MODEL REFERENCE

Brother Innov-is BQ950

14 errors · 32 troubleshooting topics

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

Find a code or problem on this model

Errors and messages

Shown on the machine display

—Change the speed controller mode to OFF

Turn Width Control off in settings or use the foot controller instead of Start/Stop.

—Change to single needle mode and replace the needle

Switch to single-needle mode and fit a single needle for the selected stitch.

—Disconnect the foot controller

Disconnect the foot controller before using Start/Stop.

—Lift the buttonhole lever

Raise the buttonhole lever before sewing the selected ordinary stitch.

—Lower the buttonhole lever

Lower the buttonhole lever before sewing a buttonhole.

—Lower the presser foot lever

Lower the presser foot before pressing an operation button.

—No more stitches can be combined

Reduce the combination to 70 decorative stitches or fewer.

—OK to cancel the current pattern selection

Confirm whether to cancel the current pattern selection after changing stitch mode.

—OK to delete the selected pattern

Confirm whether to delete the selected saved pattern.

—Return the bobbin winding shaft to left

Slide the bobbin-winder shaft left before using the operation button.

—Select a pattern

Select a stitch again before using Start/Stop or reverse stitching.

—The safety device has been activated

Stop and clear tangled thread or other thread-delivery obstruction before restarting.

—Turn off the power and replace the needle plate

Switch off the machine before changing the needle plate; use the straight-stitch plate only with a straight stitch in the middle needle position.

F**f**: Possible machine malfunction

Stop using the machine and contact an authorized Brother service center.

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing

Cannot thread the needle7 checks

Needle is not in the correct position.: Raise the needle using the needle-position button.
Needle is installed incorrectly.: Remove and install the needle correctly.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.
The needle threader hook is bent and does not pass through the eye of the needle.: Contact an authorized Brother dealer or service center for repair or controller replacement.
The needle threader lever cannot be moved or returned to its original position.: Contact an authorized Brother dealer or service center for repair or controller replacement.
A size 65/9 needle is being used.: Thread a size 65/9 needle by hand because the needle threader cannot be used with it.

Cannot lower the presser foot with the presser foot lever. (For models equipped with the presser foot lifter button)1 check

Presser foot was raised using the “Presser foot lifter” button.: Press the Presser Foot Lifter button to lower the foot.

Bobbin thread does not wind neatly on the bobbin4 checks

The thread is not passed through the bobbin winding thread guide correctly.: Route the thread through the bobbin-winding guide correctly.
Bobbin spins slowly.: Move the sewing-speed slider right to increase bobbin-winding speed.
The thread that was pulled out was not wound onto the bobbin correctly.: Wrap the thread around the bobbin five or six times clockwise before winding.
The empty bobbin was not set on the pin properly.: Seat the empty bobbin on the pin and turn it until it clicks.

While winding the bobbin, the bobbin thread was wound below the bobbin winder seat1 check

You have not wound the bobbin thread properly. While initially winding thread on the bobbin the bobbin thread is not properly inserted into the guides.: Remove thread caught under the winder seat, then use the machine diagrams to thread and wind the bobbin again.

The bobbin thread cannot be pulled up2 checks

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Remove and seat the bobbin correctly.

Nothing appears in the LCD3 checks

Main power switch is not turned on.: Switch the machine power on.
The plug of the power cord is not inserted into an electrical outlet.: Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
The brightness of the LCD is either too light or too dark.: Turn the machine off, hold Reinforcement Stitch while powering on, adjust brightness with minus or plus, then restart.

The LCD screen is fogged up1 check

Condensation has formed on the LCD screen.: Allow the screen to clear as the condensation evaporates.

The operation keys do not respond1 check

A glove is worn when the keys are pressed. The keys are pressed with a fingernail. A non-electrostatic touch pen is being used.: Touch the operation keys directly with a fingertip.

The operation keys do not respond, or the sensitivity is too strong1 check

The sensitivity of the operation keys is not set for the user.: Adjust the touch-key sensitivity in the machine settings.

The sewing light does not come on2 checks

The sewing light is damaged.: Contact an authorized Brother dealer or service center for repair or controller replacement.
(Light) is set to “OFF” in the settings screen.: Turn the sewing-light setting on.

Machine does not operate6 checks

“Start/Stop” button was not pressed.: Press Start/Stop to begin sewing.
The bobbin winder shaft is pushed to the right.: Shift the bobbin winder shaft left.
There is no pattern selected.: Select an embroidery pattern before starting.
Presser foot is not lowered.: Lower the presser foot before starting.
“Start/Stop” button was pushed with the foot controller attached.: Unplug the foot controller before using Start/Stop, or operate the machine with the controller.
The “Start/Stop” button was pressed while the machine is set for the sewing speed controller to control the zigzag stitch width.: Use the foot controller or turn Width Control off before pressing Start/Stop.

Needle breaks21 checks

Needle is installed incorrectly.: Remove and install the needle correctly.
Needle clamp screw is not tightened.: Tighten the needle clamp screw securely.
Needle is turned or bent.: Replace the needle.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.
Wrong presser foot was used.: Fit the presser foot recommended for the selected stitch.
Upper thread tension is too tight.: Adjust the thread-tension setting.
Fabric is pulled during sewing.: Guide the fabric without pulling it.
Spool cap is set incorrectly.: Check the spool-cap instructions and fit the cap correctly.
There are scratches around the opening in the needle plate.: Have the scratched needle plate replaced by an authorized Brother dealer.
There are scratches around the opening in the presser foot.: Replace the scratched presser foot or ask an authorized Brother dealer to inspect it.
There are scratches on the bobbin case.: Replace the scratched bobbin case or ask an authorized Brother dealer to inspect it.
Needle is defective.: Replace the needle.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Use only the bobbin specified for this machine.
Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.
Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Reset the bobbin thread correctly.
Presser foot is attached incorrectly.: Attach the presser foot correctly.
Screw of the presser foot holder is loose.: Tighten the presser-foot holder screw securely.
Fabric is too thick.: Use fabric the needle can pierce when the handwheel is turned.
Fabric is fed forcefully when sewing thick fabric or thick seams.: Let the feed dogs move thick fabric without forcing it.
Stitch length is too short.: Adjust the stitch length for the fabric.
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound.: Replace it with a bobbin wound correctly.

Upper thread breaks13 checks

Machine is not threaded correctly (used the wrong spool cap, spool cap is loose, the thread did not catch the needle bar threader, etc.): Rethread the machine from the spool through the needle.
Knotted or tangled thread is being used.: Remove the knots or tangles.
The selected needle is not appropriate for the thread being used.: Fit a needle suitable for the thread in use.
Upper thread tension is too tight.: Adjust the thread tension.
Thread is tangled.: Cut and remove tangled thread from the race.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Needle is installed incorrectly.: Remove and install the needle correctly.
There are scratches around the opening in the needle plate.: Have the scratched needle plate replaced by an authorized Brother dealer.
There are scratches around the opening in the presser foot.: Replace the scratched presser foot or ask an authorized Brother dealer to inspect it.
There are scratches on the bobbin case.: Replace the scratched bobbin case or ask an authorized Brother dealer to inspect it.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.
While sewing, the thread became knotted or tangled.: Rethread both the upper and bobbin threads.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Use only the bobbin specified for this machine.

The thread is tangled on the wrong side of the fabric2 checks

Upper threading is incorrect.: Raise the presser foot and rethread the upper thread so it seats in the tension mechanism.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.

The upper thread is too tight1 check

The bobbin thread is incorrectly installed.: Refit the bobbin thread correctly.

Bobbin thread breaks5 checks

Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Remove and seat the bobbin correctly.
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound.: Replace it with a bobbin wound correctly.
There are scratches on the bobbin or it doesn’t rotate properly.: Replace the bobbin.
Thread is tangled.: Cut and remove tangled thread from the race.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Use only the bobbin specified for this machine.

Fabric puckers7 checks

There is a mistake in the upper or bobbin threading.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine correctly.
Spool cap is set incorrectly.: Check the spool-cap instructions and fit the cap correctly.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Stitches are too long when sewing thin fabrics.: Shorten the stitch length.
Thread tension is set incorrectly.: Adjust the thread tension.
Wrong presser foot.: Fit the presser foot suited to the selected stitch.

Skipped stitches7 checks

Machine is threaded incorrectly.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine correctly.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Needle is installed incorrectly.: Remove and install the needle correctly.
The needle is worn/damaged.: Replace the needle.
Dust or lint has collected under the needle plate.: Brush lint from beneath the needle plate.
Thin or stretch fabrics are being sewn.: Place one sheet of thin paper beneath thin or stretch fabric while sewing.

No stitching3 checks

Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Reset the bobbin thread correctly.
Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.

High-pitched sound while sewing5 checks

Dust or lint is caught in the feed dogs.: Remove lint from the feed dogs.
Pieces of thread are caught in the race.: Clean lint from the bobbin race.
Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Use only the bobbin specified for this machine.
There are needle holes or friction scratches in the bobbin case.: Replace the scratched bobbin case or ask an authorized Brother dealer to inspect it.

Fabric does not feed through the machine7 checks

Feed dogs are set in the down position.: Slide the feed-dog position switch right to raise the feed dogs.
Stitches are too close together.: Increase the stitch length.
Wrong presser foot was used.: Fit the presser foot suited to the selected stitch.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
Thread is entangled.: Cut and remove thread tangled in the race.
Zigzag foot “J” is slanted on a thick seam at the beginning of stitching.: Keep zigzag foot “J” level while sewing by using its locking pin, the black button on the left side.
Presser foot pressure is set incorrectly for fabric.: Set presser-foot pressure for the fabric in the settings screen.

The fabric feeds in the opposite direction1 check

The feed mechanism is damaged.: Contact an authorized Brother dealer or service center for repair or controller replacement.

The needle contacts the needle plate2 checks

The needle clamp screw is loose.: Tighten the needle clamp screw and replace a bent or blunt needle.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.

Fabric being sewn with the machine cannot be removed1 check

Thread is tangled below the needle plate.: Lift the fabric, cut the threads beneath it, and clean the race.

A broken needle has fallen into the machine1 check

–: Switch off the machine and remove the needle plate.
If visible, lift out the fallen needle with tweezers.
Refit the plate, install a new needle, and turn the handwheel by hand to check smooth movement and needle alignment before powering on.
If the needle cannot be removed or the handwheel binds, contact authorized Brother service.

The handwheel feels sluggish when it is turned1 check

Thread is tangled in the bobbin case.: Clear thread from the bobbin case and reinstall the case in the correct position.

The stitch is not sewn correctly4 checks

The presser foot that is used is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you wish to sew.: Fit the presser foot specified for the selected stitch.
The thread tension is incorrect.: Adjust the upper thread tension.
The thread is tangled, for example, in the bobbin case.: Clear the thread tangle and clean the race if the bobbin case is involved.
Feed dogs are set in the down position.: Slide the feed-dog position switch right to raise the feed dogs.

Thread tension is incorrect8 checks

Upper threading is incorrect.: Follow the threading steps and rethread the machine.
Bobbin is set incorrectly.: Reseat the bobbin. If the needle plate was removed, secure it before installing the bobbin case and check that the needle enters the center opening.
Using improper needle or thread for the selected fabric.: Choose a needle and thread combination suited to the fabric using the manual chart.
Presser foot holder is not attached correctly.: Refit the presser-foot holder correctly.
Thread tension is set incorrectly.: Adjust the thread tension.
Bobbin thread is incorrectly wound.: Replace it with a bobbin wound correctly.
Needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.: Replace the needle.
A bobbin designed specifically for this machine is not used.: Use only the bobbin specified for this machine.

Character or decorative patterns are misaligned1 check

Pattern adjustment settings were set incorrectly.: Correct the pattern-adjustment settings to align the design.

Pattern does not turn out5 checks

Wrong presser foot was used.: Fit the presser foot specified for the pattern.
Did not use a stabilizer material on thin fabrics or stretch fabrics.: Place stabilizer beneath thin or stretch fabric.
Thread tension is set incorrectly.: Adjust the thread tension.
Fabric was pulled, pushed or fed at an angle while it was being sewn.: Guide the fabric with both hands so it feeds straight.
The thread is tangled, for example, in the bobbin case.: Clear the thread tangle and clean the race if the bobbin case is involved.

Two or four beeps after an incorrect operation1 check

The machine rejected the last operation.: Follow the LCD advice and correct the operation.

Four-second beep and machine stops1 check

The machine locked, possibly on tangled thread.: Check and clear the cause before restarting.

Errors and messages

Troubleshooting

Manuals and sources