Brother XL-5500 Operation Manual
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Brother XL-5500 Operation Manual

Brother xl-5500 sewing machines: users manual
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  • Page 1 Operation Manual...

  • Page 2: Important Safety Instructions

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS When using this machine, basic safety precautions, including the following, should always be taken: Read all instructions before use. DANGER To reduce the risk of electric shock: 1. The machine should never be left unattended while plugged in. Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using it and before cleaning it.

  • Page 3: Connecting Plugs And Main Power/Sewing Light Switch

    —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY If this machine is fitted with a three-pin non-rewireable BS plug then please read the following. IMPORTANT (in the United Kingdom) Main supply (AC 230/240V, 50Hz) DO NOT cut off the main plug from the equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power outlet in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power outlet, then obtain an appropriate safety-approved extension lead or consult your...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ... 1 CONNECTING PLUGS AND MAIN POWER/SEWING LIGHT SWITCH ... 2 CONTENTS ... 3 PRINCIPAL PARTS ... 4 ACCESSORIES ... 5 USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ... 6 Connecting Plugs ... 6 Main Power/Sewing Light Switch ... 7 Foot Controller ...

  • Page 5: Product View And Parts

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— PRINCIPAL PARTS 1 Bobbin-winding assembly (page 15) This winds the thread onto the bobbin, which you use for the lower thread. 2 Spool pin (page 15 and 18) Holds the spool of thread. 3 Bobbin-winding tension disc and thread guide (page 15) 4 Thread take-up lever (page 18) 5 Thread cutter (page 26)

  • Page 6: Accessories

    ACCESSORIES XA4911-151 (For 1 Step Automatic Buttonhole) 3 X59375-121 4 129583-001 7 X55467-021 1 Buttonhole foot (1 pc.) 2 Zipper foot (1 pc.) 3 Button sewing foot (1 pc.) 4 Needle pack (regular single needle HAX130) (3 pcs.) 5 Twin needle (1 pc.) 6 Bobbins (3 pcs.) 7 Screwdriver (1 pc.) 8 Extra spool pin (1 pc.)

  • Page 7: Using Your Sewing Machine

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— USING YOUR SEWING MACHINE WARNING ● Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sources may result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine. ● Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances: •...

  • Page 8: Main Power/Sewing Light Switch

    Note (For U.S.A. only) ● Foot Controller: Model KD-1902 This foot controller can be used with Models XL-5500/XL-5600/XL-5700/ XL-5510/XL-5610/XL-5710. Inserting the Needle CAUTION ● Turn the main power switch off before you change the needle.

  • Page 9: Checking The Needle

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Raise the needle bar to its highest position. Lower the presser foot. If a needle is already installed, remove it by loosening the needle clamp with a screwdriver and pulling the needle down. 1 Screwdriver •...

  • Page 10: Converting To Free-Arm Style

    Put a different presser foot on the needle plate so that the bar on the presser foot is in line with the slot on the shank. Lower the presser foot lever and fix the presser foot onto the shank. If the presser foot is in the correct place, the bar should snap in.

  • Page 11: The Controls

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— THE CONTROLS Pattern Selection Dial To choose a stitch, simply turn the pattern selection dial in either direction. Stitch widths and lengths are shown on the following page. 1 Pattern selection dial ■ 21 Stitches ■...

  • Page 12: Recommended Widths And Lengths For Stitches

    Recommended Widths and Lengths for Stitches ■ 21 Stitches Pattern Stitch Name 1-STEP AUTOMATIC BUTTONHOLE STRAIGHT STITCH ZIGZAG STITCH BLIND HEM STITCH SHELL TUCK STITCH ELASTIC STITCH STRETCH BLIND HEM STITCH SCALLOP STITCH DOUBLE ACTION STITCH BRIDGING STITCH RAMPART STITCH TRIPLE STRETCH STITCH TRIPLE ZIGZAG STRETCH STITCH STRETCH OVERLOCK STITCH...
  • Page 13 KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— ■ 17 Stitches Pattern Stitch Name 1-STEP AUTOMATIC BUTTONHOLE STRAIGHT STITCH ZIGZAG STITCH BLIND HEM STITCH SHELL TUCK STITCH ELASTIC STITCH STRETCH BLIND HEM STITCH SCALLOP STITCH DOUBLE ACTION STITCH TRIPLE STRETCH STITCH TRIPLE ZIGZAG STRETCH STITCH STRETCH OVERLOCK STITCH ELASTIC OVERLOCK STITCH FEATHER STITCH...

  • Page 14: Stitch Length Dial

    SHELL TUCK STITCH ELASTIC STITCH DOUBLE ACTION STITCH BLIND HEM STITCH TRIPLE ZIGZAG STRETCH STITCH TRIPLE STRETCH STITCH ARROWHEAD STITCH ELASTIC OVERLOCK STITCH FEATHER STITCH LEAF STITCH STRETCH OVERLOCK STITCH Stitch Length Dial Depending on the selected stitch, you may need to adjust the stitch length for best results.

  • Page 15: Stitch Width Dial

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— If different types of fabric or thread are used or the pattern does not have the correct shape, turn the dial toward either “+” or “-” to adjust the stitch. – • • • • 1 Makes fine stitches 2 Standard position 3 Makes rough stitches...

  • Page 16: Threading The Machine

    THREADING THE MACHINE Winding the Bobbin CAUTION ● Only use the bobbin (part code: SA156, SFB (XA5539-151)) that has been designed for this sewing machine. Using of any other bobbin may cause damage to the machine. ● The bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine.

  • Page 17: Lower Threading

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— CAUTION ● Make sure you follow the instructions carefully. If you do not cut the thread completely, and the bobbin is wound, when the thread runs low it may tangle around the bobbin and cause the needle to break.
  • Page 18 Unwind about 10 cm (4") of thread from a full bobbin and insert the bobbin into the bobbin case. (See fig. A-1.) Pull the trailing thread into the slot, then down and to the left, as shown in fig. A-2, until it enters the delivery eye under the tension spring (fig.

  • Page 19: Upper Threading

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Upper Threading 1 Spool pin 2 Thread guide CAUTION ● Make sure you thread the machine properly, otherwise the thread could tangle and break the needle. Set the main power switch to “O”. Raise the presser foot lever and turn the balance wheel toward you (counterclockwise) to raise the thread take-up lever to its highest position.

  • Page 20: Using The Needle Threader (Models Equipped With A Needle Threader)

    Bring the thread down and pass it behind the thread guide. 1 Thread guide Thread the needle from front to back and pull out about 5 cm (2") of thread. 1 5cm (2inch) Note ● If the thread take-up lever is lowered, the upper thread cannot be wrapped around the thread take-up lever.

  • Page 21: Quick Thread-Setting System Fast Start Bobbin (Models Equipped With A Quick Thread-Setting System)

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— While lightly holding the thread, turn the needle threader lever toward the front of the machine (toward you). The hook will pull the thread through the needle. 1 Hook 2 Thread Raise the needle threader lever and pull out about 5 cm (2") of thread through the needle toward the back of the sewing machine.

  • Page 22: Drawing Up The Lower Thread

    Drawing up the lower thread Raise the presser foot and the needle to their highest positions. While lightly holding the end of the upper thread, slowly turn the balance wheel to the front (counterclockwise) once by hand to lower, then raise the needle. The upper thread should have caught the lower thread in a loop.

  • Page 23: Tension Of The Thread

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— ■ Twin Needle Threading You should thread each needle separately. Threading the Right Needle Follow the same instructions for threading a single needle. See page 18 for more details. Threading the Left Needle Thread the left needle in the same way that you threaded the right needle using the thread from the spool on the extra spool pin, but do not pass the thread through the thread...
  • Page 24 Correct tension Correct tension is important as too much or too little tension will weaken your seams or cause puckers on your fabric. 1 Reverse 2 Surface...

  • Page 25: Chart Of Sewing Fabrics, Needles And Thread Combinations

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— CHART OF SEWING FABRICS, NEEDLES AND THREAD COMBINATIONS Fabric Type Broadcloth Medium- Taffeta weight fabrics Flannel, Gabardine Lawn, Batiste Lightweight Georgette fabrics Challis, Satin Denim Heavy- weight Corduroy fabrics Tweed Jersey Stretch fabrics Tricot For top-stitching Note ●...

  • Page 26: Please Read Before Sewing

    Please Read Before Sewing CAUTION ● To avoid being injured, watch the needle carefully while you are using the machine. Keep your hands away from moving parts. ● Do not stretch or pull the fabric during sewing, otherwise the needle may be damaged and you may be injured.

  • Page 27: Zigzag Stitching

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Raise the presser foot and turn the fabric to its new direction using the needle as a turning point for the fabric. Lower the presser foot and continue sewing in the new direction. ■ Finishing Sewing Stitch to the end of the seam and stop.

  • Page 28: Blind Hem Stitching

    Blind Hem Stitching Stitch Stitch Name Pattern Length [mm (inch)] Blind Hem Stitch (1/64-1/16) Stretch Blind -1.5 Hem Stitch (1/64-1/16) You can use the Blind Hem Stitch to finish the edge of a project, like the hem of a pair of trousers, without the stitch showing.

  • Page 29: Elastic Stitching

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Elastic Stitching Stitch Stitch Name Pattern Length [mm (inch)] -2.5 Elastic Stitch (1/64-3/32) You can use the Elastic Stitch for mending, sewing elastic or joining fabric. Each is explained below. Set the pattern selection dial to the Elastic Stitch. ■...

  • Page 30: Double Action Stitching

    Double Action Stitching Stitch Stitch Name Pattern Length [mm (inch)] Double Action Stitch (1/64-1/8) This stitch is used for joining two pieces of fabric, for example, when making patchwork. Set the pattern selection dial to the Double Action Stitch. Overedge Stitching Stitch Stitch Name Pattern Length...

  • Page 31: Triple Zigzag Stretch Stitching

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— The stitch will prevent the fabric from unravelling. Triple Zigzag Stretch Stitching Stitch Stitch Name Pattern Length [mm (inch)] Triple Zigzag Fixed 2.5 Stretch Stitch (3/32) This stitch can be used wherever a Zigzag Stitch would be used to sew heavyweight stretch fabrics.

  • Page 32: Making A Buttonhole (4-Step Buttonhole)

    Lower the buttonhole lever and push it back slightly. While gently holding the upper thread, start the machine. The bar tacks of the buttonhole are sewn in the order shown. Stop the machine when buttonhole stitching is finished. ■ Making a Buttonhole on Stretch Fabrics When sewing buttonholes on stretch fabric, the buttonhole stitching is sewn over a gimp thread.
  • Page 33 KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— You need to sew the front bar tack first. Line the bar tack mark under the center of the presser foot and align it with the two lines on the presser foot. 1 Front of chalk mark 2 Red lines CAUTION ●...

  • Page 34: Adjusting Buttonholes

    Adjusting Buttonholes If the stitching on the two sides of the buttonhole is not the same, you can make the following adjustments. Set the stitch length dial to " " and sew the buttonhole on a scrap piece of fabric to observe how the material is fed.

  • Page 35: Zipper Insertion

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Put a button between the foot and the fabric and make sure that the needle enters the holes without hitting the button. If it hits, see step At a slow speed, sew about 10 stitches. Remove the material from the machine.

  • Page 36: Gathering

    Sew from the bottom of the zipper toward the top on both sides. The needle should be positioned on the zipper side of the foot for best results. To sew the opposite side of the zipper, release the foot by raising the lever located at the back of the presser foot, position the zipper foot on the other side of the zipper and continue sewing using the notch on the other...

  • Page 37: Appliqués

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Appliqués Stitch Length Stitch Name Pattern [mm (inch)] Zigzag Stitch (1/64-1/16) You can create an applique by cutting a different piece of fabric into a shape and using it as a decoration. Baste the cutout to the fabric at the desired location.
  • Page 38 Note ● After sewing without feeding, prepare for the next seam by returning the drop feed lever to the down position so that the feed dogs are raised. CAUTION ● Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially needles. ■ Monogram Sew by moving the hoop slowly along the lettering at a constant speed.

  • Page 39: Maintenance

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— MAINTENANCE Changing the Light Bulb Remove the power supply plug from the outlet. Loosen the face plate screw. Remove the face plate from the machine as shown below. Note ● Use only a bulb of the same type and rated 15 W.

  • Page 40: Cleaning

    Cleaning ■ Removing the Shuttle Hook Raise the needle to its highest position and unplug the machine. Remove the extension table and open the shuttle cover on the front of the free arm. Take the bobbin case out of the shuttle race by opening and pulling the latch.

  • Page 41: Performance Checklist

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Performance Checklist Whenever sewing difficulties are encountered, first review the manual section about the operation that you are performing, to make sure you are using the machine correctly. If the problem persists, the following checklist may help improve the operation.
  • Page 42 FABRIC DOES NEEDLE NOT FEED BREAKS PROPERLY Stitch length Needle is not dial is set at no correctly inserted. feeding. Page 13 Page 8 The combination of needle size/ Inferior needle is thread size/fabric used. is incorrect. Page 24 Page 8 The combination Inferior needle is of needle size/...

  • Page 43: Repacking The Machine

    KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————— Repacking the Machine Keep the carton and packing materials for future use. You may have to take or send the machine to be repaired or wish to move the machine. If you do not pack it properly, or do not use the right packing material, the machine could be damaged.

  • Page 44: Index

    INDEX Numerics 1-Step Automatic Buttonhole ... 4 4-Step Buttonhole ... 5 Accessories ...5 Adjusting Buttonholes ...33 Appliqués ...36 Arrowhead Stitch ...11 Blind Hem Stitch ...11 Bobbin Threading ... 15 Bobbin Winder ...15 Bridging Stitch ...11 Buttonhole ... 30 Buttonhole Fine Adjustment ...33 Buttonhole Sewing ...
  • Page 45 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Satin Stitch ...26 Scallop Stitch ... 11 Sewing Buttons ...33 Sewing Light Bulb Replacement ...38 Sewing Light Switch ... 2 Sewing with a Twin Needle ...21 Shell Tuck Stitch ...11 Shuttle Hook Removal ...39 Shuttle Race Cleaning ...39 Spool pin ... 15 Steadying the Machine ...9 Stitch Length Dial ...13 Stitch Width Dial ...14...
  • Page 46 English 885-458 XC7363-021 Printed in China...

This manual is also suitable for:

Xl-5600Xl-5700Xl 5500 - 42 stitch sewing machine

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