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Singer 14T968 Instruction Manual

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14T968DC
Instruction Book

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  • Page 1 14T968DC Instruction Book...
  • Page 2 14T968DC This SINGER sewing machine, model 14T968DC, SINGER is a registered trademark of The Singer Company Limited or its affiliates. ©2008 The Singer Company Limited or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
  • Page 3 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS When using this machine, basic safety precautions should always be followed including the following. Read all instructions before using the 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.
  • Page 4 * 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.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Page 1. Selection stitches & Auto tension......21. Chaining Off and Test Sewing......2. Handy Reference Chart..........22. Settings and Sewing Instructions......3. Accessories.............. 1) Double chain stitch........... 4. Needle Information........... 2) 2-Thread Wrapped Edge Overlock....5.

  • Page 6: Selection Stitches & Auto Tension

    1. SELECTION OF STITCHES & AUTO TENSION This machine is capable of producing various types of stitches according to the combination of Auto Tension Selected, needle positions, threading methods, and the use of convertible right looper/spreader. Stitch Type ATD : Auto Tension Dial Selected Reference Page A 1-needle 2-thread straight stitch is used...
  • Page 7 Stitch Type ATD : Auto Tension Dial Selected Reference Page 8. Four-thread The 4-thread stitch is a safety stitch Safety Stitch made up of combined 2-thread overedge and double chainstitch. ATD: I 9. Five-thread The 5-thread stitch is a safety stitch made up of combined 3-thread Safety Stitch Wide...
  • Page 8 * Depending on the needle positions used, this machine can sew 2-thread and 3-thread standard width 4 mm overedge and a 6 mm wide overedge seams. Also, for overedging heavyweight fabrics, the seam width can be increased still more by turning the overedge seam width adjustment knob.

  • Page 9: Handy Reference Chart

    2. HANDY REFERENCE CHART Correct Threading / Tension Path: When using the Auto Tension Dial (ATD), the correct Needle Stitch Type tension is set automatically. Page Position Orange Blue Green Brown Double Chain Stitch 4.0mm Two - Thread Wrapped Edge 6.0mm Overlock 4.0mm...

  • Page 10: Accessories

    Do not attempt to use a standard household sewing machine needle of any size or type in this overlock. #2022 Singer needle #2022 size 14/90 is furnished with the Overlock needle machine. Only use Needle #2022 size 14/90 and 11/80 as...

  • Page 11: Principal Parts

    5. PRINCIPAL PARTS 1. Thread guides and holder 2. Handle 3. Left needle thread tension fine tuning lever (orange) 4. Right needle thread tension fine tuning lever (blue) 5. Upper looper thread tension fine tuning lever (green) 6. Lower looper thread tension fine tuning lever (red) 7.
  • Page 12 PRINCIPAL PARTS 20. Presser bar lifter and tension release 21. Differential feed adjusting dial 22. Cutting width dial 23. Presser foot pressure adjusting dial...

  • Page 13: How To Open Looper Cover

    6. HOW TO OPEN LOOPER COVER Caution: Be sure to turn off power switch. Push the cover to the right as far as it will go. Pull cover down toward you. Caution: Be sure looper cover is closed when sewing. Note: Machine will not operate when Looper Cover is open.

  • Page 14: Removal And Replacement Of Waste Tray

    POLARIZED PLUG INFORMATION (FOR U.S.A. & CANADA ONLY) This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug.

  • Page 15: Preparation For Threading

    10. PREPARATION FOR THREADING Setting Up the Thread Guide Holder Take out the thread guide from the top of Styrofoam, and insert it as shown on illustration. This machine is shipped with the thread guide holder in the lowered position. Fully extend the thread guide holder.

  • Page 16: How To Remove And Insert Needles

    Note: When inserting needles into the A or B sockets it is necessary to loosen both A & B Allen Screws. After inserting the needles equally tighten both To loosen screws. This machine uses Singer #2022 needles. Do not use Standard Household Needles.

  • Page 17: Threading The Machine

    12. THREADING THE MACHINE Chain stitch Threading Diagram: Overlock and Safety Stitches Overlock A color coded threading diagram is located inside the looper cover for quick reference. Thread the machine in the order 1 to 5 as shown. Note: Threads go through the take-up lever cover for Overlock and Chain stitching as shown.

  • Page 18: To Thread The Machine Correctly

    To Thread The Machine Correctly Caution: Be sure to turn off power switch. Note: The instructions on this page and the following pages will guide you through the proper threading for each color coded threading path. Before threading, refer to the Handy Reference Chart for information on Stitch Types, Settings, Needle Sockets and Color Coded Threading Paths.

  • Page 19: Threading The Lower Looper (Red)

    Thread the looper area of the machine following the green color coded thread guides (4~9). Thread the hole in the upper looper from front to back 9. Note: Make sure thread passes behind lower looper. Note: Use tweezers provided in the accessory case to aid in threading the looper.

  • Page 20: Note: Use Tweezers Provided In The Accessory

    While holding thread with finger, pass it between the tension discs and pull thread down to make certain it is properly located in between the tension discs 3. Turn the hand wheel toward you until the lower looper extends out 5~10mm from the needle plate edge.

  • Page 21: Threading The Chain Stitch Looper (Brown)

    3) Threading the Chain Stitch/Cover stitch Looper (Brown) Thread the chain stitch/cover stitch looper as indicated 1~11. Raise Presser foot by lowering presser bar lifter to release Tension discs. Pass thread from back to the front through the thread guide 1. Thread the top cover thread guide by pulling the thread towards the...

  • Page 22: Threading The Overedge Right Needle (Blue)

    Turn the hand wheel toward you until the chain stitch looper extends out 10mm from the needle plate edge. Thread the looper area of the machine following the brown color-coded thread guides 4~11. Note: Use the tweezers provided in the accessory case to aid in threading the looper.
  • Page 23 Pass thread from back to the front through the thread guide 1. Thread the top cover thread guide by pulling the thread towards the left until it slips under guide. Then pull thread along the right side of button as illustrated. While holding thread with finger, pass it between the tension discs and pull thread down to make certain it is properly located in between the...

  • Page 24: Threading The Chain Stitch Needle (Orange)

    Thread the eye of the right needle 9. Note: Use of tweezers in the accessory case will make needle eye threading easy. The position of the thread must be behind the thread guide. Draw about 10cm(4 inches) of thread through needle eye towards the rear of machine.
  • Page 25 While holding thread with fingers, pass it between the tension discs and pull thread down to make certain it is properly located in between the tension discs 3. Continue to thread points 4~8. Note: Slip thread into the middle slot of the thread guide 5 and into the slot of take-up lever cover 6.

  • Page 26: Threading The Cover Stitch Needles

    6) Threading the Cover Stitch Needles (1) Threading the Cover Stitch Left Needle (Orange) (C on needle clamp) Thread the cover stitch left / chain stitch needle as indicated 1~9. Raise Presser foot by lowering presser bar lifter to release Tension discs. Pass thread from back to the front through the thread guide 1.

  • Page 27: Threading The Cover Stitch Middle/Chain Stitch Needle(Blue)

    Continue to thread points 4~8. Note: Slide thread into front slot on thread guide 5 and slot of take-up lever cover 6. Then slip thread into left slots of thread guides 7 and 8. Before threading eye of needle, make sure thread in front of thread guide located on the bottom of the needle clamp.

  • Page 28: The Thread Towards The Left Until It Slips Under Guide. Then Pull Thread Along The Right Side Of Button As Illustrated

    Pass thread from back to the front through the thread guide 1. Thread the top cover thread guide by pulling the thread towards the left until it slips under guide. Then pull thread along the right side of button as illustrated.

  • Page 29: Threading The Cover Stitch Right Needle(Green)

    Thread the eye of the middle needle 9. Note: Use of tweezers in the accessory case will make needle eye threading easy. Draw about 10cm (4 inches) of thread through needle eye towards the back of the machine. Place the thread to the back, under the presser foot.
  • Page 30 While holding thread with fingers, pass it between the tension discs and pull thread down to make certain it is properly located in between the tension discs 3. Continue to thread points 4~8. Note: Slip thread into the rear slot on thread guides 5.

  • Page 31: How To Change Threads: Tie On Method

    13. HOW TO CHANGE THREADS: TIE ON METHOD To change thread type or color, clip thread near the spool. Place new thread on stand. Tie new thread and old thread ends together with a square knot. Clip thread tails to 2~3cm (1 inch) length.

  • Page 32: How To Adjust The Stitch Length

    14. HOW TO ADJUST THE STITCH LENGTH The stitch length dial should be set on the N setting for most sewing conditions. Adjust the stitch length to N~ 4 when sewing heavy weight fabrics. Adjust the stitch length to 2~N when sewing lightweight fabrics to obtain excellent seams without puckering.

  • Page 33: How To Adjust The Presser Foot Pressure

    Width adjustment knob As shown on the illustration, turn the dial counter clockwise to increase width of cutting, and clockwise to decrease width of cutting. 16. HOW TO ADJUST THE PRESSER FOOT PRESSURE The presser foot pressure of this machine is pre-adjusted at the factory to suit the sewing of medium weight fabrics.

  • Page 34: Differential Feed

    17. DIFFERENTIAL FEED Differential feed is a system which "stretches" or "gathers" the fabric, when the amount of feed of front feed dogs in relation to the rear feed dogs is changed. The differential feed ratio ranges from 1:0.6~1:2.0. Adjustment is made by means of the differential feed adjusting dial pictured at right.

  • Page 35: Stretch Overedge

    Stretch Overedge Stretch overedge is ideal for sewing decorative collars, sleeves, skirt hems, etc. on loosely knit and woven fabrics. To set the differential feed adjusting dial for stretch Set differential feed adjusting lever knob above setting "N". To sew a seam, apply gentle tension to the fabric by holding the seam lightly in front and back of the presser foot.

  • Page 36: How To Disengage Movable Upper Knife

    18. HOW TO DISENGAGE MOVABLE UPPER KNIFE Caution: Be sure to turn off power switch. To place movable knife in nonworking position Open looper cover (page 12). Pull the movable knife holder to the right as far as it will go. Turn the holder toward counter clockwise until the knife clicks into a lock position.

  • Page 37: To Convert Upper Looper To Spreader

    19. TO CONVERT UPPER LOOPER TO SPREADER Caution: Be sure to turn off power switch. When not threading the upper looper, the spreader must be engaged into the upper looper eye. To Use the Spread er To engage the spread , raise the white handle on the spreader to insert the tip into the eye of upper looper.

  • Page 38: Standard Overedge And Rolled Hem Stitching

    20. STANDARD OVEREDGE AND ROLLED HEM STITCHING To Sew Standard Overedge Set seam width finger knob to N to move seam width finger to standard overedge sewing position. Note: Be sure to push seam width finger knob as far as it will go in the direction of setting N. To Sew Rolled Hem Set seam width finger knob to R to retract the seam width finger and set it for rolled hem.

  • Page 39: Chaining Off And Test Sewing

    21. CHAINING OFF AND TEST SEWING Note: The following instructions do not apply to cover stitch. For instructions on cover stitch, see page 49 "How to Sew a Cover Stitch." When the machine is completely threaded, bring all of the threads across the needle plate and slightly to the left under the presser foot.

  • Page 40: Settings And Sewing Instructions

    22. SETTINGS AND SEWING ATD:D 1) Double Chain stitch NEEDLE POSITION Tension is automatically set when seiecting the SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers 2 ~ 4 STITCH LENGTH according to the following variables:...
  • Page 41 How to Sew The double chain stitch is sewn with 2 threads, one needle and one looper. Normally, the machine trims the fabric edge while the seam is being sewn. However, a chain stitch seam can be placed at a desired distance from edge of fabric by putting the knife in a nonworking position, disengaging the upper looper and installing the chain stitch seam guide plate...

  • Page 42: 2-Thread Wrapped Edge Overlock

    2) 2-thread Wrapped Edge Overlock NEEDLE POSITION Tension is automatically set when seiecting the desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB according to the following variables: 1) Type and thickness of fabric 2 ~ 4 STITCH LENGTH...

  • Page 43: 2-Thread Overedge

    3) 2-thread Overedge ATD:E Tension is automatically set when seiecting the NEEDLE POSITION desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers according to the following variables: SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB 1) Type and thickness of fabric STITCH LENGTH 2) Needle size...

  • Page 44: 3-Thread Overlock

    4) 3-thread Overlock Tension is automatically set when seiecting the NEEDLE POSITION desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers according to the following variables: SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB 1) Type and thickness of fabric STITCH LENGTH 2) Needle size...

  • Page 45: 3-Thread Flatlock

    5) 3-thread Flatlock ATD:F Tension is automatically set when seiecting the NEEDLE POSITION desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers according to the following variables: SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB 1) Type and thickness of fabric STITCH LENGTH 2) Needle size...

  • Page 46: 3-Thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety Stitch

    6) 3-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety Stitch ATD:G Tension is automatically set when seiecting the NEEDLE POSITION desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers according to the following variables: SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB 1) Type and thickness of fabric STITCH LENGTH...

  • Page 47: 4-Thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safely Stitch

    7) 4-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety Stitch ATD:A Tension is automatically set when seiecting the NEEDLE POSITION desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers according to the following variables: SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB 1) Type and thickness of fabric STITCH LENGTH...

  • Page 48: 4-Thread Safety Stitch

    8) 4-thread Safety Stitch ATD:I Tension is automatically set when seiecting the NEEDLE POSITION desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers according to the following variables: SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB 1) Type and thickness of fabric STITCH LENGTH 2) Needle size...

  • Page 49: 5-Thread Safety Stitch

    9) 5-thread Safety Stitch ATD:B Tension is automatically set when seiecting the NEEDLE POSITION desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers according to the following variables: SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB 1) Type and thickness of fabric 2 ~ 4 STITCH LENGTH...

  • Page 50: How To Sew A Cover Stitch

    23. HOW TO SEW A COVER STITCH This machine can produce a 3-thread 5.6 mm wide bottom cover stitch. The cover stitch can be used for covering, binding or top-stitching necklines and for hemming the bottom, of T-shirts and sweat suits, etc. in addition to flat joining seams (plain seaming).
  • Page 51 Additional Information About Cover Stitch Start and end of sewing Note: Follow the instructions given below when sewing cover stitches because chaining-off at the end of sewing is not possible. At start of sewing Raise presser foot by lowering the presser bar lifter. Place material under presser foot behind the needle.
  • Page 52 2-Thread Cover Stitch Suggested Tension Settings NEEDLE POSITION Tension is automatically set when seiecting the desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB according to the following variables: STITCH LENGTH 1) Type and thickness of fabric 2) Needle size...
  • Page 53 3-Thread Cover Stitch Suggested Tension Settings ATD:J Tension is automatically set when seiecting the NEEDLE POSITION desired stitch type with the Auto Tension Dial (ATD). Tension may be fine tuned with the Fine Tuning Levers according to the following variables: SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB 1) Type and thickness of fabric STITCH LENGTH...
  • Page 54 Securing the seam end Since the seams formed by cover stitch unravel when the looper thread is pulled out at the end of sewing, secure the seam end in the following manner. When sewing through to the edge of fabric, among the threads coming out of the fabric edge, knot the needle threads (2 or 3 threads) together first, as shown on the illustration.

  • Page 55: How To Sew A Rolled Hem

    R mark on needle plate by turning seam width adjustment knob, as required. Set stitch length dial to "1~2" and a fine seam will be sewn. Needle: Singer Cat. No. 2022 #14/90 or 2022 #11/80 Thread: A variety of thread combinations can be used for rolled hemming.

  • Page 56: 3-Thread Standard Rolled Hem Stitching

    Note: For a beautiful rolled hem thread the upper looper with wooly nylon and the needle and lower looper with lightweight regular thread. NEEDLE POSITION SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB STITCH LENGTH DRIVING CLUTCH POSITION 1) 3-thread Standard Rolled Hem Stitching Upper looper thread Correct Balance Needle thread...

  • Page 57: 2-Thread Standard Rolled Hem Stitching

    Note: For a beautiful rolled hem thread the lower looper with wooly nylon and the needle with lightweight regular thread. NEEDLE POSITION Convert upper looper to spreader. (See page 36) SEAM WIDTH FINGER KNOB STITCH LENGTH SPREADER 3) 2-thread Standard Rolled Hem Stitching Lower looper thread Correct Balance Set auto tension dial to E as shown on illustration and...
  • Page 58 Additional Information About Rolled Hemming Hold the thread chain when you begin sewing to keep it from curling into the seam. Place a slight tension on the material in the sewing direction and a finer seam finish can be obtained. The minimum overedge stitch width that can be obtained for rolled hemming is approximately 1.5 mm (1/16 inch) since the cutting width cannot...

  • Page 59: Stitch Variations And Sewing Techniques

    25. STITCH VARIATIONS AND SEWING TECHNIQUES How to Sew a Flatlock Decorative Seam A flatlock stitch is achieved by adjusting the tension of the 2-thread or 3-thread overlock stitch, sewing the seam, and then pulling the fabric apart to flatten the seam. The flatlock stitch can be used as a construction and decorative stitch or for ornamentation only.

  • Page 60: Decorative Flatlocking

    (3) Decorative Flatlocking Place the movable upper knife in the nonworking position (page 35). The fabric is not trimmed on this stitch. Fold fabric wrong sides together. Position the fabric so the seam is sewn with part of the stitch extending off the fabric. Pull on opposite sides of the stitch to flatten.

  • Page 61: How To Sew An Overlock Blind Hem

    How to Sew an Overlock Blind Hem The excess fabric is trimmed and the hem is sewn and the raw edges are overlocked in one operation. The overlock blind hem is best suited for sewing knit wear. It provides a durable finish that is almost invisible. Use overedge right needle and adjust machine for a narrow 3-thread overlock stitch.

  • Page 62: Turning Square Corners

    Fold the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew. Press the pin tucks in the same direction. Turning Square Corners (1) Outside Corner Cutting line Cut out approximately 2cm (51/64 inch) from the corner, in line with the overedge seam edge. Sew one stitch beyond point (A) and stop.

  • Page 63: Pin Placement

    (2) Inside Corner Cut inside corner up to seam line as shown Seam line Sew along seam line. Sew up to end of fold. (Leave needle in fabric) Raise presser foot. (Leave needle in fabric) Needle position Spread fold and re-fold so that seam line is straight. Pin Placement Seam line Insert pins to the left of the presser foot.

  • Page 64: How To Reinforce A Seam

    How to Reinforce a Seam Inserting twill tape while overedge sewing will stabilize the seam. Insert the tape through the hole in the front of the foot. Position the tape under the foot to the back of the machine and sew the garment seam. The tape is attached as the seam is sewn.

  • Page 65: Machine Maintenance

    26. MACHINE MAINTENANCE An overlock machine requires more maintenance than a conventional machine for two reasons: 1) A lot of lint is produced due to the cutting action of the knives. 2) An overlock runs at a very high speed and needs to be oiled frequently to lubricate the internal working parts.

  • Page 66: How To Replace The Moveable Upper Knife

    The mov able upper knife can be replaced according to the directions provided, however if there are any difficulties experienced, consult your Singer representative to make the replacement. Be sure that the power line plug is disconnected from the electric source.

  • Page 67: How To Exchange Light Bulb

    Always unplug before re-lamping. Light bulb is available at your Singer shop. Take old bulb to the Singer shop and ask for the same bulb. If voltage indicated on the electrical rating plate of your machine is 120V, ask for light bulb conforming to following specification.

  • Page 68: Optional Accessories

    27. OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES The following optional presser feet specially prepared for this machine are available at extra-charge. Note: Do not use presser foot made for other machines. Use of such presser foot may result in interference with the needle and knife and can be hazardous.

  • Page 69: Optional Presser Feet

    Optional Presser Feet 1) Elastic Foot This foot is used for attaching elastic tape to the garment and the amount of contraction of the elastic tape can be adjusted as required. 2) Blind Hem Foot This foot is for sewing cuffs on knit fabrics, skirt and trouser seams where seam should not be visible.

  • Page 70: Troubleshooting Chart

    - Loosen thread tension. Stitch skip - Insert new needles, current needles may be bent or have a blunt point. Use only Singer Branded Style 2022 Needles - Tighten needle set screw. - Insert needles correctly. - Change type or size of needles.

  • Page 71: Relationship Between Cloth, Thread And Need

    29. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLOTH, THREAD AND NEEDLE Type of Fabric Type of Thread Needle Singer Cat. #2022 WOVEN Lightweight Cotton: #100 Lawn, Organdy, Voile, Silk/ Rayon: #100 #11/80 Crepe, etc. Spun: #80 ~ #90 Polyester: #80 ~ #100 Medium Weight...

  • Page 72: Specification

    Two needles: 2.8 mm (narrow), 5.6 mm (wide) Triple needles: 5.6 mm Needle bar stroke 27 mm Pressure foot rise 4.5 mm Needle Singer #2022 (EL x 705) #14, #11 Number of threads Machine dimensions (mm) Width Depth Height Weight (kg)
  • Page 73 Please note that on disposal, this product must be safely recycled in accordance with relevant National legislation relating to electrical /electronic products. If in doubt please contact your retailer for guidance.
  • Page 74 G5P21...

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