seat.
Troubleshooting Symptom, Cause/solution Troubleshooting If the machine stops operating correctly, check the following possible problems before requesting service. You can solve most problems by yourself. If you need additional help, Brother support website offers the latest FAQs and troubleshooting tips. Visit us at https://s.brother/ cpjar/. If the problem persists, contact your authorized Brother dealer or the nearest Brother authorized service center. List of symptoms Nothing appears in the LCD.
Troubleshooting Symptom, Cause/solution Reference Reference 21 Bobbin is set incorrectly. 19 Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull. 24 Embroidery foot is attached incorrectly. 47 Bobbin is set incorrectly. 19 Stabilizer is not attached to fabric being embroidered. 27 Upper threading is incorrect. 21 Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound. 17 Upper thread breaks.
Troubleshooting Symptom, Cause/solution Reference Fabric is snagged or caught on something. – • Stop the machine and place the fabric so that it does not get caught or snagged. The carriage was moved while the embroidery 29 frame was being removed or attached during embroidery. • If the carriage is moved during the process, the pattern may be misaligned. Be careful when removing or attaching the embroidery frame. Stabilizer is incorrectly attached, for example, it is 27 smaller than the embroidery frame.
Troubleshooting Error messages When erroneous operations are performed messages and advice on operation will be displayed on the LCD. Follow what is displayed. If you touch 1 2 3 4 or do the operation correctly while the error message is displayed, the message disappears. Error messages Cause/solution A malfunction occurred. Turn the machine off, then on again. This message is displayed if some malfunction occurs. Turn the machine off, then back on again.
Troubleshooting Error messages The bobbin thread is almost empty. 10 11 Cause/solution This message is displayed when the bobbin thread is running out. Although a few stitches can be embroidered when the “Start/Stop” button is pressed, replace with a wound bobbin immediately. When embroidering, press (Thread cutter button) to cut the threads, raise the presser foot, remove the embroidery frame, and then replace the bobbin with one wound with plenty of embroidery bobbin thread.
Troubleshooting How can I find the wireless security information (SSID and network key) 1) You should see the documentation provided with your wireless access point/router. 2) The default SSID (wireless network name) could be the manufacturer’s name or the model name. 3) If you do not know the security information, please consult the router manufacturer, your system administrator, or internet provider. 4) Some Wireless SSIDs and network keys (passwords) are case (upper case and lower case) sensitive.
Specifications Specifications Item Specification Approx. 419 mm (W) × 197 mm (D) × 307 mm (H) (Approx. 16-1/2 inches (W) × 7-3/4 inches (D) × 12-3/32 inches (H)) Weight of machine Approx. 6.4 kg (Approx. 14 lb) Dimensions of machine with embroidery unit attached Approx. 522 mm (W) × 219 mm (D) × 307 mm (H) (Approx. 20-9/16 inches (W) × 8-5/8 inches (D) × 12-3/32 inches (H)) Weight of machine with embroidery unit attached Approx. 7.9 kg (Approx.
Updating Your Machine’s Software Updating Your Machine’s Software The machine’s software can be updated using USB flash drive. When an update program is available on Brother support website at https://s.brother/cpjar/, please download the file(s) following the instructions on the website and steps listed below. When using the wireless function, the update mark is displayed on the wireless LAN key. : Updated software is available on our website. Update the software. : No updated software is available.
Index Index A R Aligning the position ................................................................... 41 Appliqué ............................................................................. 35, 36 Race ............................................................................................ 46 Retrieving .................................................................................... 43 Rotate ..................................................................................
Various optional accessories are available to be purchased separately. Visit our website https://s.brother/cojkb/. Please visit us at https://s.brother/cpjar/ where you can get the support information (Instruction Videos, FAQs, etc.) for your Brother product. Be sure to install the latest software. A variety of functional improvements are being performed in the latest version. Brother SupportCenter is a mobile app that provides the support information for your Brother product.
