or water is spilled on the unit.

Return the machine to the nearest

9
Operation authorized Brother dealer or service center for examination, For repair or adjustment: XH2135-001
repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment. • If the light unit (light-emitting diode) is damaged, it must be

Manual
replaced by authorized Brother Service Center.
• While the machine is stored or in use if you notice anything
• In the event a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, The main parts
unusual, such as an odor, heat, discoloration or deformation, stop
first follow the troubleshooting table in the back of the operation
using the machine and immediately unplug the power cord. 654 3 2 1 K
manual to inspect and adjust the machine yourself. If the problem
Sewing Machine • When transporting the machine, be sure to carry it by its handle.
persists, please consult your local authorized Brother Service 7
Product Code: Lifting the machine by any other part may damage the machine or E
Center.
888-X06/X08/X16/X18/X26/X28 result in the machine falling, which could cause injuries.
• When lifting the machine, be careful not to make any sudden or Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual.
careless movements, otherwise you may injure your back or knees. Use accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in 8 L
5 this manual. 9 D F
Always keep your work area clear: The contents of this manual and specifications of this product are G
• Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep subject to change without notice. 0 H
ventilation openings of the machine and foot control free from the For additional product information, visit our web site at www.brother. C I
build up of lint, dust, and loose cloth. A J
com B
• Do not store objects on the foot controller.
Please visit us at http://s.brother/cpmaa/ where you can get the
support information (Instruction Videos, FAQs, etc.) for your Brother
• Do not use extension cords. Plug the machine directly into the
electrical outlet. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS M

product.
• Never drop or insert any object into any opening. This machine is intended for household use. a Bobbin winder
• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or This winds the thread onto the bobbin for use as the lower thread.
Be sure to read this document before using the machine. where oxygen is being administered. FOR USERS IN COUNTRIES EXCEPT b Stitch length dial
Rotate the dial to control the stitch length.
We recommend that you keep this document nearby for future reference. • Do not use the machine near a heat source, such as a stove or
iron; otherwise, the machine, power cord or garment being sewn CENELEC COUNTRIES c Spool pin
This holds the spool of thread.
may ignite, resulting in fire or an electric shock. This appliance is not intended for use by persons d Stitch width dial
• Do not place this machine on an unstable surface, such as
(including children) with reduced physical, sensory Rotate the dial to control the stitch width.
IMPORTANT SAFETY an unsteady or slanted table, otherwise the machine may fall,
resulting in injuries. or mental capabilities, or lack of experience
e Upper tension-control dial
This controls the tension of the upper thread.
INSTRUCTIONS 6 Special care is required when sewing: and knowledge, unless they have been given f Thread guide
This is used when winding the thread onto the bobbin and then
• Always pay close attention to the needle. Do not use bent or supervision or instruction concerning use of the threading the machine.
Please read these safety instructions before attempting to use the damaged needles. g Thread take-up lever
machine. • Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required
appliance by a person responsible for their safety. h Thread cutter
Children should be supervised to ensure that they
DANGER around the machine needle. Pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them.
i Needle threader
• Do not turn on the machine while pressing down the foot controller. do not play with the appliance. j Quick-set bobbin
- To reduce the risk of electric shock: The machine may start unexpectedly and cause personal injury or k Flat bed attachment with accessory compartment
1 Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet damage to the machine.
• Switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off when
FOR USERS IN CENELEC COUNTRIES l Presser foot
m Reverse sewing lever
immediately after using, when cleaning, when making any making any adjustments in the needle area. This appliance can be used by children aged from Push this lever to stitch in the reverse direction.
user servicing adjustments mentioned in this manual, or if you • Do not use a damaged or incorrect needle plate, as it could cause
are leaving the machine unattended. 8 years and above and persons with reduced n Pattern selection dial
Rotate the dial in either direction to choose the stitch you want.
the needle to break.
physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack
WARNING
• Do not push or pull the fabric when sewing, and follow careful o Handwheel
Used to manually raise and lower the needle.
instruction when freehand stitching so that you do not deflect the of experience and knowledge if they have been p Buttonhole fine-adjustment screw
needle and cause it to break.
-T
 o reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons. given supervision or instruction concerning use of q Air vent

2 Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when 7 This machine is not a toy: the appliance in a safe way and understand the
The air vent allows the air surrounding the motor to circulate.
Do not cover the air vent while the machine is being used.
• Your close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or
making any adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual:
near children.
hazards involved. Children shall not play with the r Main power and sewing light switch
You can turn the main power and sewing light switch on and off.
• To unplug the machine, switch the machine to the symbol “O” • The plastic bag that this machine was supplied in should be kept appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall s Foot controller jack / socket
position to turn it off, then grasp the plug and pull it out of the out of the reach of children or disposed of. Never allow children to Plug in the foot controller plug and connect the machine to the power supply.
electrical outlet. Do not pull on the cord. not be made by children without supervision. t Presser foot lever
play with the bag due to the danger of suffocation.
• Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet. Do not use • Do not use outdoors. Used to raise and lower the presser foot.
an extension cord. FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS u Handle
• Always unplug your machine if the power is cut. 8 For a longer service life: ONLY Carry the machine by its handle when transporting.
v Buttonhole lever (1-Step automatic buttonhole)
3 Electrical Hazards:
• When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity
locations. Do not use or store the machine near a space heater,
IMPORTANT
• In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by
Lower the buttonhole lever when sewing buttonholes.
w Foot controller
• This machine should be connected to an AC power source iron, halogen lamp, or other hot objects. ASTA to BS 1362, i.e. carrying the mark, rating as marked on You can use this to control the sewing speed, and to start and stop sewing.
within the range indicated on the rating label. Do not connect it • Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the case. Benzene, plug.
to a DC power source or inverter. If you are not sure what kind thinner, and scouring powders can damage the case and machine, • Always replace the fuse cover. Never use plugs with the fuse cover ■ Flat bed attachment Slide the
of power source you have, contact a qualified electrician. and should never be used. omitted. The accessories can be stored in attachment to the
• This machine is approved for use in the country of purchase only. a compartment inside the flat bed left to open.
• Always consult the operation manual when replacing or installing • If the available electrical outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied attachment.
4 Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, any assemblies, the presser feet, needle, or other parts to assure
correct installation.
with this equipment, you should contact your authorized Brother
Service Center to obtain the correct lead.
if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, Storage compartment

Using Your Sewing Replacing the needle

■ Connecting plugs
Machine Note
●● If a power outage occurs while the sewing machine
is being operated, turn off the main power and
CAUTION ■ Checking the needle

3
WARNING

2
unplug the power supply cord. When restarting the ●● Always turn off the machine before
●● Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sewing machine, follow the necessary procedure you change the needle. Otherwise,
sources may result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine. to correctly operate the machine. injuries may occur if the foot Parallel space
●● Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are firmly inserted into the (For U.S.A. only) controller is accidentally pressed
electrical outlet and the power supply jack on the machine. Otherwise, a fire or ● This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade and the machine starts sewing.
electric shock may result. wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric ●● Only use sewing machine needles Level surface
●● Do not insert the plug on the power cord into an electrical outlet that is in poor shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized for home use. Other needles may
condition. outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in bend or break and cause injury.
●● Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances: the outlet, reverse the plug.
If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician ●● Never sew with a bent needle. A
• When you are away from the machine
to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug bent needle will easily break and
• After using the machine
in any way. cause injury.
• When the power fails during use
• When the machine does not operate correctly due to a bad connection or a
disconnection ■ Main power and ■ Foot controller CAUTION
• During electrical storms
sewing light switch ●● Do not allow pieces of cloth
CAUTION
4

With the flat side of Install the twin needle in the

5
Note
CAUTION and dust to build up on
the foot controller. Doing ●● Before replacing the needle, place ●● Do not use excessive
the needle toward the same way.
●● Use only the power cord included with this machine. back of the machine,
so could cause a fire or an fabric or paper under the presser foot force when loosening
●● Do not use extension cords or multi-plug adapters with many other appliances insert the needle until
electric shock. to prevent the needle from falling into or tightening the needle
plugged in to them. Fire or electric shock may result. Slower touching this stopper.
●● Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Electric shock may result. the hole in the needle plate. clamp screw.
●● When unplugging the machine, always turn off the main power first. Always Note
grasp the plug to remove it from the outlet. Pulling on the cord may damage Faster (For U.S.A. only)
the cord, or lead to fire or electric shock.
●● Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modified, forcefully bent,
● Foot Controller: Model KD-1902
This foot controller can be used
CAUTION
pulled, twisted, or bundled. Do not place heavy objects on the cord. Do not Press the power switch Press the foot Tighten the
on the machine with product ● Make sure you insert the needle until it
subject the cord to heat. These things may damage the cord and cause fire needle clamp
toward the “I” mark to turn the controller down to start code 888-X06, 888-X08, 888-X16, touches the stopper, and securely tighten
or electric shock. If the cord or plug is damaged, take the machine to your screw. the needle clamp screw with a screwdriver,
main power and sewing light sewing. Take your foot 888-X18, 888-X26 and 888-X28.
authorized Brother Service Center for repairs before continuing use. otherwise the needle may break or the
on. Press toward the “O” mark off the foot controller to The product code is mentioned Turn the screw counterclockwise.
●● Unplug the power cord if the machine is not to be used for a long period of machine may be damaged.
to turn off. stop sewing. on the machine rating plate.
time. Otherwise a fire may result.

Thread tension Changing the presser foot

The tension of the thread will affect the quality of your stitches. You may need to adjust it when you change fabric or thread. We recommend that you do a test sample on
CAUTION
1

scrap of a fabric before you start to sew.

2

●● Always turn off the machine before you change

the presser foot. If you leave the power on and
■ Correct tension ■ Upper tension is too tight ■ Upper tension is too loose step on the controller, the machine will start and
Correct tension is important as too Loops will appear on the surface of the fabric. Loops appear on the back of the fabric. you may be injured.
much or too little tension will weaken
●● Always use the correct presser foot for the
your seams or cause puckers on
stitch pattern you have chosen. If you use the
your fabric. Note Note wrong presser foot, the needle may strike the
● If the bobbin thread was incorrectly threaded, the ●● If the upper thread was incorrectly threaded, the presser foot and bend or break, and may cause
upper thread may be too tight. In this case, refer to upper thread may be too loose. In this case, refer to injury.
Back of fabric “1 Lower threading” on the back side to rethread “2 Upper threading” on the back side and rethread ●● Only use presser feet that have been designed Mark on the wheel points up to raise
the bobbin thread. the upper thread. to be used with this machine. Using any other the needle.
presser foot may cause accident or injury.
Surface of
fabric
Loops appear
on back of
Upper thread
4

Back of fabric Back of fabric fabric ■ Presser foot installation orientation

3

Lower thread Presser foot holder

Upper tension-control dial Surface Surface

of fabric
CAUTION
of fabric ●● If the presser foot is
Black not installed with the
Upper Loops appear on Upper button
thread correct orientation, the
Lower surface of fabric thread Lower thread Shank This snaps in needle may strike the
thread to the shank. presser foot, which
may bend or break
Press the black button at the the needle and cause
Solution: Reduce the tension by turning the upper Solution: Increase the tension by turning the upper back of the presser foot holder injury.
tension control dial to a lower number. tension control dial to a higher number. to release the presser foot.

Stitch length dial Stitch width dial

Depending on the selected stitch, you may need to adjust the stitch Raise the needle by turning the handwheel toward you When the Straight or Triple Stretch Stitch is
length for best results. Stitch length dial Shorter Longer CAUTION (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the wheel points up. selected, the needle position can be changed from CAUTION
The numbers marked on the stitch length dial represent the stitch ● If the stitches are bunched The numbers marked on the dial represent the stitch width. left to right by adjusting the stitch width dial. ●● After adjusting the stitch width,
length in millimeters (mm) (1/25 inch). together, lengthen the stitch slowly turn the handwheel toward you
THE HIGHER THE NUMBER, THE LONGER THE STITCH. With the length and continue sewing. Stitch width dial (counterclockwise) and check that the
“0” setting, material is not fed. This is used when sewing a button. Do not continue sewing needle does not touch the presser foot. If
The “F”-“1” range is for making a satin stitch (closed zigzag stitch), without lengthening the stitch the needle hits the presser foot, the needle
which is used for making buttonholes and decorative stitches. The Stitch length, otherwise the needle may bend or break.
position needed for making the satin stitch varies according to the may break and cause injury. ●● If the stitches are bunched together,
length dial
material and thread being used. To determine the exact dial position, increase the stitch length. Continuing to
first test the stitch and length settings on a scrap piece of fabric to sew with the stitches bunched together may
observe the feeding of the material. result in the needle bending or breaking.

Reverse sewing Trial sewing Changing the sewing Sewing thick fabrics Sewing thin fabrics Sewing stretch Stitching cylindrical pieces
• To sew in reverse, Use a piece of fabric and direction If the fabric does not fit When sewing thin fabrics
push the reverse thread that are the same easily under the presser fabrics, the stitching
2
1

sewing lever in as far as those used for your Stop the machine with foot, raise the presser may become First, baste
Slide the flat bed Slide the part that you wish
as possible and hold project, and check the the needle in the fabric foot lever even higher to misaligned or the the pieces
attachment to the to sew onto the arm, and
it in that position while thread tension and stitch at the point where you bring the presser foot to its fabric may not feed of fabric
left to release it. then sew from the top.
you lightly push the foot length and width. want to change the highest position. correctly. If this together,
sewing direction, and Stabilizer material and then
controller. occurs, place thin
or paper
• To sew forward, release
the reverse sewing
then raise the presser
foot lever. Using the needle as a pivot, turn
CAUTION paper or stabilizer
material under the
sew without
stretching the
Basting
Reverse sewing
lever. The machine will the fabric, lower the presser foot lever, and If fabric more than 6 mm (15/64 inch) thick is fabric and sew it fabric.
lever sewn or if the fabric is pushed with too much Note
then sew forward. then continue sewing. together with the
force, the needle may bend or break. ●● When you are finished with free-arm sewing,
• The length of reverse fabric. When you have
install the flat bed attachment back in its
stitches is fixed at 2 mm finished sewing, tear
original position.
(1/16 inch). off any excess paper.
 1
Turn on the machine. Hold the end of the Trim the excess thread

4
1

2
Pull up the spool pin completely. thread. above the bobbin.

Lower Threading !
7 – 10 cm
(3-4 inches)
1 cm
(1/2 inch)
ck
Cli
When the bobbin
is full, the bobbin
CAUTION will spin slowly.
CAUTION Align the notch to Slide the bobbin to Do not turn on the machine Wind the thread
the projection. the right. while pressing the foot few times around
If the spool is set incorrectly, the thread
controller down, otherwise
may tangle and the needle may break. Pull the thread completely. the bobbin.
you may be injured.

Put the projection into the

7
5

8
groove.
Push the bobbin
down.

Cut the thread

CAUTION CAUTION with the cutter.

Be sure to use the correct Wind the bobbin properly, or the thread
bobbin. tension may loosen, and the needle may Turn off the
break. machine.
11.5mm Hold the bobbin down. With the end of the thread comes
7/16”
out from the cover toward the
Actual Size rear of the machine.

2
Turn off the 1
1

7
machine. Pull up the spool pin completely.

Upper Threading 4
2
Raise the
lever to raise Spring
the presser Lower the presser
foot.
5 foot lever.
3
CAUTION
If the spool is set incorrectly, the
Mark on the wheel points thread may tangle and the needle Make sure that the spring in the Guide the thread. Pull the thread behind the guide above
Mark on the wheel
up to raise the needle. breaks. groove catches the thread. the needle.
points up.

10
8

Pull down the needle

thread lever as much
as possible ( ), and
CAUTION Guide turn the lever toward the
back ( ).
If the upper threading is not correct,
the thread may become tangled or the While lowering the needle threader lever ( ), * Make sure that the
hook passes through the eye of the
Turn the needle threader lever toward
the front ( ), and then raise the needle
Pull the loop of the thread toward the
back of the machine.
Raise the presser foot
lever.
5 cm (2 inches)
needle may bend or break. hook the thread onto the guide ( ).
needle and grabs the thread. threader lever ( ).

3
Start sewing
1

3
2
For stretch stitching (When sewing with the pattern)

– Straight Stitch Set to / 1 or .

CAUTION
Do not turn on the machine Mark on the wheel
while pressing the foot points up.
controller down, otherwise
you may be injured.
CAUTION Turn on the Mark on the Stitch length dial
● To avoid being injured, watch the needle carefully while you are using the machine. wheel points
machine. Keep your hands away from moving parts. up to raise
● Do not stretch or pull the fabric during sewing, otherwise the needle may the needle.
be damaged and you may be injured. Select a stitch.
● Do not use bent or broken needles, otherwise you may be injured.
● Take care that the needle does not hit basting pins or other objects during
4

9
sewing. The needle may break and you may be injured.
● Always use the correct presser foot. If you use the wrong presser foot,
the needle may hit the presser foot and bend or break and you may be
injured. Gently press down
● When you turn the handwheel by hand, always turn it toward you to start sewing.
(counterclockwise). Turning it the other way may cause the thread to
tangle and damage the needle or fabric, and you may be injured. Take off your foot to
Place the needle to the stop sewing.
● Do not start sewing without placing the fabric under the presser foot,
starting point.
otherwise the presser foot may be damaged.

Mark on the
wheel points
up to raise the Cut the thread.
needle.

Sewing Buttonholes Maintenance

CAUTION Restrictions on oiling Precautions on storing the machine

Always turn off the machine before replacing the presser foot. Otherwise, injuries may occur if the foot controller is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.
In order to prevent damaging this machine, it must not be oiled by the user. Do not store the machine in any of the locations described below,
This machine was manufactured with the necessary amount of oil applied to otherwise damage to the machine may result, for example, rust caused by
Making a buttonhole ensure correct operation, making periodic oiling unnecessary. condensation.
If problems occur, such as difficulty turning the handwheel or an unusual • Exposed to extremely high temperatures
Using tailor’s chalk, mark Lower the buttonhole lever and push it back slightly. noise, immediately stop using the machine, and contact your authorized • Exposed to extremely low temperatures
1

4
2

the position and length Brother Service Center or the nearest authorized Brother Service Center. • Exposed to extreme temperature changes
of the buttonhole on the Insert the button. • Attach the Buttonhole lever You need to sew the front bar • Exposed to high humidity or steam
fabric. buttonhole tack first. Align the marks on • Near a flame, heater or air conditioner
foot “A” . the foot with the mark on the
Buttonhole sewing • Outdoors or exposed to direct sunlight
• Set the fabric.
• Exposed to extremely dusty or oily environments
pattern
selection dial Starting mark
on the fabric Note
to Buttonhole.
●● In order to extend the life of this machine, periodically turn it on and use
it. Storing this machine for an extended period of time without using it
may reduce its efficiency.
Marks on the
Buttonhole foot “A” foot
Cleaning
CAUTION
3
1

While gently holding the Stop the machine when

5

Make sure you unplug the

upper thread, start the buttonhole stitching is finished. • Raise the Open the buttonhole. machine before you clean it,
machine. needle and the otherwise you risk getting an
The bar tacks of the Note Insert a pin at the electric shock or being injured.
presser foot
buttonhole are sewn in end of the buttonhole
●● If buttonhole sewing was lever. stitching to prevent the
the order shown. interrupted, sew trial stitching • Remove the
one or two times on a stitching from being
fabric. cut.
scrap piece of fabric before Seam ripper
continuing to sew the project. • Cut the thread.
Mark on the wheel points up to raise the
• Raise the
3 Stitching that is continued after
being interrupted may be sewn buttonhole CAUTION needle.
incorrectly. lever to When opening the buttonhole with the seam
2 4
●● If thick seams are being sewn its original ripper, do not place your hands in the cutting path,
and the fabric does not feed, otherwise injuries may result if the seam ripper slips.
4

position.
1 sew with the coarser (longer) Do not use the seam ripper in any other way than
stitch. how it is intended.

■ If the button does not fit in the button Adjusting buttonholes

guide plate
1

Add together the diameter and thickness of the button, and

Set the stitch length dial between If the left side is too open or tight compared
then set the button guide plate to the calculated length.
“F” and “1.5” and sew the buttonhole with the right side, adjust the buttonhole
on a scrap piece of fabric. fine-adjustment screw. CAUTION
10
8

If the right side of the buttonhole is Left side

Presser foot scale too open or tight, adjust the feeding This ● Never use a bobbin case that is
adjustment scratched; otherwise the upper
of the material with the stitch length
ensures both thread may become tangled, the
dial.
needle may break, or sewing
sides of the
Length of buttonhole performance may suffer. For a new
buttonhole are
(Diameter + bobbin case, contact your nearest
5 mm (3/16 inch) the same. authorized Brother Service Center.
thickness of button)
● Make sure that you fit the bobbin
case properly, otherwise the needle
Shorter Longer ▲ may break.

Example: The button guide 10 mm Clean the bobbin race.

plate should be set to 25 mm (3/8 inch)
(1 inch) on the scale.
●
Stitch length dial Right side
15 mm (9/16 inch)