Brother XR9550 Manual

The Brother XR9550 is a versatile computerized sewing and quilting machine featuring 110 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, LCD screen, adjustable sewing speed, built-in needle plate thread cutter, and a wide range of presser feet. Designed for both beginners and experienced sewers, it offers easy operation for garment construction, decorative sewing, and quilting projects. 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 8. Maintenance and Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing machine head, LCD screen, stitch selection dial, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, accessory compartment, foot pedal, power cord.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	110 stitches including utility, decorative, and quilting stitches
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads needle with the push of a lever
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, jam-resistant bobbin system with clear cover
LCD Screen	Displays selected stitch, stitch length, stitch width, and recommendations
Adjustable Sewing Speed	Speed control slider for precise speed management
Built-in Needle Plate Thread Cutter	Convenient thread cutter located on the needle plate
Automatic Thread Tension	Electronically controlled for optimal stitch quality
Presser Feet	Includes zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, walking foot, and more
Free Arm	Convertible for sewing sleeves, cuffs, and other cylindrical items
Needle Stop Up/Down	Adjustable setting for needle position when stopping

Unpacking and Setup

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

Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by its carrying handle, not by the free arm.
Install foot pedal: Connect to machine port, place on floor in comfortable position.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine, then into 120V AC outlet.
Install needle: Use screwdriver to loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side toward back, tighten securely.
Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions in manual.
Thread machine: Follow threading path indicated on machine; use automatic needle threader.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care. Ensure power is off during setup.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; LCD screen will illuminate.

Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired stitch number; check LCD for settings.
Adjust stitch length/width: Use adjustment buttons if needed for selected stitch.
Insert bobbin: Place wound bobbin in bobbin case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading guide; use automatic needle threader.
Test sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and gently press foot pedal.
Adjust speed: Use speed control slider to set maximum sewing speed.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always turn power off when not in use.

Specifications

Type: Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
Stitches: 110 built-in stitches
Stitch Width: Up to 7mm
Stitch Length: Up to 5mm
Sewing Speed: Up to 850 stitches per minute
Needle Positions: Adjustable left, center, right
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Presser Feet: 8 included, additional feet available
Display: LCD screen with stitch information
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: 16.1" x 7.2" x 12.2" (W x H x D)
Weight: 17.6 lbs

Controls and Functions

Access functions via buttons and dials. Front Panel: Power switch, stitch selection dial, LCD screen, stitch adjustment buttons, reverse stitch button, needle up/down button.

LCD Display: Shows stitch number, recommended foot, stitch length, stitch width, and error messages.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 110 stitches (1-110). Stitch Adjustment: Use + and - buttons to modify length and width for applicable stitches. Reverse Stitch: Press to sew in reverse for reinforcement. Needle Position: Set needle to stop in up or down position. Thread Cutter: Built into needle plate for easy thread trimming.

Stitch Selection and Settings

Machine offers utility, decorative, and quilting stitches.

Basic Stitches: Straight stitch (1-3), zigzag (4-10), stretch stitches (11-20).
Buttonholes: 7 one-step automatic buttonholes (21-27).
Decorative Stitches: Scallops, leaves, flowers, geometric patterns (28-80).
Alphabet Stitches: Block and script letters (81-110).
Adjust Settings: For selected stitch, adjust length (0-5mm) and width (0-7mm) as needed.
Presser Feet: LCD indicates recommended foot; change foot as needed for stitch type.

Tip: Test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing project. Refer to stitch guide for recommended uses.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs with brush provided.
Weekly: Oil hook race and surrounding areas with sewing machine oil (not included).
Monthly: Clean under needle plate; remove needle plate screws and clean accumulated lint.
Needle Replacement: Replace needle after every project or 8 hours of sewing.
Exterior Cleaning: Unplug machine, wipe with soft dry cloth. Do not use chemicals or sprays.

CAUTION! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only Brother recommended accessories.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-800-284-4357. This product meets applicable U.S. safety standards.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Power connection	Check power cord connections; ensure power switch is on.
Poor stitch quality	Threading/tension/needle	Re-thread upper and bobbin threads; adjust tension; replace needle.
Thread breaks	Thread quality/needle	Use good quality thread; ensure correct needle for fabric; check threading path.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered/presser foot	Raise feed dogs; ensure presser foot is lowered; clean feed dogs.
Bobbin thread bunching	Bobbin insertion/threading	Remove and reinsert bobbin ensuring correct direction; re-thread bobbin.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle/bent needle	Use correct needle type and size; ensure needle is straight and properly inserted.
Buttonhole issues	Stabilizer/foot	Use stabilizer for stretch fabrics; ensure buttonhole foot is properly attached.

Reset: Turn power off and on to reset computerized functions.

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