Brother XL 5340 Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother XL 5340 is a versatile, user-friendly sewing machine designed for beginners and intermediate sewers. It features 40 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. Powered by standard household electricity. 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. Basic Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance and Cleaning 9. Accessories and Parts 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main sewing unit, Foot Controller, Power Cord, Accessory Box, Instruction Manual, Quick Start Guide.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	40 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch
One-Step Buttonhole	Automatically creates buttonholes of consistent size
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads the needle with a simple lever action
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, jam-resistant bobbin system with clear cover
Free Arm	Removable flat bed accessory for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Length/Width Adjustment	Dial controls for customizing stitch appearance
LED Light	Brightens the sewing area
Presser Feet	Includes zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot
Reverse Sewing Lever	For reinforcing stitches at beginning and end of seams
Power/Speed Control	Foot controller for variable sewing speed

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack all components and inspect for damage. Place on a stable, flat surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift by the carrying handle, not by the free arm.
Attach power cord: Plug into machine port and then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Connect foot controller: Plug into designated port on machine.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side facing back, tighten screw.
Wind and insert bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions; place bobbin in drop-in case.
Thread machine: Follow threading path indicated on machine; use automatic needle threader.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially the needle area. Unplug machine when not in use or when changing accessories.

First-Time Operation

Plug in power cord and foot controller. Turn power switch ON.

Select a stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
Adjust stitch length/width: Set dials as needed (default for straight stitch: length 2.5, width 0).
Place fabric: Lower presser foot lever.
Start sewing: Gently press foot controller; machine will sew at controlled speed.
Reverse stitching: Hold reverse lever to sew backwards for reinforcement.
Finish: Raise needle to highest position, raise presser foot, remove fabric, and cut threads.

CAUTION! Always raise the needle before removing fabric to avoid needle breakage.

Specifications

Model: Brother XL 5340
Stitches: 40 built-in stitches
Buttonholes: One-step automatic buttonhole
Needle Threading: Automatic needle threader
Bobbin: Drop-in, Class 15 transparent bobbin
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 flat bed
Lighting: LED work light
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs (6 kg)

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Power Switch, Stitch Selection Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Sewing Lever, Presser Foot Lever, Handwheel.

Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to choose from 40 stitch patterns (numbered 1-40). Stitch Length Dial: Adjusts stitch length (0-4). Stitch Width Dial: Adjusts stitch width (0-5). Reverse Sewing Lever: Hold down to sew in reverse. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot. Handwheel: Manually raise/lower needle; turn toward you. Automatic Needle Threader: Lever located on left side of needle area.

Stitch Selection and Settings

Refer to stitch chart on machine for pattern details.

Utility Stitches (1-10): Straight, zigzag, stretch stitches for seams and finishing.
Decorative Stitches (11-30): Patterns for embellishment and decorative sewing.
Buttonhole Stitch (31): One-step automatic buttonhole.
Blind Hem Stitch (32): For nearly invisible hems.
Overcasting Stitches (33-35): Prevents fabric edges from fraying.
Elastic Stitches (36-40): For sewing on elastic and knit fabrics.

Tip: Test stitch settings on a scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Follow these steps for common sewing tasks.

Straight Stitch Seam: Select stitch 1, set length 2.5, width 0. Align fabric edges, lower presser foot, sew with 5/8" seam allowance.
Zigzag Stitch: Select stitch 2, adjust width for desired zigzag. Use for finishing edges or decorative effects.
Buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot, select stitch 31. Place fabric under foot, lower lever, press foot controller—machine sews complete buttonhole automatically.
Zipper Installation: Attach zipper foot. Baste zipper opening, align zipper, stitch close to teeth using straight stitch.
Blind Hem: Fold fabric for hem, select stitch 32, use blind hem foot. Stitch catches only a few threads of main fabric.

WARNING! Do not pull fabric while sewing; let the feed dogs move it. Keep fingers clear of needle.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Unplug machine before any maintenance.
Clean lint and dust: Remove needle plate screws, lift plate, use small brush to clean feed dogs and bobbin area.
Oil machine: Apply one drop of sewing machine oil to hook race and moving parts as indicated in manual (do not over-oil).
Needle replacement: Replace needle regularly (every 8-10 hours of sewing) or if bent/dull.
Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Use only recommended sewing machine oil. Do not use household oils.

Accessories and Parts

Standard accessories included:

Zigzag Foot (on machine)
Buttonhole Foot
Zipper Foot
Button Sewing Foot
Class 15 Bobbins (4)
Needles (3 assorted)
Seam Ripper/Lint Brush
Screwdriver
Spool Pin Felt
Instruction Manual & Quick Start Guide

Additional accessories available for purchase: walking foot, quilting guide, embroidery foot, etc.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to condition that device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. 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
Machine does not run	Power cord not connected	Check power switch, ensure cord is plugged into machine and outlet.
Needle breaks	Incorrect needle insertion or bent needle	Reinsert needle correctly (flat side back); replace with new needle.
Thread bunches underneath	Bobbin threaded incorrectly	Re-thread bobbin ensuring correct direction; check bobbin case for lint.
Uneven stitches	Incorrect threading or tension	Re-thread top and bobbin threads; adjust tension dial (usually 4).
Fabric not feeding	Presser foot not lowered	Lower presser foot lever; clean feed dogs.
Buttonhole not forming	Buttonhole foot not attached properly	Reattach buttonhole foot; ensure lever is lowered.
Automatic needle threader not working	Needle not in highest position	Turn handwheel to bring needle to highest position; ensure thread is in guide.

Reset: Turn power off, unplug for 60 seconds, then restart.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Brother service center. Do not attempt to disassemble machine.