Learn How To Sew With Brother Sewing Machine Easily

You want to know how to sew with a Brother sewing machine. Good news! Sewing with a Brother machine is simple. Even if you are new to sewing, you can learn fast. This guide will show you the steps. We will cover everything from setting up to making your first stitches. Brother machines are known for being easy to use. They are great for beginners. This post will help you start sewing fun projects today.

How To Sew With Brother Sewing Machine
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Getting Ready to Sew

Before you sew, you need to get your machine ready. This means knowing its parts. It also means reading your book.

Finding Parts on Your Machine

Your Brother machine has many parts. Each part does a job. Look at your machine. Find these parts:

Spool pin: Holds the thread spool.
Bobbin winder: Helps put thread on the bobbin.
Tension dial: Changes how tight the thread is.
Thread guides: Show you where the thread goes.
Take-up lever: Pulls thread for each stitch.
Needle: Pushes thread through the fabric.
Presser foot: Holds fabric down.
Feed dogs: Move fabric under the needle.
Needle plate: Flat part under the needle. It often has lines to help you sew straight.
Handwheel: Turn this by hand to move the needle slowly.
Power switch: Turns the machine on and off.
Foot pedal: Controls the sewing speed.
Bobbin case (or area): Where the bobbin goes.

Take some time to find these on your machine. Your sewing machine manual will show you pictures.

Using Your Brother Sewing Machine Manual

Your sewing machine came with a book. This is your Brother sewing machine manual. It is very important. Keep it close. It shows you how to do everything with your exact machine. It has pictures. It tells you about parts. It tells you about stitches. It tells you how to fix small problems. If you lose it, you can often find it online. Go to the Brother website. Look for your machine model number. You can download the manual there. Always check your manual if you are not sure about something.

Getting the Machine Ready to Sew

Now we get the machine ready for thread. This means winding the bobbin and putting thread in the machine.

Plugging In and Turning On

First, plug your machine in. Connect the power cord to the machine. Plug the other end into a wall outlet. Put the foot pedal cord into the right hole on the machine. Find the power switch. Turn it on. A light might turn on. Your machine is now ready for the next steps.

Winding Bobbin Brother Machine

The bobbin holds the bottom thread. You need thread on it to sew. Winding the bobbin on a Brother machine is quick.

Follow these steps:

Put a spool of thread on the spool pin.
Put an empty bobbin on the bobbin winder pin. This pin is usually on top of the machine.
Guide the thread from the spool. Wrap it around the bobbin winder tension disk. This disk helps the thread wind on neatly. Look for a picture in your manual.
Put the end of the thread through one of the small holes in the empty bobbin. Go from the inside to the outside.
Put the bobbin on the bobbin winder pin. Push the pin to the right (or towards the winder stopper). This tells the machine you want to wind the bobbin.
Hold the thread end that sticks out of the bobbin.
Gently press the foot pedal. The bobbin will start to spin fast. The thread will wrap around it.
Watch the bobbin fill up. The machine will stop (or slow down) when the bobbin is full. There is a little stopper piece that helps with this.
Take your foot off the pedal.
Cut the thread between the spool and the full bobbin.
Push the bobbin winder pin back to the left (or the sewing position).
Take the full bobbin off the pin. It is ready to use.

It is good to wind a few bobbins before you start a big project. This way, you do not stop in the middle to wind more thread.

Threading Brother Sewing Machine

Now you need to put the thread through the machine. This is called threading. You need to thread the top thread and put in the bobbin (bottom thread).

Threading the Top Thread:

Look for numbers or pictures on your machine. Brother machines have guides marked with numbers. Follow these numbers.

Put your thread spool on the spool pin.
Guide the thread. Go through the first thread guide. It is often near the spool pin (Marked #1).
Pull the thread down a channel. It might go behind a metal piece (Marked #2).
At the bottom of the channel, turn the thread. Bring it back up another channel (Marked #3).
At the top, hook the thread through the take-up lever. This lever moves up and down as you sew. The hole might be narrow. You might need to turn the handwheel to bring the take-up lever all the way up. The thread must go through this lever (Marked #4).
Pull the thread back down the machine (Marked #5).
Guide the thread through any lower thread guides. There might be one above the needle (Marked #6).
Thread the needle. Put the thread through the eye of the needle. Go from front to back.
Pull about 6 inches of thread through the needle eye. Slide it under the presser foot. Pull it towards the back of the machine.

Inserting the Bobbin (Bottom Thread):

Brother machines usually have a drop-in bobbin. This is easy. The bobbin area is under the needle plate. There is a clear plastic cover.

Slide the clear cover off.
Take your full bobbin. Look at how the thread comes off the bobbin. It should make a ‘P’ shape or an ‘h’ shape, depending on your machine model. Your manual will show you the right way. This is important for good stitches.
Put the bobbin into the bobbin case (the round area). It should sit flat.
Guide the thread from the bobbin. Follow the path shown on the machine or in the manual. There is usually a small slot to pull the thread through. Pull the thread into this slot.
Pull the thread gently. Make sure it sits correctly in the path.
Leave about 4-6 inches of bobbin thread hanging out.
Put the clear plastic cover back on.

Now you have top thread through the needle. You have the bobbin thread in its place. But you only see the top thread above the needle plate. You need to bring the bobbin thread up.

Bringing Up the Bobbin Thread:

Hold the end of the top thread loosely with your left hand.
Turn the handwheel towards you slowly with your right hand.
Watch the needle go down into the bobbin area. It will grab the bobbin thread.
Keep turning the handwheel. The needle will come back up. It will pull a loop of the bobbin thread up with it.
Use tweezers or your finger to grab the loop of bobbin thread. Pull it up fully.
You should now have both the top thread and the bobbin thread loop on top of the needle plate.
Pull both threads (the end from the needle and the bobbin thread you just pulled up) under the presser foot. Pull them towards the back of the machine.

Your machine is now threaded and ready to sew! This might seem like many steps. After you do it a few times, it will feel easy.

Changing Needle Brother Sewing Machine

Needles get old. They can get dull or bent. A bad needle can cause problems. It can skip stitches or break thread. You should change your needle often. Change it after sewing a few projects. Change it after sewing for about 8-10 hours. Always change it if it breaks or bends.

Changing the needle on a Brother machine is simple.

Turn off the machine power switch. This is for safety.
Lower the presser foot lifter.
Most machines have a screw or clamp holding the needle. It is on the side of the needle bar. Use a small screwdriver (often included with your machine) or just your fingers to loosen this screw.
The needle will drop down. Take the old needle out. Needles have a flat side and a round side at the top. Remember which way it was facing.
Get a new needle. Make sure it is the right kind for your fabric. Needles come in different sizes and types. A universal needle works for many fabrics.
Hold the new needle. Put the flat side towards the back of the machine.
Push the top of the needle up into the needle clamp. Push it up as far as it will go. It must be seated all the way up.
Tighten the screw or clamp firmly. Do not over-tighten it.
Throw the old needle away safely. Do not put it in a regular trash bin. Use a special needle disposal tin or wrap it well.

Always use the right needle for your fabric. A thick needle for thick fabric (like denim). A thin needle for thin fabric (like silk). A ballpoint needle for stretchy fabric.

Setting Up For Sewing

Now you are ready to sew. But first, you need to choose your stitch. You also need to set the thread tension.

Choosing Your Fabric and Thread

Choose your fabric. Choose thread that matches your fabric color. Or pick a fun contrast color! Use good quality thread. Cheap thread can break easily. Make sure your bobbin thread is the same as your top thread. Or it can be a bobbin-specific thread, but using the same is easiest for beginners.

Selecting Stitches: Basic stitches Brother machine

Your Brother machine has different stitches. Look at the dial or buttons on your machine. You will see pictures of stitches.

Here are some basic stitches Brother machine has:

Straight stitch: This is the most used stitch. It makes a line of stitches. You use it to sew seams. You can change how long the stitches are. This is stitch length.
Zig-zag stitch: This stitch goes back and forth. It makes a zig-zag line. You use it to finish edges of fabric so they do not fray. You can change how wide the stitch is and how close together the zig-zags are. This is stitch width and length.
Reverse stitch: This stitch sews backward. You use it at the start and end of seams. It locks the stitches so they do not come undone. Look for a button or lever with a curved arrow.

Your machine might have many other stitches. Check your manual to see what they do. For most projects, the straight stitch is what you need first.

Setting Stitch Length and Width

Most machines have dials or buttons for this.

Stitch Length: This controls how long each stitch is. Short stitches are strong. Long stitches are for gathering fabric or basting (temporary stitches). A common length for sewing fabric together is 2.0 to 2.5 on the dial.
Stitch Width: This controls how wide the stitch is. For a straight stitch, the width should be 0. For a zig-zag stitch, you can make it narrow or wide.

Try sewing on a scrap of your fabric first. See how the different stitch settings look.

Brother Sewing Machine Tension Settings

Thread tension is very important. It makes your stitches look good. Good tension means the top thread and bottom thread meet perfectly inside the fabric layers.

If the top thread is too tight, you will see loops of the bobbin thread on the top side of the fabric.
If the bobbin thread is too tight, you will see loops of the top thread on the bottom side of the fabric.
If both are just right, you will see nice, even stitches on both sides. The stitches will look like tiny dashes locked together.

Your Brother machine has a tension dial. It usually has numbers from 0 to 9. A middle number, like 4 or 5, is often a good start for medium fabric.

How to set tension:

Thread your machine.
Take two pieces of your fabric. Put them together.
Sew a line of straight stitches.
Look at the stitches. Check the top side and the bottom side.
If you see bobbin loops on top, the top tension is too tight. Turn the tension dial to a lower number.
If you see top loops on the bottom, the top tension is too loose. Turn the tension dial to a higher number.
Sew another line. Check again. Keep adjusting the dial and sewing test lines until the stitches look good on both sides.

Tension can change with different fabrics and threads. Always test on a scrap first. The bobbin tension is usually set at the factory. You should not need to change bobbin tension often. Focus on the top tension dial.

Using Presser Feet Brother Machine

The presser foot holds your fabric flat while you sew. Your machine came with different presser feet. Each foot helps you do a different sewing job.

Common presser feet Brother machine might include:

Presser Foot	What it Looks Like	What it Does
Zig-zag foot	Open front, wide slot	Use for straight stitch and zig-zag stitch.
Zipper foot	Can attach left or right	Lets you sew close to a zipper.
Buttonhole foot	Might have a guide	Helps make buttonholes.
Button sewing foot	Holds a button	Helps sew a button onto fabric.
Blind stitch foot	Has a guide blade	Helps sew a hem that does not show stitches.

How to change a presser foot:

Turn off the machine power.
Raise the presser foot lifter.
There is usually a little lever or button at the back of the presser foot holder. Push it. The foot will unclip and drop off.
Line up the new presser foot under the holder. Make sure the pin on the foot is centered under the holder.
Lower the presser foot lifter. The holder will snap onto the new foot.
Raise the lifter again. The new foot should be attached well.

Always check that you are using the right foot for your stitch. For example, if you use a wide zig-zag stitch with a straight stitch foot (which only has a small hole), the needle will hit the foot and break!

Beginning to Sew

Okay, your machine is ready. You have thread, needle, and foot set. You have chosen your stitch. Now you sew!

Placing Fabric

Put your fabric under the presser foot. The edge of the fabric should line up with a seam guide line on the needle plate. These lines help you sew straight lines at set distances from the edge (like 5/8 inch or 1/4 inch).

Lowering the Presser Foot

Lower the presser foot lifter. The foot will go down and hold the fabric flat against the feed dogs. You must lower the presser foot before you start sewing. If you do not, the fabric will not move, and you will get a tangled mess of thread (a “bird’s nest”) under your fabric.

Starting and Stopping

To start sewing, gently press the foot pedal. The machine will start sewing. The harder you press, the faster it sews. Start slow. Most machines have a speed control slider. You can set this to a slow speed first.

To stop sewing, take your foot off the pedal. The machine will stop.

Sewing Straight Lines

Keep your fabric lined up with your chosen seam guide line. Use the line as a guide. Do not watch the needle going up and down. Watch the edge of your fabric meeting the guide line. This helps you sew straight. Gently guide the fabric. Do not push or pull the fabric. The machine’s feed dogs will move the fabric for you. Just keep it going in the right direction.

Sewing a seam:

Place fabric under the foot. Lower the foot.
Start sewing. Sew a few stitches forward.
Press the reverse stitch button or lever. Sew backward over the first few stitches. This locks the seam.
Release the reverse button. Sew forward along your guide line.
When you get near the end of your seam, press the reverse stitch button again. Sew backward a few stitches over the end of the seam. This locks the end stitches.
Stop sewing. Raise the needle (turn handwheel if needed so needle is up). Raise the presser foot.
Pull your fabric away from the machine towards the back.

Sewing Curves and Corners

Curves: When sewing a curve, sew slowly. Stop every few stitches with the needle down in the fabric. Lift the presser foot (with the needle down). Turn the fabric a little bit. Lower the foot. Sew a few more stitches. Repeat around the curve.
Corners: When sewing a corner, sew until you reach the corner point. Stop with the needle down in the fabric at the corner point. Lift the presser foot (with the needle down). Turn the fabric 90 degrees. Lower the foot. Continue sewing down the next side.

Finishing Up and Care

You finished sewing a line! Now you need to cut the threads and take care of your machine.

Securing Stitches

We already talked about using the reverse stitch at the start and end of a seam. This is called backstitching. It makes your seam strong. Your machine might also have a “lock stitch” feature. This makes a few tiny stitches in place to secure the seam.

Cutting Threads

After sewing, you have threads coming from the needle and the bobbin area to your fabric.

Lift the presser foot.
Pull your fabric away from the machine, towards the back.
Your machine might have a thread cutter on the side. It looks like a little blade. Pull the threads through this cutter. It will cut them for you.
If your machine does not have a cutter, use scissors to snip the threads close to the fabric. Leave enough thread (about 3-4 inches) at the machine’s needle so the needle stays threaded for the next time.

Cleaning Brother Sewing Machine

Keeping your machine clean helps it work well. Dust and lint from fabric can build up.

Cleaning Brother sewing machine steps:

Turn off the machine power. Unplug it.
Remove the needle.
Remove the presser foot.
Remove the bobbin and the bobbin case (if it has one you can take out).
Remove the needle plate. You might need a small screwdriver for this.
Now you can see the feed dogs and the bobbin area clearly.
Use a small brush (often came with your machine) to brush away dust and lint. Brush around the feed dogs and the bobbin area.
Do not use canned air. It can push lint deeper into the machine.
Put the needle plate back on.
Put the bobbin case and bobbin back.
Put the presser foot back.
Insert a new needle if needed.

Check your manual. It will show you where to clean on your model. Some machines need a drop of oil in certain spots. Your manual will tell you if and where. Clean your machine regularly, especially after sewing fuzzy fabrics.

Dealing with Problems

Sometimes things go wrong. Do not worry! Many problems are easy to fix. This is basic Troubleshooting Brother machine issues.

Problem	What Might Be Wrong	How to Fix It
Thread keeps breaking	Machine not threaded right, bad needle, bad tension.	Rethread the machine carefully. Change the needle. Check tension settings.
Skipped stitches	Wrong needle, bent needle, needle not pushed up enough.	Change to the right needle for your fabric. Make sure the needle is all the way up.
Fabric not moving	Presser foot is up, stitch length is zero.	Lower the presser foot! Check that stitch length is not set to 0.
Tangled thread under fabric (“bird’s nest”)	Machine not threaded right, presser foot is up.	Rethread the machine fully (top and bobbin). Always sew with presser foot down.
Bad looking stitches (loops)	Tension is wrong, machine not threaded right.	Check tension settings. Rethread the machine carefully, following all guides.

Most problems are caused by not threading the machine right. Or by using an old or wrong needle. Always check these things first! If you have a problem, turn the machine off. Rethread it from the start. Put in a new needle. Then try again. If the problem continues, check your manual.

Sewing with a Brother Machine as a Beginner

Brother sewing machine for beginners are very popular. Why? They are made to be simple to learn on. They are strong enough for home projects. They have features that help new sewists.

Easy Threading: Many Brother machines have clear threading paths and guides. Some even have an automatic needle threader! This helps people who find threading hard.
Drop-in Bobbin: The drop-in bobbin system is much easier than old-style bobbin cases that you have to put in a metal holder.
Clear Controls: Dials and buttons are easy to understand. Stitch pictures are clear.
Reliable Stitches: When threaded right, Brother machines usually make good, even stitches.

Do not be afraid to start. Begin with simple projects. Sew straight lines on scrap fabric. Make a simple pillowcase or a straight-line tote bag. Practice makes perfect. Your Brother machine is a good friend for learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions people often ask when starting with a Brother machine.

Q: Why is my thread getting stuck or making a big mess under the fabric?
A: This is likely a threading problem or you forgot to lower the presser foot. Rethread your machine completely, both top and bobbin thread. Make sure the presser foot is always down before you start sewing.

Q: How do I know what size needle to use?
A: Needles have numbers (like 80/12 or 90/14). Higher numbers are for thicker fabrics. Use an 80/12 or 90/14 for medium cotton. Use a 70/10 or 75/11 for light fabrics. Use a 100/16 for denim or thick layers. Also, use the right type of needle (universal, ballpoint for knits, sharp for fine fabrics).

Q: My stitches are looping on the top. What does that mean?
A: This means your top thread is too tight, or your bobbin thread is too loose. Since bobbin tension is rarely changed, first try lowering your top tension number. Also, check that the bobbin thread is correctly seated in its path.

Q: Can I use any type of thread in my Brother machine?
A: It’s best to use good quality sewing machine thread. Avoid very cheap thread, as it can break easily and leave a lot of lint. Do not use hand-sewing thread in a sewing machine.

Q: How often should I clean my machine?
A: Clean it after big projects or after sewing fabrics that create a lot of lint, like flannel or fleece. A good rule is after every few projects or every 8-10 hours of sewing time.

Q: My machine is making a strange noise. What should I do?
A: Stop sewing. Check if a thread is caught somewhere. Check if the needle is bent or hitting something. Clean the bobbin area. If the noise continues, and you cannot find the problem, it might be time for a professional cleaning or service. Check your manual for troubleshooting specific noises.

Q: My foot pedal is not working. What is wrong?
A: Check that the machine is turned on and plugged in correctly. Make sure the foot pedal cord is pushed all the way into its hole on the machine.

Learning to sew with your Brother machine is a fun journey. Start slow, read your manual, and practice. Soon you will be making wonderful things!