Needle breaks.

Needle is installed incorrectly.

Reinstall the needle correctly.
Refer to How do I change the needle ?
Needle clamp screw is not tightened.

Tighten the needle clamp screw.
Refer to How do I change the needle ?
Needle is turned or bent.

Replace the needle.
Refer to How do I change the needle ?
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.

Check the “Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations” chart.
Refer to Combination of fabric, thread and needle.
Wrong presser foot was used.

Use the recommended presser foot.

Upper thread tension is too tight.

Adjust the thread tension.
Refer to How to adjust the thread tension.
Fabric is pulled during sewing.

Do not pull the fabric during sewing.
Spool cap is set incorrectly.

Check the method for attaching the spool cap, then reattach the spool cap.
Refer to How do I thread my machine ?
There are scratches around the opening in the needle plate.

Replace the needle plate, or consult your authorized Brother dealer.
There are scratches around the opening in the presser foot.

Replace the presser foot, or consult your authorized Brother dealer.
There are scratches on the bobbin case.

Replace the bobbin case, or consult your authorized Brother dealer.
Needle is defective.

Replace the needle.
Refer to How do I change the needle ?
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.

Incorrect bobbins will not work properly.
Use only the included bobbin or bobbins of the same type (part code: SA156, (SFB: XA5539-151 / 115J05E0001)).
Upper threading is incorrect.

Check the steps for threading the machine and rethread the machine.
Refer to How do I thread my machine ?
Bobbin is set incorrectly.

Reset the bobbin thread correctly.
Refer to How do I set the bobbin?
Presser foot is attached incorrectly.

Attach the presser foot correctly.
Sewing : Refer to How do I remove or attach the presser foot ?
Embroidery : Refer to How do I attach the Embroidery foot "W"?
Screw of the presser foot holder is loose.

Securely tighten the screw of the presser foot.
Sewing : Refer to How do I remove or attach the presser foot ?
Embroidery : Refer to How do I attach the Embroidery foot "W"?
Fabric is too thick.

Use fabric that the needle can pierce when the handwheel is turned.
Refer to Tips for sewing thick fabrics.
Fabric is fed forcefully when sewing thick fabric or thick seams.

Allow the fabric to be fed without being forcefully pushed.
Refer to Combination of fabric, thread and needle , Tips for sewing thick fabrics.
Stitch length is too short.

Adjust the stitch length.
Refer to How do I adjust a stitch width or length?
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound.

Use a correctly wound bobbin.
Refer to How do I wind the bobbin?

FAQs & Troubleshooting

Needle breaks.