Last updated on 14 February 2023
This is the Standard Operating Procedure for the Machine Agency Brother LS-2125i sewing machine. For questions about this machine, contact the machine manager.
- Author: Hannah Twigg-Smith
- PI: Nadya Peek
- Shop Safety Coordinator: Nadya Peek
| #1 Process (if applicable) | Sews fabric and other lightweight material |
| #2 Equipment | Sewing |
| #3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Eye protection if using material that’s likely to break a needle |
| #4 Environmental/Ventilation controls | N/A |
| #5 Required training or approval | No required training, except in cases where user has never used a sewing machine before |
| #6 Inspection requirements before use | Ensure the power cord is not damaged, needle and bobbin are not damaged, and presser foot is installed. |
| #7 Safe operating procedures or precautions | See instructions detailed below |
| #8 Chemicals/ spill procedures/waste disposal | Dispose of all thread bits and fabric scraps in the trash after use. |
Machine Manager: Hannah Twigg-Smith
Machine Location: Machine Agency Shop, Sieg 118
Who can use the machine: All lab members
How to get access: Talk to Hannah if you’ve never used a sewing machine before and need an introduction. If you already know how to sew then go ahead. It’s a very basic machine.
How to get your access revoked: Break the machine and then don’t tell anyone it’s broken until the next user discovers this.
Sewing machine parts and their functions: https://youtu.be/MC9nYWY9F6Q
- Turn machine off and put away in box when you’re finished!
- This machine is designed for lightweight materials. Don’t force super heavy materials through this machine, such as too many layers of denim, or hard plastic or other materials that are likely to break it. If the needle is stalling or breaking/bending, your material is too much!
- Clean up your fabric and thread scraps when you’re done - don’t leave a mess!
- Important Information and Safety
- Needles are sharp, obviously keep your fingers clear of the moving needle.
- Related to #1: take your foot off of the pedal while threading the top and bottom threads.
- If you are sewing an unusual material and might have needle breakage, wear eye protection.
If you have questions about acceptable materials, contact the machine manager. They can add additional materials to this list if needed.
- Lightweight fabrics of all fibers
- Paper
- Soft plastics, lightweight leathers, & vinyl (use discretion)
- Very heavy fabrics or way too many layers of material
- Hard plastics, leathers, etc. that are difficult to punch through
- Find a suitable table
- Ensure the switch is turned off
- Plug in the foot pedal/power cord
- Thread the machine and bobbin (see manual or video tutorials below)
- Select your stitch style and length
- This machine operates like any standard sewing machine, see manual, tutorials, or machine manager for specific use instructions.
- Turn off the machine, remove the power/pedal cord, and put it all back in the box with the manual.
- CLEAN UP YOUR THREAD BITS (especially if you’re working near chairs with wheels!)
If your stitch line doesn’t look right, try these troubleshooting steps in this order:
- Remove the bobbin, check that it’s threaded correctly in the bobbin casing, and reinsert.
- Rethread the machine.
- Replace the needle if it is old, dull, or damaged. Check if you need a different sized or specialty needle for your particular materials and use case.
- Adjust the top or bottom thread tension. (tutorial below)
- Holding the thread ends taut when starting a stitch may help prevent the bobbin thread from being ugly.
- Special threads (shiny, conductive, thick, etc) may require special needles, slower speeds, or other care.
- Link to manual: https://www.brother-usa.com/virdata/content/en-us/had/consumer/usersmanual/um_ls_2125i_en_1628.pdf
- Threading the machine tutorial: https://youtu.be/W4PcRuEUs84
- Winding a bobbin tutorial: https://youtu.be/IYMzm9ziLy8
- Thread tension tutorial: https://youtu.be/sf6oPMbLPzo