singer sewing machine 9020 manual

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.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection and Settings 8. Basic Sewing Techniques 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

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.

FeatureDescription
Built-in StitchesIncludes straight, zigzag, blind hem, and decorative stitches
Four-Step ButtonholeManual buttonhole creation in four simple steps
Drop FeedLowers feed dogs for free-motion sewing or darning
Stitch Length ControlAdjustable from 0 to 4 mm
Stitch Width ControlAdjustable from 0 to 5 mm for zigzag and decorative stitches
Reverse Stitch LeverSecures stitches at beginning and end of seams
Built-in LightIlluminates the sewing area
Bobbin SystemTop-loading, class 15 transparent bobbin
Presser FeetIncludes all-purpose zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and more
PowerFoot pedal control, 120V AC operation

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack the machine and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, flat surface at a comfortable height.

  1. Remove all packaging materials and protective covers.
  2. Attach the power cord to the machine and plug into a grounded electrical outlet.
  3. Connect the foot pedal to the machine and place it on the floor.
  4. Install the needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
  5. Wind the bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide thread through bobbin winder tension, place empty bobbin on winder shaft, engage bobbin winder, press foot pedal.
  6. Thread the machine: Follow numbered threading path on machine, ensuring thread passes through take-up lever.
  7. Insert bobbin: Place wound bobbin in bobbin case with thread pulling counterclockwise, pull thread through slot and under tension spring.

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.

First-Time Operation

Before sewing on your project, practice on scrap fabric.

  1. Turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle to its highest position.
  2. Raise the presser foot using the lever.
  3. Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the presser foot lever.
  4. Select a straight stitch (position 1 on dial) and a medium stitch length (2.5).
  5. Gently press the foot pedal to start sewing. Guide the fabric lightly with your hands.
  6. Press the reverse lever at the start and end of seams to lock stitches.
  7. Turn the handwheel to raise the needle, then raise the presser foot to remove fabric.

CAUTION! Never pull or push fabric forcefully; let the feed dogs move it. Always turn the handwheel toward you only.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

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.

Stitch Selection and Settings

Refer to the stitch chart on the machine or in the manual for recommended settings.

  1. Straight Stitch (Position 1): For general sewing and seams. Use stitch length 2.0-2.5 for medium weight fabrics.
  2. Zigzag Stitch (Position 2-4): For finishing edges, sewing stretch fabrics, or appliqué. Adjust width as needed.
  3. Blind Hem Stitch (Position 5): For nearly invisible hems on garments. Use with the blind hem foot.
  4. Decorative Stitches (Positions 6+): For embellishment. Experiment with length and width on scrap fabric.
  5. Four-Step Buttonhole:
    1. Select stitch position "A" (first side).
    2. Sew forward to desired buttonhole length.
    3. Select stitch position "B" (first bar tack). Sew a few stitches.
    4. Select stitch position "C" (second side). Sew back to start.
    5. Select stitch position "D" (second bar tack). Sew a few stitches to complete.

Basic Sewing Techniques

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.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures smooth operation and longevity.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs with the small brush provided.
  2. Monthly:
    • Unplug the machine.
    • Remove needle plate screws and lift off the needle plate.
    • Use the brush to remove all lint and thread fragments from the bobbin case area and feed dogs.
    • Apply a small drop of sewing machine oil to the moving parts in the bobbin area (consult manual for specific points).
    • Replace needle plate.
  3. Needle: Replace needle after every 8-10 hours of sewing or if it becomes bent or dull.
  4. Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or sprays.

CAUTION! Always unplug the machine before cleaning or oiling. Use only sewing machine oil. Over-oiling can attract lint and stain fabric.

Regulatory Information

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.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine does not runNot plugged in / Power switch off / Foot pedal not connectedCheck power cord connection. Ensure foot pedal is firmly plugged into machine.
Thread breaksIncorrect threading / Poor quality thread / Tension too tight / Burred needleRe-thread top and bobbin. Use good quality thread. Reduce tension. Replace needle.
Needle breaksBent needle / Incorrect needle installation / Pulling fabric / Wrong needle for fabricReplace 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 settingsRe-thread bobbin ensuring correct direction. Re-thread top. Adjust tension dial (usually lower number for lighter tension).
Fabric not feedingFeed 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 noisyLint buildup / Lack of oil / Loose partsClean and oil machine as per maintenance section. Check for loose screws on needle plate or bobbin case.
Skip stitchesBlunt/bent needle / Wrong needle size/type / Incorrect needle insertionReplace 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.

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