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Optimal use and maintenance are described in these instructions. This product is not intended for industrial or commercial use. Additional assistance, by region, may be found online at www.singer.com.
All-purpose Foot (J) (attached to the machine upon delivery)
This foot is used for general sewing on most types of fabric. The bottom of the foot is flat, so that the fabric is held down firmly against the feed teeth while sewing. It also has a wide slot so that the needle can move from left to right, depending on which stitch you sew.
Zipper Foot (I)
This foot is used for inserting zippers. Attach the foot to the presser foot holder on either side of the foot, depending on which side of the zipper is being sewn. The Zipper Foot can also be used to create and insert piping.
Four–Step Buttonhole Foot (D)
This foot is used for making a 4–step buttonhole. This foot holds the fabric securely as you sew the top, bottom, left side and right side of your buttonhole.
The stitches described in the below chart are utility stitches, used mainly for utility sewing. When sewing, use a thread tension between 3–5. Always test sew on a piece of scrap fabric, and adjust the tension if necessary.
![]() | ![]() | Application | |
![]() | Straight Stitch Center Position | ![]() | The basic stitch used for sewing. The most common use for a straight stitch is to sew two pieces of fabric together. Use stitch with longer stitch length when sewing in heavy fabric. |
![]() | Straight Stitch Left Position | ![]() | Use for top stitching. |
![]() | Zigzag Stitch | ![]() | A very versatile stitch for decorative sewing, applique, attaching trims, and more. |
![]() | Satin Stitch | ![]() | Use for decorative sewing and appliqués. |
![]() | Multi-Step Zigzag Stitch | ![]() | Finish seam allowances to prevent the fabric from unravelling. When seam finishing, the smaller step of the stitches will help keep fabric more flat than a regular zigzag. It can also be used for mending tears and sewing elastic. |
![]() | Blind Hem Stitch | ![]() | Sew hems that are practically invisible from the right side of the fabric. It is used for skirts, dresses, trousers, curtains, etc, made with non-stretch fabrics. |
![]() | Stretch Blind Hem Stitch | ![]() | Sew hems that are practically invisible from the right side of the fabric. It is used for garments and other projects made with stretch knit fabrics. |
![]() | Buttonhole | ![]() | Sew buttonholes on home decór, garments, crafts and more. |
Note: Your sewing machine is adjusted to provide the best stitch result at normal room temperature. Extreme hot and cold temperatures can affect the sewn result.
Among the accessories you will find the power cord and the foot control.
For this sewing machine, foot control model HKT7 (110-120V,50/60HZ,2.0A) / HKT72C (GS AX200-240V, 50HZ,0.5A) manufactured by Zhejiang Huaxing Electric Motor Co.,Ltd (China) must be used.
Note: Consult a qualified electrician if in doubt as how to connect the machine to the power source. Unplug the power cord when the machine is not in use.
On the bottom right side of the sewing machine, you find the connecting sockets and the ON/OFF button.
Sewing speed is regulated by pressing the foot control.
For the USA and Canada
This sewing machine 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 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.
Note: After turning off the machine, residual power may remain in the machine. This could cause the light to stay on for a few seconds while the power is consumed. This is normal for an energy efficient appliance.
Store presser feet, bobbins, needles and other accessories in the accessory tray so that they are easily accessible.
Keep the accessory tray on the machine to provide a larger, flat work surface.
Use the free arm to facilitate sewing trouser legs and sleeve hems. To use the free arm, slide off the accessory tray. When attached, a hook keeps the accessory tray securely attached to the machine. Remove the tray by sliding it to the left.
The presser foot lever is located at the side of the sewing machine head. The lever is used to raise and lower the presser foot. Raise the lever up for machine threading, lower it for sewing.
When the foot is in the raised position, press the lever further upward for more room under the presser foot. This is good for sewing thick projects.
To use the thread knife, pull the thread from back to front as illustrated. Doing this will leave the thread ends long enough so that the needle doesn't become unthreaded when you start to sew again.
Note: If you find it difficult to place the presser foot in the correct position, keep the release lever pressed while lowering the presser foot. Use your thumb to carefully guide the presser foot into the correct position and it will snap into place.
Note: When the bobbin winding spindle is pushed to the right, the machine will not sew. Make sure to push the bobbin spindle back to the sewing position (left) before sewing.
Note: Make sure that the needle is fully raised and the machine is turned off before inserting or removing the bobbin.
Make sure that the presser foot is raised and the needle is in its highest position by turning the handwheel toward you. This is very important to help ensure that the machine is correctly threaded. Not doing so can result in poor stitch quality when you start to sew.
The sewing machine needle plays an important role in successful sewing. Use only quality needles. We recommend needles of system 130/705H. The needle package included with your machine contains needles of the most frequently used sizes.
Be sure to match the needle to the thread you are using. Heavier threads require a needle with a larger needle eye. If the needle eye is too small for the thread the needle threader may not work properly.
Note: To avoid the needle break, use only medium/low speed and recommended needle on thick fabrics works.
Change the needle often. As a general rule, needles should be changed every 6-8 hours of actual stitching time.
Always use a straight needle with a sharp point and make sure the point is not bent or damaged (A).
A damaged needle (B) can cause skipped stitches, breakage or snapping of the thread. It can also damage the needle plate.
Do not use asymmetrical twin needles (C), they can damage your sewing machine.
Needle Size | Fabric | |
70 (9) 80 (12) | Lightweight fabrics: Fine cotton, voile, silk, muslin, interlock, tricot, jersey, crepe, polyester, chiffon, organza, organdy | Light duty all-purpose thread |
80 (12) 90 (14) | Medium weight fabrics: Quilting cotton, satin, double knit, lightweight wool, rayon, polyester, lightweight linen | Use polyester threads on synthetic fabrics and all-purpose or cotton thread on natural fabrics for best results. |
90 (14) | Medium weight fabrics: Firm woven, medium weight linen, cotton/polyester blend, terrycloth, chambray, double knit | |
100 (16) | Heavy weight fabrics: Canvas, wool, denim, home decor, fleece, heavy knit | Polyester or all-purpose thread. |
110 (18) | Heavy weight fabrics: Coat weight wool, upholstery fabrics | Heavy duty thread for needle, with all-purpose thread for the bobbin. |
Note: Before you begin changing the needle, it can be helpful to place a small piece of paper or fabric underneath the needle area, over the hole in the needle plate, so that the needle doesn't accidentally fall down into the machine.
To set the thread tension, turn the dial on the front of the machine.
Thread tension dial
Depending on the fabric, thread, etc, the tension may need to be adjusted. For the best stitch appearance and durability, make sure the needle thread tension is correctly adjusted.
When sewing, use a thread tension between 3–5
For general sewing, the threads evenly meet between the two layers of fabric (A).
If the bobbin thread is visible on the top side of the fabric, the needle thread tension is too tight (B). Reduce the needle thread tension.
If top thread is visible on the underside of the fabric, the needle thread tension is too loose (C). Increase the needle thread tension.
For decorative stitches and buttonholes, the top thread should be visible on the underside of the fabric.
Make a few tests on a scrap piece of the fabric you are going to sew and check the tension.
Turn the stitch selector dial to the left or right until the stitch you want to sew is lined up with the dot marking above the dial.
To secure the beginning and the end of a seam, press down the reverse lever. Sew a few reverse stitches. Release the lever and the machine will sew forward again.
Next to each stitch or sewing technique described in this section of the manual is a chart showing the recommended settings and presser foot. See sample of the chart:
The recommended settings are also shown on the display, but might need adjustment to fit a special technique.
Note: Some fabrics have a lot of excess dye which can cause discoloration on other fabric but also on your sewing machine. This discoloring may be very difficult or impossible to remove. Fleece and denim fabric in especially red and blue often contain a lot of excess dye. If you suspect that your fabric/ready-to-wear garment contains a lot of excess dye, always pre-wash it before sewing to avoid the discoloring.
Note: For best sewing result, use the same thread on top and bobbin. If sewing with specialty/decorative threads, use regular sewing thread in the bobbin.
Note: When sewing in light weight fabrics, always use stabilizer under the fabric. This is to make sure the fabric feed correctly and that the stitches are formed correctly.
Set your machine for straight stitch (see chart).
Set up for straight stitch
Raise the presser foot and position the fabric under it, next to a seam allowance guide line on the needle plate or bobbin cover.
Place the top thread underneath the presser foot.
Lower the needle to the point where you want to start. Bring the threads toward the back and lower the presser foot. Press the foot control. Gently guide the fabric along the seam guide letting the machine feed the fabric (A).
Note: Do not forget to bring up the bobbin thread before starting to sew.
To secure the beginning of a seam, press and hold the reverse lever. Sew a few reverse stitches. Release the reverse lever and the machine will sew forward again (B).
To change sewing direction, stop the machine and turn the handwheel toward you to bring the needle down into the fabric.
Raise the presser foot.
Pivot the fabric around the needle to change sewing direction as desired. Lower the presser foot and continue sewing in the new direction.
Press and hold the Reverse lever and sew a few stitches in reverse when you reach the end of the seam. Release the button and sew forward again to the end of the seam. This will secure the seam so the stitches don't unravel.
Turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle to its highest position. Raise the presser foot and remove the fabric, pulling the threads to the back.
Pull the threads up and into the thread knife so that the threads are cut the proper length and your needle won't come unthreaded when you start the next seam.
Multi-step zigzag stitch is used to overcast raw edges. Make sure the needle pierces the fabric on the left side and overcasts the edge on the right side.
Set up for multi-step zigzag stitch
The stitch can also be used as an elastic stitch to allow seams to stretch when sewing knit fabrics.
The blind hem stitch is used to make invisible hems on skirts, trousers and home décor projects. There are two types of blind hem; one is recommended for medium to heavy woven fabric (1), the other for medium to heavy stretch fabric (2).
Set up for blind hem
To cover large holes it is necessary to sew a new piece of fabric onto the damaged area.
Baste the new piece of fabric onto the damaged area on the right side of the fabric.
Sew over the fabric edges with the zigzag or the multi-step zigzag stitch.
Trim the damaged area close to the seam from the wrong side of the fabric.
On tears, frayed edges or small holes it is useful to lay a piece of fabric on the wrong side of the fabric. The underlayed fabric reinforces the damaged area.
Lay a piece of fabric underneath the damaged fabric. It must be a little larger than the damaged area.
Sew over the damaged area using the zigzag or multi-step zigzag stitch.
Trim the piece of fabric used as reinforcement.
Sew buttonholes perfectly sized for your button. The fabric should be interfaced and/or stabilized where buttonholes are to be sewn.
Set up for buttonhole
Note: Always sew a test buttonhole on a piece of scrap fabric.
If the density of the buttonhole columns differ, you can adjust the stitch density of the buttonhole. The buttonhole balance dial (A) is found on the right side of the stitch selection dial. Only the left column of the buttonhole will be adjusted. Balance it to match the right buttonhole column.
Normally, the dial should be placed in a neutral position (B).
If the stitches of the left buttonhole column are too dense, turn the dial to the left (C).
If the stitches of the left buttonhole column are too sparse, turn the dial to the right (D).
The Zipper Foot can be attached on either the right or the left of the needle, making it easy to sew both sides of the zipper.
To sew the right side of the zipper, attach the foot in the left presser foot position (A).
To sew the left side of zipper, attach the foot in the right presser foot position (B).
To keep your sewing machine operating well, clean it often. No lubrication (oiling) is needed. Wipe the exterior surface of your machine with a soft cloth to remove any dust or lint built up.
Raise the needle and turn off the machine.
Remove the presser foot. Slide off the bobbin cover and remove the bobbin.
Clean the feed teeth and the bobbin area with the brush found among the accessories.
Attach the presser foot, insert the bobbin and replace the bobbin cover.
Raise the needle and turn off the machine.
Clean the area under the bobbin case after sewing several projects or any time you notice an accumulation of lint in the bobbin case area.
Remove the presser foot. Remove the screws in the needle plate by using the screwdriver. Lift up and remove the needle plate.
Remove the bobbin case by lifting it up.
Clean the area with the brush or with a dry cloth.
Note: Do not blow air into the bobbin case area. The dust and lint will be blown into your machine.
Guide the "forked" end of the bobbin case (A) under the feed teeth from left to right. The bobbin case should be placed uder the feed teeth and under the spring (B). The mark (C) on the bobbin case should be aligned with the mark (D) on the the hook race for easy placement. Move the bobbin case slightly until it slips correctly into the hook race (E).
To make sure the bobbin case is properly replaced, turn the handwheel towards you. The hook race should rotate freely in a counter-clockwise direction.
Place the needle plate over the feed teeth, replace and tighten the screws.
Attach the presser foot and replace the bobbin.
Thread Loops on Underside of Fabric
Possible cause:
Thread looping on the underside of the fabric is always an indication that the upper thread is not correctly threaded. This happens when the upper thread is not correctly placed in the thread tension mechanism and has not been threaded through the take up lever.
Solution:
Rethread the machine, making sure to first raise the presser foot lifter before starting to thread, so thread can be properly seated in the tension mechanism and take up lever. To know if you have rethreaded the machine correctly, try this test:
If you put the presser foot lifter down, but the thread still pulls freely (you feel no difference whether the presser foot is up or down), this means that you have threaded incorrectly. Remove the upper thread and rethread the machine.
Bobbin Thread Breaking
Possible cause: | Bobbin threaded incorrectly. |
Solution: | Check that bobbin is placed correctly in the bobbin holder. |
Possible cause: | Bobbin wound too full or unevenly. |
Solution: | Bobbin thread may not have been correctly placed into bobbin winding tension disc during the bobbin winding process. |
Possible cause: | Dirt or lint in bobbin holder. |
Solution: | Clean bobbin holder. |
Possible cause: | Wrong bobbins being used. |
Solution: | Use bobbins that are the same style as those that come with the machine (SINGER® Class 15 transparent bobbins) – don't substitute. |
Bobbin Thread Showing on Top of Fabric
Possible cause: | Top thread too tight. |
Solution: | Reduce upper thread tension. |
Possible cause: | Thread path is obstructed, putting extra tension on top thread. |
Solution: | Check that the top thread path is not obstructed and thread is moving freely through the thread path. |
Possible cause: | Bobbin thread not in bobbin case tension. |
Solution: | Rethread bobbin. |
Bobbin Winding Difficulties
Possible cause: | Bobbin thread loosely wound on bobbin. |
Solution: | Rewind bobbin, making sure that the thread is placed snuggly in the bobbin winding tension disc. |
Possible cause: | Bobbin winding spindle not fully engaged, therefore bobbin not winding. |
Solution: | Check that the bobbin winding spindle has been fully engaged before starting to wind. |
Possible cause: | Bobbin is winding sloppily because thread end not held at beginning of winding process. |
Solution: | Before starting to wind, hold the thread tail (coming out of the bobbin) securely, allow the bobbin to partially fill, then stop to trim the thread tail close to the bobbin. |
Fabric Puckers
Possible cause: | Top thread is too tight. |
Solution: | Reduce top thread tension. |
Possible cause: | Wrong style needle for fabric type. |
Solution: | Use correct needle style and size for your fabric. |
Fabric Is Tunneling Under Stitches
Possible cause:
Fabric is not properly stabilized for the density of the stitches (for example, satin stitch applique).
Solution:
Add a fabric stabilizer underneath the fabric to help keep the stitches from tunneling in together, forming a puckered ridge in fabric.
Loud Noise When Sewing
Possible cause: | Thread not in take-up lever. |
Solution: | Rethread the machine, making sure the take up lever is in its highest position so thread goes in the eye of the take up lever — turn machine hand wheel toward you to raise the take up lever to its highest position for threading. |
Possible cause: | Thread path is obstructed. |
Solution: | Check that thread is not caught on the thread spool or behind the spool cap. |
Machine is Not Feeding Fabric
Possible cause:
Presser foot lifter has not been lowered onto fabric after threading.
Solution:
Lower the presser foot lifter before starting to sew. Don´t "push" or "pull" the fabric as you sew.
Machine Will Not Run
Possible cause: | Bobbin winding spindle is engaged when you try to sew. |
Solution: | Disengage bobbin winding spindle by pushing it to the left. |
Possible cause: | Power cord and/or foot control not plugged in correctly. |
Solution: | Make sure power cord/foot control are correctly seated in machine and power supply. |
Possible cause: | Wrong bobbins being used. |
Solution: | Use bobbins that are the same style as those that come with the machine (SINGER® Class 15 transparent bobbins)– don't substitute. |
Needles Breaking
Possible cause: | Bent, dull or damaged needle. |
Solution: | Discard needle, insert new needle. |
Possible cause: | Wrong size needle for fabric. |
Solution: | Insert appropriate needle for fabric type. |
Possible cause: | Machine not threaded correctly. |
Solution: | Rethread the machine completely. |
Possible cause: | "Pushing" or "pulling" fabric. |
Solution: | Don't manually push/pull fabric in order to sew, but allow the machine's feed teeth to draw fabric under the presser foot as you guide it. |
Skipping Stitches
Possible cause: | Needle inserted incorrectly. |
Solution: | Check that flat side of needle top is toward back of machine and needle is up as far as it can go, then tighten needle clamp screw. |
Possible cause: | Wrong needle for fabric sewn. |
Solution: | Use correct needle style and size for your fabric. |
Possible cause: | Bent, dull or damaged needle. |
Solution: | Discard needle and insert new needle. |
Stitches Distorted
Possible cause: | "Pushing" or "pulling" the fabric. |
Solution: | Don't manually push/pull fabric in order to sew, but allow the machine's feed teeth to draw fabric under presser foot as you guide it. |
Possible cause: | Stabilizer may be needed for technique. |
Solution: | Place stabilizer underneath fabric. |
Thread Bunching at Beginning
Possible cause: | Top and bobbin threads have not been properly placed underneath presser foot before starting to sew. |
Solution: | Ensure that both the top thread and the bobbin thread are under the presser foot and toward the back before starting to sew. |
Possible cause: | Sewing was started with no fabric under the presser foot. |
Solution: | Place fabric under foot, making sure that needle comes down into fabric; lightly hold both thread tails for first few stitches. |
Possible cause: | Stabilizer may be needed for technique. |
Solution: | Place stabilizer underneath fabric. |
Upper Thread Breaking
Possible cause: | Thread path obstructed |
Solution: | Check if thread is caught on thread spool (rough spots on the spool itself). |
Possible cause: | Machine is not threaded correctly. |
Solution: | Remove upper thread completely, raise presser foot lifter, rethread machine making sure thread is in take-up lever (raise take up lever to its highest position by turning hand wheel toward you. |
Possible cause: | Upper tension too tight. |
Solution: | Reduce upper thread tension. |
Sewing Speed Maximum 550 +/- 50rpm (using straight stitch with default stitch length) | Rated Voltage 240 V/50Hz, 230 V/50Hz, 220 V/5060Hz, 127 V/60 Hz, 120 V/60 Hz, 100V/50-60Hz, 120V/60Hz | Presser Foot Rise Height 6.5mm |
Protection Class II (Europe) | Stitch Width 0–5.0mm | Stitch Length 0–4.0mm |
Type of Lamp LED light | Machine Dimensions Length: ≈425mm Width: ≈174mm Height: ≈320mm | Weight ≈6kg |
We reserve the right to change the machine equipment and the assortment of accessories without prior notice, or make modifications to the performance or design. Such modifications, however, will always be to the benefit of the user and the product.
Read all instructions before using this household sewing machine.
When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following: Keep the instructions at a suitable place close to the machine. Make sure to hand them over if the machine is given to a third party.
This appliance is intended for use by adults. The appliance can be used with adult supervision by (i) children aged from 8 to 12 years and (ii) persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision. It is not allowed for anyone to play with the machine. Children up to 8 years are not allowed to use the machine.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BURNS, FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSON:
For Overlock Machines only:
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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