Singer M3220 Mechanical Sewing Machine Manual

The Singer M3220 is a mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 32 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin system, free arm capability, and multiple presser feet. It operates on 120V AC and includes essential accessories. 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. Threading and Bobbin Winding 9. Presser Feet and Accessories 10. Care & Maintenance 11. Regulatory Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical stitch selection dial, Built-in needle threader, Top drop-in bobbin, Free arm, Reverse stitch lever, Stitch length and width dials, Foot pedal control.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	32 stitches including straight, zigzag, decorative, and stretch
Buttonhole	4-step buttonhole for precise button sizing
Needle Threader	Built-in automatic needle threader for easy threading
Bobbin System	Top drop-in bobbin with clear cover for easy monitoring
Free Arm	Removable accessory tray for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Length Control	Adjustable from 0-4mm for different fabric types
Stitch Width Control	Adjustable up to 5mm for zigzag and decorative stitches
Reverse Stitch	Lever for reinforcing stitches at beginning and end
Presser Feet	Includes all-purpose, zipper, buttonhole, and button sewing feet
Power	120V AC operation with foot pedal speed control

Unpacking and Setup

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

Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by base, not handwheel.
Attach accessory tray: Slide onto free arm until it clicks into place.
Install foot pedal: Connect to power cord port on right side of machine.
Plug into power outlet: Use 120V AC outlet only.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care using both hands. Ensure stable surface to prevent tipping.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow threading guide printed on machine.

Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through guides, engage bobbin winder.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into compartment with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle, use built-in threader.
Raise presser foot: Lift lever to raise presser foot before threading.
Draw up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
Test stitches: Use scrap fabric to test different stitch settings.

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

Specifications

Model: Singer M3220 Mechanical Sewing Machine
Stitches: 32 built-in stitches (6 basic, 23 decorative, 3 stretch)
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent top drop-in bobbin
Needle: Standard domestic sewing machine needles (size 11/80 to 16/100)
Presser Feet: 4 included (all-purpose, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing)
Free Arm: Yes, with removable accessory tray
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 0.7A
Dimensions: 15.2" x 6.7" x 12.2" (with accessory tray attached)
Weight: 13.2 lbs

Controls and Settings

Access controls via dials and levers on front and side of machine.

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch lever, Handwheel, Presser foot lifter, Bobbin winder, Thread tension dial.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to desired stitch number (1-32). Stitch Length: Adjust for fabric thickness (0-4mm). Stitch Width: Adjust for zigzag and decorative stitches (0-5mm). Reverse: Hold lever down for backward stitching. Tension: Adjust dial (1-9) for balanced stitches. Presser Foot Pressure: Fixed for general sewing.

Stitch Selection and Adjustment

Select stitches using dial; adjust for different fabrics.

Basic Stitches: Straight stitch (1-4), zigzag (5-6) for seams and finishing.
Decorative Stitches: Stitches 7-29 for embellishment on various fabrics.
Stretch Stitches: Stitches 30-32 for knit fabrics.
Buttonhole: Stitch 31-34 for 4-step buttonhole process.
Adjustment: Test on scrap fabric; adjust tension if needed.

Tip: Refer to stitch guide on accessory tray for recommended settings.

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guides to bobbin, engage winder against bobbin.
Upper Threading: Follow numbered path from spool pin to needle; use threader for needle eye.
Tension Check: Thread should move smoothly without snagging.
Bobbin Insertion: Drop in with thread unwinding counterclockwise; pull thread through slot.

WARNING! Always raise presser foot before threading. Ensure bobbin is properly seated.

Presser Feet and Accessories

Includes 4 presser feet for different functions.

Foot	Use	Installation
All-Purpose	General sewing, straight and zigzag stitches	Snap onto presser foot holder
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers, piping, cording	Snap on; can be adjusted left or right
Buttonhole Foot	Creating 4-step buttonholes	Snap on; includes markings for button size
Button Sewing Foot	Attaching buttons	Snap on; holds button in place

Additional accessories: Seam ripper, needles, bobbins, screwdriver, lint brush.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Cleaning: Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs after each project.
Oiling: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to moving parts as needed (refer to diagram).
Needle Replacement: Change needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or for new project.
Storage: Cover machine when not in use; store in dry area.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil. Do not use household oils. Keep hands away from moving parts during cleaning.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL safety standards. FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER. Warranty: 25-year limited warranty; see warranty card for details.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't run	Not plugged in, foot pedal issue	Check power connection; ensure foot pedal is properly connected.
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect threading, bobbin issues	Re-thread upper and bobbin threads; ensure bobbin inserted correctly.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle size, bent needle	Replace needle; ensure correct size for fabric; don't pull fabric.
Uneven stitches	Tension incorrect, dirty machine	Adjust tension dial; clean lint from bobbin area.
Machine skips stitches	Dull needle, incorrect needle type	Replace needle; use correct needle for fabric type.
Buttonhole not forming	Incorrect foot, settings wrong	Use buttonhole foot; follow 4-step process precisely.

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

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