Owners Manual for Singer 5400

The Singer 5400 is a versatile sewing machine designed for home use, featuring multiple stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, automatic buttonholer, free arm capability, and variable speed control. 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 Functions 6. Stitch Selection Guide 8. Threading and Bobbin Winding 9. Maintenance and Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main sewing unit, Foot pedal, Power cord, Accessory box with presser feet, Bobbins, Needles, Seam ripper, Brush, Screwdriver.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitch Patterns	Includes straight, zigzag, stretch, decorative, and buttonhole stitches
Automatic Needle Threader	Assists in threading the needle easily
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading bobbin for easy insertion and viewing
Free Arm	Removable extension table for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Adjustable Stitch Length/Width	Customize stitch size for different fabrics
Variable Speed Control	Foot pedal controls sewing speed; includes speed limiter
Automatic Buttonholer	One-step buttonhole with automatic sizing
LED Light	Illuminates sewing area
Reverse Stitch Lever	Reinforces stitches at beginning and end
Presser Foot Pressure Dial	Adjusts pressure for different fabric thicknesses

Unpacking and Setup

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

Remove machine from box: Lift by carrying handle, not by accessories.
Attach power cord: Plug into machine and wall outlet (120V AC).
Install foot pedal: Connect to machine port, place on floor.
Attach extension table: Snap onto free arm when needed.
Insert needle: Ensure flat side faces back, tighten screw.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup. Ensure machine is unplugged when installing needle.

First-Time Operation

Plug in power cord; turn on power switch.

Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winding tension, press foot pedal.
Insert bobbin: Drop into bobbin case, pull thread through slot.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides, use automatic needle threader.
Select stitch: Turn pattern dial to desired stitch.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to adjust tension and stitch settings.

CAUTION! Always start with needle at highest position. Keep hands clear of moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Singer 5400.
Stitch Patterns: 30 built-in stitches (utility, decorative, stretch).
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm.
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm.
Speed: Up to 750 stitches per minute.
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin.
Needle: Standard domestic needle system 130/705H.
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions: 15.2" x 6.7" x 12.2".
Weight: 13.2 lbs.

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: Power switch, Stitch pattern dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch lever, Thread tension dial.

Additional Controls: Presser foot lifter, Handwheel, Bobbin winder spindle, Spool pins, Needle position button.

Stitch Selection: Turn pattern dial to icon/number. Stitch Length: 0-4mm (0 for darning). Stitch Width: 0-5mm (0 for straight stitch). Tension: Adjust for balanced stitches (default 4). Reverse: Hold lever for backstitching.

Stitch Selection Guide

Use pattern dial to select stitches for different fabrics and projects.

Straight Stitch (Pattern 1): General sewing, seams.
Zigzag Stitch (Pattern 2): Overcasting, stretch fabrics.
Blind Hem Stitch (Pattern 5): Invisible hems.
Elastic Stitch (Pattern 10): Sewing elastic, decorative.
Buttonhole Stitch (Pattern 20): Automatic one-step buttonhole.
Decorative Stitches (Patterns 21-30): Embellishments.

Tip: Test stitch on fabric scrap to adjust length/width before sewing project.

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guides, wrap around bobbin, push bobbin to right, press pedal.
Insert Bobbin: Drop into case, pull thread through slot, under tension spring.
Upper Threading: Follow numbered path, use needle threader by pulling lever down.
Draw Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you, pull loop up.

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading. Always use recommended needle type.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Unplug before maintenance. Clean lint and dust regularly.

Remove needle plate: Use screwdriver to lift plate, clean feed dog area.
Clean bobbin area: Remove bobbin case, brush out lint.
Oil machine: Apply drop of sewing machine oil to hook race as manual specifies.
Check needle: Replace bent or dull needles regularly.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint into mechanism. Use only Singer-recommended oil.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect threading or tension	Re-thread upper and bobbin thread; adjust tension.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle size, bent needle, fabric pull	Replace needle; ensure correct size for fabric; don't pull fabric.
Machine won't run	Power cord, foot pedal, thread jam	Check power connection; ensure foot pedal plugged; remove jammed thread.
Uneven stitches	Dirty feed dogs, incorrect tension	Clean feed dogs; re-adjust thread tension.
Buttonhole not forming	Improper foot, thread tension	Use buttonhole foot; adjust tension; follow buttonhole steps.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur.

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