Monogramming I just bought a new machine that I was lead to believe could monogram by the product description. Actually it comes with a monogram foot and according to Brother I have to monogram manually! Any guidance or tips on how to begin?

How do I monogram using this machine?

If you can drop the feed dogs (or have a plate to cover the feed dogs), the machine has a zig-zag stitch, and you have a darning foot or free motion foot, you can do free motion quilting, hand manipulated embroidery (monograms), and applique on a basic sewing machine. It will take some testing and quite a bit of practice. You can also use an embroidery foot to monogram and applique. You will want to sink the needle into the fabric at every corner and frequently when creating curves so you can move the fabric.

Search the internet for instructions & tutorials on how to set up your machine and the best way to accomplish what you want.

How to Monogram with Basic Sewing Machine

How to Use Monogramming Foot

Machine Applique Tutorial

Machine Applique Sewing

Sometimes you also need to change the foot as well for monogramming. Do check this in the manual.

There should be a code in the software booklet that makes the program read your dongle.

You likely have an imbalance in the Stretch Stitch Balancesewing back and forward.
Make sure you are using Monogramming foot "N"...and check in your Manual for settings for Triple stretch stitch

Be sure to install a brand new sharp needle before sewing. Check that the needle, thread, and fabric are compatible. An embroidery needle or top stitch needle may help.

When threading the top thread, ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot before threading to insure the thread seats in the tension disk.

The Quiltmaster 50 can only do free-hand embroidery. Use the darning foot. Set the machine for a satin stitch with a stitch length of 0 and lower the feed dogs. Manually move the hoop to stitch your design. (Trace the design on the fabric and place on a stabilizer if needed. Center the design in an embroidery hoop and move the hoop under the needle. In my limited experience, all fabrics need stabilizers. Some require multiple sheets of stabilizer.)

Personally, I have trouble moving any fabric under the pressure foot. This is mostly a matter of practice. You have to make a lot of scrap piece trials.

This site has the manual for the Quiltmaster 50 (European version): http://www.home-sewing.com/WebRoot/Store/Shops/homesewing/4AAF/95FA/5ED9/1505/56BA/4D44/240A/754B/QUILT50_0020_EFNI_0020__0020_679111-CEA10.pdf . See page 37 (49 of the PDF).

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(who actually cheats: I either use an embroidery sewing machine or I use a late 1960s Singer Sewing machine with its Monogramming accessory. This has pre-programmed designs on little discs. That's why I don't practice free-hand stitching.)

it's possible that the machine needs to be serviced

I think that you will find that monogramming is done free style, we used to lower the feed dog and put our piece to be monogrammed into an embroidery hoop then use a satin stitches and sew whatever we wanted. You can call Brother. I downloaded your manual (after looking at your manual) I see what you mean

The instruction book is fine, I am wondering what stitch length you have selected . I think, maybe you should call Singer at 1-800-4singer and talk to Customer service. I looked at your manual, and why would you have purchased a side cutter foot for this machine? Where did you buy it, have them teach you how it works. If you bought from a dealer, like Joann's fabric they give lessons for free on the machines that are purchased from them. And their prices are very competitive.