Gulp , I closed my eyes and hit the send button, new sewing machine

Well folks,I did it....I found a nice Brother PC 420 PRW for a decent price, with the features I liked. It had 20 review as n fall were 5 stars. If anyone has one can you let me know how you like it?

# and all were 5 stars # silly auto spell

I have one and love it. The only thing I fixed was the starting needle position....it starts at the left so I centered mine. If I forget to move it to the center position then the needle would hit my 1/4" foot - not good.

If you would like the default position in the middle, here's a video that shows you how to do it (they guy is long winded LOL):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfq-GW88DsA

Do you have to change it every time you sew?

I have one and its been working like a champ for 3 years now. The needle always starts to the left unless you program it to start in the middle which I highly recommend. Follow the link Shirley provided above. You can always manually move it to the left if needed, but the default should be in the center if the machines primary purpose is quilting. I broke an untold number of needles until this link was posted to change the default. Once you do this, you'll love the machine!

No....it will stay unless you manually change it back. I don't know what the purpose of having a needle default to the left is.

Does anyone know if trying that (changing the needle start position) will work on really similar models? My Brother starts on the left too.

I have the Brother PC420 and it is a very good value. Lots of features for the price you pay, and it does not need to be oiled. Two things I learned about the Brother PC420, the 1/4" foot either with or without guide when used with the center needle position is set to a generous 1/4", not a exact 1/4" or a scant 1/4". You can use the memory button to set your needle position to work with the foot you want to use. If you FMQ, it has a problem going backwards at either 45 degrees or 135 degrees for more than a few stitches. It is fine in all other directions.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sonic

Does anyone know if trying that (changing the needle start position) will work on really similar models? My Brother starts on the left too.

---

It will work on any Brother model that has the "memory" function. Oddly enough the instructions were in the index for my manual as "saving stitch settings" not under "memory"

Depending on how old your machine is, I would check the manual. I have Babylock machines. These are built in the Brother factories so very similar. All my manuals explain how to reset the needle position to start in the middle. Very different than what this guy explained in the video. His video was posted 4 years ago. I've had my machines for a couple years. Each one was different but basically with the machine turned off, I was instructed to push and hold down a specific button while I turn the machine back on. The machine beeps and it's then set. No need to repeat the step. I did this to reset a Grace, Tempo and Melody. Take a look in your manual :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Denis

Depending on how old your machine is, I would check the manual. I have Babylock machines. These are built in the Brother factories so very similar. All my manuals explain how to reset the needle position to start in the middle. Very different than what this guy explained in the video. His video was posted 4 years ago. I've had my machines for a couple years. Each one was different but basically with the machine turned off, I was instructed to push and hold down a specific button while I turn the machine back on. The machine beeps and it's then set. No need to repeat the step. I did this to reset a Grace, Tempo and Melody. Take a look in your manual :)

---

Thanks.
Mine does not have the memory function (I should have watched the video before posing my question :0 ) but it does have the push and hold specific buttons to change the needle up/down function. Nothing is in the manual about changing the side to side. I should just play with it and see if I can make it work.
Sorry to hijack the thread.

Babaz, it looks like a nice machine! Congrats on your bravery of buying it and you 'll have to let us know how you like it.

I'm so jealous of all of you. I have a Japanese machine that's easily 65 years old. Works well - but bobbin thread cutting and needle position with fancy buttons is a distant dream. My mom scooped the machine for me as a Christmas present for twenty at a local thrift store.

Needless to say she's my beloved old lady! And she ggetsthe job done!

I have this Brother machine and Love it! It has everything I want and need for a great price! Thank you Buckeyequilter for the video link about changing default needle position - big help!
Thanks to Sewbee's suggestion, I bought a 1/4 inch foot to use with mine (works great) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good luck with your new baby!

Oooohhhh.... I don't have one but it looks like a good one :)

....I have it and I love it.

I may be challenged but, the needle goes to the proper placement depending on the stich you choose. Am I wrong?