Manual for Singer Sewing Machine 44S

The Singer 44S is a heavy-duty mechanical sewing machine designed for a wide range of fabrics, featuring a powerful motor, multiple built-in stitches, adjustable stitch length and width, a top drop-in bobbin system, built-in needle threader, and a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves. It operates on 110-120V AC and includes essential accessories. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Heavy-duty metal frame, built-in stitch patterns, free arm, accessory storage, foot pedal, power cord, and accessory kit.

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, flat surface.

1. Remove machine and accessories from packaging.
2. Attach power cord to machine and plug into a grounded outlet.
3. Attach foot pedal to machine and place on floor.
4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten.
5. Wind bobbin: Place thread spool on pin, guide thread through bobbin winder tension, press bobbin onto winder shaft, and engage winder.
6. Load bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop in bobbin with thread pulling counterclockwise, pull thread through slot and under tension spring.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup and operation. Ensure machine is unplugged during needle installation.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; thread upper thread and bobbin.

1. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides on machine from spool to needle, using built-in threader if needed.
2. Pull up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to lower and raise needle, pull loop to bring up bobbin thread.
3. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
4. Adjust stitch length/width: Set dials as needed (e.g., 2.5 for medium stitch length).
5. Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot lever, and gently press foot pedal to start sewing.
6. Use reverse lever at beginning and end of seams for reinforcement.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you only. Do not force pedal; start slowly.

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical, heavy-duty sewing machine.
• Stitches: 23 built-in stitches.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm.
• Bobbin: Top drop-in, Class 15 transparent bobbin.
• Needle: Standard domestic needle system 130/705H.
• Motor: Heavy-duty 0.5 amp motor.
• Power Source: 110-120V AC, 60Hz.
• Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs (6 kg).
• Included Accessories: All-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, seam ripper, needles, bobbins, spool caps, duster brush, screwdriver.

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever, handwheel, bobbin winder, thread tension dial (default 4).

Side/Under Bed: Presser foot lever, presser foot pressure dial (for fabric thickness), free arm release, light switch.

Stitch Settings: Straight stitch (0-4mm length), zigzag (width 0-5mm), stretch stitches (for knits), buttonhole (one-step). Tension: Adjust for balanced stitches (higher number for tighter tension).

Stitch Selection and Adjustment

Select stitch pattern and adjust for fabric type.

1. Turn stitch selection dial to symbol/number of desired stitch.
2. For straight stitch: Set width to 0, length as needed.
3. For zigzag: Adjust width for narrow or wide zigzag.
4. For stretch stitches: Use designated stretch stitch patterns for elastic fabrics.
5. For buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot, select buttonhole stitch, place fabric under foot, and follow automatic steps.
6. Test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing project.

Tip: Refer to stitch guide on machine or manual for recommended settings for different fabrics.

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

1. Upper threading: Raise presser foot and needle to highest position. Follow numbered guides from spool pin to needle. Use built-in threader by lowering lever and hooking thread through needle eye.
2. Bobbin winding: Place thread spool on pin, guide thread through bobbin winder tension disc. Place empty bobbin on winder shaft, push shaft to right to engage. Hold thread end, press foot pedal to wind. Stop when full, cut thread, push shaft left to disengage.
3. Bobbin loading: Open bobbin cover, insert bobbin with thread unwinding counterclockwise. Pull thread through slot and under tension spring. Close cover.
4. Pull up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you until needle goes down and up, pull upper thread to bring bobbin thread loop up.

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading to open tension discs. Always use recommended bobbin type.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Unplug machine before cleaning.
2. Remove needle plate screws, lift plate to access bobbin area.
3. Use brush to remove lint and dust from feed dogs, bobbin case, and race.
4. Oil moving parts as per manual instructions (use sewing machine oil only).
5. Wipe exterior with dry cloth; avoid liquids.
6. Replace needle regularly (after 8-10 hours of sewing or for each new project).

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint deeper. Never oil plastic parts.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER. UL listed for safety.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes to reset electronic components (if applicable).

Service: 1-800-4-SINGER; www.singer.com