Singer M3220 Sewing Machine User Manual

Singer M3220 Sewing Machine

About Singer

Singer was founded in 1851 by Isaac Merritt Singer and Edward Clark, and it has a long and rich history in the sewing machine industry. The company’s innovative designs and marketing strategies played a significant role in making sewing machines accessible to households, revolutionizing the textile industry and home sewing practices.

Singer is renowned for producing a wide range of sewing machines, from basic models for beginners to advanced computerized machines for professional use. Over the years, the company has introduced numerous innovations in sewing machine technology, making sewing more efficient and accessible to people worldwide.

Singer has a global presence and sells its products in various countries. The company has established a strong distribution network, making its sewing machines and related products widely available.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome

Welcome to the SINGER® family and CONGRATULATIONS on purchasing a brand new SINGER® sewing machine!
The SINGER® brand has stood for quality in sewing for over 160 years. We design our machines for sewists of all skill levels so that the joy of sewing, creating, do-it-yourself, crafting, and more can be enjoyed by all. It is important to us that you have the easiest and most successful sewing experience, so we have provided a wide array of helpful resources:

1. An instruction manual with easy-to-understand graphics and step-by-step instructions.
2. Assistance on the web at www.singerco.com
3. Personal assistance via email: talktous@singerco.com
4. Live, one-on-one help from one of our SINGER® Sewing Assistants, at 1-844-664-5188. (North America Only)

We’re ready to help and hope that you enjoy your SINGER® sewing machine. Happy Sewing!

Important Safety Instructions

This household sewing machine is designed to comply with IEC/EN 60335-2-28 and UL1594.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:
Read all instructions before using this household sewing machine. Keep the instructions in a suitable place close to the machine. Make sure to hand them over if the machine is given to a third party.

DANGER – To reduce the risk of electric shock :

A sewing machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this sewing machine from the electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning, removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.

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

• Do not allow it to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this sewing machine is used by or near children.
• Use this sewing machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
• Never operate this sewing machine if it has a damaged cord or plugs if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water.
  Return the sewing machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
• Never operate the sewing machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot control free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
• Keep your fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
• Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
• Do not use bent needles.
• Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.
• Wear safety glasses.
• Switch the sewing machine off (“O”) when making any adjustment in the needle area, such as threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the bobbin, changing the presser foot, etc.
• Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administrated.
• To disconnect, turn all controls to the off (“O”) position, then remove the plug from the outlet.
• Do not unplug by pulling on the cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• The foot control is used to operate the machine. Avoid placing other objects on the foot control.
• Do not use the machine if it is wet.
• If the LED lamp is damaged or broken, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly qualified person, in order to avoid a hazard.
• If the supply cord connected with the foot control is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly qualified person, in order to avoid a hazard.
• This sewing machine is provided with double insulation. Use only identical replacement parts. See instructions for Servicing of Double-Insulated Appliances.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS 

For Europe only

This appliance can be used by children aged 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision. The noise level under normal operating conditions is less than 75dB(A). The machine must only be used with foot control of type KD-1902, FC-1902 (110-120V area) / KD-2902, FC-2902A, FC-2902C, FC-2902D (220-240V area) manufactured by ZHEJIANG FOUNDER MOTOR CORPORATION LTD. (China) / 4C-316B (110-125V area) / 4C-316C (127V area) / 4C-326C (220V area) / 4C-326G (230V area) / 4C-336G (240V area) / 4C-336G (220-240V area) manufactured by Wakaho Electric Ind. Co., Ltd. (Vietnam)

For outside Europe

This sewing machine is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the sewing machine by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the sewing machine. The noise level under normal operating conditions is less than 75dB(A). The machine must only be used with foot control of type KD-1902, FC-1902 (110-120V area) / KD-2902, FC-2902A, FC-2902C, FC-2902D (220-240V area) manufactured by ZHEJIANG FOUNDER MOTOR CORPORATION LTD. (China) / 4C-316B (110-125V area) / 4C-316C (127V area) / 4C-326C (220V area) / 4C-326G (230V area) / 4C-336G (240V area) / 4C-336G (220-240V area) manufactured by Wakaho Electric Ind. Co., Ltd. (Vietnam)

SERVICING OF DOUBLE INSULATED

PRODUCTS

In a double-insulated product, two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. No ground means is provided on a double-insulated product, nor should a means for grounding be added to the product. Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be done only by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated product must be identical to those parts in the product. A double-insulated product is marked with the words “DOUBLE INSULATION” or “DOUBLE INSULATED”.

ABOUT YOUR MACHINE

Main Parts of the Machine Front

1. THREAD TENSION DIAL allows you to select just the right tension for your stitch, thread, and fabric.
2. THREAD TAKE-UP LEVER
3. THREAD CUTTER is conveniently located for trimming thread ends at the end of sewing.
4. PRESSER FOOT holds the fabric against feed teeth, drawing fabric under the foot for you as you sew.
5. NEEDLE PLATE has guidelines to help you keep seams straight.
6. REMOVABLE STORAGE COMPARTMENT provides a flat surface for sewing, storage for accessories, and provides access to the free arm.
7. REVERSE SEWING LEVER reverses stitching direction, for example, when securing the beginning and end of a seam.
8. THE BOBBIN WINDING STOPPER determines when the bobbin is full and disengages automatically.
9. STITCH LENGTH DIAL controls the length of stitches, making them shorter or longer as desired. It is also used for stretch stitch length selection.
10. STITCH SELECTOR DIAL is used to select stitch patterns and buttonhole settings.
11.  ONE STEP BUTTONHOLE LEVER automatically determines the length of the buttonhole when lowered.
12. BOBBIN holds the thread that forms the stitching that appears on the bottom side of the fabric.

1. HORIZONTAL SPOOL PIN holds the thread spool and spool cap for the upper thread.
2. BOBBIN WINDING SPINDLE holds bobbin as it winds.
3. HOLE FOR SECOND SPOOL PIN is used to hold an additional spool pin (optional), for thread spools to be used in an upright position, or for using two spools at once for twin needle sewing.
4. HANDWHEEL (ALWAYS TURN IT TOWARD YOU), controls the movement of the needle and the thread take-up lever.
5. POWER AND LIGHT SWITCH turns on the machine and sewing light simultaneously.
6. A MAIN PLUG SOCKET is used to connect the power cord/foot controller.
7. BOBBIN WINDING TENSION DISK holds the thread snuggly to help ensure smooth and even bobbin winding.
8. PRE-TENSION THREAD GUIDE helps maintain the flow of the thread during sewing.
9. FACE PLATE houses and protects the interior mechanisms of the machine.
10. HANDLE is used for lifting and transporting the machine.
11. PRESSER FOOT LIFTER raises and lowers the presser foot. It should be placed up for machine threading and down for sewing.
12. FOOT CONTROLLER controls sewing speed by the amount of pressure applied by the user.
13. POWER CORD connects the machine to the power source.

Needle and Presser Foot Area

1. THREAD GUIDE controls the movement of the upper thread.
2. NEEDLE holds thread during stitch formation.
3. PRESSER FOOT SCREW secures the presser foot holder (shank) onto the presser bar.
4. PRESSER FOOT holds the fabric against the feed teeth while sewing. Various optional presser feet are available, depending on the fabric sewn and sewing techniques.
5. FEED TEETH (OR FEED DOGS), which look like rows of teeth under the presser foot, control the movement of the fabric under the presser foot.
6. NEEDLE CLAMP holds the machine’s needle in position.
7. NEEDLE CLAMP screw secures the needle when placed in the needle clamp.
8. ONE STEP BUTTONHOLE LEVER automatically determines the length of the buttonhole when lowered.
9. PRESSER BAR accommodates the presser foot holder.
10. PRESSER FOOT HOLDER (OR SHANK) holds presser foot.
11. NEEDLE PLATE covers the bobbin area and provides a flat area around the presser foot for sewing.
    The first line is 3/8″ (10mm) from the center needle position. The most popular seam allowance
12. STITCHING GUIDELINES are used as a visual reference for guiding fabric straight while sewing. measurements are 1/2” (13mm) and 5/8” (16mm). The 1/2” seam allowance is the 2nd line, and the 5/8” seam allowance is the 3rd line from the center needle position.

Removable Storage Compartment and Accessories

Hold the Removable Storage Compartment horizontally, then pull toward the left to remove it from the machine. Doing this, you will have access to the free arm, which makes it easy to sew tubular projects like pant hems or sleeves. Additionally, you will find the machine’s accessories stored here (see below). To replace the Removable Storage Compartment, hold it as shown in the illustration, and then push it to the right. This machine comes with a standard assortment of presser feet and accessories.

Standard Accessories Included:

• All Purpose Foot (for general sewing)
• Zipper Foot (for inserting a zipper)
• Buttonhole Foot (for making buttonholes)
• Button Sewing Foot (for attaching buttons)
• Seam Ripper/Brush (remove stitches/brush out lint)
• Edge/Quilting guide (for straight & accurate quilting)
• Pack of Needles (replacement needles)
• Spool Holders (2 sizes for various thread spool styles)
• Bobbins (SINGER® Class 15 transparent bobbins)
• Screwdriver (to remove needle plate for cleaning)
• Darning Plate (cover for feed teeth)
• Second Spool Pin (for sewing with an optional twin needle)
• Spool Pin Felt (to cushion the spool of thread when using the second spool pin)

Optional Accessories:

For information about additional presser feet, attachments, and accessories that may be available for your machine, visit www.singerco.com

GETTING READY TO SEW

Powering Your Machine

Connect the machine to a power source as illustrated. This machine is equipped with a polarized plug which must be used with the appropriate polarized outlet. (a and b)
Unplug the power cord when the machine is not in use.

Foot Control

The foot control regulates the sewing speed. When the foot control is disconnected, the machine will not operate.

Sewing Light

Press the main switch (A) to “ I ” for power and light.

For a machine 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.

Your Singer machine is adjusted to provide the best stitch results at normal room temperature.
Extreme hot and cold temperatures can affect the sewing results.

Winding the Bobbin

This machine uses SINGER® Class 15 transparent bobbins.
Use only this style of bobbin when purchasing additional bobbins for your machine. Do not substitute with metal bobbins.

1. Place thread spool and corresponding size spool holder onto the spool pin. The spool holder should be large enough to cover the end of the thread spool so the thread unreels smoothly. For smaller, narrower spools, use the small spool cap, which can be found in the removable storage compartment.
2. (A) Snap thread into the guide at top of the machine.
   (B) Place thread snuggly around the bobbin winding tension disk to ensure that the thread winds onto the bobbin smoothly and consistently.
   (C) Thread the bobbin as shown, then place it onto the bobbin winding spindle.
3. Check that bobbin is pushed down firmly (A).
   If it is not, the thread could begin winding under the bobbin. Push the bobbin and spindle firmly to the right (B).
4. Hold the thread end to get ready to wind.
   Step on the foot controller gently as you hold the thread end. Allow it to wind a few revolutions slowly, then remove your foot from the foot control to stop.
5. Trim the thread end close to the top of the bobbin, then resume winding by stepping on the foot controller.
6. The bobbin will stop winding when it is full. Lift your foot off the foot control. Push the bobbin to the left (A), then trim the thread and remove the bobbin from the spindle (B).

Inserting the Bobbin

Turn the power switch off before inserting or removing the bobbin.

1. When inserting or removing the bobbin, the needle and presser foot must be fully raised.
2. Remove the bobbin cover plate and bobbin.
3. Insert the bobbin in the bobbin case with the thread running in a counterclockwise direction (arrow).
4. Pull the thread through the slit (A).
5. With a finger held gently on top of the bobbin, place thread into guides as shown.
6. To cut off excess thread pull it toward you to cut it with the cutter at the point
   (B). Replace the bobbin cover plate.

Threading the Upper Thread

For safety, turn off the power before threading the machine.

1. Start by turning the handwheel
   (A) toward you to raise the needle
   (B) and the thread take-up lever
   (C). You should be able to see the take-up lever.
2. Raise the presser foot lifter. This is necessary in order for the machine to be threaded correctly.
3. Place the thread spool and spool cap onto the spool holder.
4. Draw thread from the spool through the upper thread guide at the top of the machine. Hold the thread with both hands and pull it into the pretension guide.
5. (A) Bring the thread down the right channel, around the U-turn, and up the left channel.
   (B) At the top of the left channel, hook the thread from back to front through the slotted eye of the thread take-up lever. If the thread does not pass into the eye of the take-up lever, the machine will jam. After threading the take-up lever, bring the thread downward again.
   (C) Pass the thread behind the metal thread guide and then down to the needle.
6. To thread the needle manually, thread it from front to back. Pull about 6-8 inches of thread to the back beyond the needle eye.

Drawing Up the Bobbin Thread

For safety, turn off the power before threading the machine

1. Hold the upper thread tail with the left hand (A). Turn the handwheel toward you (B), first lowering (C) and then raising the needle (D).
2. As you turn the handwheel, gently pull the upper thread, which will bring a loop of the bobbin thread up through the hole of the needle plate (E). Pull the loop to bring the bobbin thread end up through the opening in the needle plate.
   If a loop doesn’t pull up, turn the handwheel toward you one more time. If it still doesn’t come up, check that the bobbin thread is not trapped by the bobbin cover.
3. Bring both threads under the presser foot and toward the back of the machine.

Before You Start Sewing

Now that your machine is threaded, we will show how to set up the machine for basic sewing techniques such as: sewing a straight stitch, sewing a decorative stitch, sewing a stretch stitch, sewing a buttonhole, and sewing a button. With each technique, you have the opportunity to sew along.

For more information about the various stitches on your machine and how to use them, refer to the Stitch Reference Guide by visiting www.singer.com.

Here are a few other tips that you may find helpful before you begin:

When unpacking the machine, you may have noticed some small traces of oil around the needle plate or presser foot area. If so, wipe off any excess oil with a soft, dry cloth before you start sewing. It is also recommended that you sew on a piece of scrap fabric to remove excess oil.

The foot control is used to control the speed of your sewing. When you press down on the foot control, the machine will sew. The greater the pressure you place on the foot control, the faster the machine will sew. When you take your foot off the foot control, the machine will stop.

Needles are an important part of sewing. Using old, damaged, or incorrect needles for your projects can affect sewing results. For information about which needle to use for your project, refer to the
Stitch Reference Guide at www.singerco.com. For information on how to change the needle.

Depending on the sewing technique you want to do, it may be necessary to change to a different
presser foot. For information on how to do this.

Review the page about Stitch Formation. This will help you understand what the stitching should look like when you sew.

Use the thread cutter on the machine to trim thread tails when finished sewing. This is
helpful because thread tails are left long enough so that the needle does not become unthreaded when you start sewing again.

START SEWING

Stitch Formation

1. How Stitches Form
   Stitches are formed when the upper thread and the bobbin thread interlock between the fabric layers. Stitching is well balanced when the needle thread appears on the top and the bobbin thread appears on the bottom.
2. Thread Tension Dial
   The Thread Tension Dial has a range of settings between 0 and 9. Most of your sewing will be done with your Thread Tension Dial set between 3 and 5. It can be adjusted to a higher number for more tension on the upper thread if the upper thread seems too loose. It can be adjusted to a lower number for less tension on the upper thread if the bobbin thread seems to be showing on the top side of the fabric. Adjusting Tension
   Thread tension can also be adjusted for various sewing techniques. For basting (see Appendix), you can loosen it to a lower number so that the stitches can easily be removed. For gathering, you can turn it to a higher number.
3. When you sew, if you see large loops on the underside of the fabric, this is actually an indication that the upper thread was not threaded correctly, as it has no tension controlling it. For information on how to correct this, see the Troubleshooting and Maintenance section of this manual.

Stitch Selector Dial

The Stitch Selector Dial is used to select the stitch you want to sew. The dial can be turned to the left or to the right.

For Sewing the Grey Stitch Patterns:

1. Turn the Stitch Selector Dial until it clicks in place under the dot directly above the dial on the machine.
2. Set the Stitch Length Dial according to the length you want. It can be set anywhere between 0.5 and 4, with 4 being the longest setting.

For Sewing the Blue or Red Stitch Patterns:

1. Turn the Stitch Selector Dial until it clicks in place under the dot directly above the dial on the machine.
2. Set the Stitch Length Dial so that the S1 or S2 is lined up with the dot above this dial. This dial must be set at the S1 marking for the blue stitches or the S2 marking for the red stitches, or the stitch pattern will not sew.

For examples of stitch patterns and further instruction, see the Stitch Reference Guide at www.singerco.com.

Sewing a Straight Stitch

A straight stitch is used for sewing seams and topstitching.

HOW TO:

1. Set the machine for Straight Stitch by setting the Stitch Selector Dial to straight stitch.
2. The Stitch Length Dial control can be set at the stitch length that you desire.

SEW ALONG: 

1. Set the Stitch Selector Dial so that the straight stitch symbols are directly below the dot.
2. Set the Stitch Length Dial control so that the number 2 is directly below the dot on the machine. This is an average stitch length setting for regular sewing.
3. Place the fabric under the All-Purpose Foot with the right-hand edge of the fabric lined up with the desired seam guideline on the right side of the needle plate. Lower the presser foot, then step on the foot control to begin sewing. Always make sure that the presser foot is lowered before you begin to sew. If you fail to do so, the machine will jam as you begin to sew. Start your seam by sewing 2 to 3 stitches. Press the reverse lever to sew backward 2 to 3 stitches, which will lock the end of the seam so the stitches don’t come undone. Release the reverse lever to sew forward again. Continue sewing the length of the seam. Press the reverse lever at the end of the seam and sew backward 2 to 3 stitches. Release the reverse lever to sew forward again to finish.

Use a slightly shorter stitch length for lightweight fabrics, finer threads, and needles. Use a longer stitch length such as 3 or 4 for heavy-weight fabrics.

It may be helpful to gently hold the thread tails with your left hand for the first few stitches, as this will help guide the fabric under the foot as you begin to sew

Sewing a Decorative Stitch

A decorative stitch is used for embellishing and adding flair to your sewing projects.
(Go to www.singerco.com to view other decorative stitches that can be used).

HOW TO:

1. Set the machine to the desired stitch by setting the Stitch Selector Dial to one of the decorative stitches.
2. Set the Stitch Length Dial between 0.5 and 3.

SEW ALONG: Scallop Stitch

1. Set the Stitch Selector Dial, so that the Scallop Stitch setting is directly below the dot.
2. Set the Stitch Length Dial control so that number 1 is directly below the dot on the machine.
3. Place the fabric under the All-Purpose Foot with the right-hand edge of the fabric lined up with the desired seam guideline on the right side of the needle plate. Lower the presser foot, then step on the foot control to begin sewing. Sew 2 to 3 stitches and then backstitch to reinforce the seam.

Use a stabilizer (see Appendix) on the underside of the fabric if there is gathering or puckering as you sew. Decorative stitching can be used almost anywhere on your project!
It may be helpful to decrease the upper tension by 1 or 2 numbers when sewing decorative stitches. This will help prevent the bobbin thread from possibly showing on the top when sewing denser stitches.

Sewing a Stretch Stitch

HOW TO:

1. Set the machine to the desired stitch by setting the Stitch Selector Dial to one of the stretch stitch settings.
2. Set the Stitch Length Dial to the Stretch S1 setting for the blue stitches or S2 for the red stitches.

SEW ALONG: Overedge Stitch 

1. Set the Stitch Selector Dial, so that the Overedge stitch setting is directly below the dot.
2. Set the Stitch Length Dial control so that the S1 setting is below the dot.
3. Place the fabric under the All-Purpose Foot with the right-hand edge of the fabric lined up with the desired seam guide line another right side of the needle plate. Lower the presser foot, then step on the foot control to begin sewing.

Sewing a 1-Step Buttonhole

This machine has a built-in buttonhole feature, allowing you to sew buttonholes in one easy step. The Stitch Selector Dial shows the buttonhole settings in grey.

HOW TO:

1. Set the machine to the desired stitch by setting the Stitch Selector Dial to the buttonhole stitch.
2. Set the Stitch Length Dial within the buttonhole range.

SEW ALONG: Buttonhole Stitch 

1. Place the button at the back of the buttonhole foot. Mark the position and length of the buttonhole on the fabric.
2. Remove the All-Purpose Foot and attach the Buttonhole Foot. Pass the upper thread through the hole of the foot and bring the thread to the left.
3. Set the Stitch Selector Dial so that the buttonhole symbol is directly below the dot.
4. Set the Stitch Length Dial control so that the buttonhole range is directly below the dot.
5. Place the fabric under the foot so that the center line mark on your fabric is aligned with the center of the buttonhole foot and that the cross line mark on the fabric aligns with the center hole of the Buttonhole Foot. Lower the presser foot.
6. Pull the buttonhole lever all the way down and then carefully push it back. The buttonhole lever must sit in front of the notch located on the left of the buttonhole foot.
7. Hold upper thread slightly and start to sew until the buttonhole is completed.
8. Return the buttonhole lever to its original position once all buttonholes are completed.
9. Use a stabilizer to support the stitches.
10. Slightly reducing your upper tension by 1 or 2 numbers will improve results.
11. Always test sew on a scrap piece of your fabric.

Sewing a Button

This machine includes a Button Sewing Foot, allowing you to attach buttons to your projects easily and quickly.

HOW TO:

1. Set the machine to Straight Stitch by turning the Stitch Selector Dial to the Straight Stitch Symbol.
2. Set the Stitch Length Dial to 0 to begin.

SEW ALONG: Attaching a Button 

1. Attach the Darning Plate to the needle plate directly below the presser foot. To do this line up the prongs on the underside of the Darning Plate with the holes in the needle plate. Push down to snap it in place.
2. Remove the All-Purpose Foot and attach the Button Sewing Foot.
3. Set the Stitch Length Dial control so that 0 is directly below the dot.
4.  Set the Stitch Selector Dial so that the Straight Stitch setting is directly below the dot.
5.  Place the button on the fabric, then line up the button directly under the front of the Button Foot so the 2 holes of the button appear in front of the foot. Turn the hand wheel towards you to make sure the needle clears the hole on the left. Step on the foot control and sew 3 to 4 securing stitches. Raise the needle out of the fabric and the button.
6. Set the Stitch Selector Dial so that the Zig Zag setting is directly below the dot. Adjust the dial until the needle moves from the left hole into the right hole of the button without interference. To test the movement of the needle turn the handwheel manually towards you several times to make sure the needle does not hit the button. Sew 10 to 12 stitches.
7. Set the Stitch Selector Dial so that the Straight Stitch setting is directly below the dot.
8. Sew 3 to 4 stitches to secure the stitching.

Inserting and Changing Needles

Turn the machine off before changing the needle.

Change the needle regularly, especially if it is showing signs of wear resulting in sewing problems.
Needles can show signs of wear when you see snags in the fabric or hear a slight popping sound as you are sewing.
If the needle becomes bent (A), the point becomes damaged (B) or the needle becomes dull (C), you should replace it with a new needle and discard the old one.

Generally, the needle should be replaced after every 4 projects or approximately every 16 hours of sewing time.

It is also important to use the right needle for the fabric you are sewing. (Go to www.singerco.com to view the Stitch Reference Guide)
For best results, use SINGER® branded needles in your SINGER® sewing machine.

Loosen the needle clamp screw (A) by turning the screw toward you. Remove and discard the old needle.
Insert the new needle, making sure that the flat side of the top part of the needle is facing the back of the machine (B).
Insert the new needle as far up as it will go (C and D).
Tighten the needle clamp screw (A) securely by turning it toward the back.

Changing the Presser Foot

For safety, turn off the power before changing the presser foot.

Before changing the presser foot, raise the presser foot lifter.
The presser foot holder (b) is attached to the presser bar (a). The presser foot (e) has a presser foot pin (d) that connects to the presser foot holder, sometimes called a shank (b). The shank has a groove (c) on its front, which connects it to the presser foot.

To remove a presser foot from the shank, pull the presser foot (e) toward you to disengage from the groove (c). The foot will release. To attach a presser foot, slide the pin (d) of the presser foot (e) into the groove (c) on the shank. The foot will snap on.

Some optional presser feet require you to remove the shank from the machine. To remove the shank from the machine (see above) loosen and remove the screw that holds the presser foot onto the presser bar (a), then remove the shank (b). To replace the shank, set the shank onto the presser bar, then replace the screw.
This machine has a low shank with snap-on presser feet. When shopping for optional presser feet and attachments for your machine, look for a low-shank, snap-on style.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE

Troubleshooting

1. Thread Loops on Underside of Fabric
2. Bobbin Thread Showing on Top of Fabric
3. Upper Thread Breaking
4. Thread is Shredding
5. Thread Bunching at the Beginning
6. Skipping Stitches
7. Bobbin Winding Difficulties
8. Bobbin Thread Breaking
9. Needles Breaking
10. Stitches Distorted
11. Fabric Puckers
12. Fabric Is “Tunneling” Under Stitches
13. Machine Not Feeding Fabric
14. Loud Noise When Sewing
15. Machine Will Not Run

THREAD LOOPS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE 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 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 the thread can be properly seated in the tension mechanism and take up the lever. (See Page 14)

To know if you have rethreaded the machine correctly, try this simple test:

• Raise the presser foot lifter and thread the top of the machine.
• Thread the needle, but don’t put the thread under the presser foot yet. As you pull the upper thread to the left, it should pull freely.
• Put the presser foot lifter down. As you pull the upper thread to the left, you should feel resistance. This means you are threaded correctly.
• Put the thread under the presser foot, and then draw up the bobbin thread. Slip both thread tails under the presser foot towards the back. Lower the presser foot and begin sewing.

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 you have threaded incorrectly. Remove the upper thread and rethread the machine.

BOBBIN THREAD SHOWING ON TOP OF FABRIC 

• Possible Cause: Top thread tension is too tight.
• Solution: Reduce upper thread tension
• Possible Cause: The thread path is obstructed, putting extra tension on the 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 the bobbin.

UPPER THREAD BREAKING

• Possible Cause: Thread path obstructed.
• Solution: Check if the thread is caught on the thread spool (rough spots on the spool itself) or behind the spool pin or spool cap (if the thread has fallen behind the spool cap and therefore cannot feed freely through the machine path).
• Possible Cause: The machine is not threaded correctly.
• Solution: Remove the upper thread completely, raise the presser foot lifter, and rethread the machine making sure the thread is in the take-up lever (raise take-up the lever to its highest position by turning the hand wheel toward you.
• Possible Cause: Upper tension too tight.
• Solution: Reduce upper thread tension.

THREAD IS SHREDDING 

• Possible Cause: The thread is old or poor quality.
• Solution: Rethread the top of the machine and bobbin with good-quality thread.
• Possible Cause: The needle is either worn or old, or it is the wrong style or size for the thread being used. Though it may seem that the machine is shredding the thread, it is usually the needle causing this. If the needle is old or worn out, or if the needle is too small for the thickness of the thread, the eye of the needle can cause the thread to shred.
• Solution: Change to a fresh needle in the correct size for the thickness/weight of the thread being used.

THREAD BUNCHING AT BEGINNING

• Possible Cause: Top & bobbin threads have not been properly placed underneath the 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 the foot, making sure that the needle comes down into the fabric; lightly hold both thread tails for the first few stitches.

SKIPPING STITCHES

• Possible Cause: Needle inserted incorrectly.
• Solution: Check that the flat side of the needle top is toward the back of the machine and the needle is up as far as it can go, then tighten the needle clamp screw.
• Possible Cause: Wrong needle for fabric sewn.
• Solution: Use the correct style & size of needle for the fabric. (Go to www.singerco.com to view the Stitch Reference Guide)
• Possible Cause: Bent, dull, or damaged needle.
• Solution: Discard the needle and insert a new needle.

BOBBIN WINDING DIFFICULTIES

• Possible Cause: Bobbin thread loosely wound on the bobbin.
• Solution: Rewind the bobbin, making sure that the thread is placed snuggly in the bobbin winding tension disk.
• Possible Cause: The bobbin winding spindle is 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 the thread end is not held at the beginning of the 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.

BOBBIN THREAD BREAKING

• Possible Cause: Bobbin threaded incorrectly.
• Solution: Check that bobbin is placed correctly in the bobbin case.
• Possible Cause: Bobbin wound too full or uneven.
• Solution: The bobbin thread may not have been correctly placed into the bobbin winding tension disk during the bobbin winding process.
• Possible Cause: Dirt or lint in the bobbin case.
• Solution: Clean the bobbin case.
• Possible Cause: Wrong bobbins being used.
• Solution: Use SINGER® bobbins that are the same style as those that come with the machine – don’t substitute. Your machine comes with SINGER® Class 15 transparent bobbins.

NEEDLES BREAKING

• Possible Cause: Bent, dull, or damaged needle.
• Solution: Discard the needle, and insert a new needle.
• Possible Cause: Wrong size needle for fabric.
• Solution: Insert the appropriate needle for the fabric type. (Go to www.singerco.com to view the Stitch Reference Guide)
• Possible Cause: Machine not threaded correctly.
• Solution: Rethread the machine completely.
• Possible Cause: “Pushing” or “pulling” fabric.
• Solution: Don’t manually push/pull the fabric in order to sew, but allow the machine’s feed teeth to draw fabric under the presser foot as you guide it.

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 the presser foot as you guide it.
• Possible Cause: Incorrect stitch length setting.
• Solution: Check for the correct stitch length setting. (Go to www.singerco.com to view the Stitch Reference Guide)
• Possible Cause: Stabilizer may be needed for technique.
• Solution: Place stabilizer underneath the fabric. (See appendix in this manual)

FAQ’s Singer M3220 Sewing Machine