If you are looking to buy a sewing and quilting machine and now want to know more about the Brother XR9550, you have come to the right place.
There are so many sewing and quilting machines and it can be confusing when it comes to choosing. Before buying, you need to decide which of the functions are more important to you, as well as what accessories you need.
In our review, we will try to figure out what makes this machine one of the best among computerized sewing and quilting machines. And we will look at its main features, and see which of them are most liked by users, and which ones leave much to be desired. So let’s get started…
What are Manufacturer Saying?
The Brother tells us that the XR9550 is a reliable computerized sewing and quilting machine with a fairly large LCD screen for easy stitch and pattern management. It also has 165 general, heirloom and decorative built-in stitches (including 55 alphanumeric) and 8 auto-size, one-step buttonhole styles. Furthermore, it has Drop Feed for easy quilting and sewing, and Free Arm for working with sleeves and cuffs, as well as a comfortable Needle Threading System, Jam Resistant Bobbin, and bright LED Lighting.
In addition, the sewing machine comes with 8 different presser feet (zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, overcasting foot, quilting foot, and monogramming foot), wide extension table, and hard case.
Main Features
This modern computerized sewing machine has a large set of functions. Let’s go through those that owners pay the most attention to in their reviews.
Built-in Stitches
In total, the Brother XR9550 has 165 different built-in stitches: 55 alphanumeric and 110 straight, zigzag, elastic, overcasting, heirloom and decorative stitches, and much more. You probably won’t need all of them, but in any case, more choice means more potential.
There is an electronic menu with an LCD display on top of the front panel for stitch control. With a single touch of a button, you can select the desired stitch, or change the settings for the length and width of the selected stitch. And the screen displays all the necessary information about the selected stitch: number, length, width, and type of the required presser foot, and if a problem occurs, you will see an error code (see the corresponding table in the user manual for an explanation of error codes).
Furthermore, we must not forget that this is a programmable sewing machine. For example, when using monogram fonts, you can program all the desired letters in advance, instead of embroidering one after another. And if you don’t like current needle up/down settings, you can also change them after reading the instruction manual.
Auto–Size Buttonholes
The Brother XR9550 sewing machine has 8 different buttonhole styles to choose from. Furthermore, these are auto-size and one-step buttonholes that the machine do with the push of a button.
Automatic Needle Threader
This sewing machine also has an automatic needle threading system. It is a small lever on the machine that will put the thread through the needle for you. This may not be very convenient at first, but it is very useful for users with poor eyesight or those who simply do not like manual threading!
It is worth noting that some people are frustrated with the automatic needle threader and report that it is inconvenient to use. Someone even as a result decided to return to using manual threading of the needle.
LED Lighting
This machine has its own LED lighting to illuminate the work area to help you work on the details and help you see the stitches better. But some owners in their reviews report that the lighting for them was not the best, so you probably have to take care of additional lighting.
Other Features
Among other things, this sewing machine has other useful features that help users: built-in thread cutter so you don’t have to use scissors; a jam-resistant bobbins with a drop-in system that makes it very easy to prepare for sewing; unique feed dog system that allows you to do free-motion quilting; and a sewing speed slider, which in some cases is more convenient than using a foot pedal. Moreover, the package includes a wide table for handling large fabrics, a hard case for easy transport, and a set of presser feet, various additional accessories and consumables.
Models XR9550 vs. XR9550PRW
Brother has two models, the XR9550 and XR9550PRW, but there is essentially no difference between the two other than the fact that one of them is branded Project Runway. The model without PRW is newer, but they are identical in function.
Sewing Machine Video
This sewing machine has a good user manual, which has all the most necessary information. It also comes with an instructional DVD to help you with all the different stitches. And the best way to see how this machine works is to watch one of the YouTube reviews.
What are Owners Saying?
The Brother XR9550 has received many very good reviews from owners. In the comments they constantly say that this is an easy-to-use sewing machine. It is so simple and intuitive that it is recommended for beginner sewers.
People also like that the machine is pretty quiet, sews smoothly, has lots of stitches and comes with a lot of accessories. Thereunto people really like that you get quite a lot for your money.
You can read more Brother XR9550 owner reviews on Amazon.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Compact and Lightweight
- Many Features
- Lots of Accessories
- Minimal Noise
- Reasonable Price
Cons
- Poor Lighting System
Related FAQ
It will also be useful to pay attention to the most popular questions that customers have. This may help fill in the remaining gaps in the understanding of this sewing machine model.
Question: What is the model and exact size of bobbins Brother?
Answer: The XR9550 fits the SA156 bobbin (class 15) which is 11.5 mm (7/16 inch).
Question: Is an instructional DVD included in the package?
Answer: The XR9500 sewing machine comes with an instruction DVD and an operation manual.
Question: Can this machine stitch leather?
Answer: The Brother XR9550 has a recommended maximum thickness of 6mm. And do not forget to use a larger needle at maximum thickness.
Consumer Ratings
In the table below, we’ve collected consumer evaluations from reputable websites and compiled them. More than 4300 ratings and about 750 reviews were discovered in total. This is a good overall estimate, see below for more details.
| Source | Consumer Rating | Ratings | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| amazon.com | 4.7 | > 4250 | > 690 |
| brother-usa.com | 4.8 | > 50 | > 50 |
Conclusion
The Brother XR9550 is a versatile sewing machine that can be useful for everyday sewing, quilting or even simple monogramming, and is well priced. Furthermore, this is a computerized sewing machine, which is not often the case in this price category.
It offers enough features to handle a wide range of fabrics with ease. And in general is suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers. All this makes this sewing machine an excellent purchase and a very attractive investment.
The XR9500 sewing machine does not come with an instruction DVD nor an operation manual. You can print a manual out but there is not a DVD at all anymore.