Brother 888-X56 User Manual

Sewing Machine

 - To reduce the risk of electric shock:

Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using, 

when cleaning, when making any user servicing adjustments mentioned in this 

manual, or if you are leaving the machine unattended.

 - To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to 

persons.

Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when making any 

adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual:

To unplug the machine, switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off, 

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then grasp the plug and pull it out of the electrical outlet. Do not pull on the cord.

Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord.

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Always unplug your machine if the power is cut.

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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 water is spilled on the unit. 

Return the machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for 

examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

While the machine is stored or in use if you notice anything unusual, such as an 

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odor, heat, discoloration or deformation, stop using the machine and immediately 

unplug the power cord.

When transporting the machine, be sure to carry it by its handle. Lifting the 

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machine by any other part may damage the machine or result in the machine 

falling, which could cause injuries.

When lifting the machine, be careful not to make any sudden or careless 

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movements, otherwise you may injure your back or knees.

Always keep your work area clear:

Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation 

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openings of the machine and foot control free from the build up of lint, dust, and 

loose cloth.

Do not store objects on the foot controller.

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Do not use extension cords. Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet.

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Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

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Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is 

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being administered.

Do not use the machine near a heat source, such as a stove or iron;otherwise, 

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the machine, power cord or garment being sewn may ignite, resulting in fire or an 

electric shock.

Do not place this machine on an unstable surface, such as an unsteady or slanted 

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table, otherwise the machine may fall, resulting in injuries.

Special care is required when sewing:

Always pay close attention to the needle. Do not use bent or damaged needles.

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Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the 

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machine needle.

Do not turn on the machine while pressing down the foot controller. The machine 

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may start unexpectedly and cause personal injury or damage to the machine.

Switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off when making any 

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adjustments in the needle area.

Do not use a damaged or incorrect needle plate, as it could cause the needle to 

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break.

Do not push or pull the fabric when sewing, and follow careful instruction when 

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freehand stitching so that you do not deflect the needle and cause it to break.

This machine is not a toy:

Your close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children.

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The plastic bag that this machine was supplied in should be kept out of the reach 

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of children or disposed of. Never allow children to play with the bag due to the 

danger of suffocation.

Do not use outdoors.

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For a longer service life:

When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do 

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not use or store the machine near a space heater, iron, halogen lamp, or other hot 

objects.

Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the case. Benzene, thinner, and 

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scouring powders can damage the case and machine, and should never be used.

Always consult the operation manual when replacing or installing any assemblies, 

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the presser feet, needle, or other parts to assure correct installation.

For repair or adjustment:

If the Light unit (light-emitting diode) is damaged, it must be replaced by 

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authorized dealer.

In the event a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, first follow the 

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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.

This machine is intended for household use.
This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and 

above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental 

capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have 

been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the 

appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. 

Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user 

maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.
FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY

In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362, 

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i.e. carrying the 

 mark, rating as marked on plug.

Always replace the fuse cover. Never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted.

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If the available electrical outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this 

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equipment, you should contact your authorized dealer to obtain the correct lead.

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Press the power switch toward the 

“I” mark to turn the main power 

and sewing light on. Press toward 

the “O” mark to turn off.

Press the foot 

controller down to start 

sewing. Take your foot 

off the foot controller to 

stop sewing.

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Slower

Faster

Mark on the wheel points 

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up to rise the needle

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Video tutorials 

included on DVD.

Parallel space

Level surface

Turn the screw 

counterclockwise

With the flat side of the needle 

toward the back of the machine, 

insert the needle until touching 

this stopper

Tighten the needle 

clamp screw

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888-X53/X54/X55/X56

XF3656-001

To sew in reverse, push 

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the reverse sewing lever 

in as far as possible and 

hold it in that position 

while you lightly push the 

foot controller.

To sew forward, release 

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the reverse sewing lever. 

The machine will then 

sew forward.

The length of reverse 

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stitches is fixed at 2 mm 

(1/16 inch).

Reverse sewing 

lever

Use a piece of fabric and thread that are the 

same as those used for your project, and check 

the thread tension and stitch length and width.

Stop the machine with the 

needle in the fabric at the 

point where you want to 

change the sewing direction, 

and then raise the presser 

foot lever. Using the needle 

as a pivot, turn the fabric, lower the presser foot 

lever, and then continue sewing.

When sewing thin fabrics, 

the stitching may become 

misaligned or the fabric 

may not feed correctly. 

If this occurs, place thin 

paper or stabilizer material 

under the fabric and sew 

it together with the fabric. 

When you have finished 

sewing, tear off any excess 

paper.

First, baste the pieces of 

fabric together, and then 

sew without stretching the 

fabric.

Basting

Slide the flat bed 

attachment to the 

left to release it.

Slide the part that you wish 

to sew onto the arm, and 

then sew from the top.

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If the fabric does not fit 

easily under the presser 

foot, raise the presser foot 

lever even higher to bring 

the presser foot to its highest 

position.

Mark on the wheel points up to rise the 

needle

Remove the presser foot by 

pulling it vertically downward.

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This snaps in 

to the shank

Shank

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Stabilizer material 

or paper

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5/7/2012   3:19:24 PM