Singer M1500 Instruction Manual

The Singer M1500 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 15 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, free arm capability, and multiple presser feet. 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. Maintenance and Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length/width controls, Built-in needle threader, Free arm, Accessory compartment, Foot pedal, Power cord.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	15 stitches including straight, zigzag, stretch, and decorative
4-Step Buttonhole	Easy, consistent buttonholes
Stitch Length Control	Adjustable from 0 to 4 mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjustable from 0 to 5 mm for zigzag stitches
Built-in Needle Threader	Simplifies threading the needle
Top Drop-in Bobbin	Easy bobbin loading and viewing
Free Arm	For sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other tubular items
Presser Feet Included	All-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot
Reverse Stitch Lever	For reinforcing seams
Light	Built-in LED light for work area illumination

Unpacking and Setup

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

Remove machine and accessories from packaging.
Attach power cord to machine and plug into 120V AC outlet.
Attach foot pedal to machine and place on floor.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Wind bobbin: Place thread spool on spool pin, follow threading guide, wind bobbin using bobbin winder.
Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop bobbin in with thread unwinding counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Ensure machine is unplugged during needle/bobbin installation.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow threading diagram.

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered path on machine, use built-in needle threader.
Pull up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring bobbin thread up through needle plate.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Place fabric under presser foot, lower presser foot lever.
Gently press foot pedal to start sewing.

CAUTION! Always lower presser foot before sewing. Do not pull fabric; let feed dogs move it.

Specifications

Model: Singer M1500 Mechanical Sewing Machine.
Stitches: 15 built-in stitches.
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole.
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4 mm.
Stitch Width: Adjustable 0-5 mm.
Bobbin: Top drop-in, Class 15 transparent bobbin.
Needle: Standard domestic sewing machine needles (size 11/80 recommended).
Presser Feet: 4 included (All-purpose, Zipper, Buttonhole, Button Sewing).
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions: Compact design with free arm.

Controls and Settings

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch lever, Handwheel, Presser foot lever, Tension control dial.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 15 stitch symbols. Stitch Length: 0-4 mm (0 for bobbin winding, 1-4 for sewing). Stitch Width: 0-5 mm for zigzag and decorative stitches. Tension: Adjust upper thread tension (4 is normal). Reverse: Hold lever to sew in reverse for reinforcement.

Stitch Selection and Adjustment

Select stitch pattern, adjust length/width for fabric.

Straight Stitch: Use for seams, topstitching. Length 2.0-2.5 mm.
Zigzag Stitch: Use for finishing edges, appliqué. Width 2-3 mm, length 1.5-2 mm.
Stretch Stitches: Use for knit fabrics. Select appropriate stretch stitch symbol.
Decorative Stitches: Select symbol, test on scrap fabric.
Buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot, select buttonhole stitch, follow 4-step sequence marked on machine.

Tip: Always test stitch settings on a scrap of your project fabric.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Unplug machine before maintenance. Regular cleaning prevents lint buildup.

Remove needle plate screws, lift off needle plate.
Use small brush to remove lint from feed dogs and bobbin area.
Wipe exterior with soft, dry cloth.
Oil as instructed in manual (specific points).
Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or if damaged.

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

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © 2025 Singer; trademarks of Singer Licensing Company. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Not plugged in/Power switch	Check power cord connection; ensure foot pedal is connected.
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect threading/bobbin	Rethread upper thread; ensure bobbin is inserted correctly.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle/bent needle	Replace needle; ensure it is inserted fully and tightened.
Uneven stitches	Tension settings	Adjust tension dial; rethread both upper and bobbin threads.
Fabric not feeding	Presser foot pressure/feed dogs	Ensure presser foot is lowered; clean feed dogs of lint.
Skip stitches	Dull needle/wrong needle type	Replace needle with correct type for fabric.

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

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