Singer Stylist 522 Sewing Machine Manual

The Singer Stylist 522 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring a built-in stitch selection dial, adjustable stitch length and width, four-step buttonhole, free arm capability, drop feed for darning and free-motion sewing, built-in bobbin winder, reverse sewing lever, and built-in light. It operates on 120V AC and is designed for home sewing projects with 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 Functions 6. Basic Stitching 7. Advanced Techniques 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stitch selection dial, stitch length control, stitch width control, reverse lever, free arm, bobbin winder, presser foot, needle clamp, spool pins, tension dial.

Feature	Description
Stitch Selection Dial	Selects straight, zigzag, blind hem, and decorative stitches
Stitch Length Control	Adjusts stitch length from 0 to 4 mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjusts zigzag width from 0 to 5 mm
Four-Step Buttonhole	Creates buttonholes of consistent size
Reverse Sewing Lever	Held down to sew in reverse for securing stitches
Free Arm	Removable accessory tray for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Drop Feed	Lowers feed dogs for darning and free-motion sewing
Built-in Bobbin Winder	Winds bobbin while machine is threaded
Built-in Light	Illuminates sewing area
Tension Dial	Adjusts upper thread tension

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, flat surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by base, not handwheel.
Attach power cord: Plug into machine and then into 120V AC outlet.
Install foot control: Plug into machine port.
Attach accessory tray: Snap onto free arm if removable.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle flat side back, tighten screw.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup and operation. Ensure machine is unplugged during needle installation.

First-Time Operation

Plug in machine, turn handwheel toward you to raise needle to highest position.

Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension disc, wind onto bobbin.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding clockwise.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle.
Draw up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel to bring up bobbin thread.
Test stitch: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, sew slowly.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you only. Keep foot control accessible but out of way.

Specifications

Type: Mechanical sewing machine.
Stitches: Straight, zigzag, blind hem, decorative stitches.
Buttonhole: 4-step manual.
Stitch Length: 0-4 mm adjustable.
Stitch Width: 0-5 mm adjustable.
Free Arm: Yes, with removable accessory tray.
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin.
Needle: Standard domestic needle system 130/705 H.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Included Accessories: All-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, darning plate, seam ripper, needles, bobbins, spool cap, screwdriver.

Controls and Functions

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, stitch length control, stitch width control, reverse lever, tension dial.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to desired stitch symbol. Stitch Length: Higher numbers for longer stitches. Stitch Width: Adjust for zigzag width. Reverse Lever: Hold to reinforce stitches. Tension: Adjust for balanced stitches (usually 4-5). Presser Foot Pressure: Fixed on this model.

Basic Stitching

Straight Stitch: Select straight stitch symbol. Set length 2-3 mm. Zigzag Stitch: Select zigzag symbol. Set width and length as desired.

Raise needle to highest position using handwheel.
Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot.
Gently press foot control to start sewing.
Guide fabric gently; do not push or pull.
At end, raise needle, raise presser foot, pull fabric back to cut thread.

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric first. Always lower presser foot before sewing.

Advanced Techniques

Four-Step Buttonhole:

Mark buttonhole position on fabric.
Attach buttonhole foot.
Step 1: Zigzag left side.
Step 2: Bar tack at end.
Step 3: Zigzag right side.
Step 4: Bar tack at start.

Zipper Installation: Use zipper foot. Blind Hem: Use blind hem foot and stitch. Darning: Lower feed dogs, use darning plate. Free-Motion Sewing: Lower feed dogs, move fabric manually.

WARNING! Go slowly on thick layers. Always use correct foot for technique.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug machine before cleaning. Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs with brush. Oil as per manual instructions (if required).

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint into mechanism. Use only Singer-recommended oil.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine does not run	Power cord/foot control	Check power outlet; ensure cord and foot control plugged in securely.
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect threading/bobbin	Re-thread upper and bobbin thread; ensure bobbin inserted correctly.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle/bent needle	Replace needle; ensure correct type and insertion; avoid pulling fabric.
Uneven stitches	Tension/thread quality	Adjust tension; use good quality thread; check needle size for fabric.
Machine jams	Lint buildup/thread tangle	Unplug, remove needle plate, clean lint; remove tangled thread carefully.
Skip stitches	Dull needle/wrong needle	Replace needle; use correct needle for fabric type.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes if electronic issues (though model is mechanical).

Service: 1-800-4-SINGER; www.singer.com for authorized service centers.