Brother XL 5130 Instruction Manual

The Brother XL 5130 is a versatile, user-friendly sewing machine designed for a wide range of sewing projects. It features 40 built-in stitches, a one-step automatic buttonholer, a drop-in bobbin system, and a built-in needle threader. This manual provides essential information for safety, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to help you get the most out of your machine.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with stitch selection dial, Bobbin case and shuttle, Presser foot, Handwheel, Power and light switch, Foot controller.

Installation & Setup

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

1. Power Connection: Plug the power cord into the machine and then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
2. Foot Controller: Connect the foot controller plug to the jack on the right side of the machine.
3. Needle Installation: Loosen the needle clamp screw, insert the needle with the flat side facing back, and tighten the screw firmly.
4. Bobbin Winding: Place thread spool on pin, guide thread through bobbin winding tension disk, place bobbin on winder, push winder to right, and press foot controller.
5. Bobbin Insertion: Drop the wound bobbin into the case with thread running counterclockwise. Pull thread through the slot and under the tension spring.

WARNING! Always unplug the machine before changing needles, bobbins, or performing maintenance to prevent accidental starting.

First-Time Operation

After setup, follow these steps for your first seam.

1. Upper Threading: Raise presser foot and needle to highest position. Follow numbered threading guides on machine from spool pin to needle.
2. Needle Threading: Use the built-in needle threader by pushing the lever down and hooking the thread through the guide.
3. Draw Up Bobbin Thread: Hold the upper thread tail, turn handwheel toward you to lower and raise needle, pulling bobbin thread up through needle plate.
4. Select Stitch: Turn the stitch selection dial to choose your desired stitch pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
5. Test Sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower presser foot lever, and gently press foot controller to begin sewing.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle. Always use the handwheel to raise/lower the needle when positioning fabric.

Specifications

• Model: Brother XL 5130
• Stitches: 40 Built-in Stitches
• Buttonholes: 1 One-step automatic buttonhole
• Bobbin System: Top-loading, Jam-resistant drop-in bobbin
• Needle Threader: Built-in automatic
• Max Sewing Speed: 800 stitches per minute
• Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm
• Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm
• Presser Feet: Includes zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, button sewing foot
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Machine Weight: Approx. 13.2 lbs (6 kg)

Controls and Functions

Main controls are located on the front and right side of the machine.

Front Panel: Stitch Selection Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Sewing Lever, Presser Foot Lifter.

Right Side: Power/Light Switch, Foot Controller Jack, Handwheel.

Basic Adjustments:
Stitch Length: Controls distance between stitches (0 for darning, 4 for basting).
Stitch Width: Adjusts zigzag width (0 for straight stitch, 5 for widest zigzag).
Tension: Upper thread tension dial (usually set to 4 for normal fabrics).
Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable dial for thick or thin fabrics.

Stitch Selection & Settings

The stitch selection dial offers 40 stitches categorized by type.

1. Utility Stitches (1-10): Straight, zigzag, stretch, and blind hem stitches for everyday sewing.
2. Decorative Stitches (11-30): Scallop, honeycomb, and other patterns for embellishment.
3. Heirloom Stitches (31-40): Shell tuck, smocking, and fagoting stitches for specialty work.
4. Buttonhole Stitch (marked): One-step process using the buttonhole foot.
5. To Select: Turn dial to align desired stitch number with the indicator mark. Refer to stitch chart on machine.
6. To Adjust: Set length and width dials according to fabric and project requirements.

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

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

1. Daily Cleaning: Unplug machine. Remove needle plate screws, lift plate, and use brush to remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
2. Oiling: Apply one drop of sewing machine oil to the hook race and other moving parts as indicated in the diagram (approx. every 6 months of regular use).
3. Needle Replacement: Replace needle after every 8-10 hours of sewing or with each new project.
4. Exterior Cleaning: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or sprays.

WARNING! Unplug machine before any cleaning or maintenance. Use only Brother-recommended sewing machine oil.

Regulatory Information

This sewing machine complies with relevant safety standards. The Brother XL 5130 is a household sewing machine. Copyright and trademarks are property of Brother Industries, Ltd. For technical support, warranty service, or to locate an authorized service center, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-5523.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug machine for 60 seconds to reset electronic components if experiencing erratic behavior.

Service: For persistent issues, contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-5523 or visit www.brother-usa.com.