Brother XL 5130 Manual

The Brother XL 5130 is a versatile and user-friendly sewing machine designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It features 30 built-in stitches, a one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threading, and a drop-in bobbin system. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for 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, Foot controller, Power cord and adapter, Accessory box with presser feet, needles, and bobbins.

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack all components and place on a stable, well-lit surface.

1. Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by its carrying handle, not by the free arm.
2. Install foot controller: Plug into the machine's foot controller jack.
3. Connect power: Plug power adapter into machine, then into wall outlet (120V AC).
4. Attach accessory box: Snap into place on machine's free arm storage area.
5. Install needle: Use included screwdriver to loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; use both hands when lifting. Ensure work area is clean and dry.

Getting Started

Power on machine; LED light will illuminate.

1. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder spindle, thread through tension disc, press bobbin winder to engage.
2. Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.
3. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine, use automatic needle threader.
4. Raise bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
5. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern number.
6. Begin sewing: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, gently press foot controller.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always turn power off when threading or changing accessories.

Specifications

• Model: Brother XL 5130
• Stitches: 30 built-in stitches
• Buttonholes: 1 one-step automatic buttonhole
• Speed: Up to 800 stitches per minute
• Needle Positions: Center and left
• Presser Feet: 6 included (zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, button sewing, blind stitch, overcasting)
• Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
• Needles: Household sewing machine needles size 11/80 (included)
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Dimensions: 15.4" x 7.1" x 12.2" (W x H x D)
• Weight: 13.2 lbs

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial (0-4 mm), Stitch width dial (0-5 mm), Reverse sewing lever, Presser foot lifter, Handwheel, Bobbin winder spindle, Thread tension dial (2-6).

Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select from 30 stitches (patterns 1-30). Stitch Length Dial: Adjust for shorter/longer stitches (higher number = longer stitch). Stitch Width Dial: Adjust for narrower/wider stitches (higher number = wider stitch). Reverse Sewing Lever: Hold down to sew in reverse for reinforcement. Thread Tension Dial: Adjust for balanced stitches (4 is normal setting).

Stitch Selection and Settings

Refer to stitch chart on machine for pattern numbers and recommended uses.

1. Utility Stitches (1-6): Straight stitches for seams, topstitching, basting.
2. Decorative Stitches (7-20): Zigzag, scallop, honeycomb, and other decorative patterns.
3. Stretch Stitches (21-30): For knit fabrics; includes triple stretch stitch and overcast stitches.
4. Buttonhole (marked with symbol): One-step automatic buttonhole; use buttonhole foot.

Tip: Test stitch settings on scrap fabric before sewing your project. Adjust tension if stitches appear loose or tight.

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Proper threading is essential for quality stitches.

1. Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, around tension disc, through bobbin holes. Press bobbin winder against spindle until it clicks. Press foot controller to wind. Stop when bobbin is full.
2. Upper Threading: Follow numbered path: from spool pin through first thread guide, down to tension discs, up through take-up lever, down through second guide, through needle bar thread guide, then use automatic needle threader or thread needle manually.
3. Automatic Needle Threader: Lower lever, hook thread around guide, pull lever back up; thread will be pulled through needle eye.

WARNING! Always raise needle to highest position before threading. Ensure presser foot is raised when threading upper thread.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Daily: Remove lint from bobbin area with brush provided.
2. Weekly: Clean feed dogs with brush; oil moving parts if recommended (use sewing machine oil only).
3. Monthly: Have machine serviced by authorized technician for thorough cleaning and adjustment.
4. Needle Replacement: Replace needle after every 8 hours of sewing or with each new project.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Never use compressed air to clean machine as it can force lint deeper into mechanism.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Keep away from children. Do not operate with damaged cord or plug. Do not use outdoors or in damp locations. Never leave machine unattended when plugged in. Do not place objects on foot controller. Use only Brother recommended accessories.

Warranty and Support

Brother International Corporation provides a 25-year limited warranty for this sewing machine. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use. For warranty service, contact authorized Brother service center. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase. For technical support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-800-284-4357.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes to reset electronic components if experiencing erratic behavior.

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