Brother XL 2600 Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother XL 2600 is a versatile, lightweight sewing machine designed for beginners and home crafters. It features 25 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, automatic needle threading, drop-in bobbin system, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, and multiple presser feet. Powered by standard household current. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection and Settings 7. Threading and Bobbin Winding 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories Included 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with stitch selection dial, Bobbin case and shuttle, Presser foot holder, Handwheel, Foot pedal, Power cord and adapter.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	25 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch
4-Step Buttonhole	Easy-to-create buttonholes in four simple steps
Automatic Needle Threader	Threads needle quickly and easily
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading bobbin for easy insertion and viewing
Free Arm	Removable accessory compartment for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Length/Width Control	Adjustable for custom stitch appearance
Presser Feet	Includes zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot
Reverse Sewing Lever	Reinforce stitches at beginning and end of seams
Light	Built-in LED light illuminates sewing area
Foot Pedal	Controls sewing speed; includes cord keeper

Unpacking and Setup

Remove all packaging materials. Place machine on stable, flat surface.

Install foot pedal: Connect pedal cord to machine port.
Connect power: Plug power adapter into machine, then into wall outlet (120V).
Attach accessory compartment: Slide onto free arm until it clicks into place.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Wind bobbin: Follow threading diagram; place bobbin in shuttle.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Plug in power; turn on power switch (if equipped).

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered path on machine; use automatic needle threader.
Draw up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Begin sewing: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, press foot pedal gently.

CAUTION! Always raise needle to highest position before changing presser foot or removing fabric.

Specifications

Model: Brother XL 2600.
Stitches: 25 built-in stitches.
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole.
Needle Threading: Automatic.
Bobbin: Top-loading, drop-in style.
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm.
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm.
Presser Feet: 4 included (zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, button sewing).
Free Arm: Yes, removable accessory compartment.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Weight: Approximately 11 lbs (5 kg).

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse sewing lever, Handwheel, Power switch (if equipped).

Operation: Use foot pedal to control speed. Adjust stitch settings before sewing. Use reverse lever to secure stitches. Raise/lower presser foot lever as needed.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to align desired stitch with indicator mark. Stitch Length: Higher numbers = longer stitches. Stitch Width: Higher numbers = wider zigzag or decorative stitches. Tension: Adjust upper thread tension dial if stitches are uneven (usually set to 4).

Stitch Selection and Settings

Refer to stitch chart on machine or manual for recommended settings.

Straight Stitch: Use for seams, topstitching. Set width to 0, length 2.0-2.5.
Zigzag Stitch: Use for finishing edges, appliqué. Adjust width and length as desired.
Decorative Stitches: Select pattern; test on scrap fabric first.
Buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot; follow 4-step sequence marked on machine.
Stretch Stitches: Use for knit fabrics; prevents popped seams.

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

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Upper Threading:

Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
Place spool on spool pin.
Follow threading path marked on machine (1 through 5).
Use automatic needle threader: Pull down lever, hook thread, release lever.

Bobbin Winding:

Place empty bobbin on winder spindle.
Thread through bobbin winding tension disc.
Push bobbin winder shaft to right; press foot pedal to wind.
Stop when bobbin is full; cut thread, push shaft back left.

Inserting Bobbin: Drop bobbin into shuttle with thread unwinding counterclockwise; pull thread through slot.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before cleaning. Remove lint and dust regularly.

Clean feed dogs: Use small brush to remove lint.
Clean bobbin area: Remove bobbin case and shuttle; brush out lint.
Oil sparingly: Only if specified in manual; use sewing machine oil.
Needle: Replace regularly (every 8-10 hours of sewing).
Cover: Use dust cover when not in use.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint deeper. Never oil without checking manual first.

Accessories Included

Zigzag foot (on machine)
Buttonhole foot
Zipper foot
Button sewing foot
Bobbin (3 total)
Needles (assorted sizes)
Seam ripper/brush
Screwdriver
Spool cap (large and small)
Instruction manual

Warranty Information

Limited warranty: 25 years for mechanical parts, 2 years for electrical components. Warranty valid only for original purchaser with proof of purchase. For service, contact authorized Brother dealer or Brother Customer Service. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-800-284-4357.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine not running	Power connection	Check power cord; ensure outlet works; check power switch.
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect threading/bobbin	Re-thread upper and bobbin thread; ensure bobbin inserted correctly.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle/bent needle	Replace needle; ensure correct type/size; do not pull fabric.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper tension; re-thread; check bobbin.
Fabric not feeding	Presser foot pressure/feed dogs	Clean feed dogs; ensure presser foot is lowered; check stitch length setting.
Skip stitches	Needle/thread mismatch	Use correct needle for fabric; ensure needle is not dull/bent.
Noisy operation	Lint/thread caught	Clean bobbin area; remove any tangled thread; oil if instructed.

Reset: Unplug machine for 1 minute if electronic issues occur.

Service: 1-800-284-4357; www.brother-usa.com