Brother BE-438B User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

A
Andrea RamirezAug 21, 2025
Why is my Brother Sewing Machine upper thread breaking?
- A
  Adam WhitakerAug 21, 2025
  There are several reasons why the upper thread might be breaking: * The upper thread tension may be too strong, so you should adjust it. * The needle might be installed incorrectly; make sure it is installed correctly. * The thread might be too thick for the needle; use the correct thread for the needle. * The thread take-up spring tension and height could be incorrect; adjust them. * The rotary hook, needle hole plate, or needle might be damaged; file smooth or replace the part. * If using synthetic thread, it might be melting; use a thread cooling device.
G
Gabrielle BrewerAug 23, 2025
What to do if my Brother Sewing Machine skips stitches?
- P
  pamelathomasAug 23, 2025
  Skipped stitches can occur for several reasons: 1. The clearance between the needle and rotary hook tip might be too great; adjust the needle clearance. 2. The needle and rotary hook timing could be incorrect; adjust the needle bar lift amount. 3. The driver might be contacting the needle too much (except KE-484C); adjust the driver needle guard. 4. The needle could be bent; replace it. 5. The needle might be installed incorrectly; install it correctly. 6. The needle thread might be too short; adjust the thread take-up lever stroke.
D
donna71Aug 25, 2025
How to fix Brother BE-438B when needle breaks?
- S
  Sarah PalmerAug 25, 2025
  A needle can break for the following reasons: * The needle is touching the rotary hook; adjust the needle clearance. * The needle is bent; replace the needle. * The needle is too thin; use the correct needle for the material. * The needle is striking the button; refer to “6. CHECKING THE SEWING PATTERN” in the Instruction Manual.
M
Melissa FrancisAug 27, 2025
Why is the thread coming unthreaded on my Brother BE-438B Sewing Machine?
- A
  Ashley SmithAug 27, 2025
  The thread may come unthreaded due to: * Stitches being skipped at the sewing start; refer to “Skipped stitches occur”. * Uneven needle thread; adjust the sub-tension. * The needle thread being too short; adjust the thread take-up lever stroke.
J
Janice LewisAug 28, 2025
Why is my Brother BE-438B lower thread breaking?
- S
  Shawn CollinsAug 28, 2025
  The lower thread may break because: * The lower thread tension is too strong, so adjust the lower thread tension. * The corners of the needle hole plate or bobbin case are damaged; file smooth or replace the affected part.
C
Christopher BurnsAug 29, 2025
What to do if Brother Sewing Machine thread is jamming?
- D
  donaldsonmckenzieAug 29, 2025
  Thread jamming can occur if: * The thread take-up spring tension and height are incorrect; adjust them. * The needle and rotary hook timing are incorrect; adjust the needle bar lift amount. * The shuttle race thread guide is not separating the threads; adjust its position.
L
Levi GonzalesAug 31, 2025
How to adjust incorrect thread tightness on Brother BE-438B?
- B
  Benjamin HaydenAug 31, 2025
  Incorrect thread tightness can be due to: * Upper thread tension being too weak; adjust the upper thread tension. * Lower thread tension being too weak; adjust the lower thread tension. * Thread take-up spring tension and height being incorrect; adjust the tension and height of the thread take-up spring.
A
Aaron WagnerSep 2, 2025
How to adjust lower thread winding amount on Brother BE-438B?
- E
  Erika WrightSep 2, 2025
  If the lower thread winding amount is incorrect, adjust the position of the bobbin presser.
K
Kathryn MurraySep 3, 2025
What to do if Brother BE-438B Sewing Machine does not operate when turned on?
- V
  vchapmanSep 3, 2025
  If the machine does not operate when the power is turned on and the foot switch is depressed: * Check if the head position switch cord is disconnected. * Adjust the position of the switching plate. * Replace the head position switch if it is broken.
E
Erika AlvarezSep 5, 2025
How to fix Brother BE-438B Sewing Machine when upper thread is not trimmed?
- D
  Dorothy CrawfordSep 5, 2025
  If the upper thread is not being trimmed, it could be due to: * A blunt movable knife; replace it. * A blunt fixed knife; sharpen or replace it. * The movable knife not picking up the thread; adjust the position of the shuttle race thread guide. * Skipped stitches at the sewing end preventing the movable knife from picking up the thread; refer to “Skipped stitches occur”. * An incorrect movable knife position; adjust it. * Sub-tension being too weak; turn the sub-tension nut to adjust the tension.

Brother BE-438B Specifications

General

Brand	Brother
Model	BE-438B
Category	Sewing Machine
Language	English

Summary

Safety Instructions

Safety Indications and Their Meanings

Explains the meaning of safety indications and symbols used on the machine.

Notes on Safety

Environmental Requirements

Details safe operating conditions regarding environment, temperature, and humidity.

Installation Safety

Provides safety guidelines for installing the sewing machine.

Warning Labels

Safety Devices

Lists and identifies key safety devices on the sewing machine.

Direction of Operation

Indicates the direction of operation for machine components.

Adjustment Procedures

Adjusting Needle Bar Height

Details the procedure for adjusting the needle bar height for proper sewing.

Adjusting Needle Bar Lift Amount

Explains how to adjust the needle bar lift for optimal thread take-up.

Adjusting Thread Wiper

Provides steps for adjusting the thread wiper mechanism for correct thread cutting.

Adjusting Home Position

Outlines the process for setting the machine's home position for X and Y axes.

Mechanical Descriptions

Needle Bar and Thread Take-Up Mechanisms

Describes the components and function of the needle bar and thread take-up systems.

Lower Shaft and Shuttle Race Mechanisms

Explains the lower shaft and shuttle race mechanisms and their operation.

Work Clamp Lifter Mechanism

Details the components and function of the work clamp lifter mechanism.

Work Clamp Open-Close Mechanism

Describes the mechanism responsible for opening and closing the work clamp.

Thread Wiper Mechanism

Explains the components and operation of the thread wiper system.

Feed Mechanism

Describes the X and Y movements of the feed mechanism for pattern creation.

Thread Trimmer Mechanism

Details the components and function of the thread trimming mechanism.

Thread Nipper Mechanism

Explains the operation of the thread nipper mechanism for thread control.

Thread Take-Up Mechanism

Describes the components and function of the thread take-up mechanism.

Disassembly Procedures

Covers Disassembly

Instructions for removing and disassembling the machine's covers.

Work Clamp Arm Mechanism (KE-430B, 430C, 431B, 431C)

Details the disassembly steps for the work clamp arm on specific models.

Work Clamp Arm Mechanism (KE-432B, 432C)

Details the disassembly steps for the work clamp arm on specific models.

Work Clamp Arm Mechanism (KE-433B)

Details the disassembly steps for the work clamp arm on specific models.

Work Clamp Arm Mechanism (KE-434B, 434C, 435B, 435C, 436B, 436C, 484C)

Details the disassembly steps for the work clamp arm on specific models.

Work Clamp Arm Mechanism (BE-438B, 438C)

Details the disassembly steps for the work clamp arm on specific models.

Shuttle Hook Mechanism

Explains the disassembly and components of the shuttle hook mechanism.

Needle Bar Mechanism

Details the disassembly and components of the needle bar mechanism.

Stepping Foot Mechanism (KE-435B, 435C, 436B, 436C)

Details the disassembly steps for the stepping foot mechanism on specific models.

Upper Shaft Mechanism

Explains the disassembly and components of the upper shaft mechanism.

Lower Shaft Mechanism

Details the disassembly and components of the lower shaft mechanism.

Feed Mechanism (1)

Details the disassembly steps for the feed mechanism, part 1.

Feed Mechanism (2)

Details the disassembly steps for the feed mechanism, part 2.

Work Clamp Lifter Mechanism (Solenoid specifications)

Details the disassembly steps for the work clamp lifter (solenoid).

Work Clamp Lifter Mechanism (KE-432B, 432C)

Details the disassembly steps for the work clamp lifter on specific models.

Stepping Foot Lifter Mechanism (KE-435B, 435C, 436B, 436C)

Details the disassembly steps for the stepping foot lifter on specific models.

Thread Wiper Mechanism

Details the disassembly steps for the thread wiper mechanism.

Stepping Foot Specifications

Provides disassembly details for stepping foot specifications.

Thread Nipper Mechanism

Details the disassembly steps for the thread nipper mechanism.

Thread Take-Up Mechanism

Details the disassembly steps for the thread take-up mechanism.

Thread Trimmer Mechanism

Details the disassembly steps for the thread trimmer mechanism.

Assembly Procedures

Thread Trimmer Mechanism (1)

Instructions for assembling the thread trimmer mechanism, part 1.

Thread Nipper Mechanism

Instructions for assembling the thread nipper mechanism.

Thread Wiper Mechanism

Instructions for assembling the thread wiper mechanism.

Work Clamp Lifter Mechanism (Solenoid Specifications)

Instructions for assembling the work clamp lifter (solenoid).

Work Clamp Lifter Mechanism (KE-432B, 432C)

Instructions for assembling the work clamp lifter on specific models.

Thread Take-Up Mechanism

Instructions for assembling the thread take-up mechanism.

Feed Mechanism (1)

Instructions for assembling the feed mechanism, part 1.

Feed Mechanism (2)

Instructions for assembling the feed mechanism, part 2.

Upper Shaft Mechanism

Instructions for assembling the upper shaft mechanism.

Stepping Foot Mechanism (KE-435B, 435C, 436B, 436C)

Instructions for assembling the stepping foot mechanism on specific models.

Feed Mechanism (2)

Instructions for assembling the feed mechanism, part 2.

Upper Shaft Mechanism

Instructions for assembling the upper shaft mechanism.

Stepping Foot Lifter Mechanism (KE-435B, 435C, 436B, 436C)

Instructions for assembling the stepping foot lifter on specific models.

Needle Bar Mechanism

Instructions for assembling the needle bar mechanism.

Lower Shaft Mechanism

Instructions for assembling the lower shaft mechanism.

Thread Trimmer Mechanism (2)

Instructions for assembling the thread trimmer mechanism, part 2.