Brother XL-2121, Operation Manual

Page 1: ...Operation Manual Operation Manual ...

Page 2: ...ngs of the machine and foot control free from the accumulation of lint dust and loose cloth 5 Never drop or insert any object into any opening 6 Do not use outdoors 7 Do not operate where aerosol spray products are being used or where oxygen is being administered 8 To disconnect turn the main switch to the symbol position which represents off then remove plug from outlet 9 Do not unplug by pulling...

Page 3: ...opriate three pin plug fitted With alternative plugs an approved fuse must be fitted in the plug NOTE The plug severed from the main leads 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 Nev...

Page 4: ...e repaired If you do not pack it properly or do not use the right packing material the machine could be damaged Please follow the diagram below to unpack the machine This packing material is designed to prevent damage Save this packing material if you need to take or send this machine to be repaired IMPORTANT ...

Page 5: ...r life 1 Do not store this machine in direct sunlight or in high humidity conditions Do not use or store the machine near a heater iron halogen lamp or other hot objects 2 Use only mild soaps or detergents to clean the case Benzene thinner and scouring powders can damage the case and machine and should never be used 3 Do not drop or hit the machine 4 Always check the operation manual before you re...

Page 6: ...ever 17 Using a Free arm Style 17 THREADING THE MACHINE 18 Winding the Bobbin 18 Lower Threading 20 Lower Threading For One touch lower threading 21 Upper Threading 23 Using the Needle Threader Models equipped with a needle threader 24 Drawing up the lower thread 26 Sewing with a Twin Needle 27 Tension of the Thread 28 FABRIC THREAD AND NEEDLE COMBINATIONS 29 2 STRAIGHT AND ZIGZAG STITCHING 31 Ple...

Page 7: ...g 45 Appliqués 46 Monogramming and Embroidering 47 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 49 Using the Walking Foot 49 Using the Quilting Foot 50 Using the 1 4 Inch Quilting Foot 51 6 APPENDIX 53 MAINTENANCE 54 Changing the Light Bulb 54 Cleaning 55 Troubleshooting 57 Repacking the Machine 60 INDEX 61 ...

Page 8: ...1 KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ...

Page 9: ...tion to choose the stitch you want 9 Reverse sewing lever Page 17 You can push this to stitch in the reverse direction 0 Buttonhole fine adjustment screw Page 34 41 A Balance wheel B Main power and sewing light switch Page 11 You can turn the main power and sewing light switch on and off C Foot controller jack Page 10 Plug in the foot controller plug and connect the machine to the power supply D P...

Page 10: ...art Code USA Others USA Others 1 Zipper foot 1 pc X59370 051 5 Buttonhole Foot 1 pc X59369 251 2 Bobbin 3 pcs SA156 SFB XA5539 151 6 Button Sewing Foot 1 pc X59375 051 7 Extra Spool Pin 1 pc 130920 021 3 Needle Pack Regular Single Needle HAX130 3 pcs 129583 001 8 Screwdriver 1 pc X55467 051 4 Twin Needle 1 pc X57521 001 9 Darning Plate 1pc XC6063 021 1 2 3 No Part Name Part Code U S A Others 1 Wal...

Page 11: ...ine Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances 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 Do not use extension cords or multi plug adapters with many other appliances plugged in to them Fire or electric shock...

Page 12: ... on the foot controller when the machine is not in use 1 Foot controller Note For U S A only Foot Controller Model N This foot controller can be used for Model XL 2121 XL 2125 XL 2230 Checking the Needle The sewing needle must always be straight and sharp for smooth sewing To Check the Needle Correctly Put the flat side of the needle on a flat surface Check the needle from the top and the sides Di...

Page 13: ...le in until it touches the needle stopper 1 Needle stopper 2 Needle 6 While holding the needle with your left hand use the screwdriver to tighten the needle clamp by turning it clockwise Put the twin needle in the same way Turn the main power switch off before you change the needle If you leave the main power on and step on the foot controller the machine will start and you may be injured Only use...

Page 14: ...esser foot is in the correct place the bar should snap in Presser foot installation orientation Always turn off the power before you change the presser foot If you leave the power on and step on the controller the machine will start and you may be injured Always use the correct presser foot for the stitch pattern you have chosen If you use the wrong presser foot the needle may strike the presser f...

Page 15: ...inside the flat bed attachment 1 Slide the flat bed attachment to the left to open it 1 Flat bed attachment 2 Storage compartment Note Put the accessories inside a bag and then store the bag inside the compartment If the accessories are not in a bag they may fall out and be lost or damaged 1 2 1 ...

Page 16: ...st position If the needle is in the down position when you turn the pattern selection dial the needle presser foot or fabric may be damaged To choose a stitch simply turn the pattern selection dial in either direction Stitch widths and lengths are shown on the following page 1 Pattern selection dial 2 Chosen pattern number 11 stitches 8 stitches 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ...

Page 17: ...6 Yes 34 42 46 47 8 ZIGZAG STITCH 5 0 3 16 2 0 1 16 No 34 42 46 47 9 ZIGZAG SATIN STITCH 5 0 3 16 0 5 1 32 No 34 42 46 47 10 BLIND HEM STITCH 5 0 3 16 2 0 1 16 No 36 11 ELASTIC STITCH 5 0 3 16 1 0 1 16 No 36 Pattern Stitch Name Stitch Width mm inch Stitch Length mm inch Twin Needle Instruction Manual Page 1 FOUR STEP AUTOMATIC BUTTONHOLE 5 0 3 16 0 5 1 32 No 40 2 STRAIGHT STITCH Center Needle Posi...

Page 18: ...ou lightly push the foot controller To sew forward release the Reverse Sewing Lever The machine will then sew forward 1 Reverse sewing lever Using a Free arm Style Free arm sewing is convenient for sewing tubular and hard to reach areas To change your machine to the free arm style lift out the flat bed attachment 1 Slide the flat bed attachment to the left to release it 1 Flat bed attachment 1 1 1...

Page 19: ...pring on the shaft slides into the groove of the bobbin 1 Spring on the shaft 2 Groove of the bobbin Only use the bobbin part code SA156 SFB XA5539 151 that has been designed for this sewing machine Using of any other bobbin may cause damage to the machine We designed the bobbin that comes with this machine If you use bobbins from older models the machine will not work properly Only use the bobbin...

Page 20: ... remove the bobbin Note The needle bar does not move when you slide the bobbin winding shaft to the right Immediately after winding the bobbin it is normal to hear the sound of the clutch engaging when beginning to sew or turning the balance wheel Make sure you follow the instructions carefully If you do not cut the thread completely and the bobbin is wound when the thread runs low it may tangle a...

Page 21: ...improperly may cause the thread tension to loosen breaking the needle and resulting in injury 1 Wound evenly 2 Wound poorly The bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine If bobbins from older models are used the machine will not operate correctly Use only the enclosed bobbin or bobbins of the same type part code SA156 SFB XA5539 151 Make sure you turn the power off while threading t...

Page 22: ...el toward you counterclockwise and raise the presser foot lever 2 1 Setting the bobbin improperly may cause the thread tension to loosen breaking the needle and resulting in injury 1 Wound evenly 2 Wound poorly The bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine If bobbins from older models are used the machine will not operate correctly Use only the enclosed bobbin or bobbins of the same...

Page 23: ...in place see arrow 1 and then press lightly on the right side see arrow 2 until the cover clicks into place You can begin sewing immediately without drawing up the bobbin thread If you want to draw up the bobbin thread before you start to sew follow to the procedure in Drawing up the lower thread page 26 Make sure you set the bobbin so the thread unrolls in the right direction If the thread unroll...

Page 24: ...balance wheel so that the mark on the wheel points up before threading the sewing machine 3 Pull up the spool pin and put a spool of thread on this pin 4 Feed the upper thread as shown in the diagram above Pass the thread through both thread guides the back one first and then the front one 5 Make sure you guide the thread through the thread take up lever from right to left 1 Thread take up lever 5...

Page 25: ...ot Lever and the thread take up before you feed the upper thread If you incorrectly feed the thread you may cause sewing problems Using the Needle Threader Models equipped with a needle threader Turn the power switch to O 1 Lower the presser foot lever 2 Turn the balance wheel toward you counterclockwise to raise the needle holder to the highest position 1 Needle holder 2 Needle threader lever Not...

Page 26: ...r lever and pull out about 5 cm 2 inch of thread through the needle toward the back of the sewing machine 1 1 2 The needle threader can only be used with home sewing machine needles size 75 11 100 16 Check the table on page 47 for the appropriate needle and thread combinations If you are using transparent nylon mono filament thread you can only use needles in the range of 90 14 100 16 You can not ...

Page 27: ...presser foot 1 Upper thread 2 Lower thread One touch lower threading This is only available on certain models You can begin sewing immediately without drawing up the bobbin thread When sewing gathers or darts you can draw up the lower thread by hand so that some thread will be left over Before you draw up the lower thread put the bobbin back in 1 Pass the thread along the slit in the direction of ...

Page 28: ...ils 2 Threading the Right Needle Thread the right needle in the same way that you threaded the left needle using the thread from the spool on the extra spool pin but do not pass the thread through the thread guide above the needle before you pass it through the eye of the right needle 1 Left needle thread passes through this guide 2 Right needle thread passes in front of this guide Note Models tha...

Page 29: ...e of the fabric Solution Reduce the tension by turning the Upper Tension Control Dial to a lower number Upper tension is too loose Loops appear on the back of the fabric Solution Increase the tension by turning the Upper Tension Control Dial to a higher number Correct tension Correct tension is important as too much or too little tension will weaken your seams or cause puckers on your fabric 1 Sur...

Page 30: ...ynthetic mercerized Challis Satin Silk 50 80 Heavy weight fabrics Denim Cotton 30 50 90 14 100 16 Corduroy Thread synthetic mercerized 50 Tweed Silk Stretch fabrics Jersey Thread for knits 50 60 Ball point needle golden colored 75 11 90 14 Tricot For top stitching Thread synthetic mercerized 30 90 14 100 16 Silk Make sure you follow the needle thread and fabric combinations listed in the table Usi...

Page 31: ...KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE 30 ...

Page 32: ...2 STRAIGHT AND ZIGZAG STITCHING ...

Page 33: ...the needle carefully while you are using the machine Keep your hands away from moving parts Do not stretch or pull the fabric during sewing If you do the needle may be damaged and you may be injured Do not use bent or broken needles If you do you may be injured Take care that the needle does not hit basting pins or other objects during sewing The needle may break and you may be injured Always use ...

Page 34: ...tch backwards for 1 cm 3 8 inch from the end of the fabric Removing the Material from the Machine 1 Stop the machine Raise the needle to its highest position and make sure that the thread take up lever is also in its highest position 2 Lift the presser foot and pull the fabric out gently to the left hand side 3 Cut both threads with the thread cutter on the left hand side of the machine 1 Thread c...

Page 35: ...a slightly looser upper thread tension to produce more beautiful stitches You can adjust the length of the Zigzag Satin Stitch using the buttonhole fine adjusting screw 1 Buttonhole fine adjusting screw 1 For a longer stitch length turn the buttonhole fine adjusting screw with a large screwdriver in the direction 2 For a shorter stitch length turn the buttonhole fine adjusting screw with a large s...

Page 36: ...3 BUILT IN STITCHES ...

Page 37: ...h as shown in picture D 1 Right side of fabric 2 Wrong side of fabric Elastic Stitching You can use the elastic stitch for mending sewing elastic or joining fabric Each is explained below Set the Pattern Selection Dial to Elastic Stitch Mending 1 Place the reinforcement fabric under the area you want to mend 2 Following the line of the tear sew using the Elastic Stitch Sewing Elastic 1 Place the e...

Page 38: ... also useful for sewing stretch materials 1 Set the Pattern Selection Dial to the Elastic Overlock Stitch 2 Put the fabric under the presser foot so that the seamline or arrowhead point is approximately 3 mm 1 8 inch to the left of the center of the presser foot This stitch works best with a seam allowance of approximately 5 mm 3 16 inch as this allows the right zigzag side of the stitch to overlo...

Page 39: ...BUILT IN STITCHES 38 ...

Page 40: ...4 SEWING BUTTONHOLES AND BUTTONS ...

Page 41: ...th mm inch Foot 0 5 1 32 5 0 3 16 Buttonhole Foot If the presser foot is not installed with the correct orientation the needle may strike the presser foot which may bend or break the needle and cause injury CAUTION Step Sewn section Pattern Step 1 Front bar tack 1 Set the pattern selection dial to a 2 Lower the presser foot and sew 5 to 6 stitches 3 Stop the machine when the needle is at the left ...

Page 42: ... you can make the following adjustments 1 After sewing the left side of the buttonhole stitch the right side and observe the feeding 1 Right row 2 If one side is too coarse or fine compared with the other side adjust the buttonhole fine adjusting screw as shown below 1 Buttonhole fine adjusting screw 1 If the right side is too coarse turn the buttonhole fine adjusting screw with a large screwdrive...

Page 43: ...ut a button between the foot and the fabric and make sure that the needle enters the holes without hitting the button If it hits see Step 1 7 At a slow speed sew about 10 stitches 8 Remove the material from the machine Cut the upper and lower threads and tie both threads at the back of the material Stitch Name Pattern Stitch Width mm inch Foot Other Zigzag Stitch 3 0 1 8 Button Sewing Foot Darning...

Page 44: ...5 USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS ...

Page 45: ...olded section Lower the needle into the notch located either on the left or right side of the zipper foot 4 Sew from the bottom of the zipper toward the top on both sides The needle should be positioned on the zipper side of the foot for best results 5 To sew the opposite side of the zipper release the foot by pressing the button located at the back of the presser foot fit the zipper foot on the o...

Page 46: ...o Straight Stitch 3 Put the section you want to darn under the presser foot together with a fabric for reinforcement 4 Lower the presser foot 5 Begin sewing by alternating between gently drawing the work away from you and pulling it toward you Stitch Name Pattern Stitch Length mm inch Straight Stitch Center Needle Position 2 5 3 32 Straight Stitch Center Needle Position 4 0 3 16 Straight Stitch Le...

Page 47: ...aste the cut design to the fabric 2 Carefully sew around the edge of the design with a Zigzag Stitch 3 Cut away any fabric that is left outside the stitching 4 Remove the basting if necessary Memo Make reinforcing Straight Stitches at the beginning and the end of the zigzag stitching Stitch Name Pattern Stitch Length mm inch Stitch Width mm inch Zigzag Stitch 1 5 1 16 3 0 1 8 Zigzag Stitch 2 0 1 1...

Page 48: ...dering on the surface of the fabric 4 Stretch the fabric between embroidery hoops as firmly as possible with the underside of the fabric on the bottom of the inside hoop 5 Put the work under the needle and lower the presser bar with the foot removed Be careful that the needle does not hit a pin during sewing as the needle can break You may also be injured CAUTION Stitch Name Pattern Stitch Length ...

Page 49: ...e hoop slowly along the lettering at a constant speed 2 Secure with a few straight stitches at the end of the last letter Embroidering 1 Stitch the outline of the design by moving the embroidery hoop 2 Fill in the design alternating from the outline of the design to the inside and from the inside to the edge of the outline until the design is completely filled in Keep the stitching close together ...

Page 50: ...itch the machine off 2 Raise the needle and the presser foot 3 Loosen the presser foot screw to remove the presser foot holder 1 Use a screwdriver 2 Presser foot holder 3 Presser foot screw 4 Attach the forked section of the connecting lever to the needle clamp and fit the walking foot to the presser bar 1 Forked part of operation lever 2 Presser bar holder 3 Needle clamp Stitch Name Pattern Stitc...

Page 51: ...at part A shown in the diagram is above the needle clamp screw Then lower the Presser Foot Lever and tighten the presser foot screw Make sure that the needle clamp screw is firmly tightened 1 Presser foot screw 2 Needle clamp screw Use a screwdriver to tighten the screw securely If the screw is loose the needle may hit the presser foot and you may be injured Before you start sewing make sure you t...

Page 52: ...ch 1 Set the Pattern Selection Dial to Straight Stitch Center Needle Position 2 5mm 3 32 inch 2 Change the foot to the 1 4 Inch Quilting Foot 3 Position the presser foot over the fabric and sew as shown in the diagram below Achieving an accurate seam allowance 1 Beginning of stitching 2 Align this mark up the edge of the fabric 3 End of stitching 4 Align this mark up the edge of the fabric Be care...

Page 53: ...USING ATTACHMENTS AND APPLICATIONS 52 Quickly stitch together a quilt 1 Top of fabric 2 Seam 3 2 millimetres 1 8 inch 1 2 ...

Page 54: ...6 APPENDIX ...

Page 55: ...t bulb 1 Loosen 2 Tighten 1 Bulb 4 Put the light cover back on and fasten the screw Turn off the main power switch and unplug the machine before you change the light bulb If the main power switch is on when you change the light bulb you may get an electric shock If the machine is on and you step on the foot controller you may be injured To avoid burns let the light bulb cool down before you change...

Page 56: ... race shelf 1 Shuttle race shelf 2 Shuttle 3 Edge of the shuttle race 4 Tip of the shuttle hook 6 Remove the shuttle Grasp the shuttle and then pull it out 1 Shuttle 7 Use the cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust from the shuttle race and its surrounding area 1 Cleaning brush 2 Shuttle race Do not put oil on the shuttle Make sure you unplug the machine before you clean it Otherwis...

Page 57: ...e tabs on the needle plate cover into the needle plate and then slide the cover back on Never use a shuttle that is scratched otherwise the upper thread may become tangled the needle may break or sewing performance may suffer For a new shuttle part code XC3152 021 contact your nearest authorized service center Make sure that you fit the shuttle properly otherwise the needle may break 2 1 1 2 CAUTI...

Page 58: ...ic thread and needle Choose a thread and needle that are appropriate for the type of fabric page 29 The presser foot you are using is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you want to sew Attach the presser foot that is correct for the type of stitch that you want to sew The upper thread tension is too tight Loosen the upper thread tension page 28 You are pulling the fabric too much Lightly ...

Page 59: ...er You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine Incorrect bobbins will not work properly Only use a bobbin that has been designed for this machine page 18 The lower thread is tangled or breaks You have not fitted the bobbin thread properly Fit the bobbin properly page 20 21 The bobbin is scratched or does not turn smoothly Replace the bobbin The thread is tangled Remove the t...

Page 60: ...needle plate cover and clean the plate and the shuttle page 55 There is a high pitched noise while sewing Dust has built up in the feed dogs or in the shuttle Clean the shuttle page 55 You have not threaded the upper thread properly Correct the upper threading page 23 The shuttle is scratched Replace the shuttle Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center You have not used bobbi...

Page 61: ...ve not used the right combi nation of fabric thread and needle Choose a thread and needle that are appropriate for the type of fabric page 29 The thread is tangled for example in the shuttle Remove the tangle thread If the thread is tangled in the shuttle clean the shuttle page 55 The sewing light bulb does not come on The sewing light bulb is damaged Replace the sewing light bulb page 54 This pac...

Page 62: ...45 H Hole for Extra Spool Pin 27 L Lower Threading 20 M Main Parts 8 Main Power and Sewing Light Switch 11 Monogramming 47 N Needle Inspecting 11 Replacement 12 Needle Inspection 11 O Overedge Stitching 37 P Pattern Selection Dial 15 Presser Foot Lever 23 Q Quilting Foot 9 50 R Repacking the Machine 60 Reverse Sewing Lever 17 S Sewing Buttons 42 Sewing Light Bulb Replacement 54 Sewing Light Switch...

Page 63: ...ENGLISH XC5142 0212 Printed in China ...