BROTHER Airflow 3000
A 2-, 3- or 4-thread overlocker with differential feed, air threading of the loopers and a needle threader. As you sew, the knife trims the fabric edge and the overlock stitch overcasts it.
The loopers are threaded by air: when you press the pushbutton, the thread comes out of the hole at the end of the looper. The needles are threaded with the needle threader.
The stitch width is 5 to 7.5 mm and the stitch length is 2 to 4 mm. According to the manual, the machine is intended for household use. It weighs 9.8 kg.
Features
Air threading of the loopers
The upper and lower loopers can be threaded by air: when you press the pushbutton, the thread comes out of the hole at the end of the looper. Before threading, switch the machine off, raise the presser foot lifting lever and open the front cover and the knife cover. Then move the air threading switching lever in the direction of the arrow and turn the handwheel towards you until the pipes snap into place and join. After that, set the main power and light switch to the “I” position.
Pull the thread off the spool and pass it through both thread holders on the thread tree from back to front, then through the thread guide on top of the machine and the tension disc beside the tension dial of the relevant looper. Leaving 30–40 cm of excess thread, insert 1–2 cm of the thread end into the looper thread insertion hole and press the air threading pushbutton. When the thread comes out of the hole at the end of the looper, pull it out, pass it under the presser foot and pull it towards the back of the machine. Cutting the tip of the thread with scissors makes it easier to insert.
Use the air threading pushbutton only for threading. Do not put anything except thread or the threading wire into the insertion hole. Keep liquids such as oil off the pipes. Do not look into the hole at the end of the looper or block it with a finger. When you have finished threading, move the switching lever until it locks so that the pipes separate. While the pipes are joined, the front cover will not close; do not force it shut, because the machine may be damaged. Closing the front cover also closes the knife cover.
When not to use air threading
The manual says that woolly nylon or thick thread can be difficult to insert into the looper thread insertion hole, and that these threads sometimes cannot be threaded even after pressing the air threading pushbutton. In that case, thread the loopers in one of two ways: with the included threading wire, or with spun thread that is threaded by air.
With the threading wire: switch the machine off, pass 2–3 cm of sewing thread through the loop of the wire, put the wire into the looper thread insertion hole and push it by hand until it comes out of the hole at the end of the looper, then pull the wire out until enough thread has come out. Do not press the air threading pushbutton while using the wire, because the machine may be damaged.
With spun thread: first thread the looper with spun thread by air and cut the spun thread 20–30 cm from the insertion hole. Then pass the sewing thread up to the looper thread insertion hole, tie it to the spun thread and pull the spun thread out through the hole at the end of the looper until enough sewing thread has come out. Do not press the air threading pushbutton to thread the sewing thread, because the machine may be damaged.
Needle threader
The needle threader threads a needle in one step. Before threading the needles, switch the machine off, raise the presser foot lifting lever and turn the handwheel so that the mark on it lines up with the line on the machine (after threading the loopers it is already lined up). Slide the needle threader change switch to the “L” mark (left needle) or the “R” mark (right needle).
Follow the yellow (left needle) or green (right needle) marks and the numbers next to them: pass the thread through the two thread holders on the thread tree from back to front, then through the thread guide and the tension disc in the channel next to the tension dial of the matching colour, then along the channel through the numbered threading points and the needle bar thread guide. Then lower the presser foot lifting lever, pull the thread end to the left, pass it through the notch of the thread guide, push it all the way into the slit of the thread guide disc and cut the thread with the thread cutter on the left.
Lower the needle threader lever on the left side of the machine as far as it will go, so that the thread passes through the eye of the needle. Release the lever and carefully pull the loop of thread through the eye of the needle. Finally, raise the presser foot lifting lever, pass the thread end through the presser foot and pull out about 5 cm towards the back of the machine.
Colour-coded thread path
The thread paths and the four thread tension dials are colour-coded: yellow for the left needle, green for the right needle, pink for the upper looper and blue for the lower looper. On the left of the picture you can see the error LED: it lights up red when the front cover is open, the material plate cover is open or the presser foot lifting lever is raised, and the machine does not run.
Insert the thread tree fully into its hole, then extend it fully and make sure it is secured with the stopper; the thread holders must sit directly above the spool pins. Put the thread spool cap on with the notch of the spool at the bottom. For loosely spun nylon thread, the manual recommends covering the spool with the included thread net so that the thread does not slip off.
More features
Handwheel
The handwheel turns anticlockwise, in the direction of the arrow, as on an ordinary home sewing machine.
Before threading, line up the mark on the handwheel with the line on the machine.
To start sewing, lower the presser foot and slowly turn the handwheel towards you to sew a few stitches.
Stitch width and length
- The stitch length is set with the dial on the right side of the machine: 2 to 4 mm, normal setting 3 mm.
- The stitch width is changed with a separate dial: 5 to 7.5 mm, normal setting 5 mm.
Differential feed
- Two sets of feed dogs sit under the presser foot: the front (differential) and the rear (main).
- The differential feed dial is at the bottom right of the machine, normal setting 1.0.
- From 0.7 to 1.0 the front feed dogs move slower than the rear ones and the fabric is stretched as it is sewn, which helps stop thin fabrics puckering.
- From 1.0 to 2.0 the front feed dogs move faster, the fabric is gathered, and rippling is reduced when sewing stretch fabrics.
- The more elastic the fabric, the further towards 2.0 the dial should be set; test the setting on a scrap of the fabric.
- Do not use differential feed on thick non-stretch fabrics such as denim, as the fabric may be damaged.
Presser foot pressure adjustment
- The pressure is set with the screw at the top left of the machine; the pressure value can be read on the screw.
- The normal setting is “2”.
- For very light fabrics the pressure should be loosened, for very heavy fabrics tightened.
- Adjust it to stop the fabric puckering or to make it possible to sew curves.
Knife lock
- To sew without cutting the fabric, lock the upper knife by moving the knife lock lever to the right; the locked knife can be used as a guide.
- Switch the lever only when the machine has stopped completely, and do not touch the knives.
- Brother's European product page and leaflet mention quick release levers for rolled hemming and for deactivating the cutting knife.
Presser foot lifting lever and changing the presser foot
- The presser foot lifting lever has three positions: A for sewing, B for raising the foot (this also opens the tension discs, so use this position when threading), and C for raising the foot higher, for example when changing the foot or sewing thick fabric.
- The foot comes off when you press the button on the holder; another foot is placed under the holder so that the groove in the holder catches the bar on top of the foot, and it is secured by lowering the lever.
- Before changing the foot, switch the main switch off and turn the handwheel so that the mark on it lines up with the line on the machine.
Changing needles
- The machine uses standard home sewing machine needles 130/705H (No. 80 or No. 90).
- The manual suggests the 130/705H SUK No. 90 ball point needle so that the fabric is less likely to be damaged.
- Switch the machine off and turn the handwheel so that the mark on it lines up with the line on the machine.
- Loosen the set screw of the relevant needle with the included hex driver and remove the needle.
- Hold the new needle with its flat side away from you, insert it as far as it will go and tighten the screw securely.
- If the needles are inserted correctly, the right needle sits slightly lower than the left one.
- Take care that the needle or its set screw does not fall into the machine, as the machine may be damaged.
Foot controller and speed control
- The sewing speed is controlled with the foot controller: pressed lightly, the machine sews slowly, pressed further it sews faster, and when released it stops.
- Insert the three-pin plug into the foot controller socket on the bottom right side of the machine, and the power plug into a mains socket.
Thread chain at the start and end of a seam
- When the seam is finished, keep the machine running slowly until a thread chain has formed, then cut the chain about 5 cm from the work.
- If the chain is too short, pull the threads gently.
- If the chain is uneven, pull the threads slightly, check that the machine is threaded correctly and adjust the tension.
- The chains at the beginning and at the end of a seam can be secured in two ways.
- The first is to sew over the chain with the machine: at the beginning cut off the excess chain with the upper knife, at the end with scissors.
- The second is to tie the threads of the chain, insert the chain into the end of the seam with a hand sewing needle with a large eye, fix it with a drop of fabric glue and, once the glue has dried, trim off the excess.
Safety mechanism and error indicator
- When the front cover is open, the material plate cover is open or the presser foot lifting lever is raised, the red error indicator lights up and the machine does not run.
- Brother's European product page and leaflet state that the safety sensor deactivates the cutting knife immediately.
Pins and moving parts
- Do not leave pins in the fabric while sewing: the manual warns that they can damage the needles or the knives.
- While sewing, do not touch the moving parts (knife, needles, loopers) or the adjustment parts (dials, levers) and do not open any cover.
- If the machine behaves abnormally, stop it immediately and contact an authorised dealer.
- Always raise the presser foot before placing the fabric under it.
LED lighting
- The machine has an LED lamp inside the lamp cover.
- It is switched on together with the machine by the same main power and light switch.
- Brother's leaflet mentions white LED lights.
Motor and air openings
- According to the manual, the machine sews at up to 1300 stitches/min, while an ordinary home machine sews at 300–800 stitches/min.
- The motor gets warm, but this does not affect performance.
- Keep fabric and paper away from the air openings at the back, on the sides and on the bottom of the machine; never operate the machine with the air openings blocked.
- Keep the ventilation openings of the machine and of the foot controller free of lint, dust and loose cloth.
Maintenance
- According to the manual, oil the machine once or twice a month (once a week with heavier use) after removing lint; clean dust with the included brush.
- Clean the air threading pipes with the included threading wire: join the pipes, insert the wire into the thread insertion hole, pull it out through the end of the looper and repeat this several times.
- When the knives no longer cut the fabric, they must be replaced – contact an authorised dealer.
Trim trap and carrying
- Brother's European product page and leaflet state that the trim trap is included; the manual lists it as an optional accessory.
- It collects trimmed fabric and thread.
- Insert it until it touches the front cover and pull it out slowly; inserted like this, it can also serve as the foot controller holder.
- Carry the machine only by its handle, otherwise it may fall or be damaged.
- Remove the foot controller from the trim trap before carrying.
Stitches
The manual describes the stitches below. The blind hem, the flat lock and the pin tuck are sewn with the blind stitch foot, which is in the box according to Brother's European product page (the manual lists it among the optional accessories). Brother's European product page and leaflet also mention stitches that are not in the manual; they are listed in the last item.
- 4-thread overlock stitch – uses all four threads and both needles; a strong seam, suitable for knits and wovens
- 3-thread wide overlock stitch, 5 mm (left needle, right needle removed) – for suits, blouses and trousers; suitable for medium to heavy fabrics
- 3-thread narrow overlock stitch, 2.8 mm (right needle, left needle removed) – for suits, blouses and trousers; suitable for fine to medium fabrics
- 2-thread overlock stitch, 5 mm (left needle) or 2.8 mm (right needle) – for suits, blouses and trousers; suitable for fine to medium fabrics; sewn with the two-thread switching plate
- Narrow overlock stitch – a decorative or edge-finishing stitch for light to medium-weight fabrics; sewn as a 3-thread stitch with the right needle, the left needle removed and the “stitch finger” lowered with the stitch switching lever
- Rolled hem – set up in the same way as the narrow overlock stitch, with the stitch length dial set to “R”
- Blind hem stitch (with the blind stitch foot) – a nearly invisible hem for garments and home decoration projects; the manual mentions hemming trousers, skirts and draperies
- 3-thread flat lock (with the blind stitch foot) – mainly decorative; when the fabric is pulled flat, the stitch can look like a ladder or small parallel lines; not suitable for thin fabrics
- Pin tuck (with the blind stitch foot) – a rolled edge that adds shape and decoration to a project; a contrasting thread in the upper looper adds an accent
- Brother's European product page and leaflet also list the 2-thread flat lock, “narrow hem”, “lettuce edge” (a wavy edge) and a choice of straight or wavy rolled hem; these stitches are not described in the manual
Stitch settings from the manual
| Stitch | Threads and needles | Stitch width | Stitch length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-thread overlock stitch | 4 threads, left and right needles | 5–7.5 mm | 2–4 mm |
| 3-thread wide overlock stitch | 3 threads, left needle (right needle removed) | 5 mm | 2–4 mm |
| 3-thread narrow overlock stitch | 3 threads, right needle (left needle removed) | 2.8 mm | 2–4 mm |
| 2-thread overlock stitch | 2 threads, left needle (5 mm) or right needle (2.8 mm); two-thread switching plate; “stitch finger” raised | 5 mm (left needle) or 2.8 mm (right needle) | 3 mm |
| Narrow overlock stitch | 3 threads, right needle; left needle removed, “stitch finger” lowered | “R” | “R” to 2 mm |
| Rolled hem | 3 threads, right needle; left needle removed, “stitch finger” lowered | “R” | “R” |
| Blind hem stitch | 3 threads, left needle (right needle removed), blind stitch foot | 5 mm | 3–4 mm |
| 3-thread flat lock | 3 threads, left needle (right needle removed), blind stitch foot; not for thin fabrics | 5 mm | 2–4 mm |
| Pin tuck | As for the narrow overlock stitch, with the blind stitch foot | “R” | “R” to 2 mm |
Fabrics, threads and needles
| Fabric | Stitch | Stitch length, mm | Thread | Needle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine (e.g. georgette, lawn, organdy, tricot) | Overlock stitch | 2.0–3.0 | Spun No. 80–90, cotton No. 100 or “Tetron” No. 80–100 | 130/705H No. 80 |
| Fine (same fabrics) | Narrow overlock and rolled hem | R–2.0 | Needle thread: spun No. 80–90 or “Tetron” No. 80–100. Looper thread: woolly nylon, spun No. 80–90 or “Tetron” No. 80–100 | 130/705H No. 80 |
| Medium (e.g. broadcloth, gabardine, serge) | Overlock stitch | 2.5–3.5 | Spun No. 60–80, cotton No. 60–80 or “Tetron” No. 60–80 | 130/705H No. 80 or No. 90 |
| Medium (broadcloth) | Narrow overlock and rolled hem | R–2.0 | Needle thread: spun No. 60–80 or “Tetron” No. 60–80. Looper thread: woolly nylon, spun No. 60–80 or “Tetron” No. 60–80 | 130/705H No. 80 or No. 90 |
| Heavy (e.g. tweed, denim, knits) | Overlock stitch | 3.0–4.0 | Cotton No. 50–60, spun No. 60 or “Tetron” No. 50–60 | 130/705H No. 90 |
Videos
Official videos about this model from Brother SewingCraft Europe.
Technical specifications
| Fabrics | Fine to heavy; Brother mentions knits, stretchy materials, sheer fabrics and even Lycra |
|---|---|
| Maximum sewing speed | 1300 stitches/min |
| Stitch width | 5–7.5 mm (dial range); 2.8–7.5 mm in the manual's table |
| Stitch length | 2–4 mm, normal setting 3 mm; narrow overlock “R” to 2 mm, rolled hem “R” |
| Differential feed ratio | 0.7–2.0, normal setting 1.0 |
| Needle bar stroke | 26.4 mm |
| Presser foot lift | 5–6 mm |
| Presser foot | Standard presser foot, changed with the holder button |
| Presser foot pressure | Adjustable, normal setting “2” |
| Controls | Mechanical |
| Thread tension | Four colour-marked dials: yellow for the left needle, green for the right needle, pink for the upper looper, blue for the lower looper. Most sewing is done at “4” (standard thread SPAN 60/2Z). Heavy tension is 4–7, light 4–2 and medium 5–3. |
| Seam allowance guide scale | 9.5, 12.7, 15.9 and 25.4 mm when the stitch width dial is set to “5” |
| Needles | Standard home sewing machine needle 130/705H; No. 80 or No. 90 recommended. To reduce damage to the fabric, the manual suggests the 130/705H SUK No. 90 ball point needle. When inserted correctly, the right needle sits slightly lower than the left one. |
| Number of threads and needles | 2, 3 or 4 threads (convertible); one or two needles |
| Knife drive | Driven from below |
| Recommended threads | Spun, cotton and “Tetron” thread (according to the manual's table “Fabrics, threads and needles”). For the narrow overlock and rolled hem, woolly nylon thread can also be used in the loopers. The manual recommends decorative thread in the upper looper for fashion sewing. Air threading with woolly nylon or thick thread may not work; in that case the loopers must be threaded with the threading wire or with spun thread that is threaded by air. |
| Threading | Loopers by air (air threading pushbutton), needles with the needle threader; a threading wire is included |
| Safety mechanism | The red error indicator lights up and the machine does not run when the front cover is open, the material plate cover is open or the presser foot lifting lever is raised |
| Lighting | LED |
| Weight | 9.8 kg |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 370 × 355 × 405 mm |
| Country of origin | Taiwan |
| Intended use | Household use (according to the Brother manual) |
| Warranty | 3 years (1 year for commercial use, according to Brother) |
In the box
In the box, according to the Brother Europe 'What's in the box' page and leaflet.
- Soft cover
- Accessory box
- Tweezers
- Spool nets (4 pcs)
- Thread spool caps (4 pcs)
- Cleaning brush
- Hex driver
- Needle set 130/705H (No. 80 – 2 pcs, No. 90 – 2 pcs)
- Foot controller (with power cord)
- Threading wire
- Operation manual
- Trim trap
- Blind stitch foot SA214
- Gathering foot SA213
- Piping foot SA210
Optional accessories (not included in the box)
List compiled from the Brother operation manual and the Brother support page section 'Consumables & Options' for this model.
- Taping (elastic) foot SA212 – lets you sew a tape or elastic and hem the edge at the same time; the manual gives a width of 6–12 mm for tapes and elastics; attaching tape is useful for reinforcing the shoulders of stretch knitwear, and attaching elastic suits cuffs and necklines; for test sewing the manual gives a stitch width of 5 mm and a stitch length of 3 to 4 mm for tapes and 4 mm for elastics
- Pearl sequence foot SA217 – lets you sew a strand of pearls or sequins onto fabric; 3–5 mm pearls and sequins can be sewn, and the manual mentions decorating the edges of curtains, tablecloths and dresses
- Wide table SERGERWT3 – Brother's leaflet states that the wide extension table is not included and has to be purchased separately; the support website lists the codes SAWT8, SERGERWT3 and WTL3, and the manual assigns SERGERWT3 to Europe
Manuals
Any questions?
Call +370 685 85915 or email info@siuvimomanija.lt. We will help you check whether this overlocker is right for your work.