Table of Contents
Watch the video: “Brother SE600 Sewing Machine: Threading, Bobbin, Needle & Foot Setup Guide” by The Impossible Co.
If you want a clear, beginner-friendly path from box to first stitch on the Brother SE600, this walkthrough covers exactly what you need. We follow the video step-by-step—bobbin, needle, presser foot, top threading, and the key controls that make your first practice lines successful.
What you’ll learn
- How to open the bobbin area, orient the bobbin thread correctly, and trim with the built-in cutter.
- How to choose and install a needle, then attach and secure the presser foot.
- How to route the top thread through the numbered guides and use the automatic needle threader.
- How to pick stitches on the screen, adjust speed, cut thread, and use needle up/down for control.
- Basic troubleshooting inspired by actual viewer questions from the comments.
Pro tip: Keep a small screwdriver nearby for needle changes. Tight is right—loose needles can cause bent needles or skipped stitches.
Getting Started: Powering On and Bobbin Basics
Initial Machine Setup Turn the machine on and let the screen wake up. You’ll see the Brother logo and the ready state before you begin. This confirms power and that the touchscreen is active.
Quick check: If the screen doesn’t light up, confirm the power cable is connected and the machine is switched on.
Understanding Bobbin Direction Open the bobbin area by pressing the small clip to pop the clear cover. Inside, the machine provides printed guidance showing the correct bobbin direction. The direction matters; follow the diagram carefully so your stitches form correctly.
Watch out: The video specifically shows the bobbin spooling counter-clockwise following the printed diagram on the machine. If it’s reversed, you may see poor stitch formation or thread issues.
Inserting and Securing the Bobbin Place the bobbin into the compartment so it matches the indicated direction, then feed the thread along the marked path around the built-in tension guide and to the bobbin cutter. Pull the thread to trim. Close the clear cover with a firm click. That’s it for bobbin setup.
Pro tip: Tweezers can help guide the bobbin thread precisely along the path shown on the machine’s surface.
Quick check: Is the lid clipped down and the thread trimmed at the cutter? If yes, your bobbin is locked and ready.
From the comments: One viewer asked why a bobbin is needed when there’s top thread. Another commenter explained it helps form the stitch from the underside. The video demonstrates proper bobbin placement and shows that incorrect setup or tension can affect the top stitch appearance.
Needle and Presser Foot Installation
Choosing the Right Needle and Foot The video mentions using a 75-11 embroidery needle when embroidering, plus a standard foot for regular sewing and an embroidery foot for embroidery tasks. Choose the foot based on the task at hand.
Correct Needle Orientation Locate the needle’s flat side—it must face the back of the machine. Insert the needle fully up into the clamp. This small detail is critical; wrong orientation can cause damage or prevent the automatic threader from working.
Watch out: A loosely installed needle can bend during sewing. Hold the needle firmly, push it as high as possible, then tighten the clamp screw securely.
Attaching and Tightening Components Attach your chosen presser foot to the holder. The video shows tightening with the side screw, and there’s a black release button behind the holder to change feet as needed. After tightening, lift and lower the presser foot to confirm it’s secure.
Pro tip: A snug presser foot and a fully seated needle prevent many early hiccups—especially skipped stitches and bent needles.
Mastering Top Threading
Spool Placement and Thread Path Lift the thread holder pin and place the spool on it. In the video, a 100% polyester 40-weight thread is used as an example. Before threading, lift the presser foot—this opens the tension discs so the thread can seat correctly.
Next, follow the machine’s clearly numbered path, passing through each eyelet and guide, down and up around the take-up lever, and then back down toward the needle. Avoid skipping any step in the sequence; each guide matters.
Quick check: If any numbered guide was missed, the thread may not sit in the tension system properly. Retrace and re-seat as needed.
Utilizing the Automatic Threader The Brother SE600 includes an automatic needle threader. If you’ve threaded the guides correctly and the needle is inserted and oriented properly, pressing the threader lever will pass the thread through the needle eye. If the threader hits the needle, re-check needle height and orientation.
Tips for Smooth Threading
- Presser foot up when threading, down when sewing.
- Confirm the thread seats in the tension discs; you should feel it slide in.
- Use the cutter near the needle area to trim the thread after threading if needed.
From the comments: Some first stitches can be missed if thread tails are too short or the thread path wasn’t fully seated. The video focuses on correct path order and cutter use; it doesn’t specify pulling up the bobbin thread before every start.
Navigating Machine Controls
Stitch Selection and Customization Tap the screen to browse stitches. The video shows toggling through icons to preview options—great for experimenting on scrap fabric before a real project.
Speed, Thread Cutting, and Needle Positioning Use the slider to set your speed. Slower speeds give you more control at first. There’s a thread cut button to trim at the end, and a needle up/down control to position the needle precisely for pivots or stopping.
Watch out: It’s easy to bump settings when you’re new. Before you sew, glance at the speed slider and that the correct stitch is selected for your practice fabric.
Understanding Thread Tension The video notes the tension is factory set and suggests leaving it alone initially. If the bobbin thread is showing on top, the creator mentions that tension might need attention. Use scrap fabric to test before adjusting anything.
From the comments: A viewer reported the top side looking messy while the underside was clean. The video doesn’t diagnose that exact scenario, but it does point out that tension or threading paths are common culprits when stitches look off.
Your First Stitch: Practice and Troubleshooting
Connecting the Foot Pedal Plug the presser foot pedal into the side port and place your fabric under the presser foot. Lower the foot, and you’re ready to sew.
Performing a Basic Straight Stitch Press the pedal gently to start sewing. Keep your line straight by guiding the fabric—don’t pull it. Practice forward stitching, try the reverse for securing seams, and use needle up/down for corners or precise stops. At the end, use the cutter button or manual cutter.
Quick check: Are stitches forming on both sides without loops? If not, confirm bobbin orientation, top threading (all guides), and that the presser foot is down before sewing.
Common Stitch Issues and Solutions
- Missed first stitches: The video doesn’t prescribe one method for thread tails. If you notice missed stitches at the start, re-check the top path and cutter use, and verify the foot is fully lowered.
- Bobbin thread showing on top: The creator notes this can be a tension or bobbin path issue. Re-seat the bobbin counter-clockwise and re-thread the top path.
- Bent or broken needle: Often caused by a loosely installed needle. Reinsert with the flat side to the back and tighten firmly.
From the comments
- Do I have to pull up bobbin thread every time? The video doesn’t specify a requirement one way or the other.
- Stitch not landing on fabric: The creator asked for clarification in the thread; no confirmed fix is provided in the comments.
- Sewing leather: The creator replied that soft leather is possible.
Pro tip: Practice on plain woven cotton scraps to get a feel for speed, reverse, and needle positioning before you switch fabrics or stitch types.
Advanced Features and Maintenance
Exploring Embroidery Options The machine has a USB port for embroidery files, shown briefly in the video. The video does not demonstrate embroidery setup or design transfer; consider exploring dedicated tutorials when you are ready.
Maintenance Basics Routine care isn’t covered in detail in the video. At minimum, keep your needle fresh, ensure lint doesn’t accumulate in the bobbin area, and verify your needle is tight before each sewing session.
Continuous Learning in Sewing The creator suggests testing a variety of stitches and practicing. If tension or stitch quality looks off, revisit the bobbin orientation and the full top threading sequence. Learning by doing—on scrap fabric—will build confidence and consistency.
From the comments: Community questions often center on tension, materials (like soft leather), and first-stitch behavior. Keep notes as you test; it speeds up troubleshooting next time.
Gear Notes and Ecosystem Context While the video focuses on setup and first stitches, many sewists eventually explore accessories and frames across the broader Brother ecosystem. This article doesn’t verify compatibility for specific accessories on the SE600. For general context, sewists often discuss items across the brand family, such as brother sewing machine.
If you’re curious about embroidery-focused accessories beyond what’s shown in the video, you’ll find conversations around brother embroidery machine gear. This guide remains focused on threading, bobbin, needle and foot setup, and first stitches.
As you expand your toolkit, remember this video covered a combination unit. The same foundational steps apply broadly to practicing with a brother sewing and embroidery machine—accurate threading, correct bobbin direction, and a secure needle and presser foot.
Stitchers sometimes compare hoop options across models in the brand. That said, hoop sizes and compatibility specifics aren’t covered in the video. If you’re browsing, you may see references to brother embroidery hoops and brother embroidery frames. Use your model’s manual and official resources when researching.
When you begin exploring entry-level embroidery with this family of machines, you’ll see lots of chatter about the included frame sizes and project fit. This guide does not cover embroidery sizing details, but community discussions may mention a brother se600 hoop in passing.
Finally, as you shop or plan projects, you’ll encounter a wide range of add-ons and notions. This video doesn’t validate specific compatibility lists, so consult trusted sources when considering brother accessories.
Safety Reminders
- Keep fingers clear of the needle area while sewing.
- Ensure the needle is fully seated and tightened to avoid bending or breakage.
- Confirm the presser foot is lowered before sewing to prevent thread nests and fabric shifting.
Watch out: Incorrect needle orientation (flat side not facing the back) can cause damage or threading problems. Re-check orientation before using the automatic threader.
Wrap-Up You’ve powered on, loaded the bobbin in the correct direction, installed and tightened the needle and presser foot, routed the top thread through each guide, and used the automatic threader. You’ve practiced a straight line, adjusted speed, and tried the thread cutter. That’s a complete first-session foundation based on the video walkthrough.
If your stitch doesn’t look right, return to the basics: bobbin counter-clockwise per the diagram, presser foot up while threading, and every numbered guide in order. A few rounds on scrap fabric will make the controls second nature—and your stitches consistent.