SINGER 8748 Silver Sewing Machine Instruction Manual

SINGER 8748 Silver Sewing Machine

This household sewing machine is designed to comply with IEC/EN 60335-2-28 and UL1594.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:
Read all instructions before using this household sewing machine. Keep the instructions in a suitable place close to the machine. Make sure to hand them over if the machine is given to a third party.

DANGER: To reduce the risk of electric shock:

• A sewing machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this sewing machine from the electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning, removing covers, lubricating or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to a person:

• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this sewing machine is used by or near children.
• Use this sewing machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
• Never operate this sewing machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the sewing machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
• Never operate the sewing machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot control free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
• Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
• Do not use bent needles.
• Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.
• Wear safety glasses.
• Switch the sewing machine off (“0”) when making any adjustment in the needle area, such as threading needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, etc.
• Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administrated.
• To disconnect, turn all controls to the off (“0”) position, then remove plug from outlet.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• The foot control is used to operate the machine. Avoid placing other objects on the foot control.
• Do not use the machine if it is wet.
• If the LED lamp is damaged or broken, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly qualified person, in order to avoid a hazard.
• If the supply cord connected with the foot control is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly qualified person, in order to avoid a hazard.
• This sewing machine is provided with double insulation. Use only identical replacement parts. See instructions for Servicing of Double-Insulated Appliances.

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

MACHINE IDENTIFICATION

1. Pre-tension guide
2. Bobbin winding tension disk
3. Thread tension control
4. Threading lever
5. Face cover
6. Thread cutter/holder
7. Extension table (Accessory box)
8. Bobbin winder shaft
9. Bobbin winder stop
10. Reverse stitch button
11. Horizontal spool pin
12. Handle
13. Hand wheel
14. Power/light switch
15. Cord socket
16. Identification plate
17. Extension table release button
18. Presser foot lifter
19. Buttonhole lever
20. Twin thread guide
21. Thread guide
22. Presser foot screw
23. Needle
24. Bobbin cover plate
25. Needle bar
26. Alternate thread cutter
27. Foot release button
28. Needle clamp screw
29. Presser’s foot
30. Feed dogs
31. Needle plate
32. Bobbin cover release button
33. Power line cord
34. Foot control
35. Instruction manual

ACCESSORIES

1. Needles
2. Bobbins
3. Auxiliary spool pin
4. Spool pin felt disks
5. Spool pin cap (small)
6. Spool pin cap (medium)
7. Spool pin cap (large)
8. Buttonhole opener/seam ripper and brush
9. Screwdriver for needle plate
10. Zipper foot
11. Satin stitch foot
12. Blindhem stitch foot
13. Buttonhole foot

The foot that comes on your sewing machine is called the general purpose foot and will be used for the majority of your sewing. The satin foot (11) is another very useful foot and should be used for most of your decorative sewing – especially honeycomb, star a, etc. When purchasing additional bobbins, be sure they are Class I5 J.

SETTING UP YOUR MACHINE

• Be sure to wipe off any surplus oil from the needle plate area before using your machine the first time.

POWER LINE CORD/FOOT CONTROL

• Connect the plug of the power line cord into the cord socket (1) and your wall outlet (2) as illustrated.
• Connect the foot control plug (3) into the machine socket.

NOTE: When the foot control is disconnected, the machine will not operate.

caution
Always disconnect the machine from power supply by removing the plug from the electrical outlet.

POWER/LIGHT SWITCH

• Your machine will not operate until the power/light switch is turned on. The same switch controls both the power and the light.
• When servicing the machine, or changing needles, etc., machine must be disconnected from the power supply.

SPOOL PINS+

HORIZONTAL SPOOL PIN for normal thread spool
Place thread spool on the pin and secure with a spool cap to ensure smooth flow of the thread. If the thread spool has a thread retaining slit, it should be placed to the right.
Select the correct spool pin cap according to the type and diameter of the spool being used. The diameter of the spool pin cap should always be larger than that of the spool itself.

VERTICAL SPOOL PIN for large thread spool
Attach the spool pin. Place the felt and discover it. Place a thread spool on the spool pin.

PRESSER FOOT LIFTER

There are three positions for your presser foot.

1. Lower the presser foot to sew.
2. Raise the lifter to the middle position to insert or remove the fabric, and to change the presser foot.
3. Lift it to its highest position to insert or to remove thick fabric.
   NOTE: If you start the machine with presser foot raised, it will alert you with a beep sound to lower the presser foot to sew.

FEED DOG CONTROL

The feed dogs control the movement of the fabric that is being sewn. They should be raised for all general sewing purposes and lowered for darning, freehand embroidery and monogramming so that you, not the feed dogs, are moving the fabric.
You will see the feed dog control when you remove the extension table.

CONVERTING TO FREE-ARM SEWING

• Your machine can be used either as a flat-bed or as a free-arm model.
• With the extension table in position, it provides a large working surface as a standard flat-bed model.
• To remove the extension table, hold it firmly with left hand and pull it off to the left while pushing the release button (A) with right hand as shown. To replace, slide the extension table back into place until it clicks.
• With the extension table removed the machine converts into a slim free-arm model for sewing children’s clothes, cuffs, trouser legs, and other hard-to-reach places.

WINDING THE BOBBIN

Be sure to use Class 15 J bobbins.

1. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin, and secure it with the spool pin cap. Pull the thread out from the spool and place it through thread guides as shown in illustration.

2. Put end of the thread through the hole in bobbin as shown.

3. Push bobbin winder shaft to far left position, if it is not already there. Place bobbin onto shaft with end of thread coming from top of bobbin. Push bobbin winder shaft to the right until it clicks. Hold onto end of thread.
   Note: Make sure the presser foot is down.

4. Start machine. After the bobbin has begun to fill, stop to cut the thread tail. Step on the foot control again to continue to fill the bobbin. The bobbin will automatically stop turning when completely filled. Push shaft to the left to remove bobbin and cut thread.

THREADING THE BOBBIN THREAD

1. Raise the needle to its highest position by rotating the hand wheel counterclockwise.

2. Remove the bobbin cover plate by pushing the release button to the right. Bobbin cover will pop up sufficiently to allow you to remove the cover.

3. Insert the bobbin making sure the bobbin rotates counterclockwise when you pull the thread.
   NOTE: This is a very important step. The bobbin must rotate counterclockwise when the thread is pulled.

4. Pull thread through the slot (A) and then to the left.

5. With a finger held gently on top of the bobbin, pull the thread until it stops in the slot (B). Then pull the thread along the groove on the needle plate until it is snipped with cutter on the top left.
   NOTE: Sewing can be started without picking up the bobbin thread.

6. Replace the clear bobbin cover plate onto the needle plate.

THREADING THE TOP THREAD

• A. Raise the presser foot lifter. Always be sure to raise the presser foot lifter before threading the top thread. (If the presser foot lifter is not raised, correct thread tension cannot be obtained.)
• B. Turn the hand wheel counterclockwise until the needle is in its highest position.
• C. Thread the machine with your left hand while firmly gripping the thread with your right hand in the following order as illustrated.
  • Guide the thread through thread guides (1 & 2), and then pull it down along the groove (3).
  • Guide the thread into the thread guide (4).
  • Pass the thread through the eye of the needle (5) from front to back. (See the following page for instructions on the operation of the Automatic Needle Threader.)

IMPORTANT: To verify that the machine is threaded properly in the tension discs, do this simple check:

1. With the presser foot raised, pull the thread towards the back of the machine. You should detect only slight resistance and little or no deflection of the needle.
2. Now lower the presser foot and again pull the thread towards the back of the machine. This time you should detect a considerable amount of resistance and much more deflection of the needle. If you do not detect the resistance you have misthreaded the machine and need to re-thread it.

USING AN AUTOMATIC NEEDLE THREADER

• Be sure to raise the presser foot lifter and raise the needle to its highest position before threading.

1. Thread the machine with your left hand while gripping the thread with your right hand. Hook thread to the thread guide on the needle bar and pull it toward you leaving about 4” (10 cm) clear.
2. Hook thread to the twin thread guide (A and B).
3. Pull the thread gently into the thread cutter/holder to cut and hold it in place.
4. Don’t pull the thread with strong force or thread may be pulled off from the needle hole after threading.
5. Pull down the threading lever to its lowest position until the twin thread guide rotates and stops.
6. Make sure that the guide doesn’t touch fabric, etc.
7. Release the threading lever and the needle will be threaded automatically. If the threading lever should not return to its original position, raise it gently by hand.
8. Pull thread loop away from you.
9. If the needle has not been threaded correctly, re-thread from step 1.

NOTE

• For smooth threading, it is recommended that the machine be set for straight stitch (in center needle position) when using the automatic needle threader.
• Heavy thread cannot be threaded through a fine needle.
• Don’t lower the threading lever while the machine is in operation or the threading hook may be broken.

IMPORTANT: If the needle cannot be threaded due to the nature of the thread, manually thread the needle after hooking the thread to the thread guide on the needle bar.

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS

• Put a drop of sewing machine oil onto the felt disc, if the machine is used after a long interval.
• If the threading hook deviates from the needle hole, adjust the position of the hook using a small screwdriver.
• If the threading hook cannot catch thread, adjust the vertical position by bending the twin thread guide.

NEEDLE, THREAD, AND FABRIC CHART

Your fabric will determine the choice of a needle and thread. The following table is a practical guide to needle and thread selection. Always refer to it before a new sewing project. Be sure to use the same size and type of thread in the bobbin as in the top thread supply.

For best sewing results, always use a Singer Branded Needle.

CAUTION: Always disconnect the machine from the power supply by removing the plug from the electrical outlet.

Changing the needle

1. Raise the needle bar to its highest position by turning the hand wheel counterclockwise.
2. Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Remove the needle by pulling it downward.
4. Insert the new needle into the needle clamp with the flat side toward the back.
5. Push the needle up as far as it can go.
6. Tighten the needle clamp screw with the screwdriver.
   NOTE: Tighten snugly, but do not overtighten.

Helpful Hint: Placing a scrap of fabric under the presser foot and lowering the presser foot makes it easier to change the needle and will preclude dropping the needle into the needle plate slot.

ADJUSTING TOP THREAD TENSION

90% of your sewing will be accomplished with the word “AUTO” exposed on the tension control dial on top of the machine.

Helpful Hint: A slight adjustment to a higher number or a lower number may improve the sewing appearance.

STRAIGHT STITCHING

The correct appearance of your stitching is largely determined by the balanced tension of both top and bobbin threads. The tension is well balanced when these two threads ‘lock’ in the middle of layers of the fabric you are sewing.
If, when you start to sew, you find that the stitching is irregular, you will need to adjust the tension control. Do this, however, only after you have determined that the machine is correctly threaded
Make all adjustments with presser foot ‘down’.
A balanced tension (identical stitches both top and bottom) is usually only desireable for straight stitch sewing.

ZIG ZAG and DECORATIVE SEWING

For zigzag sewing and decorative stitch functions, thread tension should be less than for straight stitch sewing.
You will always obtain a nicer stitch and less puckering when the upper thread appears slightly on the bottom side of your fabric.

BOBBIN TENSION

The bobbin tension has been correctly set at the factory, so you do not need to adjust it.

CHANGING PRESSER FOOT

• Be sure the needle is in the up position. Raise presser foot lifter.

1. Push the presser foot release button to remove the foot.
2. Place the desired foot on the needle plate aligning the presser foot pin with the foot holder.
3. Lower the presser foot lifter so that the foot holder snaps on the foot.

CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS

Pattern selection buttons

• Turn on the power switch and the LED indicator on the straight stitch pattern will be lit. At this point, you may sew straight stitch.
• To select other patterns, push the pattern selection button.

Stitch length and width/needle position controls

• Your sewing machine will produce most of your stitching requirements at an auto/default stitch length and width. When a pattern is selected, it will automatically sew at default settings of stitch length, width and needle position for that stitch.
• The number display shows either stitch length or width depending on the stitch you choose. The LED will light above the stitch length or stitch width control buttons indicating the selected function.
• Auto (preprogrammed) default settings are easily determined by pressing the stitch length and width/needle position Control. The LED indicator above the control will change to red at the auto/default position.
• Once you have determined the auto/default position you can manually change the length, width or straight stitch needle position according to your preference. At each manual adjustment point, the LED lights in yellow.
• The setting you determine on each stitch pattern will continue until you power off the machine.

Note

• Instructions for manually changing the straight stitch needle position are contained in the “Other Information” Section.
• Some patterns offer more options for manual adjustments than others.

REVERSE OPERATION BUTTON

Dual purpose reverse/tacking stitch button

• Reverse stitch function for straight and zigzag stitches ( )
• Reverse sewing is carried out while the reverse stitch button is pushed.
• The machine will continue to sew in reverse as long as the reverse stitch button is pressed.
• Tacking stitch function for tie-off of other stitches ( )
• The sewing machine makes 4 tiny tacking stitches to tie off the sewing on all patterns except straight and zigzag stitches. The position of the tacking stitches will be at the exact spot in the pattern where the reverse/tacking stitch button is pushed.

NOTE: This function is very useful for tying off the sewing pattern to avoid raveling at the start and end of sewing.

STARTING TO SEW A QUICK REFERENCE TABLE OF STITCH LENGTH AND WIDTH

STRAIGHT STITCHING

Straight stitch is most frequently used for all types of sewing. Let’s begin by following the steps below.

1. SETTINGS
   Presser foot – General purpose foot Thread tension control – AUTO
   NOTE: Based upon the weight of the fabric, slight “fine-tuning” of the tension may be desired.

   • A. Thread tension control
   • B. Reverse stitch button
   • C. Presser foot lifter
   • D. Stitch length control
   • E. Needle position control
     NOTE: Since a straight stitch has no width, the stitch width control is used to change the needle position.

2. Pull both threads under the presser foot toward the back of the machine, leaving about 6” (15cm) clear.

3. Place the fabric under the presser foot and lower the presser foot lifter.

4. Turn the hand wheel counterclockwise until the needle enters the fabric.

5. Start the machine. Guide the fabric gently with your hands. When reaching the edge of the fabric, stop the sewing machine.
   NOTE: The needle plate has both metric and inch markings as an aid for guiding your fabric when sewing a seam.

6. First, turn the handwheel counterclockwise until the needle is at its highest position, then raise the presser foot, draw the fabric to the rear and cut off excess threads with the thread cutter located on the top of the face cover as shown.
   NOTE: To secure the stitching and avoid raveling, press the reverse stitch button and sew a few stitches at the start and end of the seam.

KEEPING SEAMS STRAIGHT

To keep the seam straight, use one of the numbered guidelines on the needle plate. The numbers indicate distance from the needle at its center position. The guide line on the bobbin cover plate is 1/4″ (6mm) seam guideline which is used for piecing quilt blocks and also for narrow seams, such as those in doll clothes or baby garments.

INSERTING ZIPPERS AND PIPING

Use zipper foot to sew to the right or left of the zipper or to sew close to the cording.

INSERTING ZIPPERS
To sew down the right side, attach left side of zipper foot to presser foot holder so that the needle passes through the opening on the left side of the foot.
To sew down the left side, attach right side of foot to foot holder.

PIPING
Create a piping by covering a filler cord with a bias strip of fabric.
Attach the right side of the zipper foot to the foot holder so that the needle passes through the right side of the zipper foot.
Baste the seam allowances together, enclosing the filler cord, forming a seam tape for the piping. Then, pin or tack to the main fabric piece for sewing.

Helpful hint: Slight adjusting of the needle position to sew closer to the piping may be accomplished with the stitch width control.

HAND-LOOK QUILT STITCH
This stitch is designed to look like hand sewing for topstitching and quilting.

1. Thread bobbin with desired top stitching color. When sewing, the machine will pull this thread to the top.
2. Thread machine with invisible or lightweight thread that matches your fabric. This thread should not show.
3. Increase thread tension a little at a time and continue until you acheive the desired appearance.
4. Start to sew.
   NOTE: For a dramatic appearance, experiment with different tension and stitch length combinations.

ZIGZAG STITCHING

• SETTINGS: Presser foot – General Purpose Foot
  • Thread tension control – AUTO

The top thread may appear on the bottom depending on the thread, fabric, type of stitch and ewing speed, but the bobbin thread must never appear on the top of the fabric.
If the bobbin thread is pulling to the top or you are experiencing puckering, slightly reduce the tension with the thread tension control.

ADJUSTING STITCH WIDTH AND LENGTH

• A dark grey box indicates the auto/default value set automatically when the pattern is selected. For the zigzag pattern, the stitch length is 2 mm and the stitch width is 5 mm.
• The light grey boxes indicate all the possible personal preference options available to set manually.

NOTE: The values shown in the chart are actual sewing lengths and widths and do not correspond to the scale and number markings on the sewing machine.

SATIN STITCH

This is a closely spaced zig-zag stitch used for appliqué, bar tacking, etc. Slightly loosen the top thread tension and manually adjust the stitch length between 0.5 and 2.0 for satin stitching. Use a backing stabilizer for lightweight fabrics to avoid puckering.

NOTE: When sewing a dense (closely spaced) satin stitch, the satin stitch foot MUST be used.

PLACEMENT OF PATTERNS

The stitch width of the pattern increases from the center needle position as illustrated.

BLINDHEM STITCH

The blind hem stitch is primarily used for hemming curtains, trousers, skirts, etc.

• Settings

  • Presser foot – Blind stitch foot
  • Thread Tension Control: AUTO

• Regular blind stitch for normal woven fabrics

• Elastic blind stitch for soft, stretchable fabrics

1. With matching thread finish the raw edge. On fine fabric, turn up and press a small ½” or less hem. On medium to heavyweight fabrics overcast the fabric’s raw edge.

2. Now fold the fabric as illustrated with the wrong side up.

3. Place the fabric under the foot. Turn the handwheel counter clockwise by hand until the needle swings fully to the left. It should just pierce the fold of the fabric. If it does not, adjust the guide (B) on the blindhem foot (A) so that the needle just pierces the fabric fold and the guide just rests against the fold.
   NOTE: In addition to the adjustment on the foot, the stitch width control can be used. The stitch width control changes the swing of the needle for a more narrow or wider stitch.
   Sew slowly, guiding the fabric carefully along the edge of the guide.

4. When completed, the stitching is almost invisible on the right side of the fabric.
   NOTE: It takes practice to sew blind hems. Always make a sewing test first.

MULTI-STITCH ZIGZAG

• SETTINGS
• Presser foot – General purpose foot
• Thread tension control – AUTO

This is a strong stitch because as its name implies, it makes three short stitches where the normal zig-zag makes only one. For this reason it is highly recommended for overcasting all types of fabrics. It is also ideal for bartacks, mending tears, patching, sewing toweling, and attaching flat elastic.

NOTE: Mending a tear or overedging as shown in the illustration requires manual adjustment of the length control.

STRETCH AND DECORATIVE STITCHES

• SETTINGS
  • Presser foot – General purpose foot or satin stitch foot
  • Thread tension control – AUTO

Stretch stitches are mainly for use on knit, or stretchable fabrics, but can also be used on woven fabrics.

STRAIGHT STRETCH STITCH

Straight stretch stitch is far stronger than an ordinary straight stitch because it locks three times – forwards, backwards and forwards. It is particularly suitable for reinforcing the seams of sportswear in stretch and non-stretch fabrics, and for curved seams which take a lot of strain. Use this stitch also to top-stitch lapels, collars and cuffs to give a professional finish to your garments.

RIC-RAC STITCH

Ric-rac is primarily used for a decorative top-stitch. It is ideal for edging neck-bands, armholes, sleeves and hems. When manually adjusted to a very narrow width, it can also be used for sewing high-stress seams.

HONEYCOMB STITCH

The honeycomb stitch is ideal for smocking and useful for overcasting and attaching elastic and stretch lace.

1. Make several rows of gathers across the fabric that you wish to smock.
2. With a narrow strip of fabric directly under the line of gathering, stitch over the gathers. The design will be a series of small diamonds.
   NOTE: When sewing the honeycomb stitch, the satin stitch foot MUST be used.

OVEREDGE STITCH

This is a similar stitch used by the garment industry in making sportswear – it sews and finishes the seam in one operation.
It’s very effective for use in repairing raw or worn edges of garments.

FEATHER STITCH

The pleasing appearance of this stitch enables it to be used for top stitching, or attaching lace or inset panels when making lingerie.
It is also ideal for quilting applications and joining fabrics.
PIN STITCH

The pin stitch is a traditional stitch pattern used for picot-like edges and for appliqué work.
BLANKET STITCH

The blanket stitch is traditionally a hand-sewn stitch used to put bindings on blankets. This multi-purpose stitch can also be used for attaching fringe, attaching edgings, couching, appliqué and drawn thread hemstitching.
LADDER STITCH

The ladder stitch is primarily used for drawn thread hemstitching. It can also be used for sewing over thin tape in an opposite or same color. Place the stitch in the center and a special effect will be obtained for decoration.
Another use for the ladder stitch is couching over narrow ribbon, yarn or elastic.
For drawn thread work, choose a coarse linen type fabric and after sewing draw the thread out within the ladder for an open airy appearance.
SLANT OVEREDGE STITCH

Seams and overcasts in one operation to produce a narrow, supple seam, particularly suited to swimwear, sportswear, T-shirts, babywear in stretch nylon, stretch toweling, jersey and cotton jersey.
ENTREDEUX STITCH

Useful for decorative stitching on borders and for use in heirloom sewing. The Entredeux stitch is most often sewn with a Wing Needle (Singer Style 2040) to create holes in the stitch pattern.

Helpful hint: A slight + adjustment of the tension will increase the size of the hole when using a wing needle.

DECORATIVE PATTERNS

SETTINGS

Presser foot – Satin stitch foot
Thread tension control – AUTO

• Always practice on a scrap of the actual fabric from your project.
• Before starting to sew, check that there is enough thread wound onto the bobbin to make sure that the thread will not run out during sewing.
• Slightly loosen top thread tension.
  • Helpful hint: For a more pleasing appearance experiment with a slightly lower (-) tension setting.

IDEAS ON DESIGN STITCHING

Crescent pattern on the collar. This is an ideal decorative stitch for the sleeves and collars of ladies’ and children’s clothes, and also for table linen edges. When using this stitch pattern for table linen edges, first sew the stitch and then trim the edge of the fabric along the edge of the stitch. Be careful not to cut the stitch at this time.

CONTINUOUS PATTERNS

SETTINGS

• Presser foot – General purpose foot or Satin stitch foot
• Thread tension control – AUTO

These are the optimum patterns for sewing continuous patterns often seen on borders or hems of garments and home decorating projects. Use whichever patterns suit your preference.

SEWING ON A BUTTON

SETTINGS

• Presser foot – General purpose foot
• Feed dog control –

Position your fabric and button under the presser foot. Lower presser foot. Turn the handwheel to make sure needle clears both left and right openings of button. Adjust width if required. Sew 10 stitches. If a button shank is required, place a darning needle on top of the button and sew over the top of it as illustrated.

Helpful hint: To secure the thread, pull both threads to the backside of the fabric and tie them together.

SEWING A BUTTONHOLE

USING BUTTONHOLE FOOT

Your machine offers you two different widths of bartack buttonholes sewn by a system that measures the size of the button and calculates the size buttonhole required. All of this is done in one easy step.

PROCEDURE

• Use interfacing in the area of the garment where buttonholes are placed. Stabilizer or regular interfacing can be used.
• Make a practice buttonhole on a scrap of the actual fabric from your project. Then try the buttonhole with your button.

1. Select one of buttonhole patterns.
2. Replace the presser foot with the buttonhole foot. (Refer to “Changing presser foot” on page 24 – 25.)
3. Insert the button into the buttonhole foot. (Refer to “Using buttonhole foot” above.)
4. Lower the buttonhole lever (C) so that it drops down vertically between the stoppers (A) and (B).
5. Carefully mark the position of buttonhole on your garment.
6. Place the fabric under the foot. Pull out the bobbin thread underneath the fabric to a length of about 4 inches to the rear.
7. Align the buttonhole mark on the fabric with the mark on the buttonhole foot, and then lower the buttonhole foot.
8. While holding the top thread, start the machine.
   • Sewing will be completed automatically in the following order.
9. When sewing is finished, use a buttonhole opener/seam ripper to open up the fabric in the center of the buttonhole. Be careful not to cut any of the stitching.

CORDED BUTTONHOLES

Hook the filler cord (crochet thread or buttonhole twist) over the spur and pull both ends of the cord forward under the foot and tie off the cord as shown in the illustration.
Sew the buttonhole so that zigzag stitches cover the cord. When completed, release the cord from foot, pull cords to release slack and snip off the extra length.

CARING FOR YOUR MACHINE

CLEANING HOOK AREA AND FEEDING DOGS

CAUTION: Always disconnect the machine from the power supply by removing the plug from the electrical outlet.

To ensure the best possible operation of your machine, it is necessary to keep the essential parts clean at all times

1. Raise the needle to its highest position.

2. Remove two screws on the needle plate (1) and slide the needle plate toward you as illustrated for removal.

3. Remove the bobbin case (2).

4. NOTE: Singer-brand sewing machine oil is suggested. DO NOT use “all-purpose” oil as it is not suited for sewing machine lubrication.

5. Clean the feed dogs and hook area with the lint brush.
   Put one drop of sewing machine oil on the hook race as indicated by the arrows. (A, B)

6. Replace the bobbin case with the projection (3) positioned against the spring (4).

7. Make sure that the needle is at its highest position and put and slide the needle plate into position as illustrated.

Cleaning the sewing machine and foot controller
After using, keep sewing machine and foot controller clean. Use dry rags to remove dust from the sewing machine and foot controller.
NOTE: Use dry rags to avoid electrical shock.

OTHER INFORMATION

SATIN STITCH FOOT

The satin stitch foot is grooved to permit dense stitching to pass under it easily. It is most useful for sewing satin stitches and as an alternative to the general-purpose foot when sewing stretch stitches. Closely spaced zig-zag stitches are called satin stitches. This is an attractive stitch used primarily for appliqueing and bar tacking. Slightly loosen top thread tension for satin stitching. Use a backing of tissue paper or interfacing for lightweight fabrics to avoid puckering.

TWIN NEEDLE (Optional)

A twin needle produces two rows of parallel stitches for pin tucks, double top stitching and decorative sewing. When using a twin-needles, the stitch width should never be set beyond a twin needle mark, regardless of the stitch you have selected. Doing so will result in broken needles and possible damage to your machine. Use of a Singer brand 3mm (Style 2025) twin needle is recommended. Twin needles are available in a range of sizes. Check with your Singer retailer. The twin needle is an optional purchase.

THREADING THE TWIN NEEDLE

1. Insert the second spool pin. Place a spool on each spool pin. Thread the two threads as one. Draw one thread through each needle from front to back.
2. Pick up bobbin thread as for single needle sewing. Pull the three threads together under the presser foot to the back of the machine, leaving about 6” (15 cm) of thread.
   NOTE: Needle threader cannot be used to thread the twin needle.

Helpful hints:

1. Always move the stitch width to the twin needle mark prior to selecting a pattern. This will preclude any possibility of the twin needle breaking.
2. Turning off the machine returns the machine to normal sewing mode. Twin needle is only active when the twin needle switch is lit red.

STRAIGHT STITCH NEEDLE POSITION

The position of the needle when sewing straight stitch may be adjusted to 13 different positions with the stitch width control as illustrated:

PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST

GENERAL PROBLEMS
The machine does not sew.

• The power switch is turned off.- Turn on the switch.

• The buttonhole lever is not raised when sewing stitch patterns.

  • Raise buttonhole lever.

• The buttonhole lever is not lowered when sewing buttonhole.

  • Lower buttonhole lever.

• The bobbin winder is engaged. – Disengage the bobbin winder

• Presser’s foot is not lowered – Lower presser foot.
  Machine jams/knocks

• The thread is caught in the hook.- Clean hook

• Needle is damaged.- Replace the needle. Fabric does not move.

• Presser foot is not lowered – Lower presser foot.

• Stitch length is too short – Lengthen stitch length.

• Feed dogs are lowered – Raise feed dogs.

STITCHING PROBLEMS
Machine skips stitches.

• The needle is not all the way up into needle clamp
• The needle is bent or blunt. – Replace needle
• Machine is not threaded correctly
• The thread is caught in hook. – Clean hook. Stitches are irregular.
• Needle size is not correct for thread and fabric
• The machine is not threaded correctly
• The top thread tension is too loose
• Fabric is being pulled or pushed against machine feeding action. – Guide it gently.
• Bobbin has not been wound evenly. – Rewind bobbin. Needle breaks.
• Fabric is being pulled or pushed against machine feeding action. – Guide it gently.
• Needle size is not correct for thread and fabric
• The needle is not all the way up into the needle clamp
• A twin needle is being used but the stitch width is set too wide

THREAD PROBLEMS

Thread bunches

• Top and bobbin threads are not drawn back under the presser foot before starting the seam. Draw both threads back under the presser foot about 6 inches (10 cm) and hold until a few stitches are formed.
  Needle thread breaks.

• The machine is not threaded correctly

• The top thread tension is too tight

• The needle is bent. – Replace needle

• Needle size is not correct for thread and fabric (see page 22). Bobbin thread breaks.

• Bobbin case is not threaded correctly

• Lint accumulates in a bobbin case or hook.

  • Remove lint
    Fabric puckers.

• The top thread tension is too tight.

  • Adjust thread tension

• Stitch length is too long for sheer or soft fabric.

  • Shorten stitch length.

HELPFUL MESSAGES
Messages are displayed with LED lamps above the stitch selection panel on the machine.
When a message is displayed, you may fix the problem by following the correction suggestion most suited to your issue. The corrections are preceded by an arrow.

SYSTEM ERROR

All system error corrections are as follows. Turn off and on the power switch to eliminate the problem that caused the system error to occur. If the error number should not disappear, consult an authorized technician.

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