singer sewing machine 3221 manual

The Singer 3221 is a versatile free-arm sewing machine designed for home use, featuring a selection of built-in stitches, a four-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, reverse sewing, and a drop feed for free-motion sewing. It includes a built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, and is powered by a standard household electrical outlet. 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 Functions 6. Threading the Machine 7. Stitch Selection and Use 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Free-arm sewing machine, Foot Control, Power Cord, Accessory Box (presser feet, needles, bobbins, seam ripper, lint brush), Instruction Manual.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	21 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches
Four-Step Buttonhole	Easy-to-create buttonholes in four simple steps
Adjustable Stitch Length	Control for stitch length from 0 to 4 mm
Adjustable Stitch Width	Control for stitch width up to 5 mm for zigzag and decorative stitches
Reverse Sewing Lever	Reinforce seams by sewing in reverse
Drop Feed	Lower feed dogs for free-motion sewing like quilting or darning
Built-in Needle Threader	Assists in threading the needle easily
Top Drop-in Bobbin	Easy bobbin insertion and viewing
Free Arm	Removable accessory tray for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Stitch Selector Dial	Dial to choose desired stitch pattern

Unpacking and Setup

Remove all packaging materials. Place machine on a stable, well-lit table.

Attach Foot Control: Plug foot control cord into machine port.
Connect Power: Plug power cord into machine, then into a 120V AC outlet.
Install Accessory Tray: Slide onto free arm until it clicks into place.
Wind and Insert Bobbin: Follow threading diagram to wind bobbin and place in bobbin case.
Thread Upper Thread: Follow numbered path on machine, using built-in needle threader.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always turn power off when threading or changing accessories.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; set up for basic straight stitching.

Select Stitch: Turn dial to straight stitch symbol (usually "0").
Set Stitch Length: Adjust dial to medium setting (around 2.5).
Set Stitch Width: For straight stitch, set width to "0".
Raise Presser Foot: Lift lever and place fabric under foot.
Start Sewing: Gently press foot control to begin; guide fabric lightly.
Reverse: Hold reverse lever to backstitch at beginning and end of seam.

CAUTION! Always start with needle at highest position. Do not pull fabric; let feed dogs move it.

Specifications

Model: Singer 3221.
Stitches: 21 Built-in stitches.
Buttonhole: 4-Step manual buttonhole.
Stitch Length: Adjustable from 0 to 4 mm.
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5 mm.
Bobbin: Top drop-in, Class 15 transparent bobbin.
Needle: Singer system 130/705H needles.
Max Sewing Speed: 750 stitches per minute.
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Machine Weight: Approximately 13.2 lbs (6 kg).

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch Selector Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Sewing Lever, Handwheel, Power/ Light Switch, Presser Foot Lifter, Drop Feed Lever.

Stitch Guide: Located near dial, shows stitch patterns and recommended settings. Presser Feet: Includes All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Button Sewing Foot. Tension Control: Adjusts upper thread tension (default 4 for balanced stitch). Bobbin Winder: Located on top of machine for winding bobbin without threading needle.

Threading the Machine

Upper Threading: Follow numbered path from spool pin to needle.

Place spool on spool pin.
Pull thread through first thread guide.
Draw thread down and around tension discs.
Pull thread up and through take-up lever.
Guide thread down to needle area and through needle bar guide.
Use built-in needle threader or thread needle manually from front to back.

Bobbin: Wind bobbin using bobbin winder. Insert into bobbin case with thread pulling counterclockwise. Pull thread into slot and under tension spring.

Tip: Raise presser foot before threading to open tension discs.

Stitch Selection and Use

Select stitch using dial; adjust length and width as needed.

Straight Stitch: For seams, topstitching. Use length 2.5, width 0.
Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges, appliqué. Use width 3-5, length 2.
Decorative Stitches: Select pattern; test on scrap fabric first.
Four-Step Buttonhole:
- Step 1: Zigzag down left side.
- Step 2: Bar tack at bottom.
- Step 3: Zigzag up right side.
- Step 4: Bar tack at top.
Stretch Stitches: For knits and elastic fabrics (e.g., triple straight stitch).
Reverse: Use lever at beginning and end of seams to lock stitches.

WARNING! Always use correct presser foot for selected stitch. Do not change stitch selector while machine is running.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before any maintenance. Regularly clean lint and dust.

Remove needle plate screws; lift plate to access bobbin area.
Use lint brush to remove lint from feed dogs, bobbin case, and hook area.
Wipe exterior with soft, dry cloth.
Oil sparingly only as indicated in manual (specific points).
Replace needle regularly (after 8-10 hours of sewing).

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint deeper. Never immerse machine in water.

Regulatory Information

This sewing machine complies with applicable safety standards. The foot control contains a thermal protector. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact customer service at 1-800-4-SINGER.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect threading/bobbin	Re-thread upper and lower threads; ensure bobbin is inserted correctly.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle/bent needle/fabric pull	Replace needle; ensure it is straight and fully inserted; do not pull fabric.
Machine does not run	Power/plug/foot control	Check power connection; ensure foot control is plugged in; check power switch.
Uneven stitches	Tension/thread quality	Adjust tension dial; use good quality thread on both top and bobbin.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered/ presser foot pressure	Check drop feed lever is up; clean feed dogs; ensure presser foot is down.
Thread keeps breaking	Tension too tight/ damaged needle	Reduce upper tension; replace needle; check for rough spots on thread path.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes to reset electronic components if applicable.

Service: 1-800-4-SINGER; www.singer.com