Singer 347 Sewing Machine Instruction Manual

The Singer 347 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring straight and zigzag stitches, built-in buttonholer, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, reverse stitching, drop feed for darning, and built-in light. Powered by 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. Stitch Selection and Adjustment 8. Basic Sewing Techniques 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, Free arm, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length and width controls, Reverse lever, Bobbin winder, Built-in light, Foot pedal, Accessory storage.

FeatureDescription
Stitch selection dialSelects straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches
Stitch length controlAdjusts stitch length from 0 to 4 mm
Stitch width controlAdjusts zigzag width from 0 to 5 mm
Reverse stitch leverEngages reverse stitching for securing seams
Free armRemovable accessory tray for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Built-in buttonholerOne-step automatic buttonhole
Drop feed dogsLowers feed dogs for darning and free-motion sewing
Built-in lightIlluminates sewing area
Bobbin winderWinds bobbin automatically while machine is threaded
Foot pedalControls sewing speed

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface.

  1. Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by base, not handwheel.
  2. Attach accessory tray: Slide onto free arm until it clicks into place.
  3. Install foot pedal: Connect pedal cord to machine port.
  4. Plug into AC power: Use included power cord.
  5. Install light bulb: Twist bulb into socket clockwise.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure stable surface before operation.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup steps.

  1. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension disc, wind onto bobbin.
  2. Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding clockwise.
  3. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle.
  4. Select stitch: Turn dial to straight stitch position.
  5. Test sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, press pedal gently.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from needle during operation. Always turn handwheel toward you.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length control, Stitch width control, Reverse lever, Bobbin winder stop.

Side Controls: Handwheel, Power switch, Light switch, Foot pedal jack.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to desired stitch symbol. Stitch Length: Higher numbers = longer stitches. Stitch Width: Adjusts zigzag width; set to 0 for straight stitch. Reverse: Hold lever down to sew backward. Bobbin Winder: Push bobbin onto winder shaft, engage stop when full.

Stitch Selection and Adjustment

Select stitches via dial; adjust length and width.

  1. Straight stitch: Dial to straight line symbol; width = 0.
  2. Zigzag: Dial to zigzag symbol; adjust width as needed.
  3. Blind hem: Dial to blind hem symbol; use blind hem foot.
  4. Stretch stitch: Dial to stretch symbol for knit fabrics.
  5. Decorative: Dial to decorative pattern symbols.
  6. Buttonhole: Dial to buttonhole symbol; use buttonhole foot.

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

Basic Sewing Techniques

Follow these steps for common sewing tasks.

  1. Starting seam: Lower needle into fabric, lower presser foot, sew forward a few stitches, engage reverse to lock, continue.
  2. Finishing seam: Reverse stitch at end, lift needle, raise presser foot, pull fabric back to cut thread.
  3. Turning corners: Stop with needle down in fabric, raise presser foot, pivot fabric, lower foot, continue.
  4. Zigzag edges: Set zigzag stitch, sew along raw edge to prevent fraying.
  5. Buttonhole: Mark button position, attach buttonhole foot, dial to buttonhole, sew one complete cycle.
  6. Darning: Drop feed dogs, attach darning foot, move fabric manually.

WARNING! Never pull fabric while sewing; let feed dogs move it.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug before maintenance. Clean lint regularly.

  1. Remove needle plate: Use screwdriver to remove screws, lift plate.
  2. Clean lint: Use small brush to remove lint from feed dogs and bobbin area.
  3. Oil machine: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to moving parts as indicated in diagram.
  4. Replace needle: Insert new needle with flat side toward back, tighten screw.
  5. Clean exterior: Use dry cloth only; no liquids.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil. Do not over-oil.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER. This machine is designed for household use only.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine won't runPower/pedalCheck power cord connection; ensure pedal is plugged in.
Thread bunchingThreading/tensionRe-thread upper and lower threads; check bobbin insertion.
Needle breaksWrong needle/bentReplace needle; ensure correct type for fabric.
Uneven stitchesTension/threadAdjust tension dial; use same weight thread top and bottom.
Machine jamsLint/thread jamClean lint from bobbin area; remove tangled thread.
Buttonhole incompleteFoot not attachedUse buttonhole foot; ensure fabric is flat.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur.

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

Singer 347 Sewing Machine Instruction Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025