IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using this machine, basic safety precautions should always be taken, including the following:
Read all instructions before using.
DANGER -
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
1. The machine should never be left unattended while plugged in. Always unplug the machine from the electrical
outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
WARNING -
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons:
1. Do not allow this machine to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or
near children.
2. Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only accessories recommended by
the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
3. Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped
or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the machine to the nearest authorized retailer or service center for
examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
4. Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings 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 on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
10. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the machine needle.
11. Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
12. Do not use bent needles.
13. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.
14. Switch the machine to the symbol “ ” position when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as
threading needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, and the like.
15. Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any
other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.
16. This sewing machine is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
17. Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with this machine.
18. If the Light unit is damaged, it must be replaced by authorized dealer.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This machine is intended for household use.
1
FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA
AND CYPRUS ONLY
If this machine is fitted with a three-pin non-rewireable BS plug then please read the following.
IMPORTANT
If the available socket outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, it should be cut off and an
appropriate three-pin plug fitted. With alternative plugs an approved fuse must be fitted in the plug.
NOTE
The plug served from the main lead must be destroyed as a plug with bared flexible cords is hazardous if engaged in
a live socket outlet. In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362, i.e. carrying
the
mark, rating as marked on plug.
Always replace the fuse cover, never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted.
WARNING
DO NOT CONNECT EITHER WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL WHICH IS MARKED WITH THE LETTER ‘E’, BY
THE EARTH SYMBOL
OR COLOURED GREEN OR GREEN AND YELLOW.
The wires in this main lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Blue
Neutral
Live
Brown
As the colours of the wiring in the main lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings iden-
tifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows.
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘N’ or coloured
black or blue.
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘L’ or coloured
red or brown.
2
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Declaration of Conformity (For USA Only)
Responsible Party: Brother International Corporation
100 Somerset Corporate Boulevard
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911 USA
TEL : (908) 704-1700
declares that the product
Product Name:
Model Number:
Brother Sewing Machine
NV1500D/NV1500
complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a resi-
dential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If 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
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is con-
nected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
• The included interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance with the limits for a Class B
digital device.
• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
3
CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSING OUR
MACHINE
Your machine is the most advanced computerized household embroidery and sewing machine. To fully enjoy all
the features incorporated, we suggest that you study the manual.
PLEASE READ BEFORE USING THIS MACHINE
For safe operation
1. Be sure to keep your eye on the needle while sewing. Do not touch the handwheel, thread take-up lever, nee-
dle, or other moving parts.
2. Remember to turn off the power switch and unplug the cord when:
• Operation is completed
• Replacing or removing the needle or any other parts
• A power failure occurs during use
• Maintaining the machine
• Leaving the machine unattended.
3. Do not store anything on the foot controller.
4. Plug the machine directly into the wall. Do not use extension cords.
For a longer service life
1. When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not use or store the machine
near a space heater, iron, halogen lamp, or other hot objects.
2. Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the case. Benzene, thinner, and scouring powders can damage
the case and machine, and should never be used.
3. Do not drop or hit the machine.
4. Always consult the operation manual when replacing or installing any assemblies, the presser feet, needle, or
other parts to assure correct installation.
For repair or adjustment
In the event a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, first follow the troubleshooting table in the back of the
operation manual to inspect and adjust the machine yourself. If the problem persists, please consult your local
authorized Brother dealer.
For additional product information and updates, visit our web site at www.brother.com
The contents of this manual and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.
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HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Chapters 1 and 2 describe to the first-time user the initial operations for using this machine and the basic
sewing operations.
To sew utility stitches
Continue with chapter 3 to learn how to select a stitch and sew using the various stitches.
Chapter 2
Chapter 1
Chapter 3
To sew characters and patterns
Continue with chapter 4 to learn basic operations, from selecting patterns to sewing, in addition to
operations such as combining and editing patterns to rotate or resize them, and storing combined
patterns.
Chapter 2
Chapter 4
Chapter 1
To embroider
Continue with chapter 5 to learn basic embroidering operations, from selecting patterns to sewing, as
well as operations such as editing patterns to rotate or resize them and utilizing more useful functions or
techniques. In chapter 6, you can learn how to edit more advanced embroidery patterns and combine
patterns.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
• Parts related to operations described in the procedures are highlighted in blue.
Perform the operations while comparing the screens in the procedures with those that appear on the
machine.
• If, while using the machine, you have questions about an operation or you would like to know more
about a specific function, refer to the index (P.197) and the table of contents to find the section of the
manual to refer to.
5
Contents
CONTENTS
Smocking.................................................................. 69
Fagoting.................................................................... 70
Tape or Elastic Attaching........................................... 71
Heirloom Stitching.................................................... 72
Buttonhole Stitches ................................................... 74
Bar Tacks.................................................................. 79
Button Sewing........................................................... 81
Eyelets ...................................................................... 82
Multi-Directional Sewing (Straight Stitch and
NAMES OF MACHINE PARTS AND THEIR
FUNCTIONS...........................................................9
Machine ..................................................................... 9
Needle and Presser Foot Section............................... 10
Embroidery Unit ....................................................... 10
Operation Buttons .................................................... 11
Included Accessories ................................................ 11
Options .................................................................... 14
Chapter 1 Getting Ready
15
Zigzag Stitch)............................................................ 83
Zipper Insertion ........................................................ 84
TURNING THE MACHINE ON/OFF ....................16
LCD SCREEN .......................................................17
Using the Machine Setting Mode Key ...................... 20
Using the Machine Operation Mode Key ................. 22
Using the Pattern Explanation Key ........................... 23
LOWER/UPPER THREADING ..............................24
Winding the Bobbin ................................................. 24
Setting the Bobbin .................................................... 27
Pulling Up the Bobbin Thread .................................. 27
Upper Threading ...................................................... 28
Using the Twin Needle............................................. 31
CHANGING THE PRESSER FOOT .......................33
Removing the Presser Foot........................................ 33
Attaching the Presser Foot......................................... 33
CHANGING THE NEEDLE...................................34
Chapter 4 Character/Decorative Stitches 87
SELECTING STITCH PATTERNS .......................... 88
Selecting Decorative Stitch Patterns/7 mm
Decorative Stitch Patterns/Satin Stitch Patterns/
7 mm Satin Stitch Patterns/Cross Stitch Patterns/
Utility Decorative Stitch Patterns............................... 89
Alphabet Patterns...................................................... 89
SEWING STITCH PATTERNS............................... 91
Sewing Attractive Finishes......................................... 91
Basic Sewing............................................................. 91
Adjusting Patterns ..................................................... 92
EDITING STITCH PATTERNS .............................. 94
Changing the Pattern Size ......................................... 95
Changing the Pattern Length
(7 mm Satin Stitch Patterns Only).............................. 95
Creating a Vertical Mirror Image............................... 95
Creating a Horizontal Mirror Image .......................... 95
Selecting a Single/Repeating Pattern.......................... 96
Changing the Thread Density
Chapter 2 Sewing Basics
37
SEWING ..............................................................38
Sewing a Stitch ......................................................... 38
Sewing Reinforcement Stitches ................................. 40
Sewing Curves.......................................................... 40
Changing Sewing Direction ...................................... 40
Sewing Heavyweight Fabric...................................... 41
Sewing Lightweight Fabric........................................ 41
ADJUSTING STITCH SETTINGS...........................42
Adjusting the Stitch Width ........................................ 42
Adjusting the Stitch Length ....................................... 42
Adjusting the Thread Tension ................................... 43
USEFUL FUNCTIONS..........................................43
Automatic Reinforcement Stitching........................... 43
Automatic Thread Cutting......................................... 44
Locking the Screen ................................................... 45
(Satin Stitch Patterns Only)........................................ 96
COMBINING STITCH PATTERNS ....................... 97
Before Combining Patterns........................................ 97
Combining Patterns From Different Categories.......... 97
Combining Stitch Patterns of Different Sizes.............. 98
Combining Stitch Patterns of Different Orientations .. 99
Combining Stitch Patterns of Different Lengths........ 100
Creating Step Patterns (7 mm Satin Stitch Patterns
Only) ...................................................................... 101
USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION................... 103
Stitch Data Precautions........................................... 103
Saving Stitch Patterns in the Machine’s Memory ..... 103
Saving Stitch Patterns to the Computer.................... 105
Retrieving Stitch Patterns from the Machine’s
Chapter 3 Utility Stitches
47
SELECTING A UTILITY STITCH............................48
Selecting a Stitch Pattern........................................... 49
Saving Stitch Settings ................................................ 49
Using the Sewing Type Selection Key ...................... 50
SEWING THE STITCHES......................................51
Straight Stitches ........................................................ 51
Darts Seams.............................................................. 53
Gathering ................................................................. 54
Flat Fell Seams.......................................................... 54
Pintucks.................................................................... 55
Zigzag Stitches.......................................................... 56
Elastic Zigzag Stitches............................................... 57
Overcasting .............................................................. 58
Quilting.................................................................... 62
Blind Hem Stitches ................................................... 66
Appliqués ................................................................. 67
Shell Tuck Stitching .................................................. 68
Scalloping................................................................. 68
Top Stitching ............................................................ 69
Memory.................................................................. 106
Retrieving Stitch Patterns from the Computer .......... 107
Chapter 5 Embroidery
109
BEFORE EMBROIDERING................................. 110
Attaching Embroidery Foot “U”............................... 111
Attaching the Embroidery Unit................................ 112
SELECTING EMBROIDERY PATTERNS.............. 114
One-point Patterns/Floral Patterns........................... 115
Alphabet Patterns.................................................... 116
Frame Patterns ........................................................ 117
Embroidery Cards ................................................... 118
Selecting Patterns from the Machine's Memory/
Computer................................................................ 118
VIEWING THE SEWING SCREEN...................... 119
PREPARING THE FABRIC.................................. 120
Attaching Stabilizer to Fabric .................................. 120
Hooping Fabric in the Embroidery Frame................ 121
6
Contents
Embroidering Small Fabrics and Fabric Edges.......... 123
ATTACHING THE EMBROIDERY FRAME ..........124
EDITING THE PATTERN ....................................125
Changing the Embroidery Frame Display................. 125
Changing the Pattern Position.................................. 125
Rotating the Pattern ................................................. 126
Changing the Pattern Size........................................ 126
Creating a Horizontal Mirror Image......................... 127
Changing the Stitching Density (Alphabet and
Frame Patterns Only)............................................... 128
Changing the Color of Single Characters.................. 128
CHECKING THE PATTERN ................................129
Checking the Embroidering Position........................ 129
Previewing the Pattern............................................. 130
SEWING AN EMBROIDERING PATTERN ..........131
Sewing Attractive Finishes ....................................... 131
Sewing Embroidery Patterns .................................... 132
Embroidering Appliqué Patterns .............................. 133
If the Bobbin Runs Out of Thread ............................ 134
If the Thread Breaks During Sewing .............................. 135
Restarting from the Beginning.................................. 136
Adjusting the Thread Tension .................................. 136
Automatic Thread Cutting........................................ 137
Changing the Embroidering Speed........................... 138
Changing the Thread Color Display......................... 138
USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION ...................140
Embroidery Data Precautions .................................. 140
Saving Embroidery Patterns in the Machine’s
CARE AND MAINTENANCE .............................176
Cleaning the LCD.................................................... 176
Cleaning the Machine Casing.................................. 176
Cleaning the Race ................................................... 176
ADJUSTING THE SCREEN.................................178
Screen Visibility Is Low............................................ 178
Touch Panel Is Malfunctioning ................................ 178
TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................180
ERROR MESSAGES............................................183
SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................188
UPGRADING YOUR MACHINE’S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
SOFTWARE.......................................................189
STITCH SETTING CHART..................................191
INDEX...............................................................197
Memory................................................................... 141
Saving Embroidery Patterns to the Computer ........... 142
Retrieving Patterns from the Machine’s Memory...... 143
Retrieving Patterns from the Computer .................... 144
EMBROIDERY APPLICATIONS ..........................146
Using a Frame Pattern to Make an Appliqué (1)....... 146
Using a Frame Pattern to Make an Appliqué (2)....... 147
Chapter 6 Embroidery Edit
149
AVAILABLE EDITING FUNCTIONS ...................150
SELECTING PATTERNS TO EDIT .......................151
Selecting One-point Patterns/Floral Patterns/
Frame Patterns......................................................... 151
Alphabet Patterns .................................................... 152
EDITING PATTERNS..........................................154
Moving the Pattern .................................................. 155
Rotating the Pattern ................................................. 155
Changing the Size of the Pattern.............................. 156
Deleting the Pattern................................................. 156
Changing the Configuration of Character Patterns.... 157
Changing the Character Spacing.............................. 157
Changing the Color of Each Character in a Pattern .. 158
After Editing............................................................. 158
COMBINING PATTERNS...................................159
Editing Combined Patterns....................................... 159
Sewing Combined Patterns...................................... 162
USING THE MEMORY FUNCTION ...................162
Chapter 7 MY CUSTOM STITCH
163
DESIGNING A STITCH ......................................164
ENTERING STITCH DATA .................................166
USING STORED CUSTOM STITCHES................171
Saving Custom Stitches in the Machine’s Memory... 171
Saving Custom Stitches to the Computer.................. 172
Retrieving Custom Stitches from the Machine’s
Memory................................................................... 173
Retrieving Custom Stitches from the Computer........ 173
Chapter 8 Appendix
175
7
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