If the fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed, the thread may have become tangled under the needle plate. Follow the procedure described below to remove the fabric from the machine.

Removing the fabric from the machine

1. Immediately stop the machine.
   
    
2. Turn the main power to OFF, and then unplug the machine.
   
    
3. Remove the needle.

   Refer to How do I change the needle?

   If the needle is lowered into the fabric, turn the handwheel away from you (clockwise) to raise the needle out of the fabric, and then remove the needle.

   
    
4. Remove the presser foot.
   If the thread is entangled on the presser foot, remove the entangled thread, and then raise the presser foot lever to remove the presser foot. Otherwise, the presser foot may be damaged.

   Refer to How do I remove or attach the presser foot?

   
    
5. Lift up the fabric and cut the threads below it.
   If the fabric can be removed, remove it. Continue with the following steps to clean the race.
   
    
6. Slide the needle plate lever toward you.

   

   (1) Slide toward you.

   >> The needle plate opens.

   
    
7. Slide out the needle plate with your right hand to remove it.

   

   
    
8. Remove the bobbin case.
   If threads remain in the bobbin case, remove them.

   

   
    
9. Remove any threads in the race and around the feed dogs.

   

   (1) Cleaning brush (2) Race

   
    
10. Insert the bobbin case so that the mark on the bobbin case aligns with the mark on the machine.

    

    (1) Bobbin case(2) "" mark on the bobbin case (3) "" mark on the machine

    * Make sure that the indicated points are aligned before installing the bobbin case.

    • Never use a bobbin case that is scratched or has a burr on it. Otherwise the upper thread may become tangled, and the needle may break and cause injury. For a new bobbin case, contact your nearest Brother authorized service center.
    • Make sure that you fit the bobbin case properly, otherwise the needle may break and cause injury.
    
     
11. Insert the tabs on the needle plate into the notches in the machine.

    

    (1) Tabs (2) Notches

    
     
12. Press down on the right side of the needle plate to secure it.

    

    
     
13. Check the condition of the needle, and then install it.
    If the needle is in a poor condition, for example, if it is bent, be sure to install a new needle.

    Since the needle may have been damaged when the fabric was caught in the machine, we recommend replacing it with a new one.

Checking machine operations

If the needle plate has been removed, check machine operations to confirm that installation has been completed correctly.

1. Turn on the machine.
   
    
2. Select Straight stitch (Middle).

   Do not yet install the presser foot and thread.

   
    
3. Slowly turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise), and look from all sides to check that the needle falls at the center of the hole in the needle plate.

   

   (1) Hole in the needle plate (2) Handwheel

   If the needle or feed dogs contact the needle plate, the machine may be malfunctioning; therefore, contact your nearest Brother authorized service center.

   
    
4. Turn off the machine, and then install the bobbin and presser foot.

   Never use a scratched or damaged presser foot. Otherwise, the needle may break, or sewing performance may suffer.

   For details, refer to How do I set the bobbin? and How do I remove or attach the presser foot?

   
   
    
5. Correctly thread the machine.

   For details, refer to How do I thread my machine ?

    

   The thread may have become tangled as a result of incorrect upper threading. Make sure that the machine is correctly threaded

   
    
6. Perform trial sewing with normal fabric.

   Remember when sewing thin fabrics, select a center stitch that is shorter in length and use the straight stitch needle plate for straight sewing stitches. A lightweight paper stabilizer can also be placed on the underside of the fabric.