Brother XR9550PRW Sewing Machine Review: Features, Pros & Cons

The Brother XR9550PRW sewing machine is a fantastic choice for beginner and intermediate sewers looking for a full-featured computerized machine at an affordable price point. Part of Brother’s limited edition Project Runway lineup designed to inspire creativity, this lightweight sewing and quilting machine comes loaded with user-friendly features to make sewing fun and easy.

In this detailed review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features and capabilities of the XR9550PRW, along with an overview of its pros and cons to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs. Whether you’re looking to learn sewing basics or brush up your skills with an upgraded machine, read on for everything you need to know to make an informed purchase!

Overview and Technical Specs

The Brother XR9550PRW is a computerized sewing machine packed with features generally found on more advanced models. It has a total of 165 built-in stitches, including 110 utility stitches, 55 alphanumeric stitches for basic monogramming, and 8 styles of one-step auto-size buttonholes.

An automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin system, and backlit LCD screen that displays stitch settings are just a few of the beginner-friendly functions that make sewing a breeze. It also comes with a hard-shell carrying case and wide table attachment for quilting larger projects.

Here is a quick look at the key technical specifications of the XR9550PRW:

Feature	Specs
Dimensions	12.5 x 16.3 x 7 inches
Weight	10.1 pounds
Stitches	110 built-in stitches; 8 auto buttonhole styles
Maximum Sewing Speed	850 stitches per minute
Feed Dogs	7-point
Presser Feet Included	8
Free Arm	Yes
Included Accessories	Hard case, wide table, 8 presser feet, accessory pack
Warranty	25-year limited

With its portable size, generous selection of built-in stitches, and array of beginner-oriented features, this Brother sewing machine aims to provide exceptional functionality and convenience. Keep reading for an in-depth exploration of the key capabilities and benefits of the XR9550PRW.

Image suggestion: Infographic showing stitch types and quantities

Key Features and Benefits

Computerized Sewing Functionality

As a computerized sewing machine, the Brother XR9550PRW comes with several automated features that make it easy to get set up and started sewing. The backlit LCD screen displays important information like the selected stitch number and recommended settings. You can adjust the stitch length and width via simple push-button controls.

Many basic operations like raising/lowering the needle, starting/stopping sewing, and reverse sewing can also be controlled with the touch of a button. An automatic needle threader does the tricky work of threading the eye of the needle for you. For beginners still learning the ropes of sewing, these conveniences help take the frustration out of setup.

The LCD screen also displays helpful error messages if anything is incorrectly set up before sewing. This takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting common problems. With just a glance, you’ll know if you forgot to insert the bobbin or lower the presser foot before starting to sew.

Image suggestion: Photo of LCD display screen

Built-In Stitches Galore

The Brother XR9550PRW sewing machine review would not be complete without discussing the impressive array of built-in stitches. With 110 utility stitches, 55 alphanumeric stitches, and 8 styles of one-step buttonholes, you have plenty of creative options at your fingertips.

The utility stitches cover all the bases for both decorative sewing and constructing garments. Choose from essentials like straight stitch, zigzag, blind hem, and stretch stitches. Elevate your sewing with decorative stitches like scallops, vines, hearts, and more. The alphanumeric selection allows you to program custom monograms and labels.

The variety of buttonhole styles ensures you can find the right look for any garment. Options include rounded, keyhole, stretch, and more. Simply set the buttonhole foot and let the machine work its magic for perfect buttonholes with just one step.

With so many stitches readily available, you can tackle a wide range of sewing and quilting projects without needing specialty presser feet or attachments. This versatility is part of what makes the XR9550PRW so beginner-friendly.

Image suggestion: Photo of stitch selection screen

Hassle-Free Bobbin Winding

Dealing with bobbins can be a headache, especially for sewing novices. Fortunately, the Brother XR9550PRW sewing machine makes it incredibly simple to wind and insert bobbins correctly.

It uses top drop-in bobbins that you access by a clear plate on the needle plate. After placing an empty bobbin on the winding spindle on top of the machine, you simply follow the step-by-step diagram. Guide the thread through the rear groove, around the bobbin 5-6 times, then through the front groove. Engage the bobbin winder, then step on the foot pedal to start filling the bobbin. Once full, snip the thread and remove the bobbin.

To insert the bobbin, just follow the diagram on the needle plate. Drop the bobbin in the case, pull the thread through the slit and under the tension spring. Replace the bobbin cover, and you’re ready to sew! The needle will automatically catch the bobbin thread when you begin sewing. This process is so straightforward that even someone who has never touched a sewing machine could setup the bobbin with ease.

Image suggestion: Photo of bobbin winding and insertion diagrams

Automatic Needle Threading

Trying to manually thread the eye of a sewing needle can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you have poor eyesight. Fortunately, the Brother XR9550PRW review can confirm that process is a breeze thanks to the built-in automatic needle threader.

Simply raise the needle to its highest position, lower the presser foot, and pull down the lever of the automatic threader. This will slide a tiny wire through the needle eye and guide your thread through the opening. Release the lever, pull the thread loop the rest of the way through the eye, and voila! Your needle is threaded and ready to sew in seconds.

While this feature may seem small, it’s a huge help for beginners and those with limited vision or dexterity. It eliminates the struggle and frustration of manual needle threading to help even first-timers get sewing quicker. Over time, it’s easy to save several minutes and headaches thanks to this automated function.

Image suggestion: Photo of automatic needle threader

Presser Feet for All Your Needs

Having the right presser foot for your project is key to achieving optimal results. That’s why the Brother XR9550PRW comes with 8 different presser feet to equip you for a range of sewing techniques right out of the box.

Included presser feet are:

• Zigzag foot – For all-purpose sewing with various stitches
• Buttonhole foot – Automatically sew uniform buttonholes
• Button-sewing foot – Easily attach buttons with accuracy
• Overcasting foot – Neatly finish seam edges as you sew
• Zipper foot – Insert zippers smoothly and neatly
• Blind-hem foot – Create invisible hems without hand-sewing
• Spring-action quilting foot – Made for quilting and free-motion work
• Monogramming foot – Adds lettering using the built-in font

With this versatile assortment of presser feet, you can tackle projects like clothing construction, home decor items, quilts, and more. Swapping them out is quick and simple when guided by the letter cues on the LCD screen. Expand your possibilities even further down the road by adding optional presser feet for techniques like ruffling, piping, cording, and embroidery.

Image suggestion: Photo collage of included presser feet

Free Arm Functionality

Sewing cylindrical pieces like pant legs and sleeves can be difficult if your machine only has a flat bed attachment. Enter the free arm function of the Brother XR9550PRW sewing machine.

By removing the flat bed cover, you expose the full free arm, allowing you to easily sew in the round. The slender free arm fits inside the leg or arm openings of garments, making it a cinch to sew hems and difficult-to-reach seams.

This free arm versatility also comes in handy when altering adult garments or sewing tiny items like doll clothes. Being able to remove the flat bed expands what you can create with this machine.

Image suggestion: Photo of free arm

LED Lighting

Trying to sew in less than ideal lighting can quickly dampen your enthusiasm for a project. Straining your eyes leads to headaches, fatigue, and frustration.

The Brother XR9550PRW sewing machine aims to prevent this issue with integrated LED lighting that brightly illuminates the needle area. The lights automatically turn on anytime the machine is powered on, ensuring you always have adequate visibility.

While some users wish the LED lighting were brighter, it should sufficiently light most fabrics for trouble-free sewing. You can always supplement with a desk lamp or ottoman lighting if more wattage is needed. But overall, the built-in lighting provides helpful visibility for precise sewing.

Image suggestion: Photo of LED lighting

Exceptional Value Bundle

Considering its computerized functionality and features, the Brother XR9550PRW provides stellar value at a very reasonable price point. And it comes bundled with a wide range of accessories and extras to provide even more functionality out of the box.

Here’s an overview of everything included:

• Hard-shell carrying case – Protects your machine when transporting or storing
• Detachable wide table – Supports large projects like quilts
• 8 presser feet – For all your basic sewing needs
• Accessory pack – Includes bobbins, needles, seam ripper, screwdriver, etc.
• Instruction manual – Very detailed with images and troubleshooting info
• Instructional DVD – Helps you get started sewing and using features

For novice sewers especially, these bonus accessories and educational materials are invaluable. The hard case and wide table let you use the machine portably or for quilting. The presser feet provide versatility. And the manual and DVD offer excellent visual guidance when learning the ropes.

Considering all that’s included at this price point, the XR9550PRW bundle provides phenomenal functionality and value.

Image suggestion: Photo of included accessories

Warranty

No sewing machine will last forever, so it’s reassuring to know your purchase is backed by a solid warranty program. Brother stands behind the XR9550PRW with their standard 25-year limited warranty.

Here is how the warranty coverage breaks down:

• 25 years – Limited warranty on the chassis casting
• 2 years – Limited warranty on electrical components
• 1 year – Limited warranty on parts, labor, and accessories

The 25-year warranty on the casting provides incredible peace of mind that the structural integrity of the machine will hold up. Electrical and part defects are covered for a shorter period, but still longer than many competitor warranties. Just be sure to keep your purchase documentation as proof when submitting any warranty claims.

Considering that regular home use translates to several hours of weekly use at most, this warranty has you covered for the usable lifespan of the XR9550PRW. Very few owners report needing to utilize the warranty, but it’s reassuring to have this coverage in case defects arise.

Pros of the Brother XR9550PRW Sewing Machine

Now that we’ve covered the key features and capabilities in detail, let’s summarize some of the standout pros and benefits owners love about the Brother XR9550PRW:

• Lightweight and portable – Weighing just over 10 pounds, it’s easy to transport to classes or sew in different rooms.
• Very user-friendly for beginners – From threading to sewing, the entire process is simplified.
• Computerized functionality – LCD screen and push-button selections make operation intuitive.
• Affordable pricing – Packed with features at a very reasonable price point.
• Smooth and quiet performance – The 850 SPM motor provides quiet, reliable power.
• Bonus accessories included – From presser feet to an instruction manual, everything you need is in the box.
• Wide table expands workspace – The included wide table provides ample space for large projects.
• Sturdy construction – Metal interior frame adds durability.

For novice sewers, nearly all owners agree this machine provides an outstanding blend of user-friendliness and features to learn on. The price point is also very approachable if you’re buying your first serious sewing machine. Even more experienced crafters appreciate the smooth operation, generous workspace, and portability.

Cons to Consider

While the XR9550PRW satisfies most owners, there are a few drawbacks to weigh:

• Limited monogramming capabilities – Only one alphabet font is built-in.
• Small throat space – Not ideal for large or thick quilts.
• Automatic needle threader frustrations – Many owners skip using this feature.
• Must avoid heavy fabrics – Lacks power for consistent thick fabric sewing.
• Plastic components may break – Gears and parts like needle threader may fail over time.
• Mixed reviews on longevity – Some complain of repairs needed after 1-2 years.
• Limited edition model – No guarantee on long-term availability.

For most hobbyist sewers doing garment sewing, light quilting, and home decor projects, none of these cons are dealbreakers. But they are limitations to consider if your needs lean more advanced.

This machine isn’t designed for heavyweight sewing or embroidery. The automatic needle threader and plastic gears get mixed reviews for durability from owners. And being in the Project Runway limited collection, Brother may discontinue it at any time.

For sewers prioritizing more robust construction, specialty features like embroidery, or quilting large thick projects, the XR9550PRW may not fully satisfy. But taken in context of its very approachable price point and target market of newbie sewers, these cons are reasonable trade-offs.

Alternatives to Consider

The Brother XR9550PRW combines user-friendly operation and computerized functionality at a price accessible for most budgets. But it may not be the perfect fit for all sewing needs. Here are two alternatives to consider:

Brother CS6000i – Another computerized Brother model with 60 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, easy bobbin winding, and one-step buttonholes. It also includes a walking foot and slightly wider throat space. Lacks monogramming capabilities but costs less.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 – For more ambitious sewing, the Singer 9960 offers 600 built-in stitches, 13 one-step buttonhole styles, 5 alphanumeric fonts, and a larger sewing space. It costs more but provides incredible creative freedom.

For those seeking specialty machine features like embroidery and serging, there are dedicated sewing machines available. Be sure to analyze your skill level, budget, and projects to narrow down alternatives that best suit your needs.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The Brother XR9550PRW stands out as a versatile computerized sewing machine that’s thoughtfully designed for beginners but equally satisfying for more advanced crafters. Between the variety of built-in stitches, LCD screen, automatic threading and bobbin winding, and included accessories, new sewists will appreciate how easy it is to get up and running.

While there are limitations to using the built-in monogramming and sewing thick fabrics, these cons are modest considering the very reasonable price point. As long as your needs don’t require professional-grade performance, the XR9550PRW is capable of tackling a wide range of sewing and quilting projects. With lightweight portability and a 25-year warranty, it’s built to deliver years of enjoyment and creativity.

For novice and hobbyist sewers seeking great value in their first serious machine, it’s easy to recommend the versatile Brother XR9550PRW. Be sure to take advantage of the helpful onboard tutorials and video resources when getting started for the best experience. With just a bit of practice, you’ll be able to create an impressive range of sewn projects with ease using this multi-functional machine.