Brother XL-3510 Mechanical Sewing Machine - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Hi I had the exact same problem and I was very frustrated, my feed dogs wouldn’t come back up after I had used the button on the back to put them down. I removed the cover and realized I had a ton of lint and debris underneath having had this machine for 5 years and never have cleaned it once, so I cleaned everything out And checked to see if that had fixed the problem and it didn’t so I looked down inside with my phone flashlight to see if I could see the problem and eventually I saw that there was a black rod thing attached to the back of the feed dogs, and there is a white curved platform near that rod that the rod is actually supposed to sit on. Mine had slipped off somehow. All I had to do was lift my feed dogs up with my finger **TURN OFF AND UNPLUG YOUR MACHINE BEFORE DOING THIS EVER THOUGH** and I slightly shifted the bar so it would sit in the white platforms curve. That fixed my problem and my machines good as new.

what is your questions?

the reverse button is stuck

Set the stitch selector to straight stitching. Set the stitch length to 2.5 Set the thread tension dial (leftmost dial) to 5. Done

I'm assuming that you have used the tension dial on the top of the machine to adjust the upper thread tension and it didn't tighten the tension. The most common cause of that is your thread is either not between the tension disks, or it's only on the rim between the disks, which means you get SOME tension, but not enough. When you thread any sewing machine of any age from any manufacturer, you MUST have the presser foot up. That is because two disks that the thread goes between and applies the tension on the upper thread, are ONLY spread to allow the thread to go between them when the presser foot is UP. While every user's manual tells you to put the presser foot up when you thread, they don't tell you why so it doesn't make any impression.

Look in your book or download one for the XL2230 (nearly the same as the XL2220) here: http://www.brother-usa.com/VirData/Content/en-US%5CHAD%5CConsumer%5CUsersManual%5CUM_XL_2230_EN_205.PDF

what is the name & model number of the machine?

Link to the Brother XL-3510 page is HERE
Give them a call on Monday for promotional material.
Brother International 100 Somerset Corporate Blvd. Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911
Phone: 1-908-704-1700 Fax: 1-908-704-8235

Do you thread it with the presser foot up and then sew with the presser foot down?  Linda at Relics

www.sewing-machine-manuals.com

most domestic sewing machines use 130/705h system needles - buy a pack each of size 70, 80, 90 and 100 to start. if you plan on sewing knits (stretchy) fabrics then buy a couple packs of ball points in size 70 and 80. put in a new needle for each garment you sew as a needle goes blunt in about 6 hours depending on what you are stitching. visit www.sewing.about.com and check out sewing machines 101 and debbie's article on sm needles for more good info. depending on what your heavier weight fabric is you may need to use a 110 size to handle it. the denser the fabric the bigger it needs to be.

What size needle are you using? You need a heavy duty, probably a #16 or #18. Some machines are not made to do it. The old flat beds were tough enough and the newer machines have a tougher time of it. If, it still does not work, try turning your handwheel towards you by hand for each stitch, I know, what a pain but it will do it if you go that slow. I have been sewing for 50+ years and have done it. Good luck, be patient, keep cool.

Operation manual - http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/BSC/public/files/dlf/doch000242/xl3500ug01enes.pdf

Quick Start Guide - http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/BSC/public/files/dlf/doch000237/xl3500_t_qsenfrdenlites.pdf

Yes it can be frustrating, I believe that you have a tension prolem with the bobbin case.
The upper tensions should be 3 to 5 normally on your machine.

When you pull the bobbin thread do you feel any resistance? If not then you may need to check that you are threading the bobbin into the case correctly, re test


if that doesn't work then look for a little screw, turn it clock wise to create some light tension on the bobbin thread. Re test

If that fails take to local tech for repairs.

Best of luck chris

Maybe you need to adjust your tension and double check your threading. I have never (in 50 years) sewed with elastic thread but I think a call to Singer customer service at 1-800-4singer may be in order.

Hi
Do you have a manual?
You can download a free manual from the Brother site.
http://www.brother-usa.com/ModelDocuments/Consumer/Users%20Manual/UM_LS_1217_EN_186.PDF
Click on the maintenance section of the manual. The first part of this section shows how to change the light bulb.
Hope this helps!

Call Brother at 1-877-276-8437 because they do not list your model on their site for a free download.

Hi, I checked your sewing machine & it doesn't have a shuttle, it has a bobbin & bobbin case, there is a website where you can find part for your sewing machine, it's called----sewingparts.com
hope this help you
please rate this with the thumbs in the upper right hand corner-thank you

Force the balance wheel backwards, you may have thread stuck round the raceway

check the needle first.Bent or spurred needles will result in this action.

The only hemming I see in the manual is for blind hem stitching (page 35).

http://www.brother-usa.com/manuals/default.aspx?PGID=3&R3ModelID=XL5130

If there is another attachment that you have purchased, such as the rolled-hem foot - please reply.

Both techniques take a bit of practice.