Brother Simplicity SB170

Questions and Answers

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Benjamin WyattAug 13, 2025
Why does my Brother Simplicity SB170 Sewing Machine needle keep breaking?
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  heidi18Aug 13, 2025
  If your Brother Sewing Machine needle breaks, make sure it is correctly installed, and the needle clamp screw is tightened with the oval screwdriver. Replace the needle if it's bent or blunt. Ensure the upper thread is correctly threaded, and you're using the right combination of fabric, thread, and needle. Use the correct presser foot for the stitch you're sewing. Loosen the upper thread tension, and gently guide the fabric instead of pulling it. Properly fit the spool and use a bobbin designed for the machine. If the needle plate area or bobbin case is scratched, contact your retailer or authorized service center to replace these parts.
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Jonathan LyonsAug 16, 2025
Why does my Brother Sewing Machine skip stitches?
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  Jennifer WilliamsAug 16, 2025
  If your Brother Sewing Machine skips stitches, correct the upper threading and choose the right combination of fabric, thread, and needle. Replace the needle if it is bent or blunt, and ensure the needle is correctly installed. Remove the needle plate and clean both the plate and the bobbin case to eliminate any accumulated dust.
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Cynthia OneillAug 20, 2025
What to do if the fabric does not feed through my Brother Sewing Machine?
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  Holly BowenAug 20, 2025
  If the fabric doesn't feed through your Brother Sewing Machine, remove the darning plate from the needle plate. Ensure you are using the correct combination of fabric, thread, and needle. Remove any tangled thread, cleaning the race if necessary. Attach the presser foot appropriate for the stitch you want to sew.
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Ronald NewmanAug 25, 2025
How to stop the upper thread from breaking on my Brother Simplicity SB170 Sewing Machine?
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  Sonya MurrayAug 25, 2025
  If the upper thread of your Brother Sewing Machine breaks, ensure that you have correctly threaded the upper thread, properly fitted the spool, and the thread is correctly placed in the guide above the needle. Remove any knots or tangles in the thread. Choose a needle appropriate for the thread you are using and loosen the upper thread tension.
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John GibbsAug 28, 2025
Why is the thread tension incorrect on my Brother Simplicity SB170 Sewing Machine?
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  Nicole MillerAug 28, 2025
  If the Brother Sewing Machine thread tension is incorrect, correct the upper threading and ensure the bobbin thread is wound properly. Choose the appropriate combination of thread and needle for your fabric. Attach the presser foot holder properly and adjust the tension of the upper thread. Also, use a bobbin that has been designed for this machine and reset the bobbin thread correctly.
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Alexis RobinsonAug 31, 2025
What to do if the lower thread is tangled or breaks on my Brother Sewing Machine?
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  Connor SanchezAug 31, 2025
  If the lower thread of your Brother Sewing Machine is tangled or breaks, wind the bobbin thread properly and replace the bobbin if it is scratched or doesn't turn smoothly. Remove any tangled thread and clean the race. Ensure that you are using a bobbin that has been designed for this machine and reset the bobbin thread correctly.
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richardsalisonSep 4, 2025
Why is the fabric wrinkled when using my Brother Simplicity SB170?
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  Richard Lee DVMSep 4, 2025
  If the fabric is wrinkled when using your Brother Sewing Machine, thread the upper thread and wind the bobbin thread properly, and fit the spool correctly. Choose the right combination of fabric, thread, and needle, and replace the needle if it is bent or blunt. If sewing thin fabrics, use stabilizer material under the fabric. Attach the correct presser foot for your stitch and adjust the upper thread tension.
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rnguyenSep 7, 2025
What to do if fabric being sewn with my Brother Simplicity SB170 Sewing Machine cannot be removed?
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  Glenn ChanSep 7, 2025
  If the fabric being sewn with your Brother Sewing Machine cannot be removed, lift the fabric and cut the threads below it, then clean the race, as the thread is likely tangled below the needle plate.

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Electrical Safety Precautions

Guidelines on unplugging, avoiding wet hands, and handling damaged cords.

Safe Operating Environment

Advice on keeping the work area clear and avoiding hazardous conditions.

Machine Handling and Storage

Instructions on careful sewing, machine care, and proper storage.

Knowing Your Sewing Machine

Accessories

Lists included and optional accessories for sewing tasks.

Main Parts Identification

Identifies and describes the primary components of the sewing machine.

Connecting Plugs and Power

Explains how to connect the machine to the power source and foot controller.

Machine Controls

Details functions like pattern selection, needle/presser foot changes.

Fabric, Thread, and Needle Combinations

Guidance on selecting appropriate materials for optimal sewing results.

Threading the Machine

Winding the Bobbin

Step-by-step guide on how to wind thread onto the bobbin correctly.

Lower Threading

Instructions for inserting and threading the bobbin and lower thread.

Upper Threading

Detailed steps for guiding the thread through the machine's upper path.

Drawing Up the Lower Thread

Explains how to bring the lower thread up to the needle area.

Sewing Basics

Starting Sewing Procedures

Essential steps and precautions before beginning the sewing process.

Trial Sewing and Tension

Guidance on test sewing, adjusting sewing direction, and thread tension.

Sewing Thin, Stretch Fabrics, and Cylinders

Techniques for sewing thin, stretch fabrics and cylindrical items.

Thread Tension Adjustment

How to adjust thread tension for optimal stitch quality.

Built-in Stitches

Straight and Zigzag Stitching

Explains the use of straight and zigzag stitches for seams and decoration.

Blind Hem Stitching

Instructions for creating a blind hem using a specific stitch.

Shell Tuck and Elastic Stitches

How to use shell tuck and elastic stitches for decorative or mending purposes.

Double Action and Decorative Stitches

Techniques for double action and decorative stitching for various applications.

Sewing Buttonholes and Buttons

Making a Buttonhole

Step-by-step guide for creating buttonholes on fabric.

Adjusting Buttonholes

How to fine-tune buttonhole size and appearance for consistency.

Sewing Buttons

Instructions for attaching buttons using the sewing machine.

Using Attachments and Applications

Zipper Insertion

Guide on using the zipper foot for inserting zippers into garments.

Gathering and Darning

Techniques for gathering fabric and repairing holes through darning.

Appliqués

How to create appliqués by sewing decorative fabric shapes onto other fabrics.

Optional Accessories: Walking and Quilting Feet

Details on using specialized optional accessories like walking and quilting feet.

Appendix

Maintenance

Information on machine care, cleaning, and restrictions on oiling.

Precautions on Storing the Machine

Guidelines on proper storage to prevent damage and maintain efficiency.

Troubleshooting

Common problems and their solutions for machine operation issues.