Singer Simple Sewing Machine 3116 Manual

The Singer Simple 3116 is a mechanical sewing machine designed for beginners and home sewers, featuring 6 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, built-in thread cutter, drop-in bobbin system, and easy threading. Powered by a foot pedal with speed control. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection 7. Threading the Machine 8. Bobbin Winding 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing machine head, Foot pedal, Power cord, Accessory box (bobbins, needles, seam ripper, brush, screwdriver), Instruction manual.

FeatureDescription
Built-in Stitches6 stitches including straight, zigzag, and decorative
4-Step ButtonholeEasy buttonhole creation in 4 simple steps
Free ArmRemovable flatbed for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Drop-in BobbinTop-loading bobbin system with clear cover
Stitch Length ControlAdjustable from 0-4 mm
Stitch Width ControlAdjustable up to 5 mm for zigzag stitches
Built-in Thread CutterConvenient thread cutter on the side of machine
Reverse Stitch LeverFor reinforcing seams at beginning and end
Thread Tension DialAdjustable for different fabrics
Presser Foot Pressure DialAdjustable for different fabric thicknesses

Unpacking and Setup

Remove all packaging materials. Place on stable, flat surface.

  1. Attach power cord: Plug into machine and wall outlet.
  2. Attach foot pedal: Connect to machine port.
  3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
  4. Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions.
  5. Thread machine: Follow threading diagram.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Unplug machine when not in use.

First-Time Use

Practice on scrap fabric before starting projects.

  1. Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selector to straight stitch position.
  2. Set stitch length: Adjust to medium setting (2.5).
  3. Set thread tension: Start at 4 for medium weight fabrics.
  4. Lower presser foot: Always lower before sewing.
  5. Start sewing: Press foot pedal gently to control speed.
  6. Reverse stitching: Hold reverse lever to reinforce seams.

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

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Stitch Selector: Dial to choose between 6 stitches. Stitch Length Dial: Controls stitch length (0-4 mm). Stitch Width Dial: Controls zigzag width (0-5 mm). Thread Tension Dial: Adjusts upper thread tension (0-9). Reverse Stitch Lever: Hold down for reverse sewing. Handwheel: Manual control of needle position. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot. Bobbin Winder: Winds bobbin without threading needle.

Stitch Selection

Six built-in stitches for various sewing needs.

  1. Straight Stitch: For seams, topstitching, basting.
  2. Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges, appliqué, stretch fabrics.
  3. Blind Hem Stitch: For nearly invisible hems.
  4. Stretch Stitch: For knit fabrics, provides flexibility.
  5. Decorative Stitch 1: For decorative sewing.
  6. Decorative Stitch 2: For decorative sewing.
  7. 4-Step Buttonhole: For creating buttonholes of various sizes.

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Threading the Machine

Proper threading is essential for good stitch quality.

  1. Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
  2. Place spool on spool pin.
  3. Follow numbered threading path on machine.
  4. Thread through tension discs.
  5. Thread take-up lever from right to left.
  6. Thread through needle guide and eye of needle.
  7. Pull thread under presser foot toward back.

WARNING! Ensure machine is unplugged during threading to prevent accidental starting.

Bobbin Winding

Wind bobbin before inserting into bobbin case.

  1. Place empty bobbin on bobbin winder spindle.
  2. Push bobbin winder to right until it clicks.
  3. Thread from spool through bobbin winding tension disc.
  4. Wrap thread around bobbin several times.
  5. Press foot pedal to wind bobbin.
  6. Stop when bobbin is full (automatically stops on most models).
  7. Push bobbin winder back to left.
  8. Insert bobbin into bobbin case with thread pulling counter-clockwise.

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Clean lint regularly: Remove bobbin case and use brush to clean lint.
  2. Oil machine: Use sewing machine oil on moving parts as indicated in manual.
  3. Change needle regularly: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.
  4. Cover machine: Use dust cover when not in use.
  5. Professional service: Have machine serviced annually with heavy use.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only Singer recommended oil.

Warranty Information

Singer Simple 3116 comes with 25-year limited warranty covering mechanical parts. Warranty does not cover needles, belts, light bulbs, or damage from misuse. For warranty service, contact Singer customer service with proof of purchase. Keep original packaging for 30 days in case of return.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread bunching underneathIncorrect bobbin threadingRe-thread bobbin ensuring correct direction.
Needle breaksWrong needle size, bent needleReplace needle with correct type for fabric.
Machine won't runNot plugged in, foot pedal issueCheck power connection; ensure foot pedal is connected.
Uneven stitchesIncorrect tension, dirty machineAdjust tension; clean lint from bobbin area.
Thread breaksOld thread, incorrect threadingUse new quality thread; re-thread machine.
Fabric not feedingPresser foot pressure too lowIncrease presser foot pressure; clean feed dogs.
Buttonhole not formingIncorrect buttonhole stepsFollow 4-step sequence precisely; practice on scrap.

Reset: Unplug machine for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur.

Service: 1-800-4-SINGER; www.singer.com

Singer Simple Sewing Machine 3116 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025