Brother XL-2600i User Manual

The Brother XL-2600i is a versatile and user-friendly sewing machine designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It features 25 built-in stitches, a one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threading, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, and a built-in LED light. Powered by standard household electricity, it is ideal for a wide range of sewing projects from garment construction to home décor. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection & Settings 7. Basic Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length/width controls, Reverse stitch button, Bobbin winder, Automatic needle threader, Built-in LED light, Foot pedal, Power cord.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	25 utility and decorative stitches including straight, zigzag, and blind hem
One-Step Buttonhole	Automatically creates perfectly sized buttonholes
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads the needle with a simple lever action
Free Arm	Removable flatbed accessory for sewing cuffs and sleeves
LED Light	Illuminates the sewing area for better visibility
Stitch Length/Width Control	Adjustable dials for customizing stitch appearance
Reverse Stitch Lever	Secures stitches at the beginning and end of seams
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, jam-resistant bobbin for easy setup
Power/Speed Control	Foot pedal controls sewing speed; also has a manual speed slider
Accessory Storage	Built-in compartment for feet, bobbins, and other accessories

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, flat surface.

Attach Power Cord: Plug the power cord into the machine and then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Install Foot Pedal: Connect the foot pedal cord to the machine's port.
Wind the Bobbin: Place thread on the spool pin, guide it through the bobbin winder tension, and wind onto the bobbin.
Insert Bobbin: Place the wound bobbin into the drop-in bobbin case following the directional arrows.
Thread the Upper Thread: Use the automatic needle threader or follow the numbered threading path on the machine.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle area during setup and operation. Ensure the machine is unplugged during initial assembly.

First-Time Operation

Plug in the machine and turn on the power switch.

Select a Stitch: Turn the stitch selection dial to choose your desired stitch (e.g., Straight Stitch).
Adjust Settings: Set stitch length and width as needed for your fabric.
Practice Sewing: Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the foot, and gently press the foot pedal to start sewing.
Reverse Stitching: Hold the reverse stitch lever to sew backwards and lock your stitches.
Test Buttonhole: Select the one-step buttonhole stitch and follow the guide to create a sample buttonhole.

CAUTION! Always start with the needle in the highest position. Do not pull fabric while sewing; let the feed dogs move it.

Specifications

Model: Brother XL-2600i
Stitches: 25 built-in stitches
Buttonholes: 1 one-step automatic buttonhole
Needle Threading: Automatic needle threader
Lighting: Built-in LED light
Bobbin: Top-loading, drop-in bobbin system
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm
Free Arm: Yes, removable flatbed
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Included Accessories: Multiple presser feet, bobbins, needles, seam ripper, brush, screwdriver

Controls and Functions

Access all functions via dials and buttons on the front panel.

Main Controls: Power Switch, Stitch Selection Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Stitch Lever, Bobbin Winder Spindle, Handwheel.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 25 stitches (numbered 1-25). Stitch Length: Adjust from 0 (for darning) to 4mm. Stitch Width: Adjust from 0 to 5mm for zigzag and decorative stitches. Reverse Stitching: Hold lever to sew in reverse. Bobbin Winding: Push bobbin winder spindle to the right to engage. Needle Position: Use handwheel to manually raise/lower needle.

Stitch Selection & Settings

Refer to the stitch chart on the machine for recommended settings.

Straight Stitch (1-3): For basic seams. Use medium length (2.5) for most fabrics.
Zigzag Stitch (4-6): For finishing edges, appliqué, or stretch fabrics. Adjust width as needed.
Blind Hem Stitch (7): For nearly invisible hems on garments.
Decorative Stitches (8-25): For embellishments. Use stabilizer for best results.
Buttonhole Stitch (marked): One-step automatic. Place button in the gauge for sizing.

Tip: Always test stitch settings on a scrap of your project fabric first.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Follow these steps for common tasks.

Starting a Seam: Lower presser foot, hold thread tails, sew a few stitches forward, reverse, then continue forward.
Finishing a Seam: Reverse stitch for a few stitches, then cut threads using the built-in thread cutter.
Creating a Buttonhole: Select buttonhole stitch, place fabric under foot, lower buttonhole lever, and sew automatically.
Using the Free Arm: Remove the flatbed accessory to sew cylindrical items like sleeves and pant legs.
Changing Presser Feet: Raise needle, lift presser foot lever, snap off old foot, snap on new foot.

WARNING! Always turn the handwheel towards you (counter-clockwise) to avoid timing issues. Never force the handwheel.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily Cleaning: Unplug machine. Use the small brush to remove lint from the bobbin area and feed dogs.
Oiling: This machine is pre-lubricated and does not require regular oiling by the user.
Needle Replacement: Replace bent or dull needles promptly. Loosen needle clamp screw, remove old needle, insert new needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
Storage: Cover the machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Always unplug the machine before cleaning or changing needles. Do not use compressed air, which can force lint deeper into the mechanism.

Accessories

The following accessories are included:

Zigzag Foot (on machine)
Buttonhole Foot
Zipper Foot
Button Sewing Foot
Blind Hem Foot
Overcasting Foot
Bobbin (3 pcs)
Needles (Assorted)
Seam Ripper/Lint Brush
Screwdriver
Spool Pin Felt
Instruction Manual

Note: Use only Brother recommended accessories for optimal performance and safety.

Safety Information

To prevent injury and damage:

Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when making any adjustments, changing needles, or cleaning.
Keep your hands, hair, and loose clothing away from all moving parts.
Do not use the machine if the power cord or foot pedal is damaged.
Use the machine only in a dry, well-ventilated area.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities.
Supervise children to ensure they do not play with the appliance.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Not plugged in / Power switch off	Plug in power cord. Turn on power switch.
Needle breaks	Incorrect needle installation / Bent needle	Reinstall needle correctly (flat side back). Replace needle.
Upper thread breaks	Incorrect threading / Tension too tight	Rethread upper thread. Reduce upper thread tension.
Bobbin thread loops on fabric	Bobbin threaded incorrectly	Remove and reinsert bobbin, ensuring thread runs in correct direction.
Uneven stitches or skipping	Dull/bent needle / Wrong needle for fabric	Replace needle. Use correct needle type (e.g., ballpoint for knits).
Fabric does not feed	Presser foot not lowered / Feed dogs lowered	Lower presser foot. Check that feed dog lever is in raised position.
Automatic needle threader not working	Needle not in highest position / Hook not engaged	Raise needle to highest position using handwheel. Ensure threader hook passes through needle eye.
Loud noise or vibration	Lint or thread jam in bobbin area	Unplug machine. Clean bobbin area thoroughly with brush.

Service: For issues not resolved above, contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-5625 or visit www.brother-usa.com.