Brother LS-1217 Mechanical Sewing Machine - Page 4 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

clean under the needle plate where the feed dogs are for lint
also clean in the bobbin area for lint or loose threads
also check for burrs on the needle plate or on the bobbin & case
it could also be out of time

Hello smallflame,

The looping on the underside of the fabric is due to the tension on the upper threading being to low. Try setting the tension dial to a higher setting. If this does not help, make sure that you are using the correct needle for the fabric you are stitching on. If the problem persists you should try rethreading the upper fabric.

Thanks,

Pat

I'm looking at your question now
& it's showing me a Brother sewing machine--model number LS-1217
is this correct?

totally rethread because it is not threaded right on top, do this test, with the presser foot up, pull on your needle thread, it should feed smooth, then put the presser foot down, then pull on that thread, now it should barely move. Then you know that you are connecting with the tensions discs in the threading path. Put your tension dial on 3 and go from there. If, you do not have your manual, go to www.brother-usa.com and download a copy for free. Save it and then enlarge your diagrams for threading. You can also print a copy. Good luck, just be patient, you can do this, really.

re-thread the entire machine. Pay special attention to the take-up lever and the tension assembly.

Always have the presser foot in the UP position when threading the machine. This opens the tension disc to allow the thread to nestle inside the assembly.

Make sure the thread passes through the take up lever

Make sure you inserted the thread in every thread guide

I always recommend a sharp needle. You may not notice any slight bends, burrs or dullness in the needle which would throw off the timing and the stitch quality.

SPOOL CAP - If you have a horizontal spool pin a spool cap is very important. Its also very important the spool cap covers the end of the spool of thread but make sure its not too big or it will throw off the thread tension.

TOP TENSION DIAL - The setting should be between 3 and 5 on most machines.

The best way to know if you threaded the tension assembly correctly is to put the presser foot in the DOWN position. Now take the thread from the right of the tension assembly and pull. Is there tension on the thread or does it pull out very easily? If it pulls out easily you threaded it incorrectly. Try it again

also check under the needle plate for lint

and in the bobbin case area for lint or loose threads

My sewing machine is a Brother LS1217, well actually it is my son's, and he uses it very seldom. I went over to put in a new needle and I cleaned it top and bottom, put in a new bobbin, and a new needle and the needle won't pick up the bottom thread. What am I doing wrong? Please help me!! It has to be something simple, as this is such a simple machine! [email protected]

You can go online and buy it anywhere from $50-refurbished or new for $89. Depending on your sewing skill, if new buy from someplace like JoAnn's who give lessons on your machine, it usually is not that much more expensive but at least you have support and understand your machine. The choice is yours.

Check the needle to see if it's damaged
Make sure the bobbin has a 3-5 inch thread tail
Then make sure the top thread has a 3-5 inch tail
Then hold the top thread tail with your fingers (away from the needle)
& use the hand wheel on the right hand side of the machine to slowly
Lower the needle in the bobbin area & see if the bobbin thread will pick
Up that way

There has to be a problem in your threading or your needle. You may have the needle inserted backwards, flat side has to face rear or the needle is bent. Totally unthread your machine and make sure that there are no tangles and that it feeding the right way. Watch how they show your for threading and winding the bobbin, plus threading the bobbin. Good luck, but I truly think it is in your threading.

Hi
I found these on the Brother site.
The first link is a quick set up guide which should answer your question and the second is the instruction manual.
http://www.brother-usa.com/ModelDocuments/Consumer/Quick%20Setup%20Guide/QSG_LS_1217_1520_1717_2125_VX_1435_EN_364.PDF
http://www.brother-usa.com/ModelDocuments/Consumer/Users%20Manual/UM_LS_1217_EN_186.PDF
Hope this helps!

Call Brother at 1-877-276-8437 and see if theycan guide you or else you can mess up the timing and everything. Unless you know what you are doing, it is a job for a professional

Hello to fello seamstress; from repair tech. I've done this to mine. it takes a bit of time -- no big deal.

You are not getting elec TO the unit.

A cheap - safe way to check it is to go to the AUTO repair store and ask for a Cheap continuity tester -- sounds fancy; less than ten bucks, generally. IF you want to go a little fancier, go to Radio Shack and ask for one. Prob under 20. Again; they will tell you how to use it.

I bet You have a wire that has bent/wiggled/worn-against something and is NOT sending elec to the full circuit.

Ask store for directions on HOW to use unit...then, use it to ck line , (when mach is unplugged) little by little follow wire from plug where you put into wall receptacle. I would trace down to foot peddle first as that is my first bet.

(Also p/u a roll of elect tape if you don't have any at home)

Little by little, go around the mach ckg the wire. When you find the broken-rubbed area, cut away worn junk and wrap wire with the elec tape. You almost can't put too much on -- you can put on too little and SHORT out the machine.

Another hint, while you're working on the foot peddle, clean the elec contacts of the foot peddle when you have it apart. Older ones can take fine sand paper, newer ones might need spray elec cleaner from Radio shack (handy on printer, too!)-- or rubbing alcohol on q-tip...just a little.. Be sure it dries well before you do next step of anything.


(If this has been helpful, please rate my help++++Thanks for using FIXYA)

Read your manual and you will have to move your handwheel, towards and they will come up. Get a copy of your manual to download for free at brother-usa.com. Good luck

'Get a free download of your manual, www.brother.com and use metal SA 156 bobbins, ebay-$8.99 for 20 of them,.

You most likely don't have the thread set betweeen the upper tension disc properly

make sure that the needle is in the UP position, and then try that, say if you have a 0 to 5 then set it back to o

If you need the manual, go to sew4less.com for $20.99, or just call Brother at 1-877-276-8437, they may be able to help you locate a download for free.

you are talking about your feed dogs, do you have your manual? It will explain how to adjust them. If, that fails call the company support team. Most companies have a support section online at their site, and you usually can download you manual for free. If it is a Brother, google, Brother.com

Try loosening the thread when you feed it through. Give it a little slack but not too much. Also, make sure you are using quality thread like Coats & Clark. Lower quality thread has a tendency to snap and break.

Good luck!

your bulb part number is X53061020 and no the blubs are not universal I would suggest taking the old bulb with you along with the part number I gave you in order to get the right bulb when you go to the store.