Yesterday on QUILTsocial we discovered some of the amazing features of the Dreamweaver XE and other Brother sewing machines. Today I’ll review where to turn to if you find yourself needing some guidance while stitching.

The operation manual

Now I know that Operation manuals aren’t the most exciting things to read, but I really need to say that the manuals that come with the Brother sewing machines are excellent! I read through THE Dream Machine 2 manual so many times over the last 6 months that it was pretty ratty looking when I returned the machine. I had folded over corners of pages and had sticky notes in different places to mark a spot that had really great information.

I encourage you, if you have a new sewing machine of any make or model, to get your manual out and follow some of the exercises. You’ll be amazed at all the wonderful things your machine can do that you never knew about!

When I get a new machine to review, this is my favorite page in the manual – the accessories page. Not only does it tell you what the heck that do-dad is for, it also gives you a glimpse into all of the things your machine is capable of!

The sewing machine help screen

If you’d rather have more accessible information at the tip of your fingers, pressing the sewing machine help key – the “?” key at the bottom of the home page on the Dreamweaver XE – opens the help screen.

The sewing machine help screen on the Dreamweaver XE has a wealth of information for using the machine. From this screen, you can access the operation guide, sewing guide, and pattern explanation. Let’s select the operation guide to start.

The type of information in the main operation guide is divided up into 6 categories – principal parts, principal buttons, basic operation, embroidery basic operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

The basic operation button on the Dreamweaver XE displays information about threading the machine, changing presser feet and more. Some of the functions are described in movies. Watch these movies for a better understanding of the functions.

Make sure to look at the bobbin threading information as I know from teaching that MANY quilters inadvertently do the lower threading of their machine the wrong way. This can lead to issues with tension and poor stitch quality.

Pressing the “maintenance button” on the Dreamweaver XE shows that there’s only one thing that you need to do on a regular basis to properly maintain the machine – clean the bobbin area! Isn’t that a great thing to hear?

Take some time to look through all of the sections in the guide. You’ll find that it covers almost everything that you need to know, and if you can’t find something specific, there’s always the manual!

Tomorrow I start sewing with the Dreamweaver XE – see you then!