The owner's resource page for the Brother XR9550: the manual, the bobbins and needles Brother specifies, included and optional feet, quilting accessories, parts and troubleshooting. Compatibility on this page comes only from Brother's own documentation; where we couldn't verify a fit, we say so.
Still deciding? See where it fits in Best Brother sewing machines in 2026 and Janome vs Brother, or see the Brother XR9550.
| XR9550 at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Type | Computerized sewing machine with quilting features |
| Built-in stitches | 165, including 55 alphanumeric and 8 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles |
| Included presser feet | 8, including a spring action quilting foot |
| Quilting features | Wide table included, drop feed for free-motion quilting |
| Bobbin | Brother SA156 (11.5 mm / 7/16" tall), drop-in top bobbin |
| Needles | Home sewing machine needles, 65/9–100/16 |
| Price | $269.99 — shop the XR9550 |
Specs: Brother XR9550 product page.
The XR9550 manual
Lost the operation manual? Download the Brother XR9550 instruction manual (PDF, $8.95). It covers threading, bobbin winding, stitch selection, buttonholes and free-motion setup.
Bobbins for the XR9550
Brother lists SA156 bobbins, 11.5 mm (7/16") tall, for the XR9550/XR9550PRW, along with the SABOBCLIP bobbin and bobbin clip set (Brother XR9550 consumables). Bobbins that look similar can differ slightly in height, so stick with the SA156 size. Need some? Email support@threadworks.com and we'll help you order the right ones. More on bobbin types: bobbin sizes explained.
Needles for the XR9550
Brother specifies sewing machine needles for home use, sizes 65/9 to 100/16, for the XR9550 (Brother needle guide for XR9550):
| Fabric | Brother's recommended needle | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Thin (lawn, georgette, challis, satin) | 65/9 – 75/11 | Schmetz Universal assorted |
| Medium weight (broadcloth, taffeta, flannel, gabardine) | 75/11 – 90/14 | Universal 80/12 · Universal 90/14 |
| Thick (denim, corduroy, tweed) | 90/14 – 100/16 | Denim/Jeans 100/16 |
| Stretch (jersey, tricot) | Ball point 75/11 – 90/14 | Jersey/Ball Point 80/12 |
| Easily frayed fabrics | 65/9 – 90/14 | Schmetz Universal assorted |
| Top-stitching | 75/11 – 100/16 | Email us for help choosing |
Brother also advises against thread weight 20 or lower on this machine. Needle basics: needle sizes and types explained.
Presser feet and accessories
The XR9550 comes with eight feet: buttonhole foot, blind hem stitch/multi-purpose guide foot, zipper foot, overcasting foot, monogramming foot, zigzag foot, spring action quilting foot and button sewing foot. Also in the box: wide table, hard case, accessory pouch, 4 bobbins, needle set, ball point needle, twin needle, seam ripper, cleaning brush, eyelet punch, screwdriver, 3 spool caps and an extra spool pin.
Brother publishes a list of optional feet and accessories for the XR9550/XR9550PRW, including a straight stitch foot (SA167), adjustable zipper/piping foot (SA161), narrow hemmer foot (SA126), non-stick foot (SA114), open toe foot (SA186), cording foot (SA110) and the SAWT2 wide table (Brother XR9550 consumables and options). Find the foot you want there and email us the part number; we'll check availability for you. If a foot isn't on Brother's list for the XR9550, confirm with us before buying. What each foot does: presser feet guide.
Quilting on the XR9550
For quilting, the XR9550 includes a wide table for larger projects, a spring action quilting foot and a drop feed for free-motion quilting. Brother lists these optional quilting feet for the XR9550/XR9550PRW (Brother optional quilting feet):
- SA140 walking foot and SA188 open toe walking foot
- SA101 dynamic walking foot set
- SA125 1/4" piecing foot and SA185 1/4" piecing foot with guide
- SA129 quilting foot and SA187 open toe quilting foot
- SAQKIT quilting accessory set
Email us the part number to check availability. New to quilting? Start with your first quilt, start to finish, get your seams right with the scant ¼" seam, and see walking foot vs built-in dual feed before adding a walking foot.
Replacement parts
Search our parts catalog for your model: parts for the Brother XR9550, or browse all Brother parts. Always confirm your model in the part's compatibility list before ordering, or email us and we'll confirm the fit.
Troubleshooting
- Thread bunching under the fabric
- Thread keeps breaking
- Skipped stitches
- Tension problems
- Machine jamming
- Needle hitting the plate
- Cleaning and maintenance
Brother also keeps model-specific answers on its XR9550 support page.
XR9550 FAQ
What bobbins does the Brother XR9550 use?
Brother SA156 bobbins, 11.5 mm (7/16") tall. Brother lists SA156 in the XR9550/XR9550PRW consumables.
What needles does the XR9550 take?
Sewing machine needles for home use, sizes 65/9 to 100/16 depending on fabric; ball point 75/11–90/14 for stretch fabrics.
Does a walking foot fit the XR9550?
Yes. Brother lists the SA140 walking foot, the SA188 open toe walking foot and the SA101 dynamic walking foot set as optional quilting feet for the XR9550/XR9550PRW.
Can I free-motion quilt on the XR9550?
Yes. It has a drop feed for free-motion quilting and comes with a spring action quilting foot and a wide table.
Where can I get an XR9550 manual?
Download the XR9550 instruction manual PDF.
Questions about your XR9550? Email support@threadworks.com or call (480) 545-0778, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm Arizona time.