Singer 600 Sewing Machine Manual

The Singer 600 is a classic sewing machine known for its reliability and versatility. This manual covers essential information for setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Singer 600 sewing machine. Below are key sections for safety, features, threading, stitch selection, maintenance, and problem-solving.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Stitch Selection 6. Threading the Machine 7. Basic Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Durable metal body, built-in stitch patterns, reverse stitch function, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm, built-in light, and accessory storage.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	Multiple stitch patterns including straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches
Reverse Stitch Lever	For reinforcing seams at the beginning and end
Stitch Length Dial	Adjusts stitch length from 0 to 4 mm
Stitch Width Dial	Controls zigzag stitch width
Free Arm	Removable flatbed for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Built-in Light	Illuminates the sewing area
Bobbin Winder	Built-in bobbin winding mechanism
Presser Foot Pressure	Adjustable for different fabric thicknesses
Accessory Storage	Compartment for feet, bobbins, and needles
Power Pedal	Controls sewing speed

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack and inspect all components. Place on a stable, level surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift by the carrying handle, not by the free arm.
Attach power cord: Plug into machine and then into a 120V AC outlet.
Install foot pedal: Connect to machine port and place on floor.
Attach accessory box: Slide into designated compartment if separate.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; use proper lifting technique. Ensure power is off during setup.

First-Time Operation

Before sewing, prepare machine with needle, thread, and bobbin.

Install needle: Loosen needle clamp, insert needle flat side back, tighten securely.
Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension disc, wind onto bobbin.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding clockwise.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to check tension and stitch formation.

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

Specifications

Model: Singer 600
Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine
Stitches: Straight, zigzag, and decorative patterns
Stitch Length: 0-4 mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5 mm adjustable
Bobbin: Class 15 metal bobbin
Needle: Standard domestic sewing machine needle (size 11-18)
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: Approximately 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
Warranty: Refer to Singer warranty documentation

Controls and Stitch Selection

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch pattern selector, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever, presser foot lifter.

Stitch Selection: Turn pattern dial to desired stitch symbol. Adjust length and width as needed. For straight stitch, set width to 0. For zigzag, select zigzag symbol and adjust width.

Tension Control: Upper thread tension dial (typically 4-5 for balanced stitch). Bobbin tension is factory set.

Threading the Machine

Proper threading is essential for good stitch quality.

Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
Place thread spool on spool pin.
Follow threading guides: Through first thread guide, around tension discs, through take-up lever, down to needle.
Thread needle from front to back.
Pull about 6 inches of thread under presser foot toward back.

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

Basic Sewing Techniques

Master these fundamental techniques for successful sewing.

Starting: Place fabric under presser foot, lower presser foot, hold thread tails, begin sewing.
Reverse stitching: Press and hold reverse lever at beginning and end of seam.
Turning corners: Stop with needle down in fabric, lift presser foot, pivot fabric, lower foot, continue.
Finishing: Raise needle, lift presser foot, pull fabric to back, trim threads.
Free arm sewing: Remove accessory box for sewing cylindrical items like sleeves.

WARNING! Never pull fabric while sewing; let feed dogs move fabric. Keep hands clear of moving parts.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Brush lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
Weekly: Oil machine according to diagram in manual (use sewing machine oil only).
Monthly: Clean tension discs with soft brush.
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or if damaged.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only recommended oils.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER. This product may be covered by one or more patents. Made for household use.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Re-thread completely; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Needle breaking	Bent needle/wrong size	Replace needle; ensure correct size for fabric; don't pull fabric.
Skipped stitches	Dull needle/incorrect threading	Replace needle; re-thread upper and bobbin threads.
Uneven stitches	Tension imbalance	Adjust upper tension; check bobbin threading; clean tension discs.
Machine won't run	Power/pedal issue	Check power connection; ensure pedal is plugged in; check fuse.
Bobbin thread bunching	Bobbin threaded wrong	Remove and re-thread bobbin case; ensure correct direction.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur (if applicable).

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