Brother Sewing Machine XL 5500 Manual

The Brother XL 5500 is a versatile, user-friendly sewing machine designed for beginners and intermediate sewers. It features 55 built-in stitches, a one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, and multiple presser feet. This manual provides essential information for safety, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Brother XL 5500 sewing machine.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection and Use 7. Threading and Bobbin Winding 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with stitch selection dial, Bobbin case and shuttle, Presser foot holder, Spool pins, Thread tension dial, Stitch length/width selectors.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	55 stitches including utility, decorative, and heirloom
One-Step Buttonhole	Automatic buttonhole sizing for consistent results
Automatic Needle Threader	Easy threading with push-pull lever
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, clear-view bobbin case
Free Arm	Convertible for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Length/Width Control	Adjustable for customization
LED Light	Brightens sewing area
Presser Feet Included	Buttonhole, zipper, blind hem, button sewing, overcasting
Power/Speed Control	Foot pedal with variable speed
Reverse Stitch Lever	For reinforcing seams

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack all components. Place machine on stable, flat surface.

Remove all packaging materials from machine and accessories.
Attach power cord to machine and plug into 120V AC outlet.
Install foot pedal and connect to machine port.
Attach presser foot by lowering presser foot lever and snapping foot into place.
Raise needle to highest position using handwheel.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup. Ensure machine is unplugged when attaching accessories.

First-Time Operation

Prepare machine for first use by following these steps.

Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winding tension, and wind evenly.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine, use automatic needle threader.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to check tension and stitch quality.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to avoid timing issues.

Specifications

Model: Brother XL 5500
Stitches: 55 built-in stitches
Buttonholes: 1 one-step automatic buttonhole
Max Sewing Speed: 800 stitches per minute
Needle Positions: Left, center, right
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 5mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 7mm
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Included Accessories: 6 presser feet, needles, bobbins, seam ripper, brush, screwdriver

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and top of machine.

Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select from 55 stitches. Stitch Length Dial: Adjust from 0-5mm (0 for satin stitches). Stitch Width Dial: Adjust from 0-7mm. Thread Tension Dial: Adjust for balanced stitches (default 4). Reverse Stitch Lever: Hold down for backstitching. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot. Handwheel: Manual needle control (turn toward you only).

Special Functions: Needle up/down position (if available), automatic thread cutter (if available), mirror imaging for decorative stitches.

Stitch Selection and Use

Select appropriate stitch for your project using stitch chart.

Utility Stitches (1-10): Straight, zigzag, stretch stitches for seams.
Decorative Stitches (11-40): Ornamental patterns for embellishment.
Heirloom Stitches (41-55): Quilting and specialty stitches.
Buttonhole: Select buttonhole stitch, place button in foot, machine measures automatically.
Adjust settings: Modify length/width for fabric type and desired effect.

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing project.

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Proper threading is essential for quality stitches.

Upper Threading: Follow numbered path from spool pin to needle. Use automatic needle threader by pushing lever down and hooking thread through needle eye.
Bobbin Winding: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winding tension disk, wind evenly until bobbin is 80% full.
Bobbin Insertion: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding counterclockwise. Pull thread through slot and under tension spring.
Bring Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you until needle goes down and up, pulling bobbin thread up through needle plate.

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading to open tension discs.

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Cleaning: Unplug machine. Remove needle plate and bobbin case. Use brush to remove lint and dust.
Oiling: Apply sewing machine oil to designated points (see diagram) every few months of regular use.
Needle Replacement: Change needle every 8-10 hours of sewing or for new project.
Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never use compressed air to clean machine as it can force lint into mechanisms.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved. Brother is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-6523.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect threading/bobbin	Re-thread upper and lower threads; ensure bobbin inserted correctly.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle type/installation	Use correct needle for fabric; ensure flat side faces back; replace bent needle.
Uneven stitches	Tension imbalance	Adjust thread tension dial; re-thread completely; clean tension discs.
Machine won't run	Power/mechanical issue	Check power connection; ensure foot pedal is plugged in; check for jammed thread.
Fabric not feeding	Presser foot pressure/feed dogs	Raise and lower presser foot; clean feed dogs; check stitch length setting.
Buttonhole not forming	Improper setup	Ensure button is in foot; use stabilizer; select correct buttonhole stitch.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes to reset electronic components if available.

Service: 1-877-888-6523; www.brother-usa.com