Singer Sewing Machine 44S Manual

The Singer 44S is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring a built-in stitch selection, adjustable stitch length and width, four-step buttonhole, free arm capability, and a drop feed for darning and free-motion sewing. It operates on a standard 120V AC power supply and comes with essential accessories including presser feet, bobbins, needles, and a seam ripper. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length and width controls, Reverse stitch lever, Bobbin winder, Free arm, Built-in light, Foot pedal control.

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable table or sewing cabinet.

1. Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully, remove all protective materials.
2. Attach foot pedal: Connect pedal cord to machine port.
3. Plug in power: Connect power cord to machine and then to wall outlet.
4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp, insert needle flat side to back, tighten.
5. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension disc, wind onto bobbin.
6. Insert bobbin: Place bobbin into bobbin case following directional arrow.
7. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup and operation. Ensure machine is unplugged when threading needle or changing accessories.

First-Time Operation

Plug in machine, turn on power switch, and test basic functions.

1. Power on: Switch located on right side of machine.
2. Test light: Ensure work area is illuminated.
3. Test foot pedal: Press gently; machine should run smoothly.
4. Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to straight stitch symbol.
5. Practice on scrap fabric: Guide fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and begin sewing.
6. Adjust stitch length: For basting use longer stitches (3-4 mm), for seams use 2.5 mm.
7. Practice reverse: Hold reverse lever to sew backwards for reinforcement.

CAUTION! Always start with needle at highest position. Never pull fabric forcefully; let feed dogs move it.

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical sewing machine.
• Stitches: 6 built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, blind hem, stretch, and decorative.
• Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable from 0 to 4 mm.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable from 0 to 5 mm.
• Speed: Up to 750 stitches per minute.
• Presser Feet: All-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot included.
• Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin, top-loading.
• Needle: Standard domestic sewing machine needles (size 11/80 to 16/100).
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Dimensions: Compact design with free arm convertible.
• Weight: Approximately 11 lbs (5 kg).

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and right side of machine.

Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select desired stitch pattern (symbols indicated). Stitch Length Dial: Controls distance between stitches (0-4 mm). Stitch Width Dial: Controls zigzag width (0-5 mm). Reverse Stitch Lever: Hold down to sew in reverse. Bobbin Winder: Located at top right; winds thread onto bobbin. Handwheel: Manual control; turn toward you to raise/lower needle. Foot Pedal: Controls sewing speed; press lightly for slow, firmly for fast.

Thread Tension: Adjust via numbered dial (4 is normal, higher for heavier fabric, lower for lighter). Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable via screw on top (factory set for medium-weight fabric).

Basic Stitching

Follow these steps for straight and zigzag stitching.

1. Select stitch: Turn dial to straight or zigzag symbol.
2. Set length/width: For straight stitch, width = 0; for zigzag, set desired width (2-4 mm).
3. Position fabric: Place under presser foot, lower foot using lever.
4. Start sewing: Press foot pedal gently, guide fabric with hands on either side.
5. Reverse: Hold reverse lever at start and end to lock stitches.
6. Finish: Raise needle to highest position, raise presser foot, remove fabric, trim threads.

Tip: Practice on two layers of fabric to simulate actual sewing. Always backstitch to secure seams.

Advanced Functions

Utilizing buttonhole, blind hem, free arm, and drop feed features.

1. Four-Step Buttonhole:
   • Attach buttonhole foot.
   • Set stitch selection to step 1 (right side zigzag).
   • Sew first side; stop with needle in left position.
   • Change to step 2 (bartack), sew few stitches.
   • Step 3 (left side zigzag), sew second side.
   • Step 4 (bartack), complete buttonhole.
2. Blind Hem Stitch: Use blind hem foot; fold fabric appropriately, select blind hem stitch.
3. Free Arm: Remove accessory tray to access free arm for sewing sleeves and cuffs.
4. Drop Feed Dogs: Lever at back lowers feed dogs for darning or quilting.
5. Zipper Insertion: Use zipper foot; adjust needle position to sew close to zipper teeth.

WARNING! Always turn handwheel manually when positioning fabric under needle for buttonholes or precise work.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs after each project.
2. Weekly: Oil moving parts as per manual instructions (use sewing machine oil only).
3. Needle Replacement: Replace needle after every 8-10 hours of sewing or if dull/bent.
4. Cleaning Exterior: Unplug machine, wipe with soft dry cloth; avoid harsh chemicals.
5. Bobbin Case: Remove and clean lint from bobbin case periodically.

CAUTION! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Do not over-oil; one drop per oil point is sufficient.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Co. Trademarks owned by Singer. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact customer service at 1-800-4-SINGER. This product is designed for household use only.

Troubleshooting

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

Service: For repairs not covered in manual, contact authorized Singer service center.