Instructions Brother embroidery machine

On this page, you will learn how to use the Brother Skitch PP1. You will find explanations about embroidering with the Artspira app, the magnetic embroidery frame, placing patterns and tips for a neat result. The Skitch PP1 is a compact free-arm embroidery machine, ideal for personalising clothing, bags, baby clothes, bucket hats and accessories.

What is the Brother Skitch PP1?

The Brother Skitch PP1 is a compact embroidery machine that allows you to personalise textile projects with ease. You control the machine via the Brother Artspira app on your smartphone or tablet and transfer embroidery designs to the machine via Bluetooth.

With an embroidery area of 100 x 100 mm, the Skitch PP1 is suitable for names, initials, small illustrations, patches, labels and decorative motifs. Thanks to the free arm, you can also work more easily with tubular items, such as sleeves, T-shirts, baby clothes, bags and bucket hats.

Features such as the advanced needle threader, automatic thread cutter, quick-set bobbin and Start/Stop button make the machine user-friendly. This means that even as a beginner, you can get started quickly and accurately.

Basics: how does embroidery with the Skitch PP1 work?

When embroidering, the machine automatically creates a pattern on fabric using needle and thread. You choose or create a design, hoop the fabric with stabiliser in the embroidery frame and send the embroidery pattern to the machine. The Skitch PP1 then stitches the design onto the fabric step by step.

Important:

• Use embroidery stabiliser that suits your fabric.
• Hoop the fabric smoothly and firmly in the magnetic embroidery frame.
• Check that the design fits within 100 x 100 mm.
• Use suitable embroidery thread and the right needle.
• Test on a fabric scrap first if you are unsure.
• Do not pull the fabric while the machine is embroidering.
• Check the thread tension if the stitches do not look neat.

Watch step by step how to create an embroidery pattern with the Brother Skitch PP1 and start embroidering.

Working with the Artspira app

The Brother Skitch PP1 is controlled via the Brother Artspira app. In the app, you choose an embroidery pattern, adjust the settings and send the design to the machine via Bluetooth. You can also create your own designs or edit existing designs.

During embroidery, the embroidery monitor in the app helps you follow the progress. You receive notifications when you need to change thread, rethread the machine, replace the bobbin or check the needle.

When you connect the Skitch PP1 to your Artspira account, you receive 100 exclusive embroidery patterns for Skitch users. With the paid Artspira+ upgrade, extra features are available, such as converting images into embroidery patterns and access to more designs.

Using the embroidery frame and placing the pattern

The Skitch PP1 comes with a magnetic embroidery frame of 100 x 100 mm. Place the fabric together with the stabiliser on the lower part of the frame and place the upper part on top. There are no screws to tighten, making hooping quick and easy.

Make sure the fabric lies flat and that there are no folds under the embroidery frame. Stabiliser is especially important for thin, stretchy or delicate fabrics to prevent the fabric from shifting or pulling.

With the camera on your smartphone or tablet, you can accurately position the embroidery pattern in the Artspira app. This allows you to see in advance where the design will be placed on the fabric. Then use the test function to check whether the embroidery frame can move freely and whether the design fits properly within the embroidery area.

Please note: do not use the magnetic embroidery frame if you have a pacemaker.

In this short video, you will see how to use the magnetic embroidery frame and prepare the fabric properly.

What can you make with the Brother Skitch PP1?

With the Brother Skitch PP1, you can personalise all kinds of creative textile projects. Think of T-shirts, baby clothes, tote bags, bucket hats, patches, labels, accessories and small gifts. The machine is also ideal for upcycling: give existing clothing or fabric items a new look with a name, logo, illustration or embroidery motif.

Thanks to the free arm, you can work more easily on projects that are less flat than a standard piece of fabric. This makes the Skitch PP1 useful for garments, bag sections and other items where you want to embroider accurately in a specific place.

Frequently asked questions about the Brother Skitch PP1

Do I need the Artspira app?

Yes. The Brother Skitch PP1 is controlled via the Brother Artspira app. You use the app to choose designs, adjust settings and send embroidery patterns to the machine via Bluetooth.

How large can my embroidery design be?

The maximum embroidery area is 100 x 100 mm. Always check that your design fits within this size before you start.

What should I do if my thread breaks?

Check whether the machine is threaded correctly and whether the thread can move freely. Also check the needle, thread tension, bobbin and stabiliser. Use suitable embroidery thread and replace a blunt or damaged needle in time.
⁠In this video, you will see what you can do if the thread breaks during embroidery.

Can I embroider clothing and bags?

Yes. Thanks to the free arm, you can embroider items such as T-shirts, baby clothes, sleeves, bags and bucket hats. Make sure the material fits properly in the embroidery frame and that there is enough room for the frame to move.

Do I need to use embroidery stabiliser?

For a neat and stable embroidery result, embroidery stabiliser is usually needed. It helps prevent the fabric from shifting, stretching or pulling during embroidery.

What should I do if the needle gets stuck?

First stop the machine and do not pull on the fabric or thread. Carefully check whether thread is caught around the needle, bobbin area or embroidery frame. Remove loose thread pieces gently and check whether the needle is bent or damaged. If in doubt, always consult the manual before continuing.
⁠Watch how to safely handle a stuck needle and get the machine ready for use again.

How do I place my pattern precisely on the fabric?

Use the camera function in the Artspira app together with the magnetic embroidery frame. This helps you determine in advance where the design will be placed. Then run a test to check whether the embroidery frame can move freely.

How do I replace the needle?

Replace the needle when it is blunt, bent or damaged, or when the stitches no longer look neat. Switch off the machine, remove the old needle according to the manual and insert a new embroidery needle that suits your fabric and thread. Then check that the needle is securely in place before starting again.
⁠In this video, you will see step by step how to replace the needle on the Brother Skitch PP1.

Maintenance and storage

Place the Brother Skitch PP1 on a flat, stable surface and keep the machine clean. Regularly remove dust, thread remnants and lint around the needle, bobbin area and embroidery area. Use the included cleaning brush for this.

Check the needle regularly and replace it when it is blunt, bent or damaged. Switch off the machine according to the normal procedure when you are finished and always consult the Brother manual in case of messages, errors or uncertainty.

Get started with your Brother Skitch PP1

With the Brother Skitch PP1, you can easily personalise clothing, bags, baby clothes, bucket hats, accessories and gifts. Thanks to the Artspira app, Bluetooth connection, free arm and magnetic embroidery frame, you can work accurately and creatively. Choose a design, hoop your fabric with stabiliser, place the pattern carefully and let the machine do the embroidery. This way, every project becomes personal with a professional result.