The Singer Sewing Machine 9020 is a versatile and user-friendly mechanical sewing machine designed for home use. It features a range of built-in stitches, adjustable stitch length and width, a four-step buttonhole, a drop feed for free-motion sewing, and a built-in light. It is powered by a foot pedal and operates on standard household voltage. Below are key sections covering safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Key components: Mechanical sewing head, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length and width controls, Reverse stitch lever, Bobbin winder, Built-in light, Foot pedal, Accessory storage compartment.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Built-in Stitches | Includes straight, zigzag, blind hem, and decorative stitches |
| Four-Step Buttonhole | Manual buttonhole creation in four simple steps |
| Drop Feed | Lowers feed dogs for free-motion sewing or darning |
| Stitch Length Control | Adjustable from 0 to 4 mm |
| Stitch Width Control | Adjustable from 0 to 5 mm for zigzag and decorative stitches |
| Reverse Stitch Lever | Secures stitches at beginning and end of seams |
| Built-in Light | Illuminates the sewing area |
| Bobbin System | Top-loading, class 15 transparent bobbin |
| Presser Feet | Includes all-purpose zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and more |
| Power | Foot pedal control, 120V AC operation |
Carefully unpack the machine and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, flat surface at a comfortable height.
WARNING! Keep fingers away from the needle area during setup and operation. Always turn power off and unplug the machine when not in use or when performing maintenance.
Before sewing on your project, practice on scrap fabric.
CAUTION! Never pull or push fabric forcefully; let the feed dogs move it. Always turn the handwheel toward you only.
Main controls are located on the right side of the machine body.
Stitch Selector Dial: Turn to choose the desired stitch pattern. The numbers/icons correspond to different stitches (straight, zigzag, blind hem, etc.).
Stitch Length Dial: Controls the distance between stitches. Higher numbers = longer stitches.
Stitch Width Dial: Controls the side-to-side width of zigzag and decorative stitches.
Reverse Stitch Lever: Press and hold to sew in reverse. Used for locking stitches.
Handwheel: Turn toward you to manually raise/lower the needle. Never turn it away from you.
Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers the presser foot.
Bobbin Winder: Located on top right. Used to wind thread onto a bobbin.
Drop Feed Lever: Lowers the feed dogs for free-motion work like darning or quilting.
Refer to the stitch chart on the machine or in the manual for recommended settings.
Starting to Sew: Position fabric, lower presser foot, press reverse lever for a few stitches, sew forward.
Seam Finishing: Use a zigzag stitch along raw edges or use pinking shears to prevent fraying.
Turning Corners: Stop with needle down in fabric, raise presser foot, pivot fabric, lower presser foot, continue sewing.
Zipper Installation: Use the zipper foot. Baste zipper opening closed, press seam open, pin zipper face down, stitch using zipper foot, remove basting.
Button Sewing: Use the button sewing foot. Disengage feed dogs (drop feed), place button, select zigzag stitch with width matching buttonholes, sew slowly.
Darning/Free Motion: Lower feed dogs (drop feed lever), attach darning foot, move fabric manually in any direction.
WARNING! Always keep your eyes on the needle area while sewing. Do not sew over pins.
Regular maintenance ensures smooth operation and longevity.
CAUTION! Always unplug the machine before cleaning or oiling. Use only sewing machine oil. Over-oiling can attract lint and stain fabric.
This sewing machine complies with applicable safety standards. The motor is rated for 120V AC, 60Hz operation. This product is designed for household use only. Singer® is a registered trademark. For genuine parts and accessories, visit www.singer.com or contact Singer Consumer Affairs.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Machine does not run | Not plugged in / Power switch off / Foot pedal not connected | Check power cord connection. Ensure foot pedal is firmly plugged into machine. |
| Thread breaks | Incorrect threading / Poor quality thread / Tension too tight / Burred needle | Re-thread top and bobbin. Use good quality thread. Reduce tension. Replace needle. |
| Needle breaks | Bent needle / Incorrect needle installation / Pulling fabric / Wrong needle for fabric | Replace needle. Ensure flat side of needle is to the back. Don't pull fabric. Use correct needle type (e.g., ballpoint for knits). |
| Uneven stitches (looping) | Incorrect bobbin threading / Top threading error / Tension settings | Re-thread bobbin ensuring correct direction. Re-thread top. Adjust tension dial (usually lower number for lighter tension). |
| Fabric not feeding | Feed dogs lowered / Stitch length set to 0 / Presser foot pressure too light (if adjustable) | Raise feed dogs (drop feed lever). Increase stitch length. Check presser foot pressure setting. |
| Machine is noisy | Lint buildup / Lack of oil / Loose parts | Clean and oil machine as per maintenance section. Check for loose screws on needle plate or bobbin case. |
| Skip stitches | Blunt/bent needle / Wrong needle size/type / Incorrect needle insertion | Replace needle with new, correct type and size. Ensure needle is fully up in clamp and tightened. |
For Service: If problems persist after troubleshooting, contact an authorized Singer service center. Do not attempt to disassemble the motor or internal gears.
Support: Visit www.singer.com or call Singer Consumer Affairs for assistance.