Singer Scholastic Sewing Machine 5523 Manual

The Singer Scholastic 5523 is a durable, user-friendly sewing machine designed for educational and beginner use. It features a built-in stitch selection, reverse sewing, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, drop feed for darning and free-motion sewing, and a built-in 4-step buttonhole. This manual covers safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for this reliable mechanical machine.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Stitch Selector Dial, Bobbin Winder, Spool Pins, Presser Foot, Feed Dogs, and Handwheel.

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack all components. Place machine on a stable, well-lit table.

1. Remove all packaging materials and plastic covers.
2. Attach the power cord to the machine and plug into a 120V AC outlet.
3. Attach the foot control pedal to its port on the machine.
4. Install the accessory tray (snaps into place at front).
5. Raise the presser foot lever and insert a needle (flat side to the back).
6. Wind and insert the bobbin (refer to section 6).

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle and moving parts during operation. Always turn the handwheel toward you.

First-Time Operation

Power on the machine using the foot control. Follow these initial steps.

1. Thread the machine: Follow the numbered threading path on the machine.
2. Pull up the bobbin thread: Hold the needle thread, turn the handwheel to lower and raise the needle, pulling the bobbin loop up.
3. Select a stitch: Turn the stitch selector dial to the desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
4. Adjust stitch length/width: Set dials appropriate for your fabric (2.5-3 for medium weight).
5. Place fabric under presser foot, lower the foot, and gently press the foot control to begin sewing.

CAUTION! Do not force the handwheel or stitch selector dial. Ensure the presser foot is down before sewing.

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical, Free-Arm Sewing Machine.
• Stitches: 6 Built-in Stitches (Straight, Zigzag, Blind Hem, Stretch Stitches).
• Buttonhole: 4-Step Manual Buttonhole.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm.
• Bobbin: Top-Loading, Class 15 Transparent Bobbin.
• Needle: Standard Household Needle System 130/705H.
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Included Accessories: All-Purpose Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Zipper Foot, Darning Plate, Seam Ripper/Lint Brush, Spool Caps, Needles, Bobbins.

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch Selector Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Sew Lever, Handwheel, Bobbin Winder Spindle/Stop.

Stitch Dial: Turn to select stitch symbol. Length Dial: 0-4 (0 for bobbin winding). Width Dial: 0-5mm. Reverse Lever: Hold down to sew backwards. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers foot. Feed Dog Drop Lever: Lowers feed dogs for free-motion work.

Basic Stitching Guide

Follow these steps for successful straight and zigzag stitching.

1. Raise the presser foot and place fabric edge under it, aligning with desired seam guide.
2. Lower the presser foot. Hold both thread tails lightly to the back.
3. Gently press foot control to start. Guide fabric gently; do not push or pull.
4. To secure end, sew a few reverse stitches using the reverse lever, or leave thread tails for tying.
5. Raise presser foot and pull fabric to the back. Cut threads using the built-in thread cutter.

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric first. Adjust tension if stitches are too loose or tight (normal setting is 4).

Advanced Functions

Utilizing the 4-Step Buttonhole, Free Arm, and Drop Feed.

1. 4-Step Buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot. Mark buttonhole on fabric.
   • Step 1: Select zigzag stitch (width 5, length 0). Sew left side.
   • Step 2: Select straight stitch (length 0). Sew forward to desired length.
   • Step 3: Select zigzag stitch (width 5, length 0). Sew right side.
   • Step 4: Select straight stitch (length 0). Sew back to start.
2. Free Arm: Remove accessory tray for sewing sleeves, cuffs, and pant legs.
3. Drop Feed Dogs: Lower lever at back of free arm for darning or quilting. Cover with darning plate.
4. Zipper Insertion: Use the zipper foot. Baste zipper area, stitch close to teeth.

WARNING! Always use the correct presser foot for the function. Turn handwheel manually when starting a buttonhole.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before any maintenance. Regular cleaning prevents lint buildup.

1. Remove needle plate screws and lift plate to access bobbin area.
2. Use the small lint brush to remove lint and thread snippets from bobbin case and feed dogs.
3. Wipe exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or sprays.
4. Oil sparingly as per manual instructions (specific points near handwheel and bobbin).
5. Replace needle regularly (after 8-10 hours of sewing).

CAUTION! Never immerse machine in water. Keep away from dust and extreme temperatures.

Needle & Thread Guide

Using the correct needle and thread is essential for good results.

Inserting Needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle fully with flat side to the back, tighten screw firmly.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes to reset internal components if electronic issues arise (though machine is mechanical).

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