Singer 3321 Sewing Machine Manual

The Singer 3321 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring 21 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, built-in bobbin winding system, reverse sewing lever, and drop feed for free-motion sewing. Powered by 110-120V AC, 60Hz. 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. Threading the Machine 7. Basic Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing machine head, Free arm, Bobbin system, Stitch selection dial, Tension control, Presser foot, Power cord and foot controller.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	21 stitches including straight, zigzag, decorative, and stretch
4-step buttonhole	Manual buttonhole creation with precise control
Automatic needle threader	Easy threading with built-in mechanism
Adjustable stitch length	Control from 0-4mm for different fabrics
Adjustable stitch width	Zigzag width up to 5mm
Free arm capability	Convertible for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Reverse sewing lever	Reinforce stitches at beginning and end
Drop feed dogs	Lower feed dogs for free-motion sewing
Built-in bobbin winding	Wind bobbin without unthreading needle
Presser foot pressure	Adjustable for different fabric thicknesses

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on stable surface at comfortable height.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from carrying case.
Attach power cord: Connect to machine and plug into 110-120V outlet.
Install foot controller: Connect to machine port.
Attach accessory box: Snap into position on free arm.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.
Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow threading guide.

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered path on machine; use automatic needle threader.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding clockwise.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width for your fabric.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to check tension and stitch quality.
Practice basic stitches: Begin with straight stitch on medium-weight fabric.

CAUTION! Always start with needle at highest position. Keep work area well-lit.

Specifications

Model: Singer 3321 Mechanical Sewing Machine
Stitches: 21 built-in stitches
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm
Speed: Up to 750 stitches per minute
Presser Feet: Includes all-purpose, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing feet
Needle: Standard domestic sewing machine needles (size 11/80 recommended)
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Power Source: 110-120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: 15.2" x 6.7" x 12.2" (with free arm)
Weight: 13.2 lbs

Controls and Settings

Access controls via front panel. Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select from 21 stitches. Stitch Length Dial: Adjust from 0-4mm. Stitch Width Dial: Adjust zigzag width up to 5mm. Reverse Sewing Lever: Hold down for reverse stitching. Tension Control Dial: Adjust thread tension (3-5 for normal sewing).

Additional Controls: Bobbin Winder, Presser Foot Lifter, Handwheel, Drop Feed Lever, Light Switch.

Stitch Guide: Reference chart on machine shows recommended settings for each stitch. Buttonhole Guide: Four positions marked for buttonhole creation. Needle Position: Center needle position for most stitches.

Threading the Machine

Upper Threading: Follow numbered path 1-6 on machine.

Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
Place spool on spool pin.
Guide thread through first thread guide.
Pull down between tension discs.
Thread take-up lever from right to left.
Use automatic needle threader or thread needle manually.

Bobbin Threading:

Place bobbin on winder spindle.
Guide thread through bobbin winding tension disc.
Push bobbin winder to engage.
Press foot controller to wind bobbin.
Insert bobbin in case with thread unwinding clockwise.

Tip: Always thread with presser foot raised to open tension discs.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Supports various fabrics from lightweight to medium-weight.

Straight Stitch: Select stitch 1, length 2.5mm for general sewing.
Zigzag Stitch: Select stitch 2, adjust width for finishing edges.
Buttonhole: Select stitch 20, follow 4-step sequence marked on machine.
Decorative Stitches: Select stitches 3-19, test on scrap fabric first.
Reverse Stitching: Hold reverse lever to reinforce beginning and end.
Free Arm Sewing: Remove accessory box for sewing sleeves and cuffs.
Free-Motion Sewing: Drop feed dogs and use darning foot.
Changing Presser Feet: Raise needle, press lever on back of foot to release.

WARNING! Never pull fabric while sewing. Let feed dogs move fabric evenly.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug before maintenance. Regular cleaning prevents lint buildup.

Remove needle plate: Use screwdriver to access bobbin area.
Clean lint: Use small brush to remove lint from feed dogs and bobbin area.
Oil machine: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to moving parts as indicated in manual.
Replace needle: Change needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or for new project.
Check belt tension: Ensure proper tension for smooth operation.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil. Never use household oils.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for safety standards. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER. Warranty: 25-year limited warranty. Made for household use. Not for commercial applications.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect bobbin threading	Re-thread bobbin ensuring correct direction; check upper threading.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle size/bent needle	Replace needle; ensure proper insertion; don't pull fabric.
Machine won't run	Power connection/thread jam	Check power cord; clean bobbin area; remove jammed thread.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Re-thread completely; adjust tension dial; check needle size.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered/dirty	Raise feed dogs; clean feed dog area; check presser foot pressure.
Thread breaks frequently	Old thread/tension too tight	Use quality thread; reduce tension; check for rough spots on machine.
Buttonhole uneven	Stabilizer missing/incorrect settings	Use stabilizer; practice on scrap; follow 4-step sequence exactly.
Machine noisy	Lack of oil/lint buildup	Clean and oil machine; check for loose parts.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes to reset electronic components.

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