Brother XL 5700 Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother XL 5700 is a versatile electronic sewing machine featuring 70 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in buttonhole styles, free arm capability, and multiple presser feet. Powered by standard household electrical outlet. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Machine Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection 7. Threading and Bobbin 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories Included 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electronic stitch selection panel, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, free arm, LED work light, multiple presser feet.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches70 stitches including utility, decorative, and quilting
Automatic Needle ThreaderEasy one-step needle threading
Drop-in BobbinQuick-set bobbin system with clear cover
Stitch WidthAdjustable up to 7mm
Stitch LengthAdjustable up to 5mm
Buttonhole Styles7 one-step automatic buttonholes
Free ArmRemovable extension table for cylindrical sewing
Presser FeetIncludes zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, and blind hem feet
Speed ControlAdjustable sewing speed slider
Reverse StitchButton for reinforcing stitches

Machine Setup

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

  1. Remove packaging materials and protective covers.
  2. Attach power cord to machine and plug into electrical outlet.
  3. Install foot controller and connect to machine.
  4. Install needle following arrow direction.
  5. Wind and insert bobbin into bobbin case.
  6. Thread upper thread using automatic needle threader.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; familiarize yourself with basic controls.

  1. Select straight stitch using stitch selection dial.
  2. Place fabric under presser foot and lower presser foot lever.
  3. Gently press foot controller to begin sewing.
  4. Practice basic stitches on scrap fabric.
  5. Experiment with stitch length and width adjustments.
  6. Test reverse stitch function for seam reinforcement.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area well-lit and organized.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main control panel includes stitch selection dial, stitch width dial, stitch length dial, and function buttons.

Control Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch width dial, stitch length dial, reverse stitch button, thread cutter button.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to choose from 70 built-in stitches. Stitch Width: Adjust from 0-7mm for zigzag and decorative stitches. Stitch Length: Adjust from 0-5mm for all stitches. Reverse Stitch: Press to sew in reverse for reinforcement. Needle Position: Manual adjustment for left, center, or right positioning.

Stitch Selection

Choose from 70 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

  1. Utility Stitches: Straight, zigzag, stretch, overcast (1-18)
  2. Decorative Stitches: Scallop, hemstitch, smocking (19-45)
  3. Quilting Stitches: Stippling, decorative quilting (46-55)
  4. Character Stitches: Alphabet and decorative motifs (56-70)
  5. Buttonholes: 7 one-step automatic styles

Tip: Always test stitches on scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Threading and Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation and quality stitches.

  1. Upper Threading: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle.
  2. Automatic Needle Threader: Push lever down and hook thread through needle eye.
  3. Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread bobbin winder, press foot controller.
  4. Bobbin Insertion: Drop bobbin into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
  5. Thread Drawing: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel to bring up bobbin thread.

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

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Daily: Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
  2. Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts (use sewing machine oil only).
  3. Monthly: Clean tension discs and check needle for damage.
  4. As Needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only recommended sewing machine oil.

Accessories Included

Standard accessories provided with Brother XL 5700:

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for sewing machine operation:

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Needle breaksWrong needle size/typeReplace with correct needle; ensure properly inserted
Thread bunchingIncorrect threading/tensionRe-thread completely; check bobbin; adjust tension
Skip stitchesDull/bent needleReplace needle; check threading; use correct foot
Machine won't runPower/pedal issueCheck power connection; ensure pedal plugged in
Uneven stitchesTension issuesClean tension discs; re-thread; check bobbin
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dogs; check presser foot pressure

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

Reset: Turn machine off and on to reset electronic functions.

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