XL-5700

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting
  • Date: 07/04/2009
  • ID: faqh00000017_004

How do I sew buttonholes?

Buttonholes are sewn from the front of the presser foot to the back, as shown below.
Buttonholes are sewn from the front of the presser foot to the back
1 Reinforcement stitching


Be sure to turn off the main power before replacing the pressor foot. Otherwise, injuries may occur if Start/Stop button is accidentally pressed and the machine starts sewing.

  • 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.

  • The names of parts of buttonhole foot "A", which isused for sewing buttonholes, are indicated below.
    The names of parts of buttonhole foot "A" 1 Button guide plate
    2 Presser foot scale
    3 Pin
    4 Marks on buttonhole foot
    5 5 mm (3/16 inch)
    6 Bracket

  1. Use chalk to mark on the fabric the position and length of the buttonhole.
    Use chalk to mark on the fabric the position and length of the buttonhole. 1 Marks on fabric

    2 Buttonhole sewing


  2. Pull out the button guide plate of buttonhole foot "A", and then insert the button that will be put through the buttonhole.
    Pull out the button guide plate of buttonhole foot "A"
    The size of the buttonhole is set.

    • If the button does not fit in the button guide plate
      Add together the diameter and thickness of the button, and then set the button guide plate to the calculated length. (The distance between the markings on the presser foot scale is 5 mm (3/16 inch).)
      Add together the diameter and thickness of the button, and then set the button guide plate to the calculated length. 1 Presser foot scale
      2 Length of buttonhole (diameter + thickness of button)
      3 5 mm (3/16 inch)


      • Example:
        For a button with a diameter of 15 mm (9/16 inch) and a thickness of 10 mm (3/8 inch), the button guide plate should be set to 25 mm (1inch) on the scale.
        the button guide plate should be set 1 10 mm (3/8 inch)
        2 15 mm (9/16 inch)

  3. Attach buttonhole foot "A".
  4. Select a following stitch.
    Horizontal buttonholes on thin and mediumweight fabrics Horizontal buttonholes on areas that are subject to strain Horizontal buttonholes on thick fabrics Buttonholes with bar tacks on both ends for stabilized fabrics Buttonholes for stretch or knit fabrics Buttonholes for stretch fabrics Bound buttonholes Keyhole buttonholes for thick or plush fabrics Keyhole buttonholes for mediumweight and thick fabrics Horizontal buttonhole for thick or plush fabrics
  5. Position the fabric with the front end of the buttonhole mark aligned with the red marks on the sides of the buttonhole foot, and then lower the presser foot lever.
    Position the fabric with the front end of the buttonhole mark aligned with the red marks on the sides of the buttonhole foot. 1 Mark on fabric (front)

    2 Red marks on buttonhole foot


    Pass the upper thread down through the hole in the presser foot.

     

    • Do not lower the needle into fabric when aligning the marks. Desired results may not be achieved.

    • When lowering the presser foot, do not push in the front of the presser foot.
      When lowering the presser foot, do not push in the front of the presser foot.
      1 Do not reduce the gap.

  6. Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible.
    Pull down the buttonhole lever as far as possible. 1 Buttonhole lever

    The buttonhole lever is positioned behind the bracket on the buttonhole foot.
    The buttonhole lever is positioned behind the bracket on the buttonhole foot. 1 Buttonhole lever

    2 Bracket


  7. Gently hold the end of the upper thread in your left hand, and then start sewing.
    Gently hold the end of the upper thread in your left hand, and then start sewing.
    Once sewing is completed, the machine automatically sews reinforcement stitches, then stops.
  8. Raise the presser foot lever, remove the fabric, and then cut the threads.
  9. Raise the buttonhole lever to its original position.
  10. Insert a pin along the inside of one bar tack at the end of the buttonhole stitching to prevent the stitching from being cut.
    Insert a pin along the inside of one bar tack at the end of the buttonhole stitching 1 Pin


  11. Use the seam ripper to cut towards the pin and open the buttonhole.
    Use the seam ripper to cut towards the pin and open the buttonhole. 1 Seam ripper


    For keyhole buttonholes, use the eyelet punch to make a hole in the rounded end of the buttonhole, and then use the seam ripper to cut open the buttonhole.
    use the seam ripper to cut open the buttonhole 1 Eyelet punch

    • When using the eyelet punch, place thick paper or some other protective sheet under the fabric before punching the hole in the fabric.

    • When opening the buttonhole with the seam ripper, do not place your hands in the cutting path, otherwise injuries may result if the seam ripper slips.

    • Do not use the seam ripper in any other way than how it is intended.

If your question was not answered, have you checked other FAQs?

Have you checked the manuals?

If you need further assistance, please contact Brother customer service:

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