Brother XL 5600 Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother XL 5600 is a versatile, user-friendly sewing machine designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It features 60 built-in stitches, a one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threading, a drop-in bobbin system, adjustable stitch length and width, and a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves. This manual covers safety instructions, machine overview, setup, basic operations, stitch selection, maintenance, and troubleshooting to help you get the most out of your sewing machine.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Foot controller, Power cord, Accessory box, Instruction manual.

Unpacking and Setup

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

1. Remove machine from box: Lift by the carrying handle, not by the free arm.
2. Attach power cord: Plug into machine and then into a 120V AC outlet.
3. Connect foot controller: Plug into machine port.
4. Install accessory box: Snap into place on machine.
5. Raise presser foot lever and needle to highest position.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup and operation. Ensure machine is unplugged during threading and bobbin changes.

Getting Started

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

1. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension disc, and wind onto bobbin.
2. Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding clockwise.
3. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides, then use automatic needle threader.
4. Pull up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
5. Select stitch: Use stitch selection dial to choose desired pattern.
6. Test sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and gently press foot controller.

CAUTION! Always turn off power and unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance.

Specifications

• Model: Brother XL 5600.
• Stitches: 60 built-in stitches.
• Buttonholes: One-step automatic.
• Needle Threading: Automatic.
• Bobbin: Drop-in, Class 15 type.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm.
• Free Arm: Yes, with removable flat bed.
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Included Accessories: All-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot, seam ripper, cleaning brush, spool caps, bobbins, needle set.

Parts and Controls

Front Panel: Power switch, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch lever, Handwheel.

Key Areas: Needle area with presser foot, Bobbin compartment, Spool pins, Thread guides, Tension dial, Feed dogs.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to align desired stitch number with indicator. Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter/longer stitches (0-4). Stitch Width: Adjust for narrower/wider stitches (0-5). Tension: Adjust for balanced stitches (default 4). Reverse: Hold lever to sew in reverse for reinforcement.

Threading the Machine

Upper Threading: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle.

1. Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
2. Place thread spool on spool pin, secure with cap.
3. Guide thread through first guide, then down and up tension discs.
4. Pass thread through take-up lever from right to left.
5. Guide thread down through remaining guides.
6. Use automatic needle threader: Pull lever down, hook thread, release lever to pull thread through needle eye.
7. Pull thread toward back under presser foot.

Tip: Always thread with presser foot raised to open tension discs.

Stitch Selection and Settings

Supports utility, decorative, and stretch stitches.

1. Select stitch: Turn dial to desired number (refer to stitch chart).
2. Adjust length: For straight stitches, 2-2.5 is standard; for zigzag, 1.5-2.
3. Adjust width: For zigzag and decorative stitches, 3-5 is typical.
4. Test on scrap fabric: Ensure tension and stitch appearance are correct.
5. Buttonhole: Select buttonhole stitch, place fabric under foot, lower buttonhole lever, and sew automatically.
6. Reverse: Use lever at beginning and end of seams to lock stitches.

WARNING! Do not force handwheel or dials. Ensure needle is up when changing settings.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Straight Stitch: Use for seams, topstitching. Zigzag: Use for finishing edges, sewing stretch fabrics. Decorative Stitches: Use for embellishments. Buttonhole: Automatic one-step.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Remove lint and dust with cleaning brush. Oil moving parts as per manual instructions.

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

Warranty Information

Brother International Corporation provides a limited warranty for this sewing machine. For warranty service, contact Brother Customer Service or an authorized service center. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-877-467-4289.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Turn off power, unplug, wait 30 seconds, then restart.

Service: 1-877-467-4289; www.brother-usa.com