singer sewing machine 2502c manual

The Singer 2502C is a versatile and user-friendly mechanical sewing machine designed for beginners and intermediate sewers. It features 10 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, a built-in free arm, and a drop feed for free-motion sewing. This manual provides essential information for setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Singer 2502C sewing machine.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Foot Control, Power Cord, Accessory Box (including presser feet, bobbins, needles, seam ripper, cleaning brush, screwdriver), and Instruction Manual.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches10 stitches including straight, zigzag, blind hem, and stretch stitches
Buttonhole4-step, easy-to-follow buttonhole
Stitch Length ControlAdjustable for different fabric types
Stitch Width ControlAdjustable for zigzag and decorative stitches
Free ArmBuilt-in for sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other tubular items
Drop FeedLever to lower feed dogs for free-motion sewing or darning
Reverse Stitch LeverFor reinforcing seams at beginning and end
Bobbin Winding SystemBuilt-in, top-loading bobbin
Presser FeetIncludes All-Purpose Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Zipper Foot
Power/Foot ControlVariable speed control via foot pedal

Unpacking and Setup

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

  1. Remove all packaging materials from the machine and accessories.
  2. Attach the Foot Control to the machine's connector port.
  3. Plug the Power Cord into the machine and then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
  4. Install the Accessory Box in the designated compartment.
  5. Raise the presser foot lever and needle to their highest positions.

WARNING! Keep hands away from the needle area during setup and operation. Ensure the machine is on a stable surface to prevent tipping.

First-Time Operation

Before sewing your first stitch, complete these setup steps.

  1. Wind the Bobbin: Follow the diagram on the machine to wind thread onto the bobbin.
  2. Insert the Bobbin: Place the wound bobbin into the bobbin case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
  3. Thread the Upper Thread: Follow the numbered threading path on the machine from spool to needle.
  4. Raise the Bobbin Thread: Hold the upper thread, turn the handwheel toward you to lower and raise the needle, pulling up the bobbin thread.
  5. Select a Stitch: Turn the Stitch Selector Dial to the desired pattern (e.g., Straight Stitch).
  6. Practice: Place a scrap fabric under the presser foot, lower the foot, and gently press the foot control to sew.

CAUTION! Always turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) only. Never force the controls.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch Selector Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Stitch Lever, Handwheel, Presser Foot Lever, Drop Feed Lever.

Stitch Selector Dial: Turn to choose from 10 stitch patterns (icons shown on dial). Stitch Length Dial: Controls distance between stitches (0 for darning, 4 for basting). Stitch Width Dial: Adjusts side-to-side width of zigzag and decorative stitches. Reverse Stitch Lever: Hold down to sew in reverse for seam reinforcement. Handwheel: Manually raises/lowers needle. Turn toward you only. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers the presser foot. Drop Feed Lever: Lowers feed dogs for darning, free-motion quilting, or button sewing.

Threading the Machine

Correct threading is essential for proper stitch formation.

  1. Raise the presser foot and needle to highest position.
  2. Place thread spool on spool pin.
  3. Follow the numbered threading guide on the machine: through thread guides, tension discs, take-up lever, and finally the needle eye (front to back).
  4. For bobbin threading, place bobbin on winder spindle, follow path to tension spring, and press foot control to wind.
  5. Insert bobbin into case so thread unwinds counterclockwise.

Tip: Ensure presser foot is raised when threading to allow thread to seat properly in the tension discs.

Stitch Selection and Settings

Select stitches for different sewing tasks.

  1. Straight Stitch (Pattern 1): For seams, topstitching. Use medium length (2.5-3).
  2. Zigzag Stitch (Pattern 2-4): For finishing edges, appliqué, stretch fabrics. Adjust width as needed.
  3. Blind Hem Stitch (Pattern 5): For nearly invisible hems on garments.
  4. Stretch Stitches (Pattern 6-8): For knits and elastic fabrics to prevent popped seams.
  5. Decorative Stitches (Pattern 9-10): For embellishment.
  6. 4-Step Buttonhole: Use Buttonhole Foot. Follow steps marked 1-4 on Stitch Selector Dial.

WARNING! Always select the stitch with the machine stopped. Ensure the needle is not in the fabric when turning dials.

Maintenance & Cleaning

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

  1. Remove needle plate screws and lift off plate.
  2. Use the provided cleaning brush to remove lint from feed dogs, bobbin area, and hook.
  3. Wipe exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
  4. Oil sparingly as indicated in manual (specific points near hook race). Use only sewing machine oil.
  5. Replace needle regularly (after every project or 8 hours of sewing).

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air as it can force lint deeper. Never use household oils or lubricants.

Safety Information

Always disconnect power plug from outlet when making adjustments, changing needles, or cleaning. Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially the needle. Do not use bent or damaged needles. Do not sew over pins. This product is for household use only.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread bunching underneathIncorrect bobbin threadingRe-thread bobbin ensuring correct direction. Rethread top thread.
Needle breaksBent needle, incorrect insertion, fabric pulledReplace needle. Ensure flat side faces back. Do not pull fabric.
Skips stitchesBlunt/bent needle, wrong needle type, incorrect threadingReplace with new needle of correct type (e.g., ballpoint for knits). Re-thread.
Machine does not runNot plugged in, foot control unpluggedCheck power cord connections at machine and wall. Ensure foot control is connected.
Uneven feedPresser foot pressure (not adjustable on this model), dirty feed dogsClean feed dogs. Ensure presser foot is down when sewing.
Poor buttonholeStitch width/length settings, stabilizer missingUse stabilizer behind fabric. Practice on scrap. Follow 4 steps precisely.

Reset: Unplug machine for 60 seconds to reset internal electronics if motor behaves erratically.

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

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