See detailed threading guide: 3/4-thread serger; (Guides for 2/3/4-thread serger and 2/3/4/5-thread serger coming soon.)

Please follow these instructions for sewing denim or any other type of heavy weight fabric. These tips apply to all types of sewing machines.

To sew denim and other heavy fabrics, we recommend you use a denim style 2026 needle for denim or a size 16 or 18 needle for heavier weight fabrics. You will need to set the machine for a straight stitch with the length regulated between 3 and 4. You will also get better results if you use the metal all-purpose foot that is included with your machine.

 Sew at a controlled moderate speed when sewing over multiple layers of seams.

The C3 error as well as the beeping when you turn on your machine indicates the foot control plug is not fully pushed into the sewing machine. Turn off your sewing machine and push the foot contol plug into the machine fully. Turn your sewing machine back on.

All of the above error messages indicate the upper tension path is not threaded correctly. Check the transparent thread path located at the top of the machine is threaded correctly.

Hold thread in both hands and slip under transparent thread guide. While holding the thread securely, pull the thread towards you and then slip it back and forth like you were flossing. You should hear or feel two clicks as the thread slips past the thread guides.

Machine embroidery is actually very easy, in fact no sewing experience is necessary. If you are comfortable with a computer and a mouse you will be able to do beautiful embroidery. There are 120 built-in designs in the software, but you can also select from thousands of pre-digitized designs and download them from various websites. The designs can be very intricate or very simple and can have as many colors as you want. The Futura sewing and embroidery machines stitch out one color at a time, the software will notify you when it is time to rethread your machine with a different color thread. Because you can manually control the embroidery function, you can walk away and complete other tasks while your machine embroiders.  

Detailed instructions for multi-hooping can be found here.

 This error will usually occur if either the hoop is not attached or not attached correctly when you try to transmit the design to the machine. It can also mean that the USB cable is not connected or not connected correctly.

To correct this issue close out the Futura program; Turn off the sewing machine; Remove the hoop from the embroidery unit if it is attached and then; Remove the embroidery unit from the machine.  Finally disconnect the USB cable from both the machine and the computer.

 The you will need to follow these steps:

1. Re-attach the embroidery unit to the machine.
2. Reconnect the USB cable to both the machine and the computer.
3. Turn on the sewing machine.
4. Attach the “Large” hoop to the embroidery unit.
5. Double click on the Futura Icon to open up the program.
6. You are now ready to select a design and transmit it to the machine.

This  prompt usually occurs after you have recently copleted a multi-hoop design.

Please follow these steps to correct the error:

1. Go to “Tools” and select “System Parameters” from the drop down menu.
2. Remove the check mark from the “Set alignment point for large hoop also" box.

The issue should now be resolved.

Futura software does not install nor work on Mac OS without the need to add special software.
 
You will need to purchase and install a special emulator software called 'Parallels' - http://www.parallels.com/, as well as a Windows Operating system for your computer.

After you have loaded the Parallels program, install the Windows Operating system onto your MAC computer (The Windows XP program and that worked well for us).
 
Once the Parallels and Windows programs have been loaded onto your compute  you will be able to load the Futura software.
 
Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Purchase and install the Parallels software on your Mac OS
2. Purchase and install a Windows Operating System when in the parallels mode 
3. Launch the Windows OS and then load the Futura software 

1 GHz Intel or AMD processor

Windows OS:   Windows XP/Vista/7 (32 or 64 bit)

CD Rom drive

1 GB of RAM (or more recommended)

500 MB (or more recommended) of available hard-disk space for installation

Color standard (1024 x 768 pixel; 65,000 colors recommended) VGA adapter connected with a color VGA monitor

Microsoft compatible mouse

USB 1.1/2.0