Manual for Singer Stylist 534 Sewing Machine

The Singer Stylist 534 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring 34 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, and multiple presser feet. It operates on 110-120V AC and is designed for home sewing projects. 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 Application 8. Maintenance and Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, stitch selection dial, handwheel, bobbin winder, presser foot lever, feed dogs, accessory compartment.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches34 stitches including straight, zigzag, stretch, and decorative
4-Step ButtonholeManual buttonhole creation in four steps
Stitch Length/WidthAdjustable dials for customizing stitch size
Free ArmRemovable flatbed for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Built-in Needle ThreaderAssists in threading the needle easily
Top Drop-in BobbinEasy bobbin insertion and viewing
Presser FeetIncludes all-purpose, zipper, buttonhole, and button sewing feet
Power/Foot ControlOn/off switch with speed control via foot pedal
Reverse Stitch LeverFor reinforcing stitches at beginning and end
Accessory StorageCompartment in free arm for feet, needles, bobbins

Unpacking and Setup

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

  1. Remove machine from box and all protective packaging.
  2. Attach power cord to machine and plug into 110-120V AC outlet.
  3. Connect foot control pedal to machine and place on floor.
  4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
  5. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winder tension, place bobbin on winder shaft, engage bobbin winder, press foot pedal.
  6. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop bobbin in with thread unwinding counterclockwise, pull thread through slot and under tension spring.
  7. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine, use built-in needle threader if needed.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test stitching on scrap fabric.

  1. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
  2. Adjust stitch length and width as needed for selected stitch.
  3. Raise presser foot lever and place fabric under foot.
  4. Lower presser foot and gently press foot pedal to start sewing.
  5. Use reverse lever at beginning and end to lock stitches.
  6. Practice basic stitches and tension adjustments on scrap fabric.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to avoid timing disruption. Never force the handwheel.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever, handwheel, presser foot lever, bobbin winder.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to symbol/number of desired stitch. Stitch Length: Adjust from 0 (basting) to 4 (longest). Stitch Width: Adjust from 0 (straight) to 5 (widest zigzag). Tension: Upper thread tension dial (1-9, 4-5 for normal fabrics). Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable via dial on top (normal for medium-weight fabrics).

Stitch Selection and Application

Refer to stitch chart on machine for recommended settings.

  1. Straight Stitch (Pattern 1): For seams, topstitching. Length 2-3, width 0.
  2. Zigzag Stitch (Pattern 2-4): For finishing edges, appliqué, stretch fabrics. Adjust width as needed.
  3. Blind Hem Stitch (Pattern 5): Use blind hem foot. Fold fabric, align fold with guide.
  4. Elastic Stitch (Pattern 10): For sewing elastic, decorative seams on knits.
  5. Decorative Stitches (Pattern 11-34): For embellishments. Use stabilizer for lightweight fabrics.
  6. 4-Step Buttonhole:
    • Step 1: Zigzag on left side (width 3-4).
    • Step 2: Bar tack at bottom (width 0).
    • Step 3: Zigzag on right side (width 3-4).
    • Step 4: Bar tack at top (width 0).
    Use buttonhole foot and mark fabric for placement.

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

Maintenance and Cleaning

Unplug machine before any maintenance.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs with small brush.
  2. Monthly: Remove needle plate and clean underneath. Oil as per manual instructions (use only sewing machine oil).
  3. Needle: Replace bent or dull needles immediately. Use correct needle type for fabric.
  4. Exterior: Wipe with soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or sprays.

CAUTION! Never oil without unplugging. Over-oiling can stain fabric. Use only Singer-recommended oil.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. Trademarks owned by Singer. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine not runningPower cord/foot controlCheck plug connection; ensure foot control is plugged in; check power switch.
Thread bunching underneathIncorrect threading/bobbinRe-thread upper thread and bobbin; ensure bobbin inserted correctly.
Needle breaksWrong needle/bent needleReplace needle; ensure correct type/size; do not pull fabric while sewing.
Uneven stitchesTension issuesAdjust upper tension; re-thread; check bobbin threading.
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs lowered/pressureCheck feed dog position (should be up); adjust presser foot pressure.
Machine noisyLint/lack of oilClean lint from bobbin area; oil as per maintenance instructions.
Buttonhole not formingIncorrect steps/footFollow 4-step sequence precisely; use buttonhole foot.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur (though machine is mechanical).

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

Manual for Singer Stylist 534 Sewing Machine © - All Rights Reserved 2025