MODEL REFERENCE

Brother LS-1217

9 troubleshooting topics

The checks and guides below come from the official manuals for this model.

Find a code or problem on this model

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing

Upper thread breaks6 checks

Upper threading is not correct.: Rethread the upper thread through the guides.
Upper thread is tangled.: Remove the tangle and rethread the upper thread.
Upper thread tension is too tight.: Reduce the upper thread tension.
Spool of thread is not correctly installed.: Seat the spool properly on the spool pin.
Needle is bent or not sharp.: Replace the bent or dull needle.
The combination of needle size/ thread size/fabric is incorrect.: Choose a needle and thread suited to the fabric.

Lower thread breaks4 checks

Lower thread is tangled.: Remove the lower-thread tangle and reinstall the bobbin.
Bobbin is not threaded properly in the shuttle hook.: Thread the bobbin into the shuttle correctly.
Lower thread tension is too tight.: Adjust the lower-thread tension as directed in the manual.
Lower threading is not correct.: Rethread the bobbin case correctly.

Skipped stitches5 checks

Needle is incorrectly inserted.: Install the needle correctly.
A worn or damaged needle is in use.: Replace the damaged or poor-quality needle.
The combination of needle size/ thread size/fabric is incorrect.: Match the needle and thread sizes to the fabric.
Lint is clinging to the bottom of the needle plate.: Clean lint from beneath the needle plate.
Threading is not correct.: Rethread the machine, checking the upper and lower paths.

Loop in seam1 check

Thread tension is incorrect.: Adjust thread tension and test on a scrap of the same fabric.

Fabric puckers4 checks

Thread tension is too tight.: Loosen the thread tension.
Threading is not correct.: Rethread the machine correctly.
Wrong needle is used.: Fit the correct needle for the fabric.
The combination of needle size/ thread size/fabric is incorrect.: Choose a suitable fabric, needle, and thread combination.

Fabric does not feed properly5 checks

Stitch length dial is set at no feeding.: Set the stitch length above zero so the fabric can advance.
The combination of needle size/ thread size/fabric is incorrect.: Match the needle and thread to the fabric.
A worn or damaged needle is in use.: Fit a sound needle.
Thread is tangled.: Remove tangled thread before sewing again.
Feed dogs are lowered.: Raise the feed dogs before normal sewing.

Needle breaks4 checks

Needle is not correctly inserted.: Reinstall the needle fully and tighten its clamp.
A worn or damaged needle is in use.: Replace the poor-quality or damaged needle.
The combination of needle size/ thread size/fabric is incorrect.: Use the needle and thread sizes recommended for the fabric.
Fabric is pulled excessively. Let the feed dogs move the fabric. Do not pull the fabric.: Guide the fabric lightly and let the feed dogs move it.

Machine is noisy or slow2 checks

Lint is clinging to the bottom of the needle plate.: Brush lint from beneath the needle plate.
Insufficient oiling.: Follow the manual’s oiling instructions after unplugging the machine.

Machine does not start4 checks

Power supply plug is removed from outlet.: Connect the power plug to the wall outlet.
Main power switch is turned off.: Switch the machine on.
Foot controller is not used correctly.: Use the foot controller as described in the manual.
The bobbin winding shaft is slid toward the bobbin presser.: Move the bobbin winder shaft back to the sewing position.