Brother LS 590 Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother LS 590 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 10 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole function, free arm capability, drop feed for darning and quilting, built-in thread cutter, and adjustable stitch length and width. Powered by 120V AC, this machine offers easy operation for beginners and experienced sewers alike. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection 7. Threading and Bobbin 8. Maintenance 9. Accessories 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with free arm, stitch selection dial, built-in LED light, foot pedal control, and accessory storage.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches10 utility and decorative stitches
Buttonhole Function4-step buttonhole for perfect buttonholes
Free ArmConvertible for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Drop FeedFor darning, quilting, and free-motion sewing
Stitch Length ControlAdjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch Width ControlAdjustable up to 5mm
Built-in Thread CutterConvenient thread cutting on machine
LED LightIlluminates work area
Reverse StitchFor reinforcing seams
Bobbin WindingBuilt-in bobbin winding system

Installation and Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on stable, flat surface.

  1. Remove machine from packaging and remove all protective materials.
  2. Attach foot pedal to machine and plug into power outlet.
  3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
  4. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, follow threading guide to wind bobbin.
  5. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, insert bobbin with thread unwinding counterclockwise.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always unplug when not in use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

  1. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
  2. Pull up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
  3. Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to straight stitch position.
  4. Practice sewing: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and gently press foot pedal.
  5. Adjust stitch length: Start with medium setting (2.5) for general sewing.

CAUTION! Always use the correct needle for your fabric type. Change needles regularly.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 10 built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, blind hem, and stretch stitches.

Stitch Length: Adjust from 0 (for buttonholes) to 4mm (basting).

Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag width up to 5mm for decorative stitches.

Reverse Stitch: Press and hold lever to sew in reverse for seam reinforcement.

Tension Control: Adjust thread tension dial for balanced stitches.

Stitch Selection

Available stitches and their applications:

  1. Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, topstitching (center needle position)
  2. Zigzag Stitch: Overcasting, appliqué, decorative work
  3. Blind Hem Stitch: Nearly invisible hemming
  4. Stretch Stitch: For knit fabrics, prevents popped seams
  5. Decorative Stitches: Various patterns for embellishment
  6. Buttonhole Stitch: 4-step process for perfect buttonholes

Tip: Always test stitches on scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Threading and Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

  1. Upper Threading: Follow numbered path: spool pin → thread guides → tension discs → take-up lever → needle.
  2. Bobbin Winding: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winding tension, press bobbin winder shaft.
  3. Bobbin Insertion: Open cover, insert bobbin with thread unwinding counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.
  4. Thread Tension: Adjust dial for balanced stitches (higher numbers for tighter tension).

WARNING! Ensure machine is unplugged when threading needle or changing bobbin.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Clean lint from bobbin area after each project.
  2. Oil moving parts as specified in manual (use sewing machine oil only).
  3. Change needles regularly (after 8-10 hours of sewing).
  4. Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.
  5. Have machine serviced annually by authorized technician.

CAUTION! Never use compressed air to clean machine as it can force lint deeper into mechanism.

Accessories

Included accessories and their uses:

AccessoryUse
Zigzag FootGeneral sewing, zigzag stitches
Buttonhole FootCreating buttonholes
Zipper FootInstalling zippers
Button Sewing FootAttaching buttons
NeedlesAssorted sizes for different fabrics
Bobbin(s)Extra bobbins for thread colors
ScrewdriverNeedle and foot changes
Seam RipperRemoving stitches

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for machine operation.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread machine; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle
Skip stitchesWrong needle/damaged needleChange needle; ensure correct needle for fabric type
Bobbin thread bunchingIncorrect bobbin threadingRemove and reinsert bobbin; check threading path
Machine won't runPower/pedal issuesCheck power connection; ensure pedal is plugged in
Uneven stitchesTension issuesAdjust upper and bobbin tension; clean tension discs
Needle breakingWrong needle/bent needleUse correct needle size; ensure needle is straight

Service: For technical support, contact Brother at 1-877-467-4289 or visit www.brother-usa.com

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