Singer S0100 Serger Manual

The Singer S0100 is a versatile 3/4-thread serger designed for home sewing enthusiasts. It features differential feed, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in rolled hem capability, easy threading system, color-coded guides, free arm capability, and a built-in thread cutter. This manual covers safety instructions, machine overview, setup, threading, basic operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with stitch formation system, upper and lower loopers, needles, tension dials, differential feed lever, stitch length/width controls, free arm, and accessory compartment.

Feature	Description
Differential Feed	Adjusts fabric feed to prevent stretching or gathering
Stitch Length Dial	Controls the length of the serged stitch (1-4mm)
Stitch Width Dial	Adjusts the width of the stitch (3-7mm)
Rolled Hem Lever	Quickly converts machine for narrow rolled hem finishes
Color-Coded Threading	Guides for easy upper looper, lower looper, and needle threading
Free Arm	Removable flat bed for sewing cuffs and tubular items
Tension Dials	Individual dials for upper looper, lower looper, and needles
Built-in Thread Cutter	Convenient blade for trimming threads after sewing
Accessory Box	Storage for needles, tweezers, screwdrivers, and other tools
Power/Foot Pedal	Standard foot pedal for speed control

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack the machine and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, level surface.

1. Remove all packaging materials and protective covers.
2. Attach the free arm (if detached) by sliding it into position until it clicks.
3. Plug the power cord into a grounded 120V AC outlet.
4. Insert the foot pedal plug into its socket on the machine.
5. Open the accessory box and install the standard presser foot.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially the cutting blade. Always turn off and unplug the machine before threading, changing needles, or performing maintenance.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, thread the machine and perform a test sew on scrap fabric.

1. Raise the presser foot and turn the handwheel to raise the needle to its highest position.
2. Follow the color-coded guides to thread the upper looper, lower looper, and needles.
3. Set all tension dials to the normal setting (usually marked or around 4).
4. Place a scrap of medium-weight fabric under the presser foot and lower it.
5. Gently press the foot pedal to serge a few inches. Check stitch formation.
6. Adjust tensions if necessary for balanced stitches (no loops or puckering).

CAUTION! Ensure the machine is properly threaded before operating. Incorrect threading can cause thread jams or damage.

Specifications

• Machine Type: 3/4-thread Overlock Serger.
• Stitch Types: 3-thread overlock, 4-thread safety stitch, 2-thread rolled hem.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable from 1mm to 4mm.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable from 3mm to 7mm.
• Differential Feed Ratio: 0.7 to 2.0.
• Speed: Up to 1300 stitches per minute.
• Needles: Uses standard domestic serger needles (size 11/80 or 14/90 recommended).
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Included Accessories: Standard presser foot, seam guide, tweezers, screwdrivers, needles, lint brush, oil bottle.

Controls and Adjustments

Main controls are located on the front and side of the machine.

Front Panel: Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Differential Feed Lever, Rolled Hem Lever, Tension Dials (Upper Looper, Lower Looper, Needles).

Side/Other: Handwheel, Presser Foot Lifter, Power Switch, Thread Cutter, Free Arm Release.

Adjustments: Stitch Length (shorter for finer fabrics, longer for heavier), Stitch Width (narrow for lightweight, wide for decorative), Differential Feed (below 1 for stretching, above 1 for gathering), Tension (adjust individually for balanced stitch).

Threading the Machine

Always thread in the specified order: Upper Looper, Lower Looper, Right Needle, Left Needle (for 4-thread).

1. Turn the handwheel to raise the needle(s) and loopers to their highest positions.
2. Place cones or spools on the spool pins. Follow the numbered, color-coded path.
3. Thread the upper looper (blue path), ensuring the thread snaps into the tension disc.
4. Thread the lower looper (green path).
5. Thread the right needle (red path), then the left needle (yellow path) if using 4-thread.
6. Pull all threads under the presser foot and toward the back.

Tip: Use the tweezers to help pull threads through tight guides. Ensure presser foot is raised when threading through tension discs.

Basic Serging Operations

Supports seam finishing, edge overcasting, and decorative edging.

1. Select Fabric/Thread: Choose appropriate needle and thread for fabric weight.
2. Set Machine: Choose stitch type (3/4-thread, rolled hem), adjust length/width, set differential feed to N (1.0).
3. Position Fabric: Place fabric under presser foot, aligning edge with cutting guide.
4. Start Sewing: Lower presser foot. Gently press foot pedal to begin. Guide fabric gently.
5. Finish Seam: Serge off the edge of the fabric. Raise presser foot and pull fabric to the back.
6. Chain Off: Continue serging for a few stitches to create a thread chain. Use the thread cutter or pull chain to side and cut.

WARNING! Never serge over pins. Remove them before they reach the cutting blade. Keep fingers clear of the blade area.

Stitch Selection & Techniques

3-Thread Overlock: For basic seam finishing and edging. Use 2 needles and 1 looper or 1 needle and 2 loopers depending on setup.

4-Thread Safety Stitch: Creates a secure seam and finished edge simultaneously. Uses both needles and both loopers.

Rolled Hem: For a narrow, finished edge on lightweight fabrics. Engage rolled hem lever and adjust stitch width to its narrowest setting.

Differential Feed Techniques: Use D.F. < 1.0 to prevent stretching on knits. Use D.F. > 1.0 to create gathers or ease in fabric.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug machine before any cleaning or maintenance.

1. Daily Cleaning: Use the small lint brush to remove lint from around the loopers, needle area, and feed dogs.
2. Oiling: Apply 1-2 drops of serger oil to moving parts as indicated in the diagram (e.g., near the handwheel, loopers) after every 8-10 hours of use.
3. Needle Replacement: Turn handwheel to raise needle. Loosen needle clamp screw, remove old needle, insert new needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
4. Storage: Cover the machine to protect from dust. Store in a dry place.

CAUTION! Use only recommended serger oil. Do not over-oil. Wipe away any excess oil before sewing.

Warranty Information

Singer Limited Warranty: This serger is covered by a 25-year limited warranty for the machine head and a 5-year warranty for electrical components. Proof of purchase is required. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, commercial use, or unauthorized repair. For warranty service, contact Singer Customer Service at 1-800-4-SINGER or visit www.singer.com. Keep your sales receipt.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread loops or birds' nests on underside	Upper looper not threaded correctly or tension too low	Re-thread upper looper. Increase upper looper tension.
Thread loops on top side	Lower looper not threaded correctly or tension too low	Re-thread lower looper. Increase lower looper tension.
Fabric puckering	Differential feed too high; tension too tight	Set differential feed to N (1.0). Loosen needle tensions slightly.
Skipped stitches	Dull/bent needle; wrong needle type; incorrect threading	Replace needle. Ensure needle is inserted fully. Re-thread machine.
Machine won't run	Not plugged in; foot pedal disconnected; thread jam	Check power connections. Remove fabric and clear any thread jam from loopers.
Uneven or ragged cutting	Dull cutting blade; fabric not aligned with guide	Blades may need professional sharpening. Guide fabric edge consistently against cutting guide.

Reset: For persistent issues, unplug machine, re-thread completely from scratch, and test on scrap fabric.

Service: For technical support or repair, contact Singer at 1-800-4-SINGER or visit www.singer.com.