Manual for Brother XR 52 Sewing Machine

The Brother XR 52 is a versatile computerized sewing machine featuring 52 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, LCD display, adjustable stitch length and width, automatic buttonholer, free arm capability, and multiple presser feet. Powered by standard household electricity with foot pedal control. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: LCD display, stitch selection dial, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, free arm, accessory compartment, foot pedal, power cord.

FeatureDescription
Built-in stitches52 stitches including utility, decorative, and quilting
Automatic needle threaderEasy threading with push-pull mechanism
Drop-in bobbinTop-loading bobbin system with clear cover
LCD displayShows selected stitch and settings
Free armRemovable extension table for cylindrical sewing
Automatic buttonholerOne-step buttonhole function
Stitch length/width adjustmentVariable control for customization
Presser feetMultiple feet included for different techniques
Speed controlAdjustable sewing speed
Reverse stitchBuilt-in reverse sewing function

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable surface at comfortable height.

  1. Remove packaging materials and protective covers.
  2. Attach power cord to machine and plug into wall outlet.
  3. Connect foot pedal to machine.
  4. Install needle following directional guide.
  5. Wind and insert bobbin into drop-in compartment.
  6. Thread upper thread using automatic needle threader.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Unplug when not in use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; familiarize with basic controls.

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

CAUTION! Always use correct needle for fabric type. Replace bent or damaged needles immediately.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls: Power switch, stitch selection dial, LCD display, stitch width dial, stitch length dial, reverse stitch button.

Basic Operations: Turn stitch dial to select pattern, adjust length/width as needed, press reverse for reinforcement, use speed control slider for pace adjustment.

Settings: Stitch selection (1-52), stitch length (0-5mm), stitch width (0-7mm), needle position (left/center/right), thread tension adjustment (automatic with manual override).

Stitch Selection

52 built-in stitches organized by function:

  1. Utility stitches: Straight, zigzag, stretch, overcast
  2. Decorative stitches: Scallop, honeycomb, smocking
  3. Quilting stitches: Traditional quilting patterns
  4. Buttonhole: One-step automatic (stitch #36)
  5. Blind hem: For invisible hemming (stitch #07)

Tip: Refer to stitch guide on machine for recommended settings and applications.

Threading & Bobbin

Upper threading with automatic needle threader:

  1. Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
  2. Follow numbered threading path on machine.
  3. Use automatic threader: Push lever down, hook thread, pull back.
  4. Pull thread under presser foot toward back.

Bobbin winding and insertion:

  1. Place spool on pin, thread through bobbin winding tension.
  2. Place bobbin on winding shaft, engage locking mechanism.
  3. Press foot pedal to wind bobbin until automatic stop.
  4. Insert bobbin into drop-in case following directional arrow.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Unplug machine before cleaning.
  2. Remove needle plate and clean lint with brush.
  3. Clean bobbin area and feed dogs regularly.
  4. Oil moving parts as specified in manual (sparingly).
  5. Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never use compressed air; it can force lint deeper into mechanism.

Accessories

Standard accessories included:

Regulatory Information

UL Listed for safety standards. Complies with FCC regulations for electronic devices. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For technical support and service, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-877-467-4289. Warranty information included with purchase documentation.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Needle breaksWrong needle/bent needleReplace with correct needle type; ensure straight insertion
Thread bunchingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; check bobbin insertion; adjust tension
Machine won't startPower connection/foot pedalCheck power cord; ensure foot pedal is connected properly
Uneven stitchesThread tension/dirty feed dogsClean feed dogs; adjust upper and lower thread tension
Automatic threader not workingNeedle position/thread sizeRaise needle to highest position; use standard thread weight
Bobbin thread showing on topTension imbalanceDecrease upper tension; ensure bobbin threaded correctly

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

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

Manual for Brother XR 52 Sewing Machine © - All Rights Reserved 2025