Singer 5400 Sew Mate Manual

The Singer 5400 Sew Mate is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 60 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin system, and multiple presser feet. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing machine head, Free arm, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length/width controls, Reverse stitch lever, Bobbin winder, Built-in needle threader, Presser foot lever, Power cord and foot controller.

Unpacking & Setup

Remove all packaging materials. Place machine on stable, flat surface.

1. Attach power cord: Plug into machine and wall outlet.
2. Attach foot controller: Connect to machine port.
3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
4. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winder tension, place bobbin on winder shaft, engage bobbin winder.
5. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop bobbin in with thread unwinding counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.
6. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine, use built-in needle threader.

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

First-Time Operation

Plug in power cord and foot controller. Turn power switch on.

1. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired stitch number.
2. Adjust stitch length/width: Set dials according to fabric and stitch type.
3. Raise presser foot: Lift presser foot lever and place fabric under foot.
4. Lower presser foot: Gently lower presser foot onto fabric.
5. Start sewing: Press foot controller lightly to begin; guide fabric gently.
6. Reverse stitching: Hold reverse lever to sew backwards at beginning and end of seam.
7. Finish sewing: Release foot controller, raise presser foot, pull fabric to back and cut threads.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to avoid timing issues.

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical sewing machine
• Stitches: 60 built-in stitches
• Buttonhole: 4-step manual
• Stitch Length: 0-4 mm adjustable
• Stitch Width: Up to 5 mm adjustable
• Speed: Up to 750 stitches per minute
• Bobbin: Top drop-in, Class 15 transparent
• Needle: HAx1 sewing machine needles
• Presser Feet: Multiple included (zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, button sewing, blind hem)
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Dimensions: 15.2" x 7.1" x 12.2" (with free arm)
• Weight: 13.2 lbs

Controls and Settings

Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select from 60 stitches (numbers correspond to stitch chart). Stitch Length Dial: Controls distance between stitches (0 for buttonhole, 1-4 for sewing). Stitch Width Dial: Controls side-to-side movement of needle (0 for straight stitch, 1-5 for zigzag). Reverse Stitch Lever: Hold down to sew backwards. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot. Handwheel: Manual control of needle position (always turn toward you). Bobbin Winder: Winds thread onto bobbin. Power Switch: Turns machine on/off. Foot Controller: Variable speed control.

Stitch Selection & Adjustment

Refer to stitch chart on machine for stitch numbers and recommended settings.

1. Straight Stitch: Select stitch 1, width 0, length 2.5-3 for medium weight fabrics.
2. Zigzag Stitch: Select stitch 2-6, adjust width and length as needed.
3. Decorative Stitches: Select stitches 7-60, use recommended width/length settings.
4. Buttonhole: Select stitch A (step 1), B (step 2), C (step 3), D (step 4) in sequence.
5. Stretch Stitches: Select stitches 31-40 for knit fabrics.

Tip: Test stitch settings on scrap fabric before sewing project.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Starting to Sew: Position fabric under presser foot, lower needle into fabric using handwheel, lower presser foot, begin sewing. Seam Finishing: Use reverse stitch or tie threads. Curves: Sew slowly, guide fabric gently. Corners: Stop with needle in fabric, raise presser foot, pivot fabric, lower presser foot, continue sewing. Zipper Installation: Use zipper foot. Buttonhole: Mark buttonhole position, follow 4-step sequence. Button Sewing: Use button sewing foot. Blind Hem: Use blind hem foot and stitch 14.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before cleaning. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Cleaning bobbin area: Remove bobbin and bobbin case, use small brush to remove lint.
2. Cleaning feed dogs: Use brush to remove lint from teeth.
3. Oil machine: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to moving parts as indicated in manual (do not over-oil).
4. Needle replacement: Replace needle after every project or if bent/dull.
5. External cleaning: Wipe with soft, dry cloth.

CAUTION! Never use compressed air to clean machine as it can force lint deeper into mechanism.

Accessories Included

• All-purpose foot (zigzag foot)
• Buttonhole foot
• Zipper foot
• Button sewing foot
• Blind hem foot
• Class 15 bobbins (4)
• Needles (assorted sizes)
• Seam ripper/lint brush
• Spool pin felt
• Screwdriver
• Foot controller
• Power cord
• Hard cover

Warranty Information

Singer 5400 Sew Mate comes with a 25-year limited warranty. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, commercial use, or unauthorized repairs. For warranty service, contact Singer Customer Service at 1-800-4-SINGER or visit www.singer.com. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs not covered under warranty, contact authorized Singer service center.

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