Singer 3116 Simple Sewing Machine User Manual

Singer 3116 Simple Sewing Machine

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety should always be followed, including the following:

Read all instructions before using this sewing machine.

DANGER – To reduce the risk of electric shock:

1. An appliance should never be left unattended when plugged in.
2. Always unplug this appliance from the electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
3. Always unplug before relamping. Replace bulb with the same type rated 10 watts (110-120V area) or 15 watts (220-240V area).

WARNING – To reduce the risk of burns, fire, or electric shock, or injury to persons:

1. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this appliance is used by or near children.
2. Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
3. Never operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the appliance to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, or electrical or mechanical adjustment.
4. Never operate the appliance with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot controller free from accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
5. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
6. Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
7. Do not use bent needles.
8. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle, causing it to break.
9. Switch the sewing machine off (“0”) when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the bobbin, or changing the presser foot, and the like.
10. Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.
11. Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
12. Do not use outdoors.
13. Do not operate where aerosol spray products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
14. To disconnect, turn all controls to the off (“0”) position, then remove the plug from the outlet.
15. Do not unplug by pulling on the cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
16. The sound pressure level under normal operating conditions is 75dB(A).
17. Please turn off the machine or unplug it when the machine is not properly operated.

    SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

    This sewing machine is intended for household use only.

Principal parts of the machine

1. Thread tension dial
2. Presser foot pressure adjustment
3. Thread take-up lever
4. Thread cutter
5. Presser foot
6. Needle plate
7. Removable sewing table/ accessory storage
8. Reverse sewing lever
9. Bobbin stopper
10. Stitch length dial
11. Pattern indicator window
12. Drop feed control
13. One-step buttonhole lever
14. Automatic threader
15. Horizontal spool pin
16. Bobbin winder
17. Handwheel
18. Pattern selector dial
19. Power and light switch
20. Main plug socket
21. Bobbin thread guide
22. Upper thread guide
23. Face plate
24. Handle
25. Presser foot lever
26. Buttonhole stitch balance adjustment slot
27. Foot speed control
28. Power cord

Accessories

Standard accessories (1)

• a. All purpose foot
• b. Zipper foot
• c. Buttonhole foot
• d. Button sewing foot
• e. Seam ripper’ brush
• f. Seam guide
• g. Pack of needles
• h. Spool holder
• i. Bobbin (3x)
• j. L-screwdriver

Optional accessories (2)
(These 10 accessories are not supplied with this machine; they are however, available as special accessories from your local dealer.)

• k. Second spool pin
• l. Satin stitch foot
• m.Overcasting foot
• n. Hemmer foot
• o. Cording foot
• p. Blind hem foot
• q. Darning foot
• r. Gathering feet
• s. Quilting foot
• t. Evenfeed foot

Installing the snap-in sewing table

Keep the snap-in sewing table horizontal, and push it in the direction of the arrow. (1)

The inside of the snap-in sewing table can be utilized as an accessory box. To open, lft up at the point of the arrow. (2)

Connecting the machine to a power source

Connect the machine to a power source as illustrated. (1) This appliance is equipped with a polarized plug that must be used with the appropriate polarized outlet. (2)

Attention:
Unplug the power cord when the machine is not in use.

Foot control

The foot control pedal regulates the sewing speed. (3)

Attention:
Consult a qualified electrician if in doubt as to connecting the machine to a power source. Unplug the power cord when the machine is not in use. The foot control must be used with the appliance by 4C-3168
(110-120V area) / 4C-326G (230V area) / 4C-316C or 4C-326C (220- 240V area) Manufactured by Panasonic Co., Ltd.(TW)

Sewing light

Press the main switch (A) for power and light on * 1″.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
For an appliance with a polarized plug (one blade is 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 it 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.

• a. Polarized attachment plug
• b. The conductor is intended to be grounded

Changing the bulb

Disconnect the machine from the power supply by removing the plug from the main socket! Replace bulb with the same type rated 10 watts (110-120V area) or 15 watts (220-240V area).

• Loosen screw (A) as illustrated. (1)
• Remove the face plate (B).
• Unscrew the bulb and install a new one (C). (2)
• Replace the face plate and tighten screw.

Should there be any problem, ask your local dealer for advice.

Two-step presser foot lifter

When sewing several layers or thick fabrics, the presser foot can be raised to a high rise position for easy positioning of the work. (A)

Adjusting the presser foot pressure

The presser foot pressure of the machine has been pre-set and requires no particular readjustment according to the type of fabric (light or heavy weight). However, if you need to adjust the presser foot pressure, turn the presser adjusting screw with a coin. For sewing very thin fabric, loosen the pressure by turing the screw counter counterclockwise, and for heavy fabric, tighten by turing it clockwise.

Attaching the presser foot shank

• Raise the presser bar (a). Attach the presser foot shank (b) as illustrated. (1)
• Attaching the presser foot
• Lower the presser foot shank (b) until the cut-out (c) is directly above the pin (d). (2)
• Raise the lever (e).
• Lower the presser foot shank (b), and the presser foot (f) will engage automatically.

Removing the presser foot

• Raise the presser foot. (3)
• Raise the lever (e), and the foot disengages.

Attaching the seam guide

• Attach the seam guide (g) in the slot as illustrated. Adjust according to need for hems, pleats, etc. (4)

Attention:
Turn the power switch to off (“0”) when carrying out any of the above operations!

Winding the bobbin

• Place the thread and spool holder onto the spool pin (1). For smaller spools of thread, place the spool holder with the small side next to the spool. (2)
• Snap the thread into the thread guide. (3)
• Wind the thread clockwise around the bobbin winder tension discs. (4)
• Thread the bobbin as illustrated and place it on the spindle. (5)
• Push the bobbin to the right. (6)
• Hold the thread end (7). Step on the foot control pedal. (8)
• Cut thread (9). Press the bobbin to the left (10) and remove.

Please Note:

When the bobbin winder spindle is in “bobbin winding” position, the machine will not sew and the hand wheel will not turn. To start sewing, push the bobbin winder spindle to the left (sewing position).

Inserting the bobbin

When inserting or removing the bobbin, the needle must be fully raised.

• Open the hinged cover (1)
• Pull the bobbin case tab (a) and remove the bobbin case. (2)
• Hold the bobbin case with one hand. Insert the bobbin so that the thread runs in a clockwise direction (arrow) (3).
• Pull the thread through the slit and under the finger (4).
• Hold the bobbin case by the hinged latch (5).
• Insert it into the shuttle (6).

Attention:
Turn the power switch to off (“0”) before inserting or removing the bobbin.

Inserting and changing needles

Change the needle regularly, especially if it is showing signs of wear and causing problems. For best sewing results, always use SINGER Brand Needles. Insert the needle as illustrated as follows:

• A. Loosen the needle clamp screw and tighten again after inserting the new needle. (1)
• B. The flat side of the shaft should be towards the back.
• C/D. Insert the needle as far up as it will go.

Attention:
Turn the power switch to off (“0”) before inserting or removing the needle.

Needles must be in perfect condition. (2)
Problems can occur with:

• A. Bent needles
• B. Blunt needles
• C. Damaged points

Threading the upper thread

This is a simple operation, but it is important to carry out correctly as by not doing so several sewing problems could result.

• Start by raising the needle to its highest point (1), and also raise the presser foot to release the tension discs. (2)
  Note: For safety, it is strongly suggested you turn off the power before threading.
• Lift up the spool pin. Place the spool of thread on the holder with the thread coming off the spool as shown. For small thread spools, place the small side of the spool holder next to the spool. (3)
• Draw the thread from the spool through the upper thread guide. (4)
• Guide thread around thread guide (5), pulling thread through pre-tension spring as illustrated.
• The thread tension module leads the thread down the right channel and up the left channel (6). During this process, it is helpful to hold the thread between the spool and thread guide (4).
• At the top of this movement, pass the thread from right to left through the slotted eye of the take-up lever and then downwards again. (7)
• Pass the thread behind the flat, horizontal thread guide. (8)
• Now take the thread behind the thin wire needle clamp guide and then down to the needle, which should be threaded from front to back. Pull about 6-8 inches of thread to the rear beyond the needle eye. (9)

Note:

If your sewing machine is equipped with the factory-installed optional automatic needle threader, instructions for use can be found on page 26.

Automatic needle threader

• Raise the needle to its highest position.
• Press lever (A) down as far as it will go.
• The threader automatically swings to the threading position (B).
• Pass the thread around the thread guide (C).
• Pass the thread in front of the needle around the hook (D) from bottom to top.
• Release lever (A).
• Pull the thread through the needle eye. Turn the power switch to off (“0”)!

Thread tension

Upper thread tension

Basic thread tension setting: “4”

To increase the tension, turn the dial to the next number up. To reduce the tension, turn the dial to the next number down.

• Normal thread tension for straight stitch sewing.
• Thread tension is too loose for straight stitch sewing. Turn the dial to a higher number.
• Thread tension is too tight for straight stitch sewing. Turn the dial to lower number.
• Normal thread tension for zig-zag and decorative sewing. Correct thread tension is when a small amount of the upper thread appears on the bottom side of fabric.

Lower thread tension

To test the bobbin thread tension, remove the bobbin case and bobbin and hold it by suspending it by the thread. Jerk it once or twice. If the tension is correct, the thread will unwind by about an inch or two. If the tension is too tight, it does not unwind at all. If the tension i 100 loose, i il dop too much. To adjust, tu the small screw on the side of the bobbin case.

Please note:

• Proper setting of tension is important to good sewing.
• There is no single tension setting appropriate for al stitch functions, thread or fabric.
• A balanced tension (identical stitches both top and bottom) is usually only desirable for straight stitch construction sewing.
• 90% of all sewing will be between “3” and “5”.
• For zig-zag and decorative sewing stitch functions, thread tension should generally be less than for straight stitch sewing.
• For all decorative sewing, you will always obtain a nicer stitch and less fabric puckering when the upper thread appears on the bottom side of your fabric.

Raising the bobbin thread

Hold the upper thread with the left hand. Turn the handwheel (1) towards you (counterclockwise), lowering, then raising the needle.

Gently pull on the upper thread to bring the bobbin thread up. through the needle plate hole (2). Lay both threads to the back under the presser foot. (3)

Reverse sewing

To secure the beginning and the end of a seam, press down the reverse sewing lever (A). Sew a few reverse stitches. Release the lever, and the machine will sew forward again.

Removing the work

Turn the handwheel counterclockwise to bring the thread take-up lever to its highest position, raise the presser foot and remove work behind the needle and presser foot. (2)

Cutting the thread

Pull the threads behind the presser foot. Guide the threads to the side of the face plate and into the thread cutter (B). Pull threads down to cut. (3)

Matching needle/ fabric/ thread

NEEDLE, FABRIC, THREAD SELECTION GUIDE

IMPORTANT: Match needle size to thread size and weight of fabric

NEEDLE, FABRIC SELECTION

How to choose your pattern

For straight stitch, select pattern * | * with pattern selector dial. Adjust the stitch length with the
stitch length dial. For zigzag stitch, select pattern ** with the pattern selector dial. Adjust the stitch length according to the fabric being used. To obtain any of the other patterns shown on the stitch selection panel, select the stitch with the pattern selector dial. Adjust the stitch length with the stitch length dial.

• a. Reverse lever
• b. Stitch length dial
• c. Stitch display
• d. Stitch pattern selector dial

Straight stitching

Turn the stitch selection dial so that the pointer is set to the straight stitch position. Generally speaking, the thicker the fabric, thread, and needle, the longer the stitch should be. For a fine stitch set length at “1”
or “2”. For gathering set to straight stitch, with stitch length at “4”. Do 2 rows of stitching of one inch apart. Remove from machine, hold bobbin thread, and gather fabric to desired fullness.

Zigzag stitching

Turn the pattern selector dial so that the stitch display shows “zig-zag”. Turning the pattern selector dial will increase or decrease the zig-zag width. (1) Function of stitch length dial while zigzag. The density of zigzag stitches increases as the setting of the stitch length dial approaches “0”. Neat zigzag stitches are usually achieved at “2.5” or below. Closed-up zigzag stitches (close together) are referred to as a satin stitch. (2)

Maintenance

Attention:
Disconnect the machine from the electrical supply by removing the plug from the main socket. When cleaning the machine, it must always be disconnected from the electrical supply.

Remove the needle plate:
Turn the handwheel until the needle is fully raised. Open the hinged front cover and unscrew the needle plate screws with the screw driver (1).

Cleaning the feed dogs:
Use the brush supplied to clean the whole area (2).

Cleaning and lubricating the hook:
Remove the bobbin case. Snap the two hook retaining arms (3) outwards. Remove the hook race cover (4) and the hook (5) and clean with a soft cloth. Lubricate at the point (6) (1-2 drops) with sewing machine oil. Turn the handwheel until the hook race (7) is in the left position. Replace the hook (5). Replace the hook race cover and snap back the two hook retaining arms. Insert the bobbin case and bobbin and replace the needle plate.

Important:
Fabric lint and threads must be removed regularly. Your machine should be serviced at regular intervals at one of our service centers.

Troubleshooting guide

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Singer 3116 Simple Sewing Machine- FAQs