singer sewing machine manual model 1120

The Singer Model 1120 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring a range of built-in stitches, a drop-in bobbin system, adjustable stitch length and width, a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves, and a built-in needle threader. It operates on a standard 120V AC power supply and includes essential accessories. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, Free arm, Stitch selection dial, Bobbin winder, Reverse stitch lever, Foot pedal controller, Accessory storage compartment.

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack all components and inspect for damage. Place on a stable, flat surface.

1. Remove machine from box: Lift by the carrying handle, not by the free arm.
2. Attach accessory tray: Slide onto front of machine to create a flat bed.
3. Connect power: Plug foot pedal into machine, then plug power cord into wall outlet.
4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
5. Wind and insert bobbin: Follow threading diagram on machine.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup and operation. Ensure machine is unplugged when installing needle or performing maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Plug in power, turn handwheel towards you to raise needle to highest position.

1. Thread the machine: Follow numbered guides from spool pin to needle, using built-in threader.
2. Insert bobbin: Place wound bobbin in case, pull thread through slot, close cover.
3. Pull up bobbin thread: Hold top thread, turn handwheel to lower and raise needle, pull loop up.
4. Select stitch: Turn stitch selector dial to desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
5. Test sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, gently press foot pedal.

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

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine
• Model: 1120
• Stitches: 10 built-in (straight, zigzag, blind hem, elastic, decorative)
• Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm
• Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm (for zigzag)
• Bobbin: Class 15 transparent, top-loading
• Needle: Standard domestic 15x1 (HAx1)
• Free Arm: Yes, with removable accessory tray
• Light: Built-in LED
• Power: 120V AC, 60Hz, 0.7A
• Included Accessories: All-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, assorted needles, bobbins, seam ripper, lint brush, duster

Controls and Functions

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

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to align desired stitch symbol with indicator. Stitch Length: Higher number = longer stitch (0 for darning). Stitch Width: Adjusts zigzag width; set to 0 for straight stitch. Reverse Stitch: Hold lever down to sew backwards for reinforcement. Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable via screw (factory set for medium-weight fabric). Tension Control: Dial numbered 0-9; 4-5 is normal for balanced stitches.

Basic Stitching Guide

For straight stitch: Select straight stitch symbol, set width to 0, length to 2.5mm. For zigzag: Select zigzag, adjust width and length as needed.

1. Raise presser foot and position fabric edge under foot.
2. Lower presser foot.
3. Hold both thread tails to the back.
4. Press foot pedal gently to start, guide fabric lightly.
5. At end, press reverse lever briefly, then raise needle and foot to remove fabric.

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric first. Always use the correct presser foot for the stitch (e.g., buttonhole foot for buttonholes).

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Correct threading is essential for proper operation.

1. Upper Threading: Place spool on pin. Follow numbered guides: right, down, up, through tension discs, down to take-up lever, down to needle. Use threader if equipped.
2. Bobbin Winding: Place empty bobbin on spindle. Guide thread from spool through bobbin winder tension. Push bobbin to right to engage. Hold thread end, press pedal to wind. Stop when full, cut thread, push bobbin left to disengage.
3. Inserting Bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding clockwise. Pull thread through slot. Insert case into machine. Pull thread under tension spring. Close cover.

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading upper thread to engage tension discs. Always use same thread type on top and bobbin for balanced stitches.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before any maintenance. Regular cleaning prevents lint buildup.

1. Remove needle plate screws, lift off plate.
2. Use small brush to remove lint from feed dogs and bobbin area.
3. Wipe metal parts with soft, dry cloth.
4. Oil sparingly as per manual instructions (specific points marked).
5. Replace needle plate and screws.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint deeper. Never oil plastic parts. Replace needle after every 8-10 hours of sewing or if damaged.

Regulatory Information

This sewing machine complies with applicable safety standards. The motor is UL listed. Copyright and trademarks are property of Singer Licensing Ltd. For genuine parts and accessories, visit authorized Singer dealers or www.singer.com. Customer support: 1-800-4-SINGER.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes if electronic controls behave unexpectedly.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Singer service center. Do not attempt to disassemble motor or internal gears.