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Singer 288 Instruction Manual

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Singer
288
Singer 288
Instruction
Dear Customer:
We recommend that for future reference you record
the serial number of your Sewing Machine in the
space provided.
Refer to illustration below for location of serial number
on your machine.
Serial No.
A Trademark of THE SINGER COMPANY
Copyright e 1978 The Singer Company
All Rights Reserved Throughout The World
Manual

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Summary of Contents for Singer 288

  • Page 1 Sewing Machine in the space provided. Refer to illustration below for location of serial number on your machine. Serial No. A Trademark of THE SINGER COMPANY Copyright e 1978 The Singer Company All Rights Reserved Throughout The World...
  • Page 2 Singer Table of Contents 6. Free Motion Stitching 1. Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine Preparation Principal Parts--What They Are Called Script Lettering Accessories Floral Designs 2. Getting Ready to Sew 7. Sewing the Professional Way Preliminary Steps Construction Details...
  • Page 3 Singer Principal Parts -- what they are called 6. Bobbin Winder Spindle let you fill the bobbin with thread quickly and easily. 7. Hand Wheel manually positions needle. Always turn it toward you. 8. Needle-Thread Tension Dial lets you select the right tension for your stitch, thread, and fabric.
  • Page 4 Singer Principal Parts continued... 18. Spool Holder with horizontal pin holds spools of various sizes and lets thread unwind smoothly without the spool turning. 19. Stitch Length Selector and Built-In Four-Step Buttonhole Dial has two separate functions. The numbered settings on the stitch length side of the dial allow for a variety of stitch lengths.
  • Page 5 4. Tighten the needle-clamp screw. IMPORTANT : Your SINGER sewing machine has been designed to obtain best results with SINGER needles. You should follow the recommendations in this instruc-...
  • Page 6 Singer Accessories PRESSER FEET • Interchangeable snap-on presser feet: General purpose foot on your machine Straight stitch foot Buttonhole foot Zipper foot Special purpose foot • One-piece button foot General Purpose Foot The general purpose foot can be used for both straight and zig-zag stitching.
  • Page 7 Singer Changing Snap-on Presser Feet These presser feet snap on and off a common shank. To remove presser foot from shank, raise presser foot and press toe up as far as it will go until it snaps free. To attach new presser foot to shank •...
  • Page 8 Singer NEEDLE PLATES The general purpose needle plate on your machine can be used with all presser feet. The straight stitch needle plate is for use with the straight stitch presser foot. The feed cover needle plate is used for button sewing.
  • Page 9 Singer PATTERN DISCS • One removable pattern disc in place on holder in your machine (plain zig-zag stitch). • Additional in interchangeable pattern discs. Each pattern disc is numbered and its design is repro- duced on its surface for quick recognition. See illustra- tions for the patterns.
  • Page 10 The lint brush is used for cleaning your sewing machine. CONTAINER OF OIL Container of SINGER oil Your machine will serve you perfectly for many years if you will take a few moments to keep it in good operat- ing condition.
  • Page 11 Singer 2. Getting ready to Sew Preliminary Steps CONNECTING MACHINE WHEN EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC MOTOR AND CONTROLLER Before plugging in your machine, be sure that the volt- age and frequency indicated on the motor are within the range marked on the electric meter installed by your power company.
  • Page 12 Singer With Foot Treadle Become acquainted with your treadle. First, hold hand wheel from turning, then loosen the handwheel knot as shown. Place both feet on treadle. Turn hand wheel over toward you and allow your feet to move freely and lightly, following the motion of the treadle.

  • Page 13: Threading The Machine

    Singer Threading the Machine The eye of the needle must be large enough for the thread to pass through it freely: too fine a needle will cause the thread to fray. CHOOSING NEEDLE AND THREAD The needle and thread you choose will depend upon The table below is a guide to needle and thread selec- the fabric to be stitched.
  • Page 14 Singer WINDING THE BOBBIN It is best that you wind the bobbin before you thread the needle. Preparation: • Raise pattern disc lid. • Turn hand wheel toward you until needle is at its highest position. • Loosen the hand wheel knob with your right hand while holding the hand wheel with your left hand.
  • Page 15 Singer WINDING THE BOBBIN continued... 2. Push spindle toward the right. Hold thread end and start the machine. Thread end will snap off after a few coils have been wound. 3 When required amount of thread has been wound (winding will stop when bobbin is full). push spindle to left, cut thread and remove.
  • Page 16 Singer THREADING BOBBIN CASE 1. Hold bobbin so that the thread unwinds in direction shown, and insert bobbin in bobbin case. 2. Pull thread into notch A in bobbin case, draw it toward lef! and into slot B. 3. Draw approximately eight centimeters (3") of thread diagonally across the bobbin.
  • Page 17 Singer THREADING THE NEEDLE 1. Slip spool of thread onto spool holder. If spool has a retaining slot. place it against the spool cushion to the right. If spool has excessive length or diameter, use vertical spool pin. 2. Press appropriate thread lead-off holder firmly against spool.
  • Page 18 Singer RAISING THE BOBBIN THREAD Now that you have wound the bobbin and threaded the needle, you will need to raise the bobbin thread through the hole in the needle plate. 1. Hold needle thread lightly with left hand and turn hand wheel slowly toward you so that needle enters needle plate.
  • Page 19 Singer Setting Selectors SETTING STITCH WIDTH The stitch width selector does two jobs: it sets the machine for straight Stitching. and it controls the width of zig-zag stitching. Four stitch width settings are indi- cated plus a setting for straight stitching.
  • Page 20 Singer REGULATING NEEDLE-THREAD TENSION The needle-thread tension dial regulates the amount of tension on the needle thread and lets you select just the right setting for your fabric and thread. The numbers on the dial eliminate guesswork in duplicating settings.
  • Page 21 Singer SETTING STITCH LENGTH The stitch length selector dial controls the length of both straight and zig-zag stitching. The numerals from, 1 to 4 represent the length of each stitch in millimeters: the higher the number, the longer the stitch. Generally, shorter stitches are best for lightweight fabric, longer ones for heavier fabric.
  • Page 22 Singer 3. Straight Stitching Setting Selectors Before making any setting adjustments, raise the nee- dle out of the fabric. • Stitch Width: • Needle Position: • Stitch Length: To suit fabric • General Purpose or Straight Stitch Foot When your fabric or sewing procedure requires close...
  • Page 23 Singer STARTING A SEAM 1. Set stitch length selector for desired length of stitch 2. Align edge of fabric along one of the number ed guidelines on the needle plate. The numbers repre- sent eighths of an inch. If you want a 5/8-inch seam (15mm.) for example, line up your fabric with line 5.
  • Page 24 Singer Guiding and Supporting Fabric Most fabrics need only to be guided in front of the presser foot. Some fabrics such as filmy sheers, knits, etc., require support in front and back of the presser foot while being stitched. ENDING A SEAM 1.
  • Page 25 Singer CURVED SEAMS Follow the same steps as for straight seams except use a shorter stitch length for greater elasticity and strength. Inside Curves Outside Curves...
  • Page 26 Singer 4. Zig-Zag Stitching How Patterns are Produced All Patterns are produced from the interchangeable pattern discs. Some stitch patterns are used for practi- cal purposes, such as buttonholes and button sewing, seaming, blindstitch hemming, and mending. Others are purely decorative and will give an individual touch to your clothes and home.
  • Page 27 Singer ADJUSTING STITCH WIDTH Before moving stitch width selector, always raise nee- dle above fabric. To produce a zig-zag stitch, the stitch width selector must be moved from toward the right. The further you move the selector lever toward the right, the wider your stitch pattern will be.
  • Page 28 Singer ADJUSTING STITCH LENGTH AND NEEDLE-THREAD TENSION When you are preparing to do zig-zag stitching, make a test sample with the fabric and thread you plan to use so that you can adjust the stitch length and nee- dle-thread tension correctly.
  • Page 29 Singer Satin Stitching Satin stitching is a series of closely spaced zig zag stitches that form a smooth satin-like surface It is useful for both utility and decorative work. Always make a test sample first so that you can adjust the stitch length and thread tension properly.
  • Page 30 Singer 5. Twin-Needle Stitching By using a twin needle, you can produce two parallel. closely spaced decorative lines of stitching simultane- ously. You can use either one or two colors of thread, and you can choose either a straight-stitch setting or any of the pattern discs.
  • Page 31 Singer Threading the Needle For best results, use No. 50 mercerized cotton thread. Thread the machine in the same manner as For sin- gleneedle stitching except: 1. Insert twin-needle spool pin under pattern disc lid. 2. Be sure that threads are separated by center tension disc as they pass around tension assembly.
  • Page 32 Singer 6. Free-Motion Stitching In free-motion Stitching, you sew without a presser foot and control fabric movement (and stitch length) our self, by means of an embroidery hoop. Either a straight or zig-zag setting can be used. Because you can move the hoop backward, from side to side, and even diagonally - free-motion stitching is extremely useful for intricate embroidery designs.
  • Page 33 Singer Script Lettering • Pattern Dusc: No. 1 • Stitch Width: • Needle Position: • Stitch Length: Between 0 and 1 • Presser Foot: None • Feed Cover Plate • Speed Range: To suit operator If you wish to embroider a whole name on a dress or shirt, you can do so by free-motion stitching.

  • Page 34: Floral Designs

    Singer Floral Designs • Pattern Disc: No. 1 • Stitch Width: • Needle Position: • Stitch Length: Between 0 and 1 • Presser Foot: None • Feed Cover Plate • Speed Range: To suit operator With a little practice on your sewing machine, you will...
  • Page 35 Singer Sewing the Professional Way Seams in Knit Fabrics • Pattern Disc: No. 1 or 37 Construction Details • Stitch Width: SEAMS Lingerie Seams • Needle Position: • Pattern Disc: No. 1 • Stitch Length: 1 -1.5 • Stitch Width: •...
  • Page 36 Singer Inside Seams of Sheer Collars, Seam Finishes Facings, and Cuffs • Pattern Disc: No. 1, 2. 37 or 350 • Pattern Disc: No. 1 to suit fabric • Stitch Width: • Stitch Width: • Needle Position: • Needle Position: •...
  • Page 37 Singer Corded Seams The corded seam is a professional treatment for slip- covers, children's clothes, blouses, and lingerie. To make a corded seam, make the welting first (or buy it ready-made), then stitch it into the seam. For both steps, use the following settings and accessories.
  • Page 38 Singer Stitching welting into seam 1. Attach zipper foot to the right of the needle so that the bulk of the fabric will fall to the left. 2. Stitch welding to the right side of a single seam edge; guide the edge of the foot next to the cord but do not crowd.
  • Page 39 Singer DARTS BLINDSTITCH HEMS Darts add fit, contour, and styling to a garment. • Pattern Disc: No. 350 Regular Darts • Stitch Width: To suit fabric • Needle Position: • Stitch Width: • Stitch Length: 1 to 2.5 • General Purpose Presser Foot •...
  • Page 40 Singer ZIPPERS At your notions counter you will find many kinds of zip- pers with detailed Sewing instructions in the package. If you use the zipper foot you will find it easy to form an even line of stitching Itching close to the zipper.

  • Page 41: Sewing Knit And Stretch Fabric

    Singer Sewing Knit and Stretch Fabric Remember to use a SINGER yellow band ballpoint When you sew stretch fabrics. doubleknit. tricot and needle Style 2045. in your machine when you sew jersey, choose one of the stretch patterns that sews synthetic knit or stretch fabric.
  • Page 42 Singer GUIDING AND SUPPORTING FABRIC Most fabrics of stretch or knit construction need only to be guided in front of the presser foot. Some fabrics, however, require support while being stitched. • For nylon tricot. cire, panne velvet, and similar syn- thetic knits, apply gentle tension by holding fabric taut in front and back of the presser foot as you sew.
  • Page 43 Singer OVEREDGED SEAMS LADDER SEAM The blindstitch ladder seam is particularly appropriate • Pattern Disc: No. 350 for knit and stretch fabrics. It is ideal for stretchable construction seams. and edge finishes for necklines, • Stitch Width: pockets and collars in sportswear and swimsuits.
  • Page 44 Singer ATTACHING ELASTIC Elastic will remain stretchable when it is attached with either the multi-stitch zig zag or semi-stretch stitch. • Pattern Disc: No. 2 or 37 • Stitch Width: • Needle Position: • Stitch Length: Approx. 1.5 • General Purpose Presser Foot and Needle Plate •...
  • Page 45 Singer Buttons • Pattern Disc: No. 1 • Stitch Width: As required • Needle Position: • Button foot • Feed Cover Plate • Speed: Moderate Flat buttons can be sewn on quickly and easily using the plain zig-zag stitch. The space between the holes in the button determines stitch width settings.
  • Page 46 Singer Buttonholes You have a choice between two methods of making bar-tack buttonholes: using the built-in-four-step sys- tem or manually controlling the selectors. You will find detailed instructions for using the two methods in this manual; but you will find the following information basic to both.
  • Page 47 Singer Marking the Garment BUTTONHOLE LENGTH First decide how long the opening needs to be. To find • Mark a position guideline with hand basting for each the right length, cut a small slit in a scrap of fabric and buttonhole.
  • Page 48 Singer BUTTONHOLES MADE WITH THE BUILT-IN FOUR-STEP BUTTONHOLER The four dial settings for buttonholing are located on the opposite side of the stitch length selector. As you turn the dial for each step. your machine is automati- cally set for the correct needle position, stitch width, and stitch length, as well as for stitching direction for that step.
  • Page 49 Singer Step 1: Side Stitching With the needle raised above the fabric, turn the but- tonholed dial clockwise to step 1. Position needle in fabric at point A. Lower the foot and stitch to end of buttonhole (point B). The end marking should be aligned with the horizontal score lines on the foot.
  • Page 50 Singer Adjusting Forward-Reverse Stitch Balance 1. Make a test buttonhole with the push button in neu- tral position (indicator dot directly below symbol on control panel) 2. If the stitches on the right side of the buttonhole are too open, rotate the push button clockwise from its neutral position to increase density of stitching 3.
  • Page 51 Singer BUTTONHOLES (MANUAL METHOD) Settings: • Pattern Disc: No. 1 • Stitch Width: See below • Needle Position: • Stitch Length: Between 0 and 1 • Special Purpose Presser Foot • General Purpose Needle Plate • Speed: Moderate Always make a test buttonhole on a sample of your fabric.
  • Page 52 Singer Procedure Place work under needle, aligning center marking of buttonhole with the centerline on the special purpose foot. Step 1: Side Stitching Position needle in fabric at point A. Lower the foot and stitch to end of marking. Leave needle in fabric at point B.
  • Page 53 Singer Decorative Touches TOP STITCHING A practical simple way to accent the lines of a dress or coat is to place one or more rows of stitching along collars, lapels, facing edges, pockets, sleeves, etc. For a tailored look, use rows of straight stitching. For deco- rative interest, use decorative stitching.
  • Page 54 Singer MONOGRAMS AND MOTIFS Many of the decorative stitch patterns can be used for monograms or motifs, adding a personal touch to a blouse collar, for example, or for initiating household linens. You can buy designs or create them yourself.
  • Page 55 Singer APPLIQUÉ Method No. 2 1. Insert pattern disc for desired applique stitch. The stitch most commonly used in appliqu3/4ing 2. Adjust stitch width selector for straight stitching and is the plain zig-zag stitch closely spaced to form a outline the entire design with a short stitch.

  • Page 56: Keeping Up Appearances

    Singer Keeping up Appearances MENDING Many of the zig-zag stitch patterns are just as useful for mending as they are for creative sewing. The multi- stitch zig-zag ( ) forms a firm, flexible bond for repairing tears and for replacing elastic. The plain zig- zag ( ) is useful for making bar tacks to repair lin- gerie.
  • Page 57 Singer Seam Repair Breaks in seams can be repaired quickly and easily by using the straight stitch. 1. Remove loose thread along the break and press seam edges together. 2. Restitch along the original seam line. overlapping stitching about 25 millimeters (1") at each end.
  • Page 58 Singer DARNING You may choose to darn either with or without an embroidery hoop. When greater control is needed, an embroidery hoop is usually best. Darning Without Embroidery Hoop • Stitch Width: • Needle Position: • Stitch Length: 1.5 - 2.5 •...
  • Page 59 Singer Darning With an Embroidery Hoop • Stitch Width: • Needle Position: • Stitch Length: Between 0 and 1 • Presser Foot: None • Feed Cover Plate Preparation: 1. Remove regular needle plate and insert feed cover needle plate. 2. Trim ragged edges from area to be darned.
  • Page 60 Singer 8. Caring for Your Sewing Machine Cleaning and Lubricating How often you will need to clean and lubricate the machine will depend on how often you use it and where you keep it. The following general guidelines assume that you will be sewing several- times a week.
  • Page 61 Singer Removing and Replacing Bobbin Case 1. Turn hand Wheel toward you to raise needle to its highest position. 2. Open slide plate, remove needle plate and remove bobbin. 3. Insert Screwdriver into bobbin case hold down and turn it toward the rear as illustrated.
  • Page 62 Singer Lubricate parts under arm top cover and behind face plate. • Raise top cover lid, loosen screws A, B. C and D, and lift arm lop cover off machine. • Loosen screw E and remove face plate. Note: Screws A, B. C and D are designed to remain in the top cover to prevent them from being lost.
  • Page 63 Sew a few lines of stitching on a scrap of material to remove excess oil. • Apply a small amount of SINGER gear lubricant to gears as shown. Never apply oil to gears. SINGER gear lubricant and oil are available for pur-...
  • Page 64 IF MACHINE IS TO BE STORED • Disconnect power-line plug from electric outlet. • Clean all exposed parts and area behind face plate. • Swab all exposed metal parts and parts behind face plate with SINGER oil to protect against rust.
  • Page 65 Singer ADJUSTING BOBBIN WINDER If there is too much thread on the bobbin: • Loosen stop latch screw A. • Slide latch B to the left for less thread on bobbin. • Tighten stop latch screw. If there is not enough thread on the bobbin: •...
  • Page 66 Singer CHANGING THE LIGHT BULB CAUTION: Disconnect power-line plug from electrical outlet before removing old bulb. Remove face plate. Removing Bulb: Press bulb into socket and at the same time turn bulb in direction shown to unlock bulb pin. (Do not attempt to unscrew the light bulb).
  • Page 67 Singer REPLACING THE SLIDE PLATE You will not have any occasion to remove the side- plate. However, if it should accidentally become disen- gaged from the machine, it is easily replaced. • Raise the presser foot and make sure needle is in its highest position.

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