BROTHER VX808 (01) PDF Document

For your safety when using the BROTHER VX808 sewing machine, it is recommended that the electrical supply plug is disconnected to avoid electrical hazards when changing the needle, bobbin, or light bulb, or when the sewing machine is not in use.

The principal parts of the BROTHER VX808 sewing machine are:

1. Stitch Width Knob

2. Thread Take-up Lever

3. Sew-light Switch

4. Extension Table

5. Upper Thread Tension Dial

6. Stitch Length & Reverse Sewing Knob

7. Thread Cutter

8. Presser Foot Screw

9. Presser Foot (Zigzag)

10. Needle Plate (Zigzag)

11. Shuttle Hook

12. Bobbin Case

13. Feed Dog

14. Needle

15. Needle Clamp Screw

16. Thread Guide and Bobbin Winder Disc.

17. Spool Pin

18. Bobbin Winder Device

19. Balance Wheel

20. Stop Motion Knob

21. 3-prong Socket

22. Presser Foot Lifter

Connecting Plugs:

1. First connect the three-prong plug into the machine.

2. Then connect the electric supply plug into a wall outlet.

Controlling Sewing Speed:

Place your foot on the foot control. When the foot control is pushed down lightly, the machine will run at a low speed. When pressure on the foot control is increased, the machine will pick up speed. When the foot control is released, the machine will stop. Care should be taken that nothing is placed on the foot controller when the machine is not in use.

Stitch Length Knob:

The stitch length is regulated by turning this knob. The numbers on the ring represent the stitch length. The higher the number, the longer the stitch. A setting of “0” means that the material is not fed.

Reverse Sewing Knob:

To sew in reverse, push this knob as far as it will go and keep it in this position. When you release it, it springs back for forward sewing. Reverse sewing is used for back tacking and reinforcement of the seam.

Stitch Width Knob:

The zigzag width is regulated by operating the stitch knob. Numbers above the knob represent the width of the stitch. The higher the number, the wider the stitch. A setting of “0” means straight stitch only.

NOTE:

1. Do not move the stitch width knob while the needle is in the material.

2. When using a twin needle, the knob should always be set at under “3”.

How to Change the Needle:

1. Raise the needle bar to its highest position.

2. Loosen the needle clamp screw and remove the old needle.

3. Insert the new needle into the needle clamp hole as far as it will go against the needle stop. Make sure the flat side of the needle faces toward the back and the long groove toward you.

4. Tighten the needle clamp screw securely.

How to Check the Needle:

1. The sewing needle must always be straight and sharp for smooth sewing.

2. To check if a needle is bent, place the flat side of the needle down on a flat surface as shown in the manual’s illustration.

Your BROTHER VX808 sewing machine is specially constructed for optional twin needle sewing.

1. Set the extra spool pin into the hole on the top of the machine. You can use either one or two colors of upper thread.

2. Ensure that both threads used for the twin needle are of the same weight. If they are not, stitching will be faulty.

3. Inserting Twin Needle: Insert it in the same manner as a single needle. The flat side of the needle should face toward the back and the long groove should face you.

4. Threading Twin Needle: Follow the instructions for single needle threading, but thread each needle separately. The groove should face you.

Note for Twin Needle Sewing:

1. Use the ZIGZAG PRESSER FOOT.

2. Set the stitch width knob to under “3”.

Before threading your BROTHER VX808, raise the presser foot and turn the balance wheel toward you so that the thread take-up lever is at its highest position. Then, raise the spool pin and place a spool of thread on it.

1. Pass the thread through both of the thread guides from rear to front.

2. Bring the thread down and up through the upper thread tension dial from right to left, so the thread picks up the thread check spring. While holding the thread, pull it up and deliver it into the eye in the tension disc.

3. Thread the take-up lever by guiding the thread to the back of the lever and around to your left. Bring the thread through the slit by pulling it toward you and into the eyelet.

4. Bring the thread down and pass it through the thread guard and guides.

5. Thread the eye of the needle from front to back and draw out about 2 inches (5 cm) of thread.

NOTE: If the threading order is not correct, thread breakage, stitch skipping, and wrinkling of fabric will occur.

To wind a bobbin on your BROTHER VX808, follow these steps:

1. Loosen the stop motion knob by turning it toward you.

2. Place an empty bobbin on the bobbin winder pin.

3. Place a thread spool on the spool pin and take the thread through the bobbin winder tension disc.

4. Wind the thread clockwise a few times around the bobbin and push the bobbin toward the bobbin presser. Start the machine gently.

5. The bobbin will stop winding when it is full.

6. Push the bobbin to the left and remove it. Tighten the stop motion knob securely.

To Remove the Bobbin Case:

1. Raise the needle to its highest position.

2. Open the shuttle cover by turning it down.

3. Pull and open the latch of the bobbin case.

4. Pull the bobbin case out from the shuttle.

To Insert the Bobbin Case:

1. Raise the needle to its highest position.

2. Hold the bobbin case latch with the metal finger of the case pointing up. Fit it into the notch at the top of the shuttle race.

3. Push the case back fully, ensure it is in the proper position, and release the latch.

NOTE:

(A) 4 inches (10 cm) of thread should be drawn out and left out of the case.

(B) The latch of the bobbin case should be opened fully to prevent the bobbin from coming out of the case.

(C) If the bobbin case does not fit in the machine properly, it will come out from the shuttle immediately after starting to sew.

How to Thread the Bobbin Case:

1. Unwind about 4 inches (10 cm) of thread from a wound bobbin. Insert the wound bobbin into the bobbin case.

2. Pull the trailing thread into the slot of the case.

3. Pull the thread to the left under the tension spring until the thread enters the delivery eye.

1. Raise the needle and presser foot to their highest positions. With your left hand, hold the end of the upper thread.

2. With your right hand, turn the balance wheel toward you until the needle moves down and up again to its highest position. The upper thread will catch the lower thread in a loop.

3. Pull the upper thread toward you so that the lower thread will come up in a large loop from the presser foot.

4. Pull both threads under the toes of the presser foot and place them to the rear, leaving about 4 inches (10 cm) of thread.

For sewing tubular and hard-to-reach garment areas like sleeves or pant legs, free-arm sewing is most convenient. To convert your BROTHER VX808 machine to a free-arm model, simply slide out the extension table. The accessories for your machine are contained within this extension table.

It is important that the tension of the upper and lower threads are equal to prevent puckering. It is recommended to make a test sample before starting to sew.

Upper Thread Tension:

To regulate the upper thread tension, turn the thread tension dial with your fingers after lowering the presser foot. The higher the number, the tighter the tension.

• To increase tension: Turn the dial to the right to a higher number.

• To decrease tension: Turn the dial to the left to a lower number.

NOTE: When sewing a zigzag stitch, it requires less upper tension than a straight stitch.

Lower Thread Tension:

The lower thread tension is factory-adjusted for general use. However, when sewing extremely thin or heavy material, you may need to adjust it. To regulate the lower thread tension, use a small screwdriver to turn the small screw on the tension spring of the bobbin case.

• To increase tension: Turn the small screw clockwise very slightly.

• To decrease tension: Turn the screw counterclockwise very slightly.

Perfect Stitching:

The tension of the upper and lower threads should be equal and just strong enough to lock both threads in the center of the fabric. A perfect stitch looks flat and does not cause the material to pucker.

Incorrect Stitch (A) – Upper thread lies on top of the material:

This is caused by tight tension on the upper thread or loose tension on the lower thread. To correct this, turn the upper thread tension dial to a lower number. If a perfect stitch cannot be obtained by only adjusting the upper thread tension, adjust the bobbin tension accordingly.

Incorrect Stitch (B) – Lower thread lies on the underside of the material:

This is caused by loose tension on the upper thread or tight tension on the lower thread. To correct this, turn the upper thread tension dial to a higher number. If a perfect stitch cannot be obtained by only adjusting the upper thread tension, adjust the bobbin tension accordingly.

NOTE: We recommend you make test samples before starting sewing.

NOTE: 1. Select the correct size of needle and thread from the chart. 2. Use the same size thread for upper and lower threads.

Sew-Light Switch Button:

To switch the light on or off, push the sew-light switch button.

How to Change the Light Bulb:

1. Remove the face plate by loosening the screw on the face plate.

2. Remove the light bulb by turning it counterclockwise.

3. Replace the light bulb and fix the face plate back on.

NOTE:

1) Make sure to disconnect the electric supply plug from the wall outlet before changing the light bulb.

2) Always use the CORRECT LIGHT BULB. Maximum input of lamp: 12W for 110/115V area, 15W for 220/240V area.

For straight stitching, set the stitch length between F-4, stitch width to 0, and use a single needle.

How to Start Sewing:

1. Raise the needle to its highest position and lift the presser foot.

2. Pull up the lower thread and place both upper and lower threads to the left.

3. Place the material under the presser foot and position the needle 3/8 inch (1 cm) from the material edge.

4. Lower the presser foot.

5. For reverse sewing (to reinforce), push the reverse sewing knob as far as it will allow.

6. Release the reverse sewing knob and start sewing in the forward direction.

How to Change Sewing Direction:

1. Stop the machine at the turning point while the needle is in the material.

2. Raise the presser foot and turn the material to the new direction while the needle acts as the axis.

3. Lower the presser foot and start sewing in the new direction.

NOTE: In the case of twin needle sewing, raise the needle at the turning point.

How to Finish Your Sewing Project (Reverse Stitching):

Reverse stitching is used to reinforce stitches near the edge of the material.

1. Stitch to the edge of the material and stop.

2. Press the reverse knob and stitch backwards for 3/8 inch (1 cm) from the material edge.

How to Remove Final Sewing From Machine:

1. Stop the machine.

2. Raise the needle to its highest position and make sure the thread take-up lever is also at its highest position.

3. Lift the presser foot and pull out the material gently to the left side diagonally.

4. Cut both threads on the thread cutter.

5. Leave about 4 inches (10 cm) of thread and pull them between the toes of the presser foot to the rear while the thread take-up lever is at its highest position. You are now ready to sew again without the thread pulling out of the needle.

How to Sew Very Thin Material:

An underlay of thin paper is useful to eliminate skipped stitches and puckering on very thin material.

How to Guide Your Material:

Do not pull the material. Let the machine do the work. Merely guide the material with your fingers in front of the presser foot. If you pull the material, your needle might either bend or break.

For special materials, such as tricot, crepes, knits, etc., it is recommended that you support the material both in front of and behind the presser foot with gentle tension.

For zigzag stitching, use the following settings:

• Stitch Length: 1-4 (For Satin Stitch, set at F)

• Stitch Width: 1-5 (For twin needle sewing, always set at 3)

• Needle: Single or Twin Needle

Simple Zigzag Stitch:

Set the stitch length lever between 1-4 for a simple zigzag stitch.

1. With stitch length between 0-1, sew 5-6 straight stitches for reinforcement.

2. Set the stitch width to your desired width and begin sewing.

3. To finish, reset the stitch width to “0” and set the stitch length to between 0-1 to again reinforce stitches before removing the work from the machine.

NOTE: Zigzag stitching requires less upper thread tension than straight stitching.

Satin Stitch:

When the stitch length is set between 0-1, it produces the “SATIN STITCH”, which is used for making fine buttonholes or decorative stitches.

NOTE: It is recommended that a test sample be made before starting to sew.

For making a buttonhole, set the stitch length dial for SATIN STITCH (between 0-1) and use a single needle. The stitch width will be adjusted during the process.

Step A: Bar Tack

1. Set Stitch Width at “5”.

2. Lower the presser foot and sew 2 to 3 stitches.

3. Stop the machine when the needle is in the material at the right side of the stitches.

Step B: Right Row

1. Lift the presser foot.

2. Set Stitch Width at “2”.

3. Lower the presser foot and sew the predetermined length.

4. Stop the machine when the needle is in the material at the right side of the stitches.

Step C: Final Bar Tack

1. Lift the presser foot.

2. Set Stitch Width at “5”.

3. Lower the presser foot and sew 2 to 3 stitches.

4. Stop the machine when the needle is in the material at the left side of the stitches.

Step D: Left Row

1. Lift the presser foot.

2. Turn the material 180 degrees while the needle acts as the axis and set the Stitch Width Dial to 0. Lower the presser foot.

3. Turn the balance wheel toward you to sew one stitch. This action changes the needle position from left to right. Lift the presser foot.

4. Set Stitch Width at “2”.

5. Sew the row until the needle reaches the other bar tack. Stop the machine with the needle in the material to the right of the stitches.

How to Secure Stitching and Cut Material for Buttonhole:

1. To secure stitching, turn the material 90 degrees counter-clockwise and sew 5-6 straight stitches.

2. Remove the material from the machine. Cut the opening in the buttonhole with a seam ripper tool, taking care not to cut through any stitching.

3. It is recommended that pins are placed across both ends of the buttonhole for protection against cutting the bar tack stitching.

NOTE: It is recommended that a test sample of the buttonhole is made. Using tailor’s chalk to mark the length of the buttonhole on the material is also recommended.

Your BROTHER VX808 has a zipper foot in the extension table. For zipper insertion, use Stitch Length 2-3, Stitch Width 0, the Zipper Foot, and a Single Needle.

How to change the presser foot:

1. Raise the needle to its highest position and raise the presser foot lifter.

2. Loosen the presser foot thumb screw and remove the presser foot.

3. Place the grooved side of the new presser foot against the flat of the presser bar.

4. Tighten the thumb screw securely.

Zipper Insertion Steps:

The zipper foot can be positioned to the right or left side of the needle. To position it, loosen the thumb screw and slide the zipper foot to the desired side.

1. Lower the needle into the side notch located on the presser foot (right or left).

2. Tighten the thumb screw to lock the presser foot into position.

3. Fold the edge of the material 3/4 inch (2 cm) and place the zipper under the folded portion.

4. By guiding the zipper foot along the zipper teeth, you will stitch close to the edge of the zipper in the correct position.

5. To sew the opposite side of the zipper, loosen the thumb screw and reposition the zipper foot (right or left).

The sliding parts of the shuttle race should be cleaned regularly so that lint does not accumulate.

How to Remove the Shuttle Hook:

1. Raise the needle to its highest position.

2. Open the shuttle cover.

3. Take out the bobbin case.

4. Push the latch levers outside and remove the retaining ring.

5. Remove the hook by grasping the center post of the hook.

NOTE: When the needle is lowered, the shuttle hook cannot be removed.

Cleaning the Shuttle Race:

1. Remove accumulated lint and thread from the retaining ring, hook, driver, and race body with a brush.

2. A cloth dampened with machine oil should be used to wipe the shuttle race clean.

3. Clean the shuttle hook in the same manner as above.

4. Reassemble the parts.

Cleaning the Feed Dog:

1. Take out the needle plate.

2. Clean the upper part of the feed dog and shuttle race body with a brush.

A new sewing machine or one that has not been in use for a long period of time should be oiled.

• Apply 1 to 2 drops of oil to the points marked with a solid arrow.

• Apply 3 to 4 drops of oil to the points marked with a hollow arrow.

Oil once a week if the machine is used more than one hour per day. If the machine is used more often, oil it every day.

Occasionally, remove the side cover and top cover by loosening the two screws and apply machine oil to the internal oiling points as indicated in the manual’s diagrams.

After oiling, remove the thread and, with the presser foot up, run the machine fast. Be sure to wipe off any excess oil.

NOTE: If the machine has not been used for a long period of time, oil tends to coagulate and the operation of the machine will not be smooth. Apply a few drops of oil to the oiling points, and with the presser foot up, run the machine for a few minutes. Then wipe off any excess oil.

If the material does not feed, check the following:

1. The needle plate may be out of position.

2. The stop motion knob may be loose.

3. The stitch length regulator may be set at 0.

If the upper thread cuts, check for these issues:

1. The upper threading is not correct.

2. The needle eye is not sharp.

3. The upper thread is too thick for the needle eye.

4. The upper thread tension is too tight.

5. The needle is inserted incorrectly.

If the needle breaks, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

1. The needle is inserted incorrectly.

2. The needle clamp screw is loose.

3. A bent needle is being used.

4. The upper threading is not correct.

5. The upper thread tension is too tight.

6. The wrong needle and thread for the material being sewn are used.

7. The material was pulled excessively while sewing.

If the lower thread cuts, check the following:

1. The lower thread may be entangled in the shuttle.

2. The lower thread tension may be too tight.

3. The lower threading is not correct.

If loops form on the fabric, the tension of the upper or lower thread is wrong. Please refer to the instructions for adjusting thread tension.

If the machine skips stitches, check these possible causes:

1. The needle is not sharp and straight.

2. The needle is inserted incorrectly.

3. The wrong needle and thread for the material being sewn are used.

4. The upper threading is not correct.

5. Lint is clinging to the underside of the needle plate.

If the material puckers, it may be due to the following:

1. The thread tension is too tight.

2. The threading is not correct.

3. The thread is caught by something.

4. The lower thread is unevenly wound on the bobbin.

If the machine runs heavy or is noisy, check the following:

1. The machine may be out of oil.

2. Lint may have accumulated on the shuttle and teeth of the feed dog.

Keep the carton and packing material for future use in the event it becomes necessary to reship the sewing machine. Improper packing or improper packing material could result in damage during shipping. The instructions for repacking the machine are illustrated in the manual with four steps showing the placement of the machine and its accessories into the packing foam and box.