5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine Instruction Manual 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine Table of Contents 1. Getting To Know Your Machine Principal Parts Accessories Important Safety Instructions 2. Getting Ready To Sew Operating the Machine Choosing and Changing Needles Changing Presser Feet Changing the Needle Plate Attaching the Feed Cover Removing and Replacing the Extension Table Fabric Thread and Needle Table Winding a Bobbin Inserting a Bobbin Threading the Machine Raising the Bobbin Thread 3. Straight Stitching Stitch Width Selector Needle Position Selector Stitch Length Selector Reverse Stitch Button Adjusting Thread Tension Sewing a Seam Starting a seam Darning Quilting Inserting a Zipper 4. Zig-Zag Stitching Stitch Pattern Selector Needle Position Selector Stitch Width Selector Adjusting Stitch Length Needle Thread Tension Zig-Zag Zag Stitch Blindstitch Ladder Seams Multi Stitch Zig-Zag "M" Stitch 5. Four Step Buttonhole 6. Free-Arm Sewing 7. Twin Needle Sewing 8. Caring For Your Machine Removing and Replacing the Bobbin Case Changing the Light Bulb Cleaning the Machine Lubricating the Machine Additional Accessories Attaching a Button Performance Checklist 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine Congratulations As the owner of a new Singer sewing machine, you are about to begin an exciting adventure in creativity. From the moment you first use your machine, you will know you are sewing on one of the easiest to use sewing machines ever made. In addition to the many familiar SINGER exclusives, like a removable extension table and a horizontal spool pin, this machine offers you these features: * Zig-zag stitching for buttonholes, mending and decorative stitches. * Flexi stitch patterns for sewing knitted and other stretch fabrics. (only for machines with 6, 8 and 10 stitches) * Built-in 4-step buttonholer that takes the difficulty out of making a buttonhole. (only for machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches) * Blindsitching for invisible hems. (only for machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches) * Easy to find "Letter-Coded" Accessories. * Drop in front bobbin for easy, quick bobbin replacement. * Simple stitch length dial and push button reverse stitching. * Snap on presser feet that are quickly removed and easily replaced. * One-way needle insertion that makes it impossible to insert the needle incorrectly. May we recommend that, before you start to use your sewing machine, you discover the many advantages and the ease of operation by going through this instruction book, step by step, seated at your machine. To ensure that you are always provided with the most modern sewing capabilities, the manufacturer reserves the right to change the appearance, design or accessories of this sewing machine when considered necessary. *A Trademark of The Singer Company Copyright (c) 1992 Singer Sewing Machine Company All rights reserved throughout the world. 3 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine Dear Customer, We recommend that for future reference you record the Serial Number of your Sewing Machine in the space provided. Refer to illustration at right for location of Serial Number on your machine. Serial No. Serial No. For European Territories: This Singer Sewing Machine was tested according to European norms and meets the requirements regarding electrical safety radio, interference and electromagnetic immunity. The conformity is documented with the mark. 4 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine 1 Getting to know your machine Principal parts 1. Hand wheel 2. Bobbin winder 3. Pattern selector lever (only for machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches) 4. Horizontal spool pin and holder 5. Needle position selector 6. Stitch width lever 7. Snap-in thread guide 8. Bobbin winder tension disc 9. Thread guide 10. Take up lever 11. Face plate 12. Needle thread tension dial 13. Thread guides 14. Snap on presser foot 15. Feed system 16. Needle plate 17. One-way needle clamp 18. Removable extension table 19. Stitch length dial/ four-step buttonhole (only for machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches) 20. Push button reverse 21. Stitch balance control (only for machines with 6, 8 and 10 stitches) 22. Presser foot lifter 23. Thread cutter 24. Slide plate 25. Foot control 26. Electrical lead 27. Machine plug 28. Power and light switch 29. Bobbin winding indent 5 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine Accessories The following accessories furnished with your sewing machine are designed to simplify your sewing projects and increase the versatility of your machine. The letter in a circle adjacent to the illustrated part is reproduced on the part itself to help you select the correct attachment for the type of work you are doing. 1. Special purpose presser foot (J) is used for decorative and zig-zag sewing. (only for machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches) 2. General purpose needle plate (A) and presser foot (B) are on your machine when delivered. Use together for alternating between straight and zig-zag stitching. 3. Buttonhole presser foot (L) is used with the General Purpose Needle Plate to make four-step buttonholes. (only for machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches) 4. Zipper foot (E) is used for inserting zippers and stitching corded seams. (only for machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches) 5. Friction free spool holder is used to hold various size spools and allows thread to unwind smoothly. The spool does not turn. 6. Small thread spool holder (Q) for use with small diameter spools of thread. 7. Needlepack includes an assortment for sewing various types of fabrics. 6 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machines Accessories Continued... 8. Feed cover (F) is used to prevent the feed from moving the fabric when darning or free motion embroidery. 9. Transparent bobbins for easy viewing of thread supply 10. Blindstitch hem presser foot is used to position the hem for blindstitch hemming. (only for machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches) 11. Twin needle and spool pin are used to stitch two parallel rows of decorative stitching simultaneously. When using twin-needle for decorative stitching, set stitch width lever to zig-zag mid range. (Optional for some markets). 12. Felt for twin needle spool pin. (Optional for some markets). Optional accessories are available for your machine from your local Singer retailer. 7 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS * Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the Operator's Guide. * Do not attempt to adjust the motor belt. Contact your nearest Service Center should any adjustment be required. * Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord. * Handle the foot controller with care and avoid dropping it on the floor. Be sure not to place anything on top of it. * Always use the proper throat plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break. * Do not use bent needles. * When sewing, keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle. * Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break. * Before removing the bobbin case, remove plug from the socket outlet. * For double insulated machines, when servicing use only identical replacement parts. * Never operate the machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damage, or dropped into the water. Return the machine to the nearest authorized dealer or Service Center for examination, repair, electrical, or mechanical adjustment. When using this machine, basic safety precautions should always be followed including the following: Read all instructions before using this machine. DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock: * The machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug the machine from the electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning. * Always unplug before re-lamping. Replace bulb with the same type rated 15 watts. Be sure to replace the face plate which covers the light bulb before operating the machine. WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons: * Be sure that the electrical voltage of the socket outlet (wall receptacle) is the same as the rated voltage of the motor. * Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this Operator's Guide. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in the Operator's Guide. * To disconnect, turn all controls to the off ( "0" )position, then remove plug from outlet. * Disconnect the power-line plug from the socket outlet or switch the machine off when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading needle, changing needle, changing throat plate or changing presser foot, etc. 8 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machines IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS continued... * Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the machine and foot controller free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth. * 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 administered. * Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS Servicing should be performed by an authorized service representative. This product is intended for household use. 9 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine 2 Getting ready to sew Operating the machine Connecting the machine Push plug (1) into the receptacle (2) at the right end of the machine. Then connect plug (3) to your socket outlet. For North America This appliance has a polarized (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to m in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way. Running the machine To turn on machine and sewing light, press upper portion "I" of power switch (4). To turn off machine and light, press lower portion "0" of power switch. To run the machine and control speed press the foot control (5) with your foot. The harder you press, the faster the machine will sew. To stop machine, remove foot from control. Note: Do not operate machine without fabric under the presser foot as this may damage the feed and the presser foot. Choosing and changing needles Important: For best results from your sewing machine, use only SINGER * needles. Check the needle package, and the Fabric, Thread and Needle Table on page 16 for the correct needle and fabric combination. * Raise needle to its highest position. * Loosen needle clamp screw and remove needle. * With flat side of needle to the back, insert new needle up into clamp as far as it will go. * Tighten needle clamp screw securely. 10 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine Changing snap-on presser feet (B), (D), (J), (L) Your machine comes with the General Purpose Presser Foot (B) already attached. You can easily change to any one of the other presser feet which snap onto a common shank by following the directions below. * Raise needle to its highest position by turning hand wheel toward you. * Raise presser foot using presser foot lifter at back of machine. * Push toe of presser foot (1) up, until it snaps off the shank (2). * Remove foot from machine. * Place new foot under center of shank. * Lower presser foot lifter, fitting shank over presser foot pin (3). * Don't turn screw. Instead, push presser foot screw (4) down, firmly until foot snaps into place. * To replace presser foot with shank, hook shank around the presser bar and tighten presser foot screw with the use of a coin. Changing screw-on presser feet (H) Some special presser feet with built-in shanks can be purchased at your SINGER dealer and can be replaced as follows: * Raise needle and presser foot. * Loosen presser hot screw (1) and remove presser foot with shank (2), guiding it toward you and to the right. 11 5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine Changing the needle plate (A), (C) Your machine comes with the General Purpose Needle Plate (A) attached. The Straight Stitch Needle Plate (C) may be purchased at your sewing center and can be attached as follows: * Raise needle and presser foot. * Open slide plate. * Lift up needle plate from right corner and slide out from under foot. * To replace needle plate, slide it under pin (1) and push it firmly to the left * Press down until it snaps into place. To replace the extension table, slide it to the right keeping it even with the free arm, until the tabs on the right lock into place. Attaching the feed cover (F) The feed cover is used to keep the feed from moving the fabric when attaching a button, darning or sewing free-motion embroidery. To ...