20 Most Recent Brother XL-2600 - Page 4 Questions & Answers

lost discs with instructions for my Brother XL sewing machine and am finding difficulty to adjust the thread tension and it is not catching the thread properly

I was not able to locate your model but try visiting this site:

http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/bsc/Public_s/index.html

Double check your model number then select the region/country of purchase; then select country of purchase on the next page.

Scroll down to find Home Sewing Machine in the displayed product categories. Select your model series and then hopefully your specific model.

Note that at the top there is a link, How to identify your model.

Here are some things to check:

1. check the threading and tension of the top thread. It may look like it's threaded correctly but not be. When you pull on the thread is there some tension but still pulls out? Make sure it isn't catching somewhere on the path. Also make sure it's not too loose. If it's too loose it won't be able to pull the bobbin thread up enough.

2. check the bobbin threading and tension. Does it have some give but not reel out a ton? Is it catching? Is the bobbin in all the way - hear a click when inserting it?

3. Do you have the right needle for the machine? Is it inserted correctly? Try sewing through ordinary cotton first. Is it stitching? If so then you may not have the correct needle size for what you are trying to sew through.

Make sure you have the right size needle...not to small. Then do a simple seam through three layers (doesn't need to be a seam just sewing through 3 layers of scrap) using a wide zig zag stitch. Examine the stitch looking at both sides. Do they look even, identical?

Think in opposites, ie the bottom thread tension affects the stitch on the top side and the thread tension on top affects the stitch on the bottom side. If one side is loopy then the opposite side tension is too loose (or, sometimes that side's tension is too tight). Adjust until both sides are identical looking. Then try stitching in the ditch like you wanted to.

The only time that I have had this happen is when I used a plastic bobbin, because it would jump out of position. Try a metal SA 156 bobbin. You can buy them on ebay 20 for $9.00 free shipping.

Don't use it. The bobbin cases are designed to work with the specified bobbin size, see if you can track them down on Ebay or through a sewing machine dealer in your area.

If you go to this site and read the manual online go to page 28 it will tell you what thread to use with what fabric. It would not let me copy/paste

Scroll past the "download the document" go to "table of contents" click on view all then scroll down to fabric/thread/needle combinations click on it and it will bring you to the page.....

http://www.retrevo.com/pdf/18806dj992/30/FABRIC%2C+THREAD%2C+AND+NEEDLE+COMBINATIONS#q=Brother+XL-2600

Essentially
60-80 weight thread for medium and light weight fabrics
50 for heavy weight
50-60 for stretch
30 for top stitching

hope this helps lew

Pull both bottom and top thread to the back of the machine for about 10 cm or 4 inches out before you start stitching. Hold them loosly. Put fabric under the foot (the whole foot, don't start at the raw edge), make sure foot is down (to ensure tension). Start with the needle in the top position.
Your needle is likely to become unthreaded when the needle goes down and back up. But not if you hold the thread (and enough of it). Happy sewing.

change the needle
Clean under needle plate where feed dogs are for lint
Clean bobbin area for lint or loose threads
Rethread machine top thread make sure to get every thread guide
& bobbin
Check tension 3 or 4 is usually good

try sewingpartsonline.com

dial on top right side put around 3 it should center it

I was reading your manual on the www.brother-usa.com site and it looks like you may have one of the machines that you do not have to pull up the bobbin thread to sew. Without seeing your machine, I don't know. You can call Brother at 1-877-276-8437 and ask why this is happening to you. They are pretty helpful.

Be sure to use the correct thread, advised in your manual and that your bobbin and top threads are not too different or else you will have problems. If, you are using a real thin material, try putting tissue paper under your fabric so that it won't get caught. in the needle hole. Usually matting under the fabric is caused by incorrect threading but I am suspecting your thread itself. If, you don't have a manual, go brother-usa.com and download one for free.

the tension for embriodery should be very light. also, there are needles just for embroidery, which have a bigger eye so the thread goes though easier.

Try hitting the reverse button twice in quick succession. SOME machines have a permanent reverse feature. Also check your manual for this feature.

The needle needs to be replaced, it is not seated right

Actually, it sounds like your upper tension is too loose. If the upper tension is too loose, it won't pull the bobbin thread up into the fabric properly. Check out my suggestions on Adjusting Tension and see if that helps.

Robbie