In the philippines and left my brother XL 5700 Manual in the US

Be sure to have a darning foot or free motion quilting foot (this presser foot is shorter in height so when you lower it, it will not press the fabric to the feed dogs). The foot must allow space under it so the fabric can be manually moved.

The last step is to lower the feed dogs so they are not interfering with your manual manipulation of the fabric.

Lots of web sites about free motion quilting.

Learn How to Free Motion Quilt Stippling

here are 2 links for a manual, you can choose which one you
want, one is a downloadable version the other a hardcopy

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/instruction-manual-brother-xl-3022-instant-download.aspx

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/instruction-manual-brother-xl-3022.aspx

No. The manual in the box is for several models of machine. One version is a 26 stitch, the other 35. You probably have the 26 stitch model, which does not come with a needle threader.

You should be able to find everything you need including the manual here:

http://www.brother.com.au/product/sewing_machines/xl-5700/support.aspx

Sorry someone has not responded sooner.

You can usually download free manuals from the Brother site.
http://www.brother-usa.com/manuals/default.aspx?PGID=3
I couldn't find a manual for the XL2027 but I did find one for the XL3027.
http://www.brother-usa.com/ModelDocuments/Consumer/Users%20Manual/UM_XL_3025_3027_3030_EN_447.PDF
Also the nearest XL model number listed was the XL2121
http://www.brother-usa.com/ModelDocuments/Consumer/Users%20Manual/UM_XL_2121_EN_245.PDF
Worth looking at these two manuals to see if they are similar to your machine.
You could try contacting Brother (see the first link) as they may be able to help you find the exact manual for your machine.
Hope this helps!

If, you do not have the manual, please go to Brother.com and download one for free. Also, to change your needle without a screwdriver, use a nickel or dime. Sometimes that works better than a screwdriver and won't strip your screw head.

About the needle problem, Brother's FAQ gives the following response: 

Make sure the needle is correctly inserted with the flat side facing the back and pushed up into the machine as far as possible.

The needle could have been damaged or bent. If so replace with a new one.

Make sure the fabric is not pulled excessively when sewing. Let the feed dogs move the fabric. Do not pull the fabric.

The combination of needle size, thread size and fabric is incorrect. 
Be sure to use the correct needle and thread size for the fabric you are sewing.(example: Denim-size 16 needle and 40-50 heavy duty thread).

As for the manual, here's the link:
http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/BSC/public/files/dlf/doch000063/ps21xl55565700ug02en.pdf

You oil this machine anyplace that it moves and rubs. Needle bar, joints that drive the needle bar,end of each shaft, presser foot bar,hook race etc. Do not use 3 in 1 oil. Use a good quality sewing machine oil.
sewman7

To select stitches 11-21 you position the stitch length dial on the "SS" setting , and the pattern selecting dial on the desired stitch number.