singer sewing machine model 9217 manual

The Singer Model 9217 is a versatile, high-performance sewing machine designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It features a range of built-in stitches, automatic needle threading, adjustable stitch length and width, a drop-in bobbin system, and a powerful motor for smooth operation on various fabrics. 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 Settings 6. Stitch Selection and Adjustments 8. Threading and Bobbin Winding 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with built-in stitch patterns, Free Arm, Foot Pedal, Power Cord, Accessory Kit, and Instruction Manual.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	23 stitch patterns including straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads the needle with a simple lever action
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, clear-view bobbin for easy monitoring
Stitch Length/Width Control	Adjustable dials for customizing stitch size
Free Arm	Converts for sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other tubular items
Built-in Buttonhole	One-step automatic buttonhole function
Power/Speed Control	Foot pedal with variable speed control
Reverse Stitch Lever	For reinforcing seams at the beginning and end
Presser Feet	Includes all-purpose zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and more
Light	Built-in LED light for illuminating the sewing area

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, flat surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift by the carrying handle, not by the free arm.
Attach power cord: Plug into the machine's power port, then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Install foot pedal: Connect to the machine's pedal jack and place on the floor.
Attach accessory box: Snap into place on the machine's side if applicable.
Raise the presser foot lever and install the needle if not pre-installed.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from moving parts during setup. Ensure the machine is unplugged when installing accessories.

First-Time Operation

Plug in the machine and power on using the main switch.

Thread the machine: Follow the numbered threading path on the machine; use the automatic needle threader.
Wind and insert the bobbin: Use the bobbin winding system on top, then drop into the bobbin case.
Select a stitch: Turn the stitch selection dial to choose your desired pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed for your fabric.
Begin sewing: Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the foot, and gently press the foot pedal.

CAUTION! Always turn the handwheel toward you (counter-clockwise) to avoid timing issues. Never force the machine.

Specifications

Model: Singer 9217
Stitches: 23 built-in stitches
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm
Speed: Up to 750 stitches per minute
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent, top-drop-in
Needle: Standard domestic sewing machine needles (size 11/80 recommended)
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: Approximately 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg)
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on the front and side of the machine.

Front Panel: Stitch Selection Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Reverse Stitch Lever, Presser Foot Lever.

Side/Back: Main Power Switch, Bobbin Winder Spindle, Handwheel, Foot Pedal Jack.

Basic Settings: Stitch Pattern (select via dial), Stitch Length (0-4mm), Stitch Width (0-5mm), Thread Tension (adjust via dial, typically set to 4 for medium-weight fabrics).

Stitch Selection and Adjustments

Use the stitch selection dial to choose from 23 patterns including:

Straight Stitch: For basic seaming (position 1).
Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges and decorative work.
Blind Hem Stitch: For nearly invisible hems.
Elastic Stitches: For knit fabrics.
Decorative Stitches: For embellishments.
Buttonhole Stitch: One-step automatic buttonhole (follow markings on foot).

Tip: Always test stitch settings on a scrap of your project fabric before beginning.

Threading and Bobbin Winding

Correct threading is essential for proper operation.

Raise the presser foot and needle to the highest position.
Place spool on the spool pin and follow the numbered threading guide.
Use the automatic needle threader: Pull down the lever, hook thread, and release.
To wind the bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, guide thread, push bobbin to right, and press foot pedal.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding counter-clockwise; pull thread through slot.

WARNING! Ensure the presser foot is raised when threading to open the tension discs. Never thread with the foot down.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug the machine before any maintenance.

Cleaning: Remove the needle plate and bobbin case. Use a small brush to remove lint and dust.
Oiling: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to the hook race and other moving parts as indicated in the diagram (usually every 8-10 hours of use).
Needle Replacement: Turn handwheel to raise needle, loosen screw, remove old needle, insert new needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
Storage: Cover the machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil. Do not use household oils. Wipe away excess oil before sewing.

Regulatory Information

This sewing machine complies with relevant safety standards. The motor is UL listed. Copyright © [Year] Singer. All trademarks are the property of Singer. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact Singer customer service at 1-800-4-SINGER.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Not plugged in / Power switch off	Check power connection and switch; ensure foot pedal is connected.
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect bobbin threading / Tension	Re-thread bobbin and top thread; adjust tension; clean bobbin area.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle type / Bent needle / Incorrect insertion	Replace with correct needle (size 11/80); ensure needle is fully inserted and straight.
Skipped stitches	Dull needle / Wrong needle for fabric	Replace needle; use ballpoint needle for knits, sharp for wovens.
Uneven stitches	Incorrect tension / Dirty feed dogs	Adjust thread tension; clean feed dogs with a brush.
Fabric not feeding	Presser foot down / Stitch length set to 0	Ensure presser foot is lowered; increase stitch length.
Noisy operation	Lint buildup / Needs oiling	Clean and oil machine as per maintenance section.

Reset: Unplug machine for 60 seconds to reset electronic components if applicable.

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