# Textiles - Embroidery Machine


Stabber: Brother PR-620

Clearance: Required

# Manual(s)

*Manuals and other reference materials from the manufacturer or other sources.*

- [Operation Manual, Brother PR-620](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch000126/pr620ug01en.pdf)
- [Quick Reference Guide, Brother PR-620](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch000127/pr620qg01ennlfrdeites.pdf)
- [User's Guide, Cap Frame for Brother PR-620](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch000120/pr620600_2upg_capugenfres.pdf)

# Member Notes



# Resources

### Thread

For best results, use [\#40 Madeira polyester embroidery thread](https://www.madeirausa.com/polyneon/).

Note that using rayon thread in particular can be prohibitively slippery for the tension we've calibrated the machine at.

#### *Repair files*

*Spool Holder 3d print file: [CNC Embroidery Spool Holder.step](https://wiki.protohaven.org/attachments/344) (print laying on its side for most strength)*

# Tool Tutorial

##   


[![](https://protohaven.org/wiki/_media/tools/cnc_embroidery_image3.png)](https://protohaven.org/wiki/_detail/tools/cnc_embroidery_image3.png?id=tools%3Acnc_embroidery%3Astart "tools:cnc_embroidery_image3.png")

[![](https://protohaven.org/wiki/_media/tools/cnc_embroidery_image1.png)](https://protohaven.org/wiki/_detail/tools/cnc_embroidery_image1.png?id=tools%3Acnc_embroidery%3Astart "tools:cnc_embroidery_image1.png")

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[![](https://protohaven.org/wiki/_media/tools/cnc_embroidery_image2.png)](https://protohaven.org/wiki/_detail/tools/cnc_embroidery_image2.png?id=tools%3Acnc_embroidery%3Astart "tools:cnc_embroidery_image2.png")

## Making Adjustments

Members are ONLY permitted to adjust the following screws and knobs on the device:

- Embroidery frame holder knobs (grey thumbscrews)
- Operation panel arm knobs (grey thumbscrews)

Adjustment of the following by members without the guidance of a shop tech are specifically prohibited:

- All knobs on the top of the machine (including the thread tension knobs and the black guides behind them)
- The bobbin case screw (for bobbin tension)

<p class="callout warning">Thread tension adjustment knobs in particular have been expensive for us to repair. In the past, members have damaged the machine both by over-tightening (cracking internal parts of the assembly) and under-tightening (releasing internal springs and washers). Please respect our rules and do not adjust these knobs (see "Troubleshooting" below for ways to solve tension problems)</p>

## Using correct thread

40 embroidery thread must be used in the embroidery machine - **non-embroidery thread (e.g. standard sewing machine thread) is expressly forbidden**, as use over time will damage parts of the machine it comes in contact with. See the [Resources](https://wiki.protohaven.org/books/tool-guides/page/resources-lea) page for recommended thread brands to give best results.

**Only our bobbins (available in the store) are permitted for use on the embroidery machine.** We use specific pre-wound bobbins with high-grade thread to prevent tangling, breakage, and damage to the machine. Please trust us on this - you **will** have a bad time if you try to wind your own or buy off-brand.

## Troubleshooting

When in doubt, troubleshoot the following in order BEFORE reporting problems with the machine:

1. Your fabric and hooping technique (e.g. using stretchy/poor fabric, some gaps in stabilizer when hooping)
2. Your thread and bobbin (are you using the recommended thread above?)
3. Your design (have you tried a basic I-test using your fabric and thread, before attempting something more complex?)

<p class="callout info">If you think the machine is out of calibration or not working properly in some way, **ask a tech to run an "I-test" using our maintenance kit.** This kit contains known good thread and fabric and can rule out machine problems as part of your project.</p>

## Needle breakage

Occasionally, a problem will occur which breaks one of the needles on the machine. **Please report this to the shop tech on duty when it happens.**

**Do NOT attempt to change a needle by yourself** as incorrectly loaded needles have broken the auto-threading system and caused internal damage to the machine in the past.

## Operation sequence

- <div class="li">Install Bobbin</div>
- <div class="li">Turn on machine</div>
- <div class="li">Select embroidery pattern</div>
- <div class="li">Edit embroidery pattern</div>
- <div class="li">Specify embroidery settings</div>
- <div class="li">Check previewed image</div>
- <div class="li">Hoop the fabric in embroidery frame</div>
- <div class="li">Attache embroidery frame to the machine</div>
- <div class="li">Check the embroidery area</div>
- <div class="li">Thread the upper threads</div>
- <div class="li">Unlock the machine, then press the start/stop button to begin embroidering. (Machine automatically stops at pattern completion)</div>
- <div class="li">Check thread tension</div>
- <div class="li">Remove the embroidery frame, then remove fabric from frame</div>
- <div class="li">Turn off the machine</div>