Timing The Belts
Having the correct timing on your Singer Sewing Machine is one of the most crucial parts of being able to successfully sew fabric pieces together. Luckily, timing a Singer machine is relatively simple: adjust the upper belt clockwise (or the lower belt counterclockwise).
The process for checking your Singer’s timing is to run a few test stitches, either on fabric or scrap material. If the stitches are not even, adjust the belt as described above and then try again – until the stitches are even. After this, permanent adjustments don’t need to be made.
In order to maintain accurate Singer timing, experts recognize that proper maintenance is key. To do this, allow a professional to inspect the machine every few years, or follow the Singer maintenance log found inside the machine’s storage case.
Oiling The Machine
Oiling your Singer is relatively simple and should be done at least once a year in order to keep the machine running smoothly. To begin, make sure the machine is unplugged and find the oil fill holes located on the side of the Singer.
For this step, use only authorized Singer sewing machine oil, which can usually be purchased from a Singer-branded store or online. Fill the oil holes about 2/3 of the way with oil, and use a cotton swab to spread it evenly throughout the outer parts of the machine.
Also remember to oil all the moving parts, such as the presser foot. Doing this allows for easier movement, which in turn makes it simpler to move pieces of fabric through the machine and sew correctly.
Upkeep of The Sewing Machine
In order to maintain a Singer sewing machine’s desired results, professionals suggest cleaning the machine regularly. The most important part of the machine to clean is the needle, which gets easily clogged with lint, thread and other materials.
The recommended method for cleaning a Singer machine’s needle is to start by unplugging it, sliding the needle plate away and then, with a small needle-sized brush, use a few drops of oil or cleaning fluid to clean away all the fabric from the needle. Once it’s free of debris, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away excess oil or cleaning fluid.
The bobbin is especially prone to lint build up, so extra attention should be given to it when cleaning. To clean the the bobbin, first remove it by pressing the release lever and then use a soft-bristled brush to remove all the lint gathered underneath. Remember to also clean the bobbin case and hook race with a lint-free cloth.
Using the Most Suitable Needles
When it comes to using a Singer machine and stitching fabric, professionals are adamant that the correct needles are used. For instance, when sewing delicate fabric or when sewing with stretchy material, the correct needle is essential in order to get the desired results.
The standard needle sizes for Singer machines are 65/9, 75/11 and 90/14, respectively. The higher the number, the larger the needle – so needles with a 65/9 fit lightest fabrics and needles with a 90/14 fit thicker fabrics.
Experts caution that needles break easily and over time, become dull and might start to damage fabrics being sewn. If this happens, replace the needle with a new one and try again.
Attaching Loose Parts
When starting with a Singer machine, it’s always best to double-check that all the small parts are secure and in their places. Professionals suggest starting with the presser foot, which fits into the needle and presser foot holder. Make sure it’s securely fastened, then move on to the thread guides, presser bar spring, bobbin opening and thread tension wheel. All of these parts should be secure and properly attached.
To make sure you have the correct thread guide for each fabric type, refer to the threading chart included with the Singer sewing machine. The different thread guides are for heavier fabrics and for lighter fabrics. A correctly installed machine should provide effortless threading and expertly sorted tension.
Inspecting The Threading
The thread path of the Singer machine is one of the most important parts of machine sewing. That’s why, before each new project, it’s important to inspect the threading of the machine and make sure it is correctly threaded and correctly sized for the fabric being used.
For threading a Singer machine, first grab the thread from the spool and move it around the thread guide as indicated in the threading diagram for the machine. Then fit the thread into the tension disks – which should be adjusted to the same size as the needle being used – and fit the thread through the presser bar spring, needle bar and the needle itself. Once the thread is in the needle, the Singer should be ready for sewing.
Presser Feet
The presser feet of a Singer machine are the parts that hold fabric in place while the needle traverses through to create a stitch. Different presser feet are made for different sewing tasks, so it’s important to choose the right foot for each job.
Some of the more common Singer presser feet include: the All Purpose Foot, Zigzag Foot, Button Sewing Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Quilting Foot, and Cording Foot. All these feet are sold in stores and through Singer sewing machine models.
The All-Purpose Foot is generally used for all types of fabric, making it the perfect foot for beginning sewers. The Zigzag Foot is the standard foot most sewers use for Zigzag stitches and intricate stitching, while the Button Sewing Foot helps attach buttons to fabric pieces. The Blind Hem Foot is used for hemming and mending jeans and other fabrics, the Quilting Foot creates decorative stitching, and the Cording Foot is perfect for attaching beads and strings to fabric pieces.
Testing The Sewing Machine
After the Singer sewing machine is set up, it’s time to test it out. Experts recommend stitching pieces of scrap fabric first, either onto a single piece of fabric or separately. This helps to ensure that the machine is running correctly and that the tension and stitch size is set correctly.
To check tension and stitch size, first thread the spool of thread, make sure the needle is facing the right direction and then operate the foot control slowly. The resulting stitches should be even, consistent, and nest evenly together.
If, after testing the stitches on scrap fabric, the stitches look uneven, ragged or misaligned, check that the tensions are correct and that the needle that has been installed, is the correct one for the fabric being sewn.
Saving and Loading Patterns
If you have a Singer sewing machine model which includes a digital pattern storage card, then you can save and load sewing projects easily. Over time, digital pattern storage cards can accumulate dust, which needs to be cleaned off so that the card can read correctly.
To clean digital pattern storage cards, first use a cotton swab to lightly clean around the card slot and then, with a lint-free cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol, wipe the pattern storage card itself.
Once the card is clean, insert it into the card slot, choose a project and select the pattern you want to load. To save a project for future use, select the save option found on the touch screen and follow the prompts. After the project is saved, it will appear in the list of saved patterns on the machine.
Understanding Sewing Machine Speeds
Most modern Singer sewing machines have adjustable speed settings, with up to four different stitching speeds. Professionals recommend starting with the slowest speed setting and gradually working up until you reach a comfortable speed.
The slowest setting is usually the one used for learning or when sewing intricate or difficult projects. As an added tip, avoid straining the machine when using the slowest speed, as this can cause the motor to overheat.
At the highest speed setting, it’s important to keep the stitch formation even and consistent. When stitching at full speed, Singer machine needles can easily bend, break or even entangle the thread. To avoid this, professionals agree it’s best to slow down when stitching trickier pieces.
Choosing the Right Bobbin Case
When it comes to setting up a Singer sewing machine, choosing the right bobbin case is essential. Singer machines offer standard, drop-in and top-loading bobbin cases. The difference between the three bobbin cases is in the way the thread is loaded.
A standard bobbin case is for beginner projects since it’s the easiest to thread. Drop-in bobbin cases are for more serious sewers, as the bobbin is self-threading and can be dropped in for a neat and tidy finish. As for top-loading bobbin cases, these are used for heavier fabrics and require a bit more skill when threading.
In general, to maximize the potential of your Singer machine, professionals suggest using the highest quality bobbin case available. That way, you can be sure that the case is compatible with the machine, that it fits the fabric being used and that it functions properly.
