Section 1: Threading the Machine’s Bobbin
Threading a Singer sewing machine is an important first step when preparing to use the machine to sew. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to thread the bobbin on a Singer handheld sewing machine. First, prepare a piece of plain, heavy-weight thread; the thread should be two to three times the length of the bobbin. For example, if the bobbin is 3 inches (7.62 cm) wide, the thread should be 6 inches (15.24 cm). Attach the bobbin to the spool by dropping the end of the thread into the slot and then pulling it up and around. To secure the thread, wrap it around the bobbin a few times, stopping before the end of the thread is completely wound.
Second, align the machine’s bobbin holder with the bobbin housing slot and insert the bobbin. Make sure that the thread is traveling in the same direction as the arrows printed on the top of the bobbin. Third, pull the thread through the eye of the needle and pass the thread back through the guide near the bobbin housing slot. Then, feed the thread up over the tension disc and release a few inches of thread, leaving a tail of thread hanging from the end of the spool.
Fourth, wind the thread around the bobbin by holding the end of the thread, turning the handwheel towards you, and gradually releasing the tail of the thread. Stop winding the thread when the bobbin is 1/4 or less full. Finally, cut the thread, leaving enough thread to fit through the eye of the needle. Finally, insert the bobbin, making sure it is securely in place.
Section 2: Prepare the Thread Spool
The spool of thread should be set up prior to threading the Singer handheld sewing machine. Begin by removing any paper or cardboard covering the spool of thread. Next, attach the spool holder to the appropriate slot on the machine. Make sure the thread is loaded in the same direction that is printed on the top of the thread spool.
Third, trim the end of thread off, leaving approximately 1-2 inches (2.54-5.08 cm) beyond the thread holder. Fourth, remove the presser foot and insert the thread into the tension discs located on the back of the machine. There are two tension discs – the first always contains the top thread, while the second is for the bobbin thread. Fifth, pull several inches of thread through the discs and thread it through the take-up lever located at the top of the machine.
Sixth, thread the needle by inserting the end of the thread into the eye of the needle. Seventh, thread the machine by feeding the thread through the guide and then up to the top of the machine. Be sure to hold onto the end of the thread while guiding the thread up around the tension disc. Ensure the end of the thread is pulled up tight and pulled slightly to the right.
Section 3: Sewing with the Machine
Once the Singer handheld sewing machine is properly threaded, it is time to begin sewing. First, turn the machine on. It is best to start on the slowest setting to get used to how the machine works. Then, place the fabric under the needle and press the foot pedal to start the needle. Slowly move the fabric in the desired pattern, and press the foot pedal to stop the needle at the end of each pattern.
Next, move the fabric to the next pattern and press the foot pedal to begin sewing again. You will want to make sure the needle does not hit or puncture the fabric. If it does, press the reverse button to back-stitch the needle to the beginning of the pattern. When stitching is complete, press the reverse button until the needle is at the back of the fabric and cut the thread.
Finally, press the reverse button to move the needle to the back side of the fabric, and then press the foot pedal. The machine should automatically stop. The sewing machine is now ready for the next stitch. Taking a few extra minutes to practice will help ensure successful projects.
Section 4: Troubleshooting
Occasionally, sewing machines can present some difficulties. If the machine jams, it could be caused by several issues, including thread that is too tight, a broken needle, or a damaged bobbin holder.
To resolve these common problems, first check the thread and make sure it is not too tight. If the thread is too tight, it can cause the machine to jam. Begin by unlatching the bar at the top of the machine, which will release the tension on the thread. Then, retighten the bar and thread the machine again.
Next, check for any damages and breaks in the needle, which could stop the needle from sewing. Lastly, check the bobbin holder for any damages or obstructions. If the bobbin holder is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Section 5: Cleaning and Maintenance
Periodic cleaning and maintenance of the Singer handheld sewing machine is important to ensure the machine will continue to run smoothly. The user manual will provide specific instructions on how to clean and maintain the machine.
In general, the machine should be cleaned after every use. It is also important to oil the machine regularly to ensure proper functioning. To do this, oil the bobbin case and shuttle block, as well as the oil port located at the bottom of the machine.
If the machine is not used very often, be sure to keep it fully oiled and covered with the protective cover. Lastly, proper storage will help to prolong the life of the machine. Before putting it away, the machine should be fully wound with thread and unplugged.
Section 6: Adjusting Thread Tension
Adjusting the thread tension is an important part of operating a Singer handheld sewing machine. The tension must be set properly for each project in order for stitches to hold securely. Too much or too little tension can cause stitches to break or become loose.
First, make sure the thread is threaded correctly. Second, adjust the tension setting accordingly. Most machines have a dial at the front of the machine that is used to adjust the tension setting. If the stitches are too tight, turn the dial downwards. If the stitches are too loose, turn the dial upwards.
Third, test the tension on a scrap of fabric. After making a few stitches, slide the fabric out from under the needle and view the stitches. If the stitches are too tight, the thread will be curved at the middle, and if the stitches are too loose, the thread will be very open. Fourth, make any necessary adjustments by increasing or decreasing the tension setting.
Tension settings may need to be adjusted depending on the fabric and thread being used. A heavier thread or fabric may require a higher tension setting, while a lighter thread or fabric will require a lower tension setting.
Section 7: Presser Feet
Presser feet are attachments that are used to hold and guide fabric when sewing. They are designed to hold the fabric in place and ensure the stitches are even. There are several types of presser feet available, and they are used for a variety of tasks such as buttonholes, hems, and topstitching.
The most common presser foot is the regular presser foot. This is a flat metal foot with a wide base and a wide opening in the center. It is used for general sewing as well as for straight lines and curves.
The quarter inch (1/4) foot is used for topstitching and for adding very accurate seams. It is made of metal with a raised opening in the middle. This helps with keeping an even stitch and makes it easier to accurately measure the seam allowance.
The zipper foot is used for inserting zippers or other decorative elements. It is a metal foot with an opening on the side, allowing it to move closer to the stitches and provide better control when stitching around a zipper.
The edge stitch foot is designed to keep the fabric in place while sewing. It is a metal foot with a small opening in the middle, which allows the fabric to slide under the foot more easily. It is also a helpful tool when topstitching or decorative stitch work is required.
In addition to the above, there are also hemmer feet, blind hem feet, quilting feet, and several other specialized presser feet. The type of presser foot best suited for a project will be determined by the type of fabric and the task at hand.
