Brother Quattro 3 User Manual

							SEWING THE STITCHES
Utility Stitches
109
3
iLower the presser foot and start.
→A seam allowance is cut while the stitching is sewn.
■When Sewing Straight Stitches 
While Using the Side Cutter
The seam margin should be approximately 5 mm 
(approx. 3/16 inch).
a Seam margin CAUTION
 When using the side cutter, sew 
between low and mid-speed and do 
not touch the knives or operation 
lever of the side cutter while sewing 
to avoid equipment damage or 
injury.
a Guide plate (lower knife)
b Upper knife
c Operation lever
Note
 If the width has been adjusted, rotate the 
handwheel toward you (counterclockwise). 
Check that the needle does not touch the 
side cutter. If the needle touches the side 
cutter, it might cause the needle to break. 
Memo
 The fabric will not be cut if the whole fabric is 
simply spread out underneath the presser 
foot guide plate. Set the fabric as explained 
in step 
h from the previous section, and 
then start sewing. 
 One layer of 13 oz. denim can be cut.
 Clean the side cutter after use to avoid hav- ing dust and scraps of thread build up on it. 
 Add a small amount of oil as required to the  cutting edge of the cutter. 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
110
Quilting 
You can make beautiful quilts quickly and easily with this machine. When making a quilt, you will find it 
convenient to use the knee lifter and foot controller to free your hands for other tasks (“Using the Multi-
Function Foot Controller” on page 73 and /or “Using the Knee Lifter” on page 83). 
The 30 quilting stitches Q-01 through Q-30 and the utility stitches with “P” or “Q” indicated on their key 
are useful for quilting.
The “P” or “Q” at the bottom of the key display indicates that these stitches are intended for (“Q”) quilting 
and (“P”) piecing.
StitchStitch name
Presser foot
Applications
Stitch width [mm (inch)]Stitch length  [mm (inch)]
Tw in  
needle
AutoManualAutoManual
Piecing stitch 
(Middle) Piecework/patchwork
——2.0
(1/16) 0.2 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) NO
Piecing stitch (Right) Piecework/patchwork
6.5 mm (approx. 1/4 inch) 
right seam allowance5.50
(7/32) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 2.0
(1/16) 0.2 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) NO
Piecing stitch (Left) Piecework/patchwork
6.5 mm (approx. 1/4 inch) left 
seam allowance1.50
(1/16) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 2.0
(1/16) 0.2 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) NO
Hand-look quilting 
(Middle) Quilting stitch made to look 
like hand quilting stitch
3.500.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Basting stitch 
(Middle) Basting
3.500.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 20
(3/4) 5 - 30
(3/16 - 1-3/16) NO
Stem stitch Reinforced stitching, sewing 
and decorative applications1.00
(1/16) 1.00 - 3.00
(1/16 - 1/8) 2.5
(3/32) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Quilting appliqué 
zigzag stitch Zigzag stitch for quilting and 
sewing on appliqué quilt 
pieces3.50
(1/8) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 1.6
0.0 - 4.0
(0 - 3/16) NO
Zigzag stitch (Right) Start from right needle 
position, zigzag sew at left3.50
(1/8) 2.50 - 5.00
(3/32 - 3/16) 1.60.3 - 4.0
(1/64 - 3/16) NO
Zigzag stitch (Left) Start from left needle 
position, zigzag sew at right3.50
(1/8) 2.50 - 5.00
(3/32 - 3/16) 1.
 60.3 - 4.0
(1/64 - 3/16) NO
2 steps elastic zigzag Overcasting (medium weight 
and stretch fabrics), tape and 
elastic5.00
(3/16) 1.50 - 7.00
(1/16 - 1/4) 1.0
(1/16) 0.2 - 4.0
(1/64 - 1/16) NO
3 steps elastic zigzag Overcasting (medium, 
heavyweight and stretch 
fabrics), tape and elastic5.00
(3/16) 1.50 - 7.00
(1/16 - 1/4) 1.0
(1/16) 0.2 - 4.0
(1/64 - 1/16) NO
Quilting appliqué 
stitch Quilting stitch for invisible 
appliqué or attaching binding
2.000.50 - 5.00
(1/64 - 3/16) 2.01.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Shell tuck edge Shell tuck edge finish on 
fabrics4.00
(3/16) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 0.2 - 4.0
(1/64 - 1/16) NO
Blanket stitch Appliqués, decorative 
blanket stitch3.50
(1/8) 2.50 - 7.00
(3/32 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 1.6 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
Utility Stitches
111
3
Quilting stipplingBackground quilting
7.00
(1/4) 1.00 - 7.0
(1/16 - 1/4) 1.6
(1/16) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Overcasting stitch Stretch knit seam
5.00
(3/16) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 4.0
(3/16) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Tape attaching Attaching tape to seam in 
stretch fabric
5.500.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 1.40.2 - 4.0
(1/61 - 3/16) NO
Serpentine stitch Decorative stitching and 
attaching elastic5.00
(3/16) 1.50 - 7.00
(1/16 - 1/4) 2.0
0.2 - 4.0
(1/64 - 3/16) NO
Feather stitch
Fagoting, decorative stitching5.00
(3/16) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Fagoting cross stitch Fagoting, bridging and 
decorative stitching5.00
(3/16) 2.50 - 7.00
(3/32 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Couching stitch Decorative stitching, 
attaching cord and couching5.00
(3/16) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 1.2
(1/16) 0.2 - 4.0
(1/64 - 1/16) NO
Patchwork double 
overlock stitch Patchwork stitches, 
decorative stitching
5.00
(3/16) 2.50 - 7.00
(3/32 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Smocking stitch Smocking, decorative 
stitching5.00
(3/16) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 1.6
(1/16) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Rick-rack stitch Decorative top stitching
4.00
(3/16) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Decorative stitch Decorative stitching and 
appliqué6.00
(15/ 64) 1.00 - 7.00
(1/16 - 1/4) 1.0
(1/16) 0.2 - 4.0
(1/64 - 3/16) NO
Decorative stitch Decorative stitching
5.50
(7/32) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 1.6
(1/16) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Hemstitching Heirloom, decorative hems
5.00
(3/16) 1.50 - 7.00
(1/16 - 1/4) 2.0
(1/16) 1.5 - 4.0
(

1/16 - 3/16) NO
Hemstitching Decorative hems and 
bridging stitch6.00
(15/ 64) 1.50 - 7.00
(1/16 - 1/4) 2.0
(1/16) 1.5 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Single diamond 
overcast Reinforcement and seaming 
stretch fabric
6.00
(15/ 64) 1.00 - 7.00
(1/16 - 1/4) 3.0
(1/8) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Overcasting stitch Reinforcement of stretch 
fabric or decorative stitching4.00
(3/16) 0.00 - 7.00
(0 - 1/4) 4.0
(3/16) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Piecing stitch (Right) Piecework/patchwork 6.5 
mm (approx. 1/4 inch) left 
seam allowance5.5
(7/32) 0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 2.0
(1/16) 0.2 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) NO
Piecing stitch 
(Middle) Piecework/patchwork
——2.0
(1/16) 0.2 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) NO
StitchStitch name
Presser foot
Applications
Stitch width 
[mm (inch)]Stitch length  [mm (inch)]
Tw in  
needle
AutoManualAutoManual 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
112
Piecing stitch (Left)Piecework/patchwork 6.5 
mm (approx. 1/4 inch) left 
seam allowance1.5
(1/16) 0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 2.0
(1/16) 0.2 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) NO
Hand-look quilting Quilting stitch made to look 
like hand quilting stitch0.0
(0) 0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 2.5
(3/32) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Quilting appliqué 
zigzag stitch Zigzag stitch for quilting and 
sewing on appliqué quilt 
pieces3.5
(1/8) 0.0 - 7.0
(0 - 1/4) 1.4
(1/16) 0.0 - 4.0
(0 - 3/16) NO
Quilting appliqué 
stitch Quilting stitch for invisible 
appliqué or attaching binding
1.5
(1/16) 0.5 - 5.0
(1/64 - 3/16) 1.8
(1/16) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
Quilting stippling Background quilting
7.0
(1/4) 1.0 - 7.0
(1/16 - 1/4) 1.6
(1/16) 1.0 - 4.0
(1/16 - 3/16) NO
StitchStitch name
Presser foot
Applications
Stitch width 
[mm (inch)]Stitch length  [mm (inch)]
Tw in  
needle
AutoManualAutoManual
Memo
 When a stitch pattern in the Quilting Stitches  category (Q-02 through Q-30) is selected, a 
finer stitch width can be set than is available 
with stitch patterns in other categories.
For example: Stitch Q-03 has 57 needle 
positions and stitch Q-19 has 29 width 
selections.
Note
 The width range of stitch setting is only available in the Quilting stitch “Q” quilting 
category. 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
Utility Stitches
113
3
■Piecing 
Sewing two pieces of fabric together is called 
piecing. When cutting pieces for quilt blocks, make 
sure the seam allowance is 6.5 mm (approx. 
1/4 inch). 
aSelect   or   and attach presser foot 
“J”.
bAlign the edge of the fabric with the edge of 
the presser foot, and start sewing. 
* To sew a 6.5 mm (approx. 1/4 inch) seam allowance 
along the left edge of the presser foot with   
selected, the width should be set to 5.50 mm 
(approx. 7/32 inch).
a 6.5 mm (approx. 1/4 inch) 
* To sew a 6.5 mm (approx. 1/4 inch) seam allowance 
along the left edge of the presser foot with   
selected, the width should be set to 1.50 mm 
(approx. 1/32 inch).
a 6.5 mm (approx. 1/4 inch) 
* To change the needle position, use   or   in  the width display.
■Quilting 
Sewing the quilt top, batting, and backing together is 
called quilting. You can sew the quilt with the 
walking foot to keep the quilt top, batting, and 
backing from sliding. The walking foot has a set of 
feed dogs that move together with the feed dogs in 
the needle plate during sewing.
For straight line quilting, use the walking foot and 
the straight stitch needle plate. Always select a 
straight stitch (middle needle position) when using 
the straight stitch needle plate.
aSelect ,  or .
bAttach the walking foot (see page 66).
cPlace one hand on each side of the presser 
foot to hold the fabric secure while sewing.
Memo
 Using a straight stitch (middle needle posi-
tion) makes it easier to sew smoothly (see 
page 94).
Note
 Thread the needle manually when using the walking foot, or only attach the walking foot 
after threading the needle using the 
“Automatic Threading” button.
Memo
 Sew at slow to medium speed. 
 Do not sew in reverse or use stitches that require side ways or reverse feeding. 
Always check to be sure that your quilting 
surface is securely basted before beginning 
to sew. Specialized machine quilt needles 
and threads are also available for machine 
quilting. 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
114
■Appliqué 
aTrace the pattern onto the appliqué fabric 
and then cut around it, leaving a 3 to 5 mm 
(approx. 1/8 to 3/16 inch) seam allowance.
a Seam allowance: 3 to 5 mm 
(approx. 1/8 to 3/16 inch) 
bPlace a piece of stabilizer cut to the finished 
size of the appliqué design onto the fabric, 
and then fold over the seam margin using 
an iron. Clip curves when necessary.
cTurn the appliqué over, and attach the 
stabilizer with basting pins or a basting 
stitch.
dSelect   and attach presser foot “J”.
eUse the quilting appliqué stitch to attach 
the appliqué. Sew around the edge while 
dropping the needle as close to the edge as 
possible.
aAppliqué
b Needle drop position
 CAUTION
 Be careful that the needle does not strike a 
basting pin during sewing. Striking a pin can 
cause the needle to break, resulting in injury. 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
Utility Stitches
115
3
You can use the appliqué technique to attach 
appliqué designs like the three pictured below.
■Quilting with Satin Stitches 
For better fabric control, use the foot controller to 
sew with satin stitches. Set the speed control slide to 
control the stitch width to make subtle changes in 
the stitch width during sewing. 
aAttach the foot controller (see page 73).
bSelect   and attach presser foot “J”.
cPress   in the length display to shorten 
the stitch length. 
dPress   to use the speed control slide 
to control the stitch width. 
eSet the width control to “ON”.
fPress .
→ The display will return to the original screen.
gStart sewing.
* You can adjust the stitch width during sewing by 
moving the sewing speed controller. Slide the lever 
to the left, and the stitch width becomes narrower. 
Slide it to the right, the stitch width becomes wider. 
The size of the width changes equally on both sides 
of the middle needle position.
a narrower 
b wider 
a
Dresden plate 
b Stained glass 
c Sunbonnet sue 
Memo
 The setting will vary according to the kind of 
fabric and the thickness of the thread, but a 
length of 0.3 to 0.5 mm (approx. 1/64 to 1/32 
inch) is best for satin stitches.
Memo
 You can use the speed control slide to 
adjust the stitch width. Use the foot 
controller to adjust the sewing speed.  
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
116
Example: Changing the width
hWhen you are finished sewing, set the 
width control back to “OFF”.
■Free Motion Quilting
With free motion quilting, the feed dogs can be 
lowered by pressing  , so that the fabric can be 
moved freely in any direction.
For free motion quilting, use free motion quilting 
foot “C” or free motion open toe quilting foot “O” 
depending on the stitch that is selected, and set the 
machine to free motion sewing mode. In this mode, 
the presser foot is raised to the necessary height for 
free motion sewing.
We recommend attaching the foot controller and 
sewing at a consistent speed. You can adjust the 
sewing speed with the speed control slide on the 
machine.
Using Free motion Quilting Foot “C”
Use the free motion quilting foot “C” with straight 
stitch needle plate for free motion sewing.
Free motion quilting foot “C”
aAttach the straight stitch needle plate (see 
page 97).
a Round hole
bSelect  or .
 CAUTION
 With free motion quilting, control the feeding 
speed of the fabric to match the sewing speed. 
If the fabric is moved faster than the sewing 
speed, the needle may break or other damage 
may result.
 When using free motion quilting foot “C”, be  sure to use the straight stitch needle plate and 
sew with the needle in middle (center) needle 
position. If the needle is moved to any position 
other than the middle (center) needle position, 
the needle may break, which may result in 
injuries.
Memo
 When starting to sew, the internal sensor detects the thickness of the fabric, and the 
quilting foot is raised to the height specified 
in the machine settings screen. Press 
 to display “Free Motion Foot 
Height” on 2/8 of the settings screen. Press 
 or   to select the height that the 
quilting foot is raised above the fabric. 
Increase the setting by pressing  , for 
example, when sewing very stretchy fabric, 
so that it is easier to sew.
 In order to sew with a balanced tension, it  may be necessary to adjust the upper thread 
tension. Test with a sample piece of fabric 
that is similar to your chosen fabric.
Memo
 Notice this needle plate has a round hole for the needle. 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
Utility Stitches
117
3
cPress   to set the machine to free motion 
sewing mode.
→The key appears as  , the quilting foot is raised 
to the necessary height, and then the feed dogs are 
lowered for free motion sewing.
a Free motion quilting foot “C”
→ When stitch Q-01 or 1-31 is selected, free motion 
quilting foot “C” is indicated in the upper-left corner 
of the screen.
dRemove the presser foot holder (see page 
66).
eAttach free motion quilting foot “C” at the 
front with the presser foot holder screw 
aligned with the notch in the quilting foot.
aPresser foot holder screw
b Notch
fHold the quilting foot in place with your 
right hand, and tighten the presser foot 
holder screw using the screwdriver with 
your left hand.
aPresser foot holder screw
gUse both hands to stretch the fabric taut, 
and then move the fabric at a consistent 
pace in order to sew uniform stitches 
roughly 2.0-2.5 mm (approx. 1/16 - 3/32 
inch) in length.
aStitch
a
Note
 Make sure that the quilting foot is attached 
properly and not slanted.
 CAUTION
 Be sure to securely tighten the screws with the 
included screwdriver. Otherwise, the needle 
may touch the quilting foot, causing it to bend 
or break. 
						

							SEWING THE STITCHES
118
hPress   to cancel the free motion sewing 
mode.
→Rotate the handwheel toward you 
(counterclockwise) to raise the feed dogs.
iAfter sewing, make sure to remove the 
straight stitch needle plate and presser foot 
“C”, and reinstall the regular needle plate 
and the needle plate cover. Using free motion Open Toe Quilting Foot “O”
The free motion open toe quilting foot “O” is used 
for free motion quilting with zigzag or decorative 
stitches or for free motion quilting of straight lines on 
fabric with an uneven thickness. Various stitches 
can be sewn using free motion open toe quilting foot 
“O”. For details on the stitches that can be used, 
refer to the “STITCH SETTING CHART” at the end of 
this manual.
Free motion open toe quilting foot “O”
aPress   to set the machine to free motion 
sewing mode.
→
The key appears as  , the quilting foot is raised 
to the necessary height, and then the feed dogs are 
lowered for free motion sewing.
Note
 Free motion open toe quilting foot “O” can 
also be used with the straight stitch needle 
plate. We recommend using free motion 
open toe quilting foot “O” with free motion 
sewing of fabrics of uneven thicknesses.
 When using the straight stitch needle plate,  all straight stitches become middle needle 
position stitches. You cannot change the 
needle position using the width display.
Memo
 Normally, the feed dogs are raised for regular sewing.
 Do not be discouraged with your initial  results. The technique requires practice.
Memo
 In order to sew with a balanced tension, it may be necessary to adjust the upper thread 
tension (see page 79). Test with a sample 
piece of quilting fabric.