Brother International Innov-is XJ1 Operation Manual - Page 71

USEFUL SEWING TIPS USEFUL SEWING TIPS Sewing Various Fabrics Sewing Tips ■ Trial Sewing Before starting your sewing project, we recommend sewing trial stitches using thread and scrap fabric that are the same as those used for your project. While checking the sewing results, adjust the thread tension as well as the stitch length and width according to the number of fabric layers and stitch that is sewn. Note • Other factors, such as fabric thickness, stabilizer material, etc., also have an effect on the stitch, so you should always sew a few trial stitches before beginning your project. • When sewing decorative satin stitch or satin stitch patterns, there may be shrinking or bunching of stitches, so be sure to use a stabilizer material. ■ Sewing Curves Sew slowly while keeping the seam parallel with the fabric edge as you guide the fabric around the curve. ■ Sewing Heavyweight Fabrics The machine can sew fabrics up to 6 mm (approx. 1/4 inch) thick. If the thickness of a seam causes sewing to occur at an angle, help guide the fabric by hand and sew on the downward slope. 2 Sewing Basics CAUTION • Do not forcefully push fabrics more than 6 mm (approx. 1/4 inch) thick through the machine. This may cause the needle to break and cause injury.  If the Fabric does not Fit under the Presser Foot If the presser foot is in the up position, and you are sewing heavyweight or multiple layers of fabric which do not fit easily under the presser foot, use the presser foot lever to raise the presser foot to its highest position. The fabric will now fit under the presser foot. Shorten the stitch length setting to obtain a fine stitch. Sew slowly, keeping the seams parallel with the fabric edge as you guide the fabric around the curve. ■ Changing Sewing Direction Stop the machine. Leave the needle in the fabric, and press (Presser foot lifter button) to raise the presser foot. Using the needle as a pivot, turn the fabric so that you can sew in the new direction. Press (Presser foot lifter button) to lower the presser foot and start sewing.  If the Fabric does not Feed If the fabric does not feed when starting to sew or when sewing thick seams, press the presser foot locking pin on the left side of presser foot "J". a Raise the presser foot. b While keeping the presser foot locking pin on the left side of presser foot "J" pressed in, press (Presser foot lifter button) to lower the presser foot. The pivot setting is useful when changing the sewing direction. (page 65) 69