Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 Review

The Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 is equipped with advanced stitching capabilities that allow users to create a variety of stitches, including:

• Automatic 5-Piece Feed Foot (AFS)
• Free Arm Sewing (Long and Short Stitches)
• Buttonhole Sewing (Automatic and Positioning Options)
• Embroidery Library with 10 Built-in Designs

These features enable users to create intricate and intricate designs, including quilting, embroidery, and other decorative stitches. With the built-in embroidery library, users can access a range of pre-programmed designs, from simple to complex patterns, to add that extra touch to their projects.

Handling Thick Fabrics, Multiple Layers, and Delicate Materials

The Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 is designed to handle a variety of fabrics, from thick and heavy materials like denim and canvas, to delicate and thin materials like silk and lace. Its heavy-duty motor and advanced feed system enable users to sew through multiple layers of fabric with ease, ensuring smooth and even feeding.

This machine’s versatility also extends to sewing on different types of fabric surfaces, including woven, knitted, and embroidered materials. Users can adjust the machine’s tension controls to accommodate these various fabric types, ensuring optimal sewing performance and preventing fabric distortion or pulling.

Built-in Tension Controls

The Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 features built-in tension controls, which allow users to adjust the upper and lower thread tension independently. This enables users to fine-tune the thread tension to suit the specific fabric or stitching application, ensuring optimal sewing performance and preventing thread breakage or fabric distortion.

By having precise control over thread tension, users can achieve the best possible results in their sewing projects. This is particularly useful when sewing delicate or thick fabrics, or when using specialized threads or yarns. With the built-in tension controls, users can ensure that their sewing machine is performing optimally, every time.

The tension controls are easy to access and adjust, even for beginners, and the machine’s digital display provides clear and concise settings for users to refer to. This feature also enables users to experiment with different threading combinations, exploring the full range of possibilities with their sewing machine.

Synchronization and Maintenance

Synchronizing and maintaining your Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 is crucial for optimal performance, smooth operation, and longevity of the machine. Proper setup and regular maintenance tasks help prevent issues and ensure that you can enjoy seamless sewing experiences.

Threading the Machine

Threading your machine is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail.
– Begin by locating the spool pin and the take-up lever. The spool pin is usually located on the right side of the machine, while the take-up lever is situated on the left side.
– Locate the thread guide and remove the plastic cover. Place the thread in the machine by inserting the thread through the take-up lever and winding it around the spool pin.
– The thread should be wrapped in a clockwise direction for the standard thread.
– The next step is to thread the machine, which involves passing the thread through the machine’s guide and then through the tension disks. Be sure to pull the thread gently to avoid tangling it in the machine’s mechanisms.
– After the thread has been successfully threaded through all the required tension disks, use the tension dials to adjust the tension until it is neither too loose nor too tight. This will depend on the type of fabric you are working with and the type of stitch you have selected.

Stitch Type and Stitch Selector Dial

The stitch selector dial is used to select the specific stitch type you want to use. This dial is usually located on the front of the machine, and it may be a rotating dial or a lever that is pressed to select the desired stitch. Familiarize yourself with the various stitch options available on your machine, as each stitch type is suited for specific types of projects.
– To select the desired stitch, turn the dial until you see the number of the stitch you want to use. For example, if you want to use the straight stitch, turn the dial until you see the number associated with the straight stitch. This could be ‘0’ for various machines.
– You may also be able to use the stitch selector dial to reverse the stitch direction, which can be useful for backstitching or creating specific stitch patterns.

Presser Foot

The presser foot is used to guide the fabric under the machine’s needle. This foot can be adjusted to accommodate different thicknesses of fabric and is usually located at the front of the machine.
– To adjust the presser foot, locate the presser foot lifter and gently lift the foot up until it reaches the desired position. You may need to adjust the foot for different types of fabric, such as lightweight lace or thick denim.
– The presser foot also serves as a guide for the fabric as it passes under the machine’s needle. This ensures that the fabric is accurately aligned and prevents damage to the fabric or the machine.

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Regular maintenance tasks, including cleaning and oiling your machine, help prevent issues and ensure optimal performance. Clean your machine after each use by removing any loose lint or debris from the machine’s surface and needle area.
– Use a soft brush or a clean cloth to gently sweep away any debris or lint.
– Use a can of compressed air to blow away any dust or debris from the machine’s crevices.
– Be sure to regularly clean the machine’s bobbin winder and needle area to prevent buildup of excess thread or debris.

Oiling your machine also helps to reduce friction and prevent wear and tear on the machine’s moving parts. Apply a few drops of oil to the machine’s moving parts, such as the tension disks and the spool pin, to keep them well-lubricated.

Regularly checking and replacing your machine’s needle is also essential for optimal performance. Look for signs of wear, such as bent or broken needles, and replace the needle as needed to prevent issues.

Regular cleaning and oiling of the presser foot can also help to ensure that it continues to function smoothly and accurately guide the fabric under the machine’s needle.

Remember to always refer to your machine’s user manual for specific instructions on how to perform maintenance tasks and adjust the presser foot for optimal performance.

Accessories and Compatibility

The Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 comes with a range of accessories that enhance its functionality and versatility, making it suitable for various sewing projects. These accessories include presser feet, bobbins, and needle sizes, which are designed to work in harmony with the machine’s advanced features.

Types of Accessories Available

The XR1355 comes with a variety of presser feet that cater to different sewing tasks. These include:

• The Zigzag Presser Foot is designed for creating decorative stitches and edge-finishing.
• The Overlock/ Blind Hem Presser Foot is ideal for sewing overlock stitches and blind hem seams.
• The Walking Foot is suitable for sewing thick fabrics and even feed.
• The Even Feed Foot is designed for sewing delicate and thin fabrics.
• The Blind Hem Foot is ideal for sewing blind hem seams.

These presser feet can be easily installed and selected using the machine’s presser foot lever.

Installing and Using Accessories

One of the standout features of the XR1355 is its user-friendly interface, making it easy to install and use the accessories. The machine comes with a detailed user manual that guides you through the process of installing and using the accessories.

Some of the key accessories that require installation and setup include:

• The Sewing Guide: This accessory helps to ensure straight and even sewing. To install, simply place the guide under the fabric and adjust the machine’s tension dials.
• The Needle Threader: This accessory helps to thread the needle quickly and easily. To use, simply insert the thread into the threader and pull it through the needle eye.
• The Bobbins: These are available in different sizes and materials, including plastic and metal. To use, simply wind the bobbin with thread and install it in the machine.

Fabric Compatibility

The XR1355 is designed to work with a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and silk. The machine’s advanced features, such as the built-in stitch selector and presser foot levers, make it easy to select and adjust the stitch type and length to suit the fabric.

Some of the key fabrics that can be sewn on the XR1355 include:

• Cotton: This is one of the most popular fabrics for sewing, and the XR1355 is well-suited for sewing cotton fabrics of all weights and thicknesses.
• Polyester: This fabric is often used for home decor and upholstery projects, and the XR1355 is designed to handle the thick and heavy fabrics with ease.
• Silk: This luxurious fabric requires precision and delicacy when sewing, and the XR1355 is designed to deliver smooth and even stitches.

The machine’s advanced features, such as the built-in stitch selector and presser foot levers, make it easy to select and adjust the stitch type and length to suit the fabric.

“With the Brother sewing machine XR1355, you can sew anything from delicate silk to thick cotton and polyester fabrics. Its advanced features and user-friendly interface make it easy to get started and deliver professional-quality results.”

Comparison with Other Machines

The Brother XR1355 is a versatile sewing machine that stands out among its competitors in the market. However, how does it compare to similar machines from other brands? Let’s take a closer look at its strengths and weaknesses, and explore its suitability for different users.

When considering a new sewing machine, there are several factors to keep in mind, including price, features, and user reviews. In this section, we’ll compare the Brother XR1355 to similar machines from other brands, including the Janome Horizon 7200, the Singer Stylist 7258, and the Husqvarna Viking Emma.

Brother XR1355 vs Janome Horizon 7200

The Brother XR1355 and the Janome Horizon 7200 are both high-end sewing machines that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. Here’s a comparison of the two machines:

* Price: The Brother XR1355 retails for around $1,500, while the Janome Horizon 7200 is priced at around $2,000.
* Features: Both machines offer a wide range of features, including automatic threading, free arm, and built-in stitches. However, the Janome Horizon 7200 has a larger sewing field and a more advanced needle threader.
* User reviews: Both machines have received high ratings from users, with the Brother XR1355 averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars and the Janome Horizon 7200 averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars.

In general, the Brother XR1355 is a good choice for users who want a high-end sewing machine with advanced features and a more affordable price tag. However, the Janome Horizon 7200 may be a better choice for users who need a larger sewing field and more advanced features.

Brother XR1355 vs Singer Stylist 7258

The Brother XR1355 and the Singer Stylist 7258 are both mid-range sewing machines that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. Here’s a comparison of the two machines:

* Price: The Brother XR1355 retails for around $1,000, while the Singer Stylist 7258 is priced at around $500.
* Features: Both machines offer a wide range of features, including automatic threading, free arm, and built-in stitches. However, the Singer Stylist 7258 has fewer stitch options and a smaller sewing field.
* User reviews: Both machines have received high ratings from users, with the Brother XR1355 averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars and the Singer Stylist 7258 averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars.

In general, the Brother XR1355 is a good choice for users who want a mid-range sewing machine with advanced features and a more modern design. However, the Singer Stylist 7258 may be a better choice for users who are on a budget and don’t need a lot of advanced features.

Brother XR1355 vs Husqvarna Viking Emma

The Brother XR1355 and the Husqvarna Viking Emma are both high-end sewing machines that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. Here’s a comparison of the two machines:

* Price: The Brother XR1355 retails for around $1,500, while the Husqvarna Viking Emma is priced at around $1,200.
* Features: Both machines offer a wide range of features, including automatic threading, free arm, and built-in stitches. However, the Husqvarna Viking Emma has a smaller sewing field and fewer stitch options.
* User reviews: Both machines have received high ratings from users, with the Brother XR1355 averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars and the Husqvarna Viking Emma averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars.

In general, the Brother XR1355 is a good choice for users who want a high-end sewing machine with advanced features and a more modern design. However, the Husqvarna Viking Emma may be a better choice for users who prefer a more traditional sewing machine design.

Upgrades and Extensions

The Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 is a versatile and feature-rich sewing machine that can be further enhanced through various upgrades and extensions. These upgrades can significantly improve the machine’s performance, expand its capabilities, and enhance the user experience. In this section, we will explore the potential upgrades and extensions available for the XR1355, including additional stitch types, computerized embroidery capabilities, and software/firmware updates.

Additional Stitch Types and Computerized Embroidery Capabilities

The Brother XR1355 comes with a wide range of built-in stitches and embroidery designs, but there are opportunities to expand these capabilities through various upgrades and extensions. Some of the potential upgrades include:

* Additional stitch types: These can include specialty stitches for quilting, garment construction, and home decor projects.
* Computerized embroidery capabilities: Upgrades can enable the machine to perform complex embroidery designs, monograms, and custom designs.
* Expandable embroidery hoops: These allow users to create larger embroidery designs and work on more complex projects.

These upgrades can be installed by the user or through the Brother Support website. To install, users should:

1. Purchase the upgrade kit or individual components from the Brother website or authorized dealers.
2. Follow the instructions provided with the kit to ensure correct installation and configuration.
3. Update the machine’s software or firmware as required to take advantage of the new features.
* Benefits of upgrading the machine’s software or firmware:
* Improved performance and stability.
* Enhanced features and capabilities.
* Compatibility with new designs and stitches.

Software and Firmware Updates

Regular software and firmware updates can significantly improve the performance and features of the XR1355. These updates may include:

* Bug fixes and patches to resolve issues or glitches.
* New features and capabilities to enhance the user experience.
* Compatibility updates to ensure the machine works seamlessly with new operating systems and software.

Users can check for software and firmware updates through the Brother website or the machine’s built-in interface. To update the software or firmware:

1. Check the Brother website for available updates for the XR1355.
2. Follow the instructions provided to download and install the update.
3. Restart the machine and verify that the update has been successful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 offers a wide range of upgrades and extensions to enhance its capabilities and user experience. By installing additional stitch types, computerized embroidery capabilities, and software/firmware updates, users can unlock the full potential of their machine and take their projects to the next level.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 is an exceptional choice for both beginners and seasoned sewers. Its versatility, speed, and user-friendly interface make it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to improve their sewing skills or expand their business.

Key Questions Answered

What is the maximum sewing speed of the Brother Sewing Machine XR1355?

The maximum sewing speed of the Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 is 850 stitches per minute.

Can the XR1355 handle thick fabrics and multiple layers?

Yes, the Brother Sewing Machine XR1355 is designed to handle thick fabrics and multiple layers, making it suitable for various sewing projects.

How do I troubleshoot common issues with the XR1355?

You can find troubleshooting guides and contact Brother customer support for assistance with complex problems.