Manual for Singer 4452 Sewing Machine

The Singer 4452 is a heavy-duty sewing machine designed for a wide range of fabrics, featuring a powerful motor, 32 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, adjustable stitch length and width, and a variety of presser feet for different sewing techniques. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection and Adjustment 8. Threading and Bobbin Winding 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Heavy-duty metal frame, built-in stitch patterns, automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin system, adjustable presser foot pressure, and included accessory kit.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches32 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches
MotorHeavy-duty 1.2 amp motor for powerful sewing through multiple layers
Needle ThreaderAutomatic needle threader for easy threading
Bobbin SystemTop drop-in bobbin with clear cover for easy monitoring
Stitch Length/WidthAdjustable stitch length (up to 4mm) and width (up to 6mm)
Presser FeetIncludes all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and button sewing foot
Speed ControlVariable speed control slider for precise sewing speed
Reverse StitchReverse stitch lever for reinforcing seams
Free ArmConvertible free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves
LightingBuilt-in LED light for illuminated work area

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack all components and place on a stable, flat surface.

  1. Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by its carrying handle, not by the accessories box.
  2. Attach power cord: Plug the power cord into the machine's socket at the right side.
  3. Install foot pedal: Connect the foot pedal to the machine's port.
  4. Insert needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
  5. Install presser foot: Raise presser foot lever, align foot with presser foot holder, lower lever to lock.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; use proper lifting technique. Ensure work surface is stable and level.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow these steps to begin sewing.

  1. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winding tension, press foot pedal.
  2. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop in bobbin with thread running counterclockwise.
  3. Thread upper thread: Use automatic needle threader following numbered guides on machine.
  4. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired stitch pattern.
  5. Test sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and gently press foot pedal.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle. Always turn power off when threading or changing accessories.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and right side of machine. Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select from 32 stitches. Stitch Length Dial: Adjust from 0-4mm (0 for buttonholes). Stitch Width Dial: Adjust from 0-6mm. Reverse Stitch Lever: Press and hold for reverse sewing. Speed Control Slider: Adjust maximum sewing speed. Power Switch: On/off switch with built-in light.

Presser Feet: All-purpose foot (general sewing), Zipper foot (zippers and piping), Buttonhole foot (automatic buttonholes), Button sewing foot (attaching buttons).

Stitch Selection and Adjustment

Select appropriate stitch for your fabric and project type.

  1. Turn stitch selection dial to desired stitch number (refer to stitch chart).
  2. Adjust stitch length: Longer for basting, shorter for fine fabrics.
  3. Adjust stitch width: Wider for decorative stitches, narrower for straight stitches.
  4. For buttonholes: Use automatic 4-step buttonhole (stitch #6).
  5. For stretch fabrics: Use stretch stitches (#10-15) to prevent popped seams.

Tip: Always test stitch settings on a fabric scrap before sewing your project.

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Proper threading is essential for good stitch quality.

  1. Bobbin winding: Place spool on spool pin, thread through guides, wrap around bobbin 3-4 times, engage bobbin winder, press foot pedal.
  2. Upper threading: Follow numbered guides from spool pin to needle. Use automatic needle threader by pushing lever down and hooking thread through needle eye.
  3. Drawing up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you until needle goes down and up, pull upper thread to bring up bobbin thread.
  4. Tension adjustment: Normal setting is 4. Increase for lighter fabrics, decrease for heavier fabrics.

WARNING! Always raise needle to highest position before threading. Ensure presser foot is raised when threading upper thread.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs after each project.
  2. Weekly: Remove needle plate to clean underneath (ensure machine is unplugged).
  3. Monthly: Oil machine according to diagram in manual (use only Singer sewing machine oil).
  4. Needle replacement: Replace needle after every 8 hours of sewing or with each new project.
  5. Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Never use compressed air as it can force lint deeper into mechanism.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for safety in the United States and Canada. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. All rights reserved. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER. This product complies with applicable FCC rules. Changes or modifications not approved by Singer could void user's authority to operate equipment.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread bunching underneathIncorrect threading or tensionRe-thread both upper and bobbin threads; check tension settings.
Needle breaksWrong needle type, bent needle, or incorrect insertionReplace needle with correct type for fabric; ensure needle is fully inserted with flat side to back.
Machine won't runPower connection, foot pedal, or bobbin winder engagedCheck power cord connections; ensure bobbin winder is disengaged.
Uneven stitchesDirty feed dogs, incorrect tension, or poor quality threadClean feed dogs; adjust tension; use high-quality thread.
Fabric not feedingPresser foot pressure too low, feed dogs loweredAdjust presser foot pressure; ensure feed dogs are raised for sewing.
Automatic needle threader not workingNeedle not in highest position, thread not properly positionedRaise needle to highest position; ensure thread is in thread guide above needle.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes to reset electronic components if experiencing erratic behavior.

Service: 1-800-4-SINGER; www.singer.com for authorized service centers.

Manual for Singer 4452 Sewing Machine © - All Rights Reserved 2025