Singer Sewing Machine 3116 Manual

The Singer 3116 is a mechanical, straight-stitch sewing machine designed for beginners and home sewers. It features a built-in stitch selector, adjustable stitch length, reverse sewing, four-step buttonhole, free arm capability, built-in thread cutter, and drop feed for darning and free-motion sewing. Powered by a foot pedal, it includes essential accessories for basic sewing tasks. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing machine head, Foot pedal and power cord, Bobbins, Needles, Seam ripper/Lint brush, Darning plate, Screwdriver.

Unpacking and Setup

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

1. Remove machine from box: Lift by carrying handle; avoid lifting by foot pedal cord.
2. Attach foot pedal: Plug cord into machine port (usually on right side).
3. Connect to power: Plug foot pedal into wall outlet (120V AC).
4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
5. Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions in manual.
6. Thread machine: Follow threading path indicated on machine.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Plug in machine; place fabric under presser foot.

1. Select stitch: Turn stitch selector dial to desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
2. Set stitch length: Adjust dial (2.5 is standard for medium-weight fabrics).
3. Adjust tension: Set to 4 for balanced stitch on medium fabric.
4. Lower presser foot: Use lever at back of machine.
5. Start sewing: Gently press foot pedal to control speed.
6. Reverse: Hold reverse lever to sew backwards for reinforcement.
7. Cut threads: Use built-in thread cutter or scissors.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to avoid timing issues.

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical, Straight Stitch with Zigzag Capability.
• Stitches: 6 built-in stitches (straight, zigzag, blind hem, scallop, etc.).
• Stitch Length: Adjustable from 0 to 4 mm.
• Stitch Width: Up to 5 mm for zigzag.
• Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole.
• Speed: Controlled by foot pedal; up to 750 stitches per minute.
• Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin.
• Needle: Standard domestic sewing machine needle (size 11/80 or 14/90).
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz, 0.7A.
• Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs (6 kg).

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch selector dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse lever, Handwheel, Bobbin winder spindle, Tension control dial, Presser foot lifter.

Stitch Guide: Straight stitch (position 1), Zigzag (position 3-5), Blind hem (position 6), Decorative (position 2,4).

Tension: Adjust for balanced stitches (upper thread visible on bottom = decrease tension; bobbin thread visible on top = increase tension). Bobbin Winding: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension disc, wind onto bobbin until full. Needle Replacement: Ensure flat side of needle shank faces back; tighten securely.

Basic Stitching Guide

For seams, hems, and repairs.

1. Thread machine: Follow numbered path on machine; raise presser foot during threading.
2. Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise; pull thread through slot.
3. Select stitch: Straight stitch for seams; zigzag for finishing edges.
4. Position fabric: Align edge with seam guide; lower presser foot.
5. Sew: Start slowly; guide fabric gently without pulling.
6. Finish: Reverse stitch 2-3 stitches, lift presser foot, pull fabric back to cut threads.
7. Adjustments: Change stitch length for basting (longer) or fine fabrics (shorter).

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric to test tension and stitch length.

Buttonhole Making

Four-step process for standard buttonholes.

1. Mark buttonhole: Use fabric marker to indicate length on fabric.
2. Attach buttonhole foot: Remove standard foot; snap on buttonhole foot.
3. Set stitch width: Adjust to match button thickness (usually 3-4 mm).
4. Step 1 (left side): Set stitch selector to position A; sew from top to bottom.
5. Step 2 (bottom bar): Turn dial to position B; sew 4-5 stitches.
6. Step 3 (right side): Turn dial to position C; sew from bottom to top.
7. Step 4 (top bar): Turn dial to position D; sew 4-5 stitches.
8. Cut open: Use seam ripper to carefully open buttonhole between stitches.

WARNING! Always practice on scrap fabric first. Ensure stitch width is appropriate for button size.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before cleaning. Remove lint and dust regularly.

1. Clean feed dogs: Use small brush to remove lint from teeth.
2. Clean bobbin area: Remove bobbin case and brush out lint.
3. Oil machine: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to moving parts as indicated in manual (do not over-oil).
4. Exterior: Wipe with soft, dry cloth.
5. Needle: Replace after 8-10 hours of sewing or if bent/dull.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint deeper. Use only sewing machine oil.

Accessories Included

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for operation.

• Always unplug machine when changing needles, cleaning, or not in use.
• Keep fingers away from moving needle and feed dogs.
• Do not sew over pins; remove them before needle reaches them.
• Use proper needle for fabric type (ballpoint for knits, sharp for wovens).
• Ensure adequate lighting in work area.
• Keep cord away from heated surfaces and foot traffic.
• This machine is for household use only.

DANGER! Never operate with damaged cord or plug. Discontinue use if machine emits smoke, unusual odor, or excessive noise.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur (though mechanical, resets timing).

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Singer service center. Visit www.singer.com or call 1-800-4-SINGER.