Brother CP2160P Sewing Machine

Using Your Machine

Power supply

1 Insert the plug into a household electrical outlet.

2 Turn on the machine.

• Press the “I” mark on the main power switch to turn on the main power, sewing light, and LCD.
• To turn off the machine, press the “O” mark on the main power switch
• The machine will make a sound. This is not a malfunction.

Foot controller

• Slowly depress the foot controller to start sewing, and adjust the sewing speed by changing the pressing force.

Operation panel

1 LCD (Liquid crystal display) The selected stitch (1), presser foot that should be used (2), stitch length in millimeters (3), stitch width in millimeters (4), needle stop position (5), and single/twin needle mode (6) are displayed.

2 Stitch selection keys (page 15) Press keys to change the stitch pattern.

3 Stitch length keys (page 15) Press keys to change the stitch length of the selected stitch pattern.

4 Stitch width keys (page 15) Press keys to change the stitch width of the selected stitch pattern.

Settings/Functions

• You can change settings of the following functions. The settings are stored even when the power switch is turned off.

1 Changing the needle stop position: You can change the needle stop position to either the lowered (in the fabric) or raised position. (Default: Lowered position)

1. Turn off the machine.
2. Holding down 1, turn on the machine.
3. After the machine has turned on, release 1
   • The needle stop position is changed.

2 Changing the initial needle position You can change the stitch selected when the machine is turned on to either “straight stitch (left needle position)” or “straight stitch (middle (center) needle position)”. (Default: )

1. Turn off the machine.
2. Holding down 2, turn on the machine.
3. After the machine has turned on, release 2.
   • The initial needle position is changed. The currently selected stitch can be confirmed by the stitch number in the LCD.

3 Turning on/off the operation beep ★: You can turn on/off the operation beep. (Default: On)

1. Turn off the machine.
2. Holding down 3, turn on the machine.
3. After the machine has turned on, release 3.
   • The operation beep setting is changed.

4 Changing the maximum sewing speed

• You can change the maximum sewing speed to either the standard or slower speed. (Default: Standard speed mode)
• When the slower speed mode is selected, the maximum speed adjusted with the sewing speed controller becomes slower. ★
  1. Turn off the machine.
  2. Holding down 4, turn on the machine.
  3. After the machine has turned on, release 4.
     • The maximum sewing speed is changed.

5 Turning on/off the automatic reverse/ reinforcement stitching: You can set the machine to automatically sew reverse or reinforcement stitches at the beginning and end of stitching. (Default: Off)

1. Turn off the machine.
2. Holding down 5, turn on the machine.
3. After the machine has turned on, release 5.
   • The automatic reverse/reinforcement stitching is turned on or off.

* For details, refer to "Automatic reverse/reinforcement stitching"

★: Only for some models.

6 Changing the needle mode: You can change the needle mode to either the single or twin needle mode. (Default: Single needle mode)

1. Turn off the machine.
2. Holding down 6, turn on the machine.
3. After the machine has turned on, release 6.
   • The needle mode is changed.

: Single needle mode

: Twin needle mode

* For details, refer to "Sewing with the twin needle"

7 Stitch adjustment ★ With some stitches, a stitch pattern may turn out poorly depending on the type of fabric. In such a case, you can make adjustments. (Default: 0)

1. Turn off the machine.
2. Holding down 7, turn on the machine.
3. After the machine has turned on, release 7.
   • The machine turns into the stitch pattern adjustment mode. * For details, refer to "Making Adjustment"

Threading the Machine

Winding/Installing the bobbin

1 Pull up the spool pin as far as possible, and put a spool of thread on this pin.

2 Pass the thread under the thread guide and around the pretension disk, front to back.

3 Passing the thread through a hole on the bobbin, set the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft, and then slide the shaft to the right. Make sure the notch fits the projection.

Memo: Checking the orientation of the bobbin will be helpful in later procedures. By placing the bobbin into the bobbin case in the same orientation that it was on the bobbin winder shaft, the bobbin can be installed with the correct winding direction of the bobbin thread. The “b” mark on one side of the bobbin included with this machine can be used as a reference.

4 Turn on the machine.

5 While holding the end of the thread, start the machine to wind the thread around the bobbin a few times.

6 Stop the machine and trim the excess thread.

7 Slide the sewing speed controller to adjust the bobbin winding speed. ★

8 Start the machine.

9 When the bobbin seems full and begins spinning slowly, stop the machine.

10 Cut the thread, slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left and remove the bobbin.

11 Raise the needle to its highest position, and then raise the presser foot lever.

12 Turn off the machine.

13 Open the bobbin cover.

14 Put the bobbin in, hold the end of the thread, push the bobbin down with your finger, and then pass the thread though the slit as shown

* Follow this instruction so that the thread is correctly inserted through the tension spring of the bobbin case.

• For models equipped with the quick-set bobbin ★

Feed the end of the thread through the slit, and then pull the thread to cut it.

The thread feeding direction is indicated by arrows on the needle plate.

You can begin sewing without drawing up the bobbin thread. When pulling up the bobbin thread before sewing, refer to “Drawing up the bobbin thread”

15 Reattach the bobbin cover. * Make the end of the thread come out from the left side of the cover.

For models equipped with the cutter ★

1. Follow steps 1 to 2 of “Winding/Installing the bobbin”.
2. Set the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft, and then slide the shaft to the right.
3. 
4. Turn on the machine.
5. Follow steps 7 to 15 of “Winding/Installing the bobbin”.

Upper threading

1 Raise the presser foot lever.

2 Raise the needle to its highest position.

3 If the power of the machine is on, turn it off.

4 Pull up the spool pin as far as possible, and put a spool of thread on this pin.

5 Pass the thread through the thread channel in the order shown below. * Follow the numbered path printed on the machine.

6 Slide the thread behind the needle bar thread guide.

7 Insert the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back, and then pass the thread under the presser foot.

Drawing up the bobbin thread

1 Refer to “Upper threading” (page 9) to thread the machine with the upper thread and thread the needle.

2 Follow steps 11 to 13 of “Winding/Installing the bobbin” (page 7) for installing the bobbin and to insert the bobbin into the bobbin case.

3 Pass the thread along the slit in the direction of the arrow, and leave it there without cutting it.

4 Lightly hold the end of the upper thread

5 While holding the end of the upper thread, lower and raise the needle to draw up the bobbin thread.

6 Pull on the upper thread to draw up the bobbin thread. Next, pull out about 10 cm (4 inches) of both threads toward the back under the presser foot.

For models equipped with the quick-set bobbin ★ You can begin sewing without drawing up the bobbin thread.

Fabric/Thread/Needle Combination

• Needles that can be used with this machine: Home sewing machine needles (size 65/9 - 100/16) * The larger the number, the larger the needle. As the numbers decrease, the needles get finer.
• Thread that can be used with this machine: 30 - 90 weight * Never use thread of 20 weight or lower. It may cause machine to malfunction. * The smaller the number, the heavier the thread. As the numbers increase, the thread gets finer.
• The machine needle and thread that should be used depends on the type and thickness of the fabric. Refer to the following table when choosing the thread and needle appropriate for the fabric that you wish to sew. - The combinations shown in the table provide a general guideline. Be sure to sew trial stitches on the actual number of layers and type of fabric to be used in your project. - The machine needles are consumables. For safety and best results, we recommend replacing the needle regularly. For details on when to replace the needle, refer to “Checking the needle”
• In principle, use a fine needle and thread with lightweight fabrics, and a larger needle and heavier thread with heavyweight fabrics.
• Select a stitch appropriate for the fabric, and then adjust the stitch length. When sewing lightweight fabrics, make the stitch length finer (shorter). When sewing heavyweight fabrics, make the stitch length coarser (longer). When sewing stretch fabrics, refer to “Sewing guide” (s.brother/cmkag/).

• Transparent nylon thread Use a home sewing machine topstitching needle, regardless of the fabric or thread.
• Sewing decorative stitch patterns (needles and threads) ★ When sewing lightweight, medium weight or stretch fabrics, use a ball point needle (gold colored) 90/14. When sewing heavyweight fabrics, use a home sewing machine needle 90/14. In addition, #50 to #60 thread should be used.

Care and Maintenance

Restrictions on oiling

• In order to prevent damaging this machine, it must not be oiled by the user.
• This machine was manufactured with the necessary amount of oil applied to ensure correct operation, making periodic oiling unnecessary.
• If problems occur, such as difficulty turning the handwheel or an unusual noise, immediately stop using the machine, and contact your authorized Brother dealer or the nearest Brother authorized service center.

Precautions on storing the machine

Do not store the machine in any of the locations described below, otherwise damage to the machine may result, for example, rust caused by condensation.

• Exposed to extremely high or low temperatures
• Exposed to extreme temperature changes
• Exposed to high humidity or steam
• Near a flame, heater or air conditioner
• Outdoors or exposed to direct sunlight
• Exposed to extremely dusty or oily environments

Note

• In order to extend the life of this machine, periodically turn it on and use it. Storing this machine for an extended period of time without using it may reduce its efficiency

Cleaning the machine surface

CAUTION: Unplug the power supply cord before cleaning the machine, otherwise injuries or an electric shock may occur.

Cleaning the race

Sewing performance will suffer if dust collects in the bobbin case.

CAUTION: Make sure you unplug the machine before you clean it. Otherwise, you may get an electric shock or be injured.

1 Turn off the machine and unplug the power cord.

2 Raise the needle and remove the presser foot.

3 Remove the needle (1) and the presser foot holder (2). Next, loosen the two screws (3) and remove the needle plate.

4 Remove the bobbin case, and remove any dust from the race and its surrounding area.

5 Insert the bobbin case so that the and marks align.

CAUTION

• Never use a bobbin case that is scratched, otherwise the upper thread may become tangled, the needle may break or sewing performance may suffer. For a new bobbin case, contact your nearest Brother authorized service center.
• Make sure that you fit the bobbin case properly, otherwise the needle may break.

6 Attach the needle plate, and then tighten the screws

Troubleshooting

• If the machine stops operating correctly, check the following possible problems before requesting service.
• You can solve most problems by yourself. If you need additional help, the Brother support website offers the latest FAQs and troubleshooting tips. Visit us at “ s.brother/cpkag/ ” .
• If the problem persists, contact your Brother dealer or the nearest Brother authorized service center.

Frequent troubleshooting topics

• Detailed causes and remedies for common troubleshooting topics are as follows. Be sure to refer to this before contacting us.

Upper thread tightened up

Symptom

• The upper thread appears as a single continuous line.
• The bobbin thread is visible from the upper side of the fabric. (Refer to the illustration below.)
• The upper thread has tightened up, and comes out when pulled.
• The upper thread has tightened up, and wrinkles appear in the fabric.
• The upper thread tension is tight, and the results do not change even after the thread tension is adjusted

Cause

• Incorrect bobbin threading: If the bobbin thread is incorrectly threaded, instead of the appropriate tension being applied to the bobbin thread, it is pulled through the fabric when the upper thread is pulled up. For this reason, the thread is visible from the right side of the fabric.

Remedy/check details: Correctly install the bobbin thread

Tangled thread on wrong side of fabric

Symptom

• The thread becomes tangled on the wrong side of the fabric.

• After starting sewing, a rattling noise is made and sewing cannot continue.
• Looking under the fabric, there is tangled thread in the bobbin case.

Cause

• Incorrect upper threading: If the upper thread is incorrectly threaded, the upper thread passed through the fabric cannot be firmly pulled up and the upper thread becomes tangled in the bobbin case, causing a rattling noise. n

Remedy/check details: Remove the tangled thread, and then correct the upper threading.

1. Remove the tangled thread. If it cannot be removed, cut the thread with scissors. * For details, refer to "Cleaning the race"
2. Remove the upper thread from the machine.
3. Correct the upper threading by following the instructions in “Upper threading”. * If the bobbin was removed from the bobbin case, refer to "Winding/Installing the bobbin" to correctly install the bobbin.

Incorrect thread tension

Symptoms

1. The bobbin thread is visible from the right side of the fabric. (Refer to the illustration below.)
2. The upper thread appears as a straight line on the right side of the fabric.
3. The upper thread is visible from the wrong side of the fabric. (Refer to the illustration below.)
4. The bobbin thread appears as a straight line on the wrong side of the fabric.
5. The stitching on the wrong side of the fabric is loose or has slack

Cause/remedy/check details

• Cause 1: The machine is not correctly threaded. The bobbin threading is incorrect. Return the thread tension dial to “4”, and then refer to “Winding/Installing the bobbin” to correct the threading. The upper threading is incorrect. Return the thread tension dial to “4”, and then refer to “Upper threading” (page 9) to correct the upper threading.
• Cause 2: A needle and thread appropriate for the fabric are not being used. The machine needle that should be used depends on the type of fabric sewn and the thread thickness. If a needle and thread appropriate for the fabric are not being used, the thread tension will not be adjusted correctly, causing wrinkles in the fabric or skipped stitches. * Refer to "Fabric/Thread/Needle Combination" (page 12) to check that a needle and thread appropriate for the fabric are being used.
• Cause 3: An appropriate upper tension is not selected. Select an appropriate thread tension. Refer to “Thread tension” (page 17). The appropriate thread tension differs depending on the type of fabric and thread being used. * Adjust the thread tension while test sewing on a piece of scrap fabric that is the same as that used in your project.

Note

• If the upper threading and bobbin threading are incorrect, the thread tension cannot be adjusted correctly. Check the upper threading and bobbin threading first, and then adjust the thread tension
• If the bobbin thread is visible from the right side of the fabric Turn the thread tension dial counterclockwise to loosen the upper thread tension.

• If the upper thread is visible from the wrong side of the fabric Turn the thread tension dial clockwise to tighten the upper thread tension.

Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed

If the fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed, the thread may have become tangled under the needle plate. Follow the procedure described below to remove the fabric from the machine. If the operation cannot be completed according to the procedure, instead of attempting to remove it forcefully, contact your nearest Brother authorized service center.

Removing the fabric from the machine

1 Immediately stop the machine.

2 Turn off the machine.

3 Remove the needle. If the needle is lowered into the fabric, turn the handwheel away from you (clockwise) to raise the needle out of the fabric, and then remove the needle. * Refer to "Replacing the needle"

4 Remove the presser foot and presser foot holder. If the thread is entangled on the presser foot, remove the entangled thread, and then raise the presser foot lever to remove the presser foot. Otherwise, the presser foot may be damaged. * Refer to "Replacing the presser foot"

5 Lift up the fabric and cut the threads below it. If the fabric can be removed, remove it. Continue with the following steps to clean the race.

6 Remove the needle plate cover. * Refer to "Cleaning the race"

7 Cut out the tangled threads, and then remove the bobbin

8 Remove the bobbin case. If threads remain in the bobbin case, remove them.

9 Use the cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner mini attachment to remove any lint or dust from the race and its surrounding area.

• If the fabric could be removed Continue to step 11.
• If the fabric could not be removed Continue to step 10.

Note: Compressed can air is not recommended to be used.

10 Remove the fabric and threads from the needle plate. If the fabric cannot be removed, even after completing these steps, contact your nearest Brother authorized service center.

11 Insert the bobbin case by following step 5 in “Cleaning the race”

12 Attach the needle plate cover by following step 6 in “Cleaning the race”

13 Turn the handwheel to check that the feed dogs move smoothly and do not contact the edges of the slots in the needle plate.

14 Check the condition of the needle, and then install it. If the needle is in a poor condition, for example, if it is bent, be sure to install a new needle. * Refer to "Checking the needle (page 13) and "Replacing the needle"

Memo: Since the needle may have been damaged when the fabric was caught in the machine, we recommend replacing it with a new one

Checking machine operations: If the needle plate has been removed, check machine operations to confirm that installation has been completed correctly

1 Turn on the machine.

2 Select the straight stitch ( middle (center) needle position). Note: Do not yet install the presser foot and thread.

3 Slowly turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise), and look from all sides to check that the needle falls at the center of the opening in the needle plate. If the needle contacts the needle plate, remove the needle plate, and then install it again, starting with step 13 in “Fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed

4 Select stitch . At this time, increase the stitch length and width to their maximum settings. * For details on changing the settings, refer to "Setting the stitch length and stitch width"

5 Slowly turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) and check that the needle bar and feed dogs operate correctly. If the needle or feed dogs contact the needle plate, the machine may be malfunctioning; therefore, contact your nearest Brother authorized service center.

6 Turn off the machine, and then install the bobbin and presser foot. Never use a scratched or damaged presser foot. Otherwise, the needle may break, or sewing performance may suffer. * Refer to "Winding/Installing the bobbin" and "Replacing the presser foot"

7 Correctly thread the machine. * For details on threading the machine, refer to "Upper threading"

8 Perform trial sewing with cotton fabric

Note: Incorrect sewing may be the result of incorrect upper threading or sewing thin fabrics. If there are poor results from the trial sewing, check the upper threading or the type of fabric being used

If the thread becomes tangled under the bobbin winder seat ★

• If the bobbin winding starts when the thread is not passed under the pretension disk of the thread guide correctly, the thread may become tangled under the bobbin winder seat.

CAUTION: Do not remove the bobbin winder seat even if the thread become tangled under the bobbin winder seat. Otherwise, the cutter in the bobbin winder seat may be damaged. (for models equipped with the cutter). • Do not remove the screw on the bobbin winder guide post, otherwise the machine may be damaged; you cannot wind off the thread by removing the screw.

1. Stop the bobbin winding.
2. Cut the thread with scissors beside the thread guide.
3. Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left, and then remove the bobbin from the shaft and cut the thread leading to the bobbin in order to be able to completely remove the bobbin from the shaft.
4. Hold the thread end with your left hand, and wind off the thread clockwise from under the bobbin winder seat with your right hand.

List of symptoms

If the reference page is “*”, contact your authorized Brother dealer or the nearest Brother authorized service center.

If you are sewing thin fabric, the stitch is too thick. Sew with stabilizer material under the fabric	-
The thread tension is incorrect.	17
Stitches are skipped.
Upper threading is incorrect.	9
The needle or thread is improper for the fabric	12
The needle is turned, bent or the point is dull	13
The needle is not installed properly.	13
Dust has accumulated under the needle plate or in the bobbin case.	24
The thread is tangled on the wrong side of the fabric.
Upper threading is incorrect.	9
The needle or thread is improper for the fabric.	12
There is a high-pitched noise while sewing.
Dust has built up in the feed dogs or in the bobbin case.	24
Upper threading is incorrect.	9
The bobbin case is scratched.	*
A bobbin designed for this machine is not used.	7
The needle threader cannot be used. ★
The needle is not in the highest position.	10
The needle is installed incorrectly.	13
The needle is turned, bent or the point is dull.	13
Upper threading is incorrect.	9
The needle threader hook is bent and does not pass through the eye of the needle.	*
The needle threader lever cannot be moved or returned to its original position.	*
A size 65/9 needle is being used. The needle is incompatible with the needle threader. Manually pass the thread through the eye of the needle	10
The stitch is not sewn correctly
The presser foot is not appropriate for the selected stitch.	14
The thread tension is incorrect.	17
The thread is tangled, for example, in the bobbin case.	27
The fabric does not feed.
The feed dogs are lowered. ★ XSlide the feed dog position switch to .	21
The stitch is too fine	15
The needle or thread is improper for the fabric	12
The thread is tangled, for example, in the bobbin case.	27
While winding the bobbin, the bobbin thread was wound below the bobbin winder seat. ★
The thread was incorrectly passed under the pretension disk on the thread guide. Remove any entangled thread, and then wind the bobbin	8,28
The bobbin thread cannot be pulled up.
The needle is turned, bent or the point is dull	13
The bobbin is installed incorrectly	9
The sewing light bulb does not come on.
The sewing light is damaged	*
The fabric feeds in the opposite direction
The feed mechanism is damaged.	*
The needle contacts the needle plate
The needle clamp screw is loose	13
The needle is turned, bent or the point is dull	13
Fabric being sewn with the machine cannot be removed.
Thread is tangled below the needle plate	27
A broken needle has fallen into the machine
Turn off the machine, and remove the needle plate. If the needle that fell into the machine can be seen, use tweezers to remove it. After removing the needle, return the needle plate to its original position and insert a new needle. Before turning on the machine, slowly turn the handwheel toward you to check that it turns smoothly and that the new needle enters through the center of the needle plate opening. If the handwheel does not turn smoothly or the needle that fell into the machine cannot be removed, consult your authorized Brother dealer or the nearest Brother authorized service center	24
The handwheel does not turn smoothly
Thread is tangled in the bobbin case.	27
Decorative stitch patterns are misaligned. ★
A wrong presser foot is used.	14
Stitch adjustment is set incorrectly.	23

Error Messages

No.	Cause	Solution
	The foot controller was pressed (or (“Start/Stop” button) was pressed if the foot controller is not connected ★) or (Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button) was pressed while the presser foot is raised.	Lower the presser foot lever before continuing the operation.
	A stitch other than the buttonhole or bar tack stitch was selected and the foot controller was pressed (or (“Start/Stop” button) was pressed if the foot controller is not connected ★) while the buttonhole lever is lowered.	Raise the buttonhole lever before continuing the operation
	The buttonhole or bar tack stitch was selected and the foot controller was pressed (or (“Start/Stop” button) was pressed if the foot controller is not connected ★) while the buttonhole lever is raised	Lower the buttonhole lever before continuing the operation.
	(Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button) (or (Needle position button) ★) was pressed while the bobbin winder shaft is moved to the right.	Move the bobbin winder shaft to the left before continuing the operation.
	(“Start/Stop” button) was pressed while the foot controller is connected. ★	Disconnect the foot controller or use the foot controller. ★
	The motor locked up because the thread is tangled.	Remove the tangled thread before continuing the operation
	The stitch only for the single needle was selected and the foot controller was pressed (or (“Start/Stop” button) was pressed if the foot controller is not connected ★) while the twin needle mode is active.	Select a stitch for the twin needle
	The machine may be malfunctioning	Contact your nearest Brother authorized service center

Operation beep ★

• When the machine is turned on or a key is pressed (correct operation)
  • One beep
• When the machine is turned on while a setting is changed
  • Two beeps
• If an incorrect operation is performed or a nonfunctioning key is pressed
  • Two or four beeps
• If the machine locks up, for example, because the thread is tangled
  • Beeps for four seconds and the machine automatically stops. Be sure to check for the cause of the error, and correct it before continuing to sew.

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