8 Series Checklist

1.  Lifting and moving the machine

Rather than using the handle to lift and move the machine, “hug” the machine by placing one of your arms below the screen and through the opening. Rest the machine against your body and “hug” the machine with your other arm to lift and carry it.

2.  Review the Maintenance Troubleshoot-ing section of the manual. (Pages 163-186)

• Cleaning and lubricating the machine – only use the oil provided with the machine
• Changing the clock battery
• Common problems & solutions
• Opening the service cover to remove thread using the multifunction tool – push, don’t turn
• Factory default for the bobbin tension and how to change the tension using the multifunction tool – Each click is 2.5 grams. Rethread the bobbin if there is a tension problem and make sure that the bobbin spins freely in the case. If not, check the spring behind the bobbin to make sure that it is inserted properly.
• Error messages
• Updating the software using a USB stick
• Checking for proper threading of the bobbin using the monitoring mirror

3.  Lubricating the hook

FREQUENTLY lubricate the hook by opening the bobbin door and, while holding the bobbin case, turn the hand wheel clockwise until the area behind the dot is open. Apply a tiny amount of the supplied oil directly behind the dot. Before you replace the bobbin, close the bobbin door and reopen it so the bobbin case returns to the proper position.

4.  Brushing lint out of the bobbin case area

Use the lint brush in the bobbin case area by removing the bobbin and gentlybrushing away the lint. Make sure that the back lash spring (u-shaped in the center with an outside circle) is still properly inserted. The bobbin should spin easily when you put your finger on it. If not, use the rounded part of a clothespin arm or a popsicle stick to push the outside edges of the spring into place. Be careful not to bend the spring!

5.  “Walk” out any caught thread in the bobbin area

Open the bobbin door, remove the bobbin, and grip the caught thread with your hands or tweezers. While holding the thread, turn the hand wheel backwards (away from you) and gently pull the thread out as it unwinds. Avoid pulling the thread.

6.  The proper way to thread the machine

• Remove the service cover with the universal tool if you want to view the threading process.
• Place the thread on the center spool and bring it up through the guide on the telescopic rod.
• Hold the thread with both hands and “floss” it through the thread guide. The take-up arm behind the service cover will move to the proper position and the screen will display the threading message.
• Bring the thread across the top of the machine and down the side. The thread will move into the machine and will insert itself into the take-up lever.
•  The proper thread path looks like an “A” under the service cover.
• During the threading process the start/stop button will be illuminated red until the machine has been threaded correctly, at which time it will turn green.
• Insert the thread behind the thread guide above the needle, through the lip to the left of the needle, and cut off the thread on the cutter.
• Push the automatic needle threader button to thread the needle.

7.  Removing thread from the machine

Always cut the thread by the spool and pull the thread forward,  through the machine (from the needle) to unthread it. DO NOT pull the thread backwards through the machine, as thread may break off inside the machine.

If the thread breaks inside the machine and cannot be reached to be pulled forward through the machine, use the multifunction tool to remove the service cover and reach the thread in the take-up lever area. Check the spring area and take-up lever for loose thread.

8.   Don’t force the threader

If the needle threader gets stuck in the down position, apply a small amount of upwards pressure to the threader and rock the hand wheel back and forth until the threader moves to the correct position.

9.  Disengaging the needle bar

If the needle gets stuck in fabric and the needle bar will not raise, turn the machine off, loosen the needle screw, open the service cover, and use the multifunction tool to push through the oval shaped hole below the take-up lever. This will release the needle and allow it to lift.

10.  Make sure that you have a stable, sturdy table for the 830 and the embroidery unit.

The connection between the 830 and the embroidery unit must be stable, solid, and all on one level – as if they were one piece.

11.  Calibrating the hoops

Prior to the first usage, each embroidery hoop must be calibrated individually before  using the embroidery unit.

12.  Loading the hoop

The fabric needs to have contact with the arm of the machine while embroidering. (The inner hoop needs to be a bit lower than the outer hoop.)

13.  Threading the bobbin for embroidery

Hold the thread tightly. Pull the thread to the left as you would normally when threading. Put one finger on the bobbin and pull the thread straight out from the machine. You will hear a click when the thread enters the correct thread path for embroidery.

14.  Using specialty threads

• Use the proper needle and tension – see chart ”Sewing with Specialty threads”
• Use the “Horizontal Spool Feeder” – see picture below.

Horizontal Spool Holder