Brother PE800 Common Problems and Troubleshooting
In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the various potential issues that might arise with the Brother PE800 sewing machine and provide effective solutions to address them. Additionally, our aim is to assist you in troubleshooting any challenges that may arise while you embark on your sewing projects with this machine.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced seamstress, understanding the common problems associated with the Brother PE800 and knowing how to troubleshoot them will prove invaluable in ensuring smooth and successful sewing endeavors. From minor hiccups to more complex technical glitches, we have got you covered with practical advice and step-by-step instructions.
Brother PE800 Overview
Brand: Brother
Color: White
Material: Plastic
Product Dimensions: 10.48″D x 18.48″W x 12.81″H
Item Weight: 17.64 Pounds
Power Source: Corded Electric
Is Electric: Yes
If you’ve been searching for an embroidery machine that allows you to create dazzling embroidery designs, Brother offers an exceptional option. The Brother PE800 is an easy-to-use embroidery machine that features a 5” x 7” embroidery field for larger embroidery projects. This embroidery machine allows you to select from built-in embroidery designs or import your own from compatible sources.
The PE800 embroidery machine features 138 built-in designs, including 10 frame designs and 11 built-in fonts (7 English, 3 Japanese, and 1 Cyrillic). Some of the designs include beautiful scrollwork, floral, and quilt patterns—plus 10 frame shapes and 14 border styles.
The Brother PE800 embroidery machine has been engineered with additional design editing features. This provides flexibility to rotate, mirror image, increase and decrease the size of your designs, and see how your edited designs look right on the color LCD touch display before stitching.
The PE800 is easy to use and thread: simply follow the numbered threading diagram printed on the machine. An automatic needle threader saves time and reduces stress by pushing the thread right through the eye of the needle.
This embroidery machine also includes step-by-step tutorials that are shown right on the LCD touchscreen display. Some of the topics include how to thread the machine, how to attach the embroidery arm, and more.
The Brother PE800 embroidery machine is perfect for home embroiderers who are looking for a fast, versatile, dedicated embroidery machine they can grow with them over time. A bilingual user manual, a 25-year limited warranty, and technical support for the life of the product.
Product Details and Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 138 Built-in designs | Featuring 138 built-in embroidery designs including scrollwork, florals, and quilt patterns, the PE800 has numerous options to allow your creativity to flourish. |
| 11 Built-in fonts | 7 English, 3 Japanese, and 1 Cyrillic font styles are perfect for monogramming and lettering. |
| USB Port | The PE800’s USB port allows you to import your embroidery designs into your machine’s built-in memory. |
| Large color touchscreen | The large 3.2″ inch LCD color touchscreen allows you to preview your designs before embroidering. |
| 5″ X 7″ Embroidery field | This embroidery-only machine comes with an embroidery foot and a 5″ x 7″ inch embroidery hoop perfect for stitching larger designs. |
Common Problems with the Brother PE800
1. Thread Breakage during Embroidery
Description of the Problem: One of the common issues users may encounter with the Brother PE800 is thread breakage while performing embroidery tasks.
Cause of the Problem: Thread breakage can occur due to various reasons, such as incorrect threading, using low-quality or old thread, a bent or damaged needle, or excessive tension on the thread.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the threading: Ensure that the machine is correctly threaded following the numbered threading diagram provided in the user manual.
- Use quality thread: Make sure to use high-quality embroidery thread that is suitable for the PE800 machine.
- Replace the needle: If the needle is bent or damaged, replace it with a new one of the appropriate size.
- Adjust tension: Experiment with adjusting the thread tension to find the right setting for your specific project.
2. Uneven Stitching or Skipped Stitches
Description of the Problem: Some users may encounter issues with uneven stitching or stitches being skipped during embroidery on the Brother PE800.
Cause of the Problem: This problem can be caused by an improperly inserted or dull needle, incorrect hooping, or the design’s complexity exceeding the machine’s capabilities.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the needle: Ensure that the needle is securely inserted and not dull. Replace it if necessary.
- Hooping technique: Properly hoop the fabric to ensure it is taut and positioned correctly in the embroidery hoop.
- Simplify the design: For complex designs, consider reducing the design’s size or using a design that is better suited for the PE800.
3. Bobbin Thread Tangles
Description of the Problem: Users may encounter issues with the bobbin thread tangling or bunching up during embroidery on the Brother PE800.
Cause of the Problem: Bobbin thread tangles can occur if the bobbin is not wound properly, the bobbin case is not correctly inserted, or there is debris in the bobbin area.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the bobbin winding: Ensure that the bobbin is wound evenly and correctly following the instructions in the user manual.
- Inspect the bobbin case: Make sure the bobbin case is correctly inserted and securely in place.
- Clean the bobbin area: Remove any lint or debris from the bobbin area to prevent interference with the thread.
4. Embroidery Design Alignment Issues
Description of the Problem: Some users may face problems with design alignment, where the embroidery design does not align properly with the fabric.
Cause of the Problem: This issue can occur if the fabric shifts during embroidery or if the design’s placement is not accurately set.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Stabilize the fabric: Use appropriate stabilizers to keep the fabric in place and prevent shifting during embroidery.
- Use alignment tools: Utilize embroidery alignment tools or grid templates to ensure precise design placement.
5. Error Messages on the LCD Screen
Description of the Problem: Users may encounter error messages displayed on the LCD screen of the Brother PE800.
Cause of the Problem: Error messages can appear due to various reasons, such as improper setup, incorrect settings, or issues with the machine’s components.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Refer to the user manual: Consult the user manual to understand the meaning of the specific error message and follow the recommended troubleshooting steps.
- Check the settings: Verify that all settings are configured correctly for the selected embroidery task.
- Restart the machine: Sometimes, a simple machine restart can resolve temporary glitches causing the error message.
6. Thread Nesting Underneath the Fabric
Description of the Problem: Thread nesting, also known as bird nesting, occurs when thread bunches up and tangles underneath the fabric during embroidery.
Cause of the Problem: This issue can be caused by improper threading, incorrect tension settings, or the fabric not being hooped tightly enough.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Rethread the machine: Carefully follow the threading diagram and ensure the thread is properly threaded through all the guides and tension disks.
- Adjust thread tension: Experiment with adjusting the tension settings to find the right balance for your specific fabric and thread combination.
- Check fabric hooping: Make sure the fabric is hooped securely and evenly to prevent it from moving excessively during embroidery.
7. Needle Breakage
Description of the Problem: Users may experience needle breakage while using the Brother PE800 embroidery machine.
Cause of the Problem: Needle breakage can occur due to using the wrong needle size or type, using a damaged needle, or the needle hitting a thick or hard part of the fabric.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Use the correct needle: Ensure you are using the appropriate needle size and type for the specific fabric and embroidery project.
- Replace the needle: If the needle is damaged or bent, replace it with a new one before continuing embroidery.
- Check fabric thickness: Avoid embroidering on extremely thick or hard fabrics that may cause the needle to break. Use proper stabilizers if needed.
8. Skipped or Misaligned Colors in the Design
Description of the Problem: Some users may notice skipped stitches or misalignment of colors in their embroidery designs.
Cause of the Problem: This issue can be caused by design file corruption, incompatible file formats, or issues with the embroidery machine’s memory.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the design file: Ensure the embroidery design file is not corrupted and try using a different file format if possible.
- Free up memory: Delete any unnecessary designs or files from the machine’s memory to create more space for the current design.
- Update firmware: Check for and install any available firmware updates for the Brother PE800 to address potential software issues.
9. Uneven or Excessive Thread Tension
Description of the Problem: Users may encounter issues with uneven or excessively tight thread tension in their embroidery projects.
Cause of the Problem: Incorrectly adjusted thread tension settings or debris stuck in the tension mechanism can lead to this problem.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Adjust thread tension: Experiment with adjusting the thread tension settings to achieve even and balanced stitches.
- Clean the tension mechanism: Remove any lint or debris that may be causing interference with the thread tension adjustment.
10. Embroidery Design Not Centered Properly
Description of the Problem: Some users may face issues where the embroidery design is not centered correctly on the fabric.
Cause of the Problem: This issue can be caused by improper design placement in the hoop or an offset setting in the machine.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Reposition the design: Adjust the design’s placement within the embroidery hoop to ensure it is centered properly.
- Check offset settings: Make sure any offset settings are disabled or set to zero to prevent the design from shifting during embroidery.
11. Bobbin Thread Showing on the Top of the Fabric
Description of the Problem: Users may notice the bobbin thread appearing on the top side of the fabric, spoiling the embroidery design.
Cause of the Problem: This issue can occur when the upper thread tension is too loose or when the bobbin thread is wound unevenly.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Adjust upper thread tension: Increase the upper thread tension slightly to prevent the bobbin thread from showing on the top.
- Re-wind the bobbin: Ensure the bobbin is wound smoothly and evenly to avoid thread irregularities.
12. Fabric Puckering or Bulging
Description of the Problem: Fabric puckering or bulging can occur during embroidery, resulting in an uneven and distorted appearance.
Cause of the Problem: Puckering happens when the fabric is not adequately stabilized, or the design density is too high for the fabric being used.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Use appropriate stabilizers: Choose the right type and weight of stabilizer for the specific fabric to prevent puckering.
- Adjust design density: Reduce the density of the embroidery design if it seems too dense for the fabric.
13. Incorrect Thread Color Placement
Description of the Problem: Users may face issues with incorrect thread color placement in the embroidery design.
Cause of the Problem: This problem can occur when the embroidery machine reads the design file incorrectly or if the thread colors are not correctly assigned.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Review the design file: Check the design file on a computer to ensure the colors are correctly assigned.
- Reassign thread colors: If necessary, manually adjust the thread color assignments in the machine’s settings.
14. Embroidery Hoop Jamming
Description of the Problem: The embroidery hoop may get jammed or stuck during the embroidery process, causing interruptions.
Cause of the Problem: Jamming can occur if there is debris or thread buildup around the embroidery hoop or if the hoop is not secured properly.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Clean around the hoop area: Remove any lint, dust, or thread remnants that may be causing the hoop to jam.
- Ensure proper hooping: Double-check that the fabric is hooped securely and the hoop is attached correctly to the embroidery arm.
15. Embroidery Design Not Transferring from USB
Description of the Problem: Users may have trouble transferring embroidery designs from a USB drive to the Brother PE800.
Cause of the Problem: This issue can occur if the design file format is not compatible with the machine or if the USB drive is not recognized.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check file format: Ensure the design file is in a compatible format for the Brother PE800 (e.g., PES format).
- Try a different USB drive: If the machine does not recognize the USB drive, try using a different one.
- Update machine software: Check for firmware updates for the Brother PE800 that may address compatibility issues.
16. Embroidery Needle Breaks Easily
Description of the Problem: Users may face issues with embroidery needles breaking frequently during use.
Cause of the Problem: This problem can be caused by using the wrong type or size of needle, incorrect needle insertion, or excessive speed during embroidery.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Use appropriate needles: Ensure you are using embroidery needles that are specifically designed for the Brother PE800.
- Insert the needle correctly: Check that the needle is inserted all the way up and tightened securely.
- Adjust embroidery speed: Reduce the embroidery speed to a level that is more suitable for the fabric and design.
17. Thread Looping on the Back of the Fabric
Description of the Problem: Thread looping or looping on the back side of the fabric can be a common issue in embroidery.
Cause of the Problem: This issue can arise from incorrect tension settings, inadequate stabilizing, or using low-quality thread.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Adjust thread tension: Experiment with the upper thread tension settings to achieve a balance between front and back thread appearance.
- Use proper stabilizers: Ensure the fabric is adequately stabilized to prevent excessive looping on the back side.
- Use high-quality thread: Opt for quality embroidery thread to reduce the likelihood of thread looping.
18. Limited Compatibility with Design Formats
Description of the Problem: Users may encounter compatibility issues with certain embroidery design formats on the Brother PE800.
Cause of the Problem: This problem can occur if the machine has limited support for specific design formats or if the design file is corrupted.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check design format compatibility: Verify that the Brother PE800 supports the specific design format you are trying to use.
- Try a different format: If the original design format is not compatible, try converting the file to a supported format using embroidery software.
19. LCD Display Freezing or Not Responding
Description of the Problem: Users may experience issues with the LCD display freezing or becoming unresponsive.
Cause of the Problem: This issue can be caused by software glitches, insufficient memory, or outdated firmware.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Restart the machine: Try restarting the Brother PE800 to resolve temporary display issues.
- Free up memory: Delete any unnecessary files or designs to create more available memory for smooth operation.
- Update firmware: Check for and install any available firmware updates to address software-related problems.
20. Uneven Embroidery Stitch Density
Description of the Problem: Users may notice uneven stitch density in their embroidery designs.
Cause of the Problem: Uneven stitch density can result from design settings, tension issues, or using incompatible fabric and stabilizer combinations.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Adjust design settings: Modify the design settings, such as stitch length and density, to achieve the desired embroidery results.
- Check thread tension: Ensure the upper and bobbin thread tensions are appropriately balanced for even stitches.
- Choose the right fabric-stabilizer combo: Use the correct combination of fabric and stabilizer to achieve optimal stitch density.
21. Thread Jamming in the Bobbin Area
Description of the Problem: Users may encounter thread jamming or tangling in the bobbin area of the Brother PE800.
Cause of the Problem: Thread jamming can occur due to improper bobbin winding, incorrect bobbin insertion, or debris in the bobbin area.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Re-wind the bobbin: Ensure the bobbin is wound smoothly and evenly to prevent thread irregularities.
- Check bobbin insertion: Make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly in the bobbin case.
- Clean the bobbin area: Remove any lint or debris that may be causing the thread to jam in the bobbin area.
22. Skipped Stitches in Dense Designs
Description of the Problem: Users may notice skipped stitches when embroidering dense designs on the Brother PE800.
Cause of the Problem: Skipped stitches can occur when the design density is too high for the machine’s capabilities, or the needle is not suitable for dense embroidery.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Reduce design density: Adjust the design or use a less dense version to prevent skipped stitches.
- Use appropriate needle size: Select a needle specifically designed for dense embroidery to prevent skipping.
23. Bobbin Thread Not Being Picked Up
Description of the Problem: Users may face issues with the Brother PE800 not picking up the bobbin thread during the threading process.
Cause of the Problem: This issue can be caused by incorrect bobbin placement, improperly wound bobbin, or a misaligned needle.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check bobbin placement: Ensure the bobbin is inserted correctly in the bobbin case and rotates clockwise when pulled.
- Re-wind the bobbin: Ensure the bobbin is wound smoothly and evenly, without any loose threads or tangles.
- Check needle alignment: Verify that the needle is correctly aligned and not bent or damaged.
24. Embroidery Machine Stops Mid-Design
Description of the Problem: Users may experience the Brother PE800 stopping unexpectedly in the middle of an embroidery design.
Cause of the Problem: This issue can be caused by a power interruption, loose connection, or a software glitch.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check power connection: Ensure the machine is securely connected to a stable power source.
- Secure all connections: Double-check all cable connections to ensure they are properly plugged in.
- Restart the machine: Power off the machine, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on to see if the issue resolves.
25. Embroidery Design Alignment Drifting
Description of the Problem: Users may encounter issues with the alignment of embroidery designs drifting from their original position during stitching.
Cause of the Problem: Design alignment drifting can occur if the fabric shifts or if the hoop is not firmly attached to the machine.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Stabilize the fabric: Use appropriate stabilizers to keep the fabric in place and prevent shifting during embroidery.
- Tighten the hoop: Make sure the embroidery hoop is securely attached to the machine to prevent any movement during stitching.
Brother PE800 Sewing Machine User Reviews
When considering purchasing the Brother PE800 sewing machine, it’s essential to gather insights from other users to make an informed decision. Below, we have compiled a summary of both positive and negative reviews from Brother PE800 users available on Walmart’s website.
Positive Reviews from Brother PE800 Sewing Machine Users:
- Many users were satisfied with the ease of transferring embroidery designs using the machine’s USB port, allowing for convenient customization and creativity in their projects.
- Customers appreciated the versatility of the Brother PE800, stating that it felt like an entry-level machine with high-grade capabilities.
- Users found the machine to be user-friendly and easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced embroiderers.
- Several customers were pleased with the overall build quality and performance, noting that the embroidery machine provided excellent stitch quality and precision.
- Many users expressed happiness with the variety of built-in designs and fonts, enabling them to explore and create a wide range of embroidery projects.
Overall, positive feedback from Brother PE800 customers indicates that the machine’s user-friendly features, design options, and performance contributed to satisfying embroidery experiences for a variety of users.
Negative User Reviews of the Brother PE800 Sewing Machine:
- Some users encountered issues with the machine’s reliability, with a few instances of it malfunctioning or breaking down after a relatively short period of use.
- Several customers reported experiencing thread-related problems, such as frequent thread jamming, breakage, or looping on the back of the fabric.
- A few users expressed dissatisfaction with the customer service experience, especially when dealing with repair or warranty-related concerns.
- Several customers faced difficulties with design compatibility, citing limited support for certain file formats and difficulties in transferring designs from USB drives.
- Some users mentioned concerns about design alignment drifting during stitching, which led to imperfect embroidery outcomes.
While the majority of users were satisfied with the Brother PE800 sewing machine, a subset of customers experienced issues related to reliability, thread-related problems, customer service, design compatibility, and design alignment. These negative experiences highlight potential areas for improvement in future iterations of the machine.
Note: All information about user reviews is taken from Walmart’s website.
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Brother PE800 Sewing Machine Manual
The operating instructions for the Brother PE800 sewing machine can be found on the manufacturer’s website. For detailed guidance on setting up and using your embroidery machine, including threading, embroidery designs, and maintenance, please visit the official Brother website and search for the PE800 model’s user manual.
Brother PE800 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I thread the Brother PE800 embroidery machine?
Threading the Brother PE800 is made easy with the numbered threading diagram printed on the machine. Simply follow the steps indicated in the manual to correctly thread the machine for smooth operation.
2. Can I use my own embroidery designs with the Brother PE800?
Yes, the Brother PE800 allows you to import your own embroidery designs using the USB port. You can transfer compatible embroidery files from your computer or other sources to the machine’s built-in memory.
3. What should I do if the needle keeps breaking during embroidery?
If the needle keeps breaking, check that you are using the correct type and size of needle for embroidery. Also, ensure the needle is inserted properly and securely. Adjust the embroidery speed and fabric tension if necessary to prevent needle breakage.
4. Why is the embroidery design alignment drifting during stitching?
Design alignment drifting can occur if the fabric shifts or if the embroidery hoop is not firmly attached to the machine. Make sure to use appropriate stabilizers to keep the fabric in place and tighten the embroidery hoop securely before stitching.
5. How can I prevent thread looping on the back of the fabric?
To prevent thread looping on the back of the fabric, check the upper thread tension settings and adjust them as needed. Also, ensure that the fabric is adequately stabilized to prevent excessive looping during embroidery.
Conclusion
For any issues or problems with your Brother PE800 embroidery machine, it is recommended to always refer to the user manual provided by the manufacturer. The manual contains detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips that can help resolve common problems.
Additionally, if the problem persists or requires technical assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to Brother’s customer service or an authorized service center for professional support.