SINGER Stitch Quick + Portable Cordless Mending Machine Instruction Manual

Introduction

The SINGER Stitch Quick + is a portable mending machine designed for both handheld and tabletop use. Its cordless, battery-operated design offers balance and control for various sewing and mending projects. This manual provides essential information for safe and effective operation, including setup, usage, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Setup

1. Powering the Machine

The Stitch Quick + operates on four Alkaline AA batteries (not included) or an optional AC adapter (not included). Ensure the machine is in the 'LOCK' position before installing or removing batteries.

Image: Battery compartment with four AA batteries. Insert batteries according to polarity markings.

2. Bobbin Winding

Proper bobbin winding is crucial for consistent stitching. Always use Class 15 metal bobbins with this machine.

1. Ensure the machine is in the 'LOCK' position.
2. Remove the bobbin from the bobbin case and unthread the needle.
3. Insert the bobbin pin into the designated hole, ensuring the D-shape matches. Push the pin firmly into place.
4. Take the end of your thread and slide it through thread guide number 1.
5. Next, slide it through thread guide number 5 on top of the machine, avoiding tangling around the tension wheel.
6. Take an empty bobbin and slide the thread end inside the bobbin and out through one of the holes.
7. Position the bobbin on top of the bobbin pin and push into place. Ensure a 3-4 inch thread tail is sticking out.
8. Turn the machine on by pushing the lever to 'HANDHELD' mode. Depress the lever and wind the thread around the bobbin 3-4 times to start.
9. Once the bobbin has started winding, trim away the thread tail.
10. Depress the button and wind the bobbin to the desired fullness.
11. Once winding is complete, pull the bobbin off the pin and trim the thread 3-4 inches from the bobbin.
12. Carefully remove the spool of thread and reposition the top thread.
13. Store the large spool pin and bobbin pin in the handle compartment for easy access.

Image: Bobbin winding in progress on the SINGER Stitch Quick+ machine. The thread is guided from the spool to the bobbin.

3. Threading the Machine

Correct threading ensures proper stitch formation. Always ensure the machine is in the 'LOCK' position before threading.

1. Ensure the machine is in the 'LOCK' position.
2. Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case. The thread should feed off the bobbin in a clockwise manner. A helpful tip: if the thread tail is to the left, have it in the front of the bobbin to ensure correct rotation.
3. Slide the bobbin into the bobbin case.
4. To catch the bobbin thread, pull the top thread tail to the front of the machine.
5. Hand crank the handwheel to lower the needle until it catches the bobbin thread and pulls it up in a loop. Use a straight pin if necessary to pull the loop.
6. Pull both the top thread and bobbin thread tails to the back of the machine.
7. Replace the cap on the bobbin cover.
8. Take the thread tail from the spool and insert it through the first thread guide.
9. Push the thread down into the tension discs.
10. Insert the thread through the second thread guide.
11. Insert the thread through the thread take-up lever.
12. Turn the handwheel forward and insert the thread through the third thread guide.
13. Insert the thread through the fourth thread guide, located underneath the arm.
14. Lift the presser foot and hand crank the needle to the highest position.
15. Thread the needle from left to right. A threader (located in the handle compartment) can assist with this task. Lowering the presser foot may provide more room.
16. Slide the threader through the needle, slide the thread tail through the wires of the threader, and pull the threader back through the eye of the needle.
17. Your machine is now threaded.

Image: Detailed threading path for the SINGER Stitch Quick+ machine, indicating where to start and follow the thread guides.

Operating the Machine

1. Operating Modes

The Stitch Quick + features a multi-mode functionality switch:

• HANDHELD: For quick, on-the-go repairs. The machine stitches only while the trigger is pressed.
• DESKTOP: For continuous stitching. The machine stitches continuously once the trigger is pressed until it is pressed again to stop.
• LOCK: A safety position that prevents accidental operation. Always engage the lock when not in use or during setup/maintenance.

Image: Mode switch on the machine, allowing selection between handheld, desktop, and lock positions.

2. Stitching Process

To begin stitching:

1. Ensure the machine is correctly threaded and powered.
2. Select your desired operating mode (HANDHELD or DESKTOP).
3. Place the fabric under the presser foot.
4. Lower the presser foot onto the fabric.
5. Press the trigger to start stitching. Guide the fabric gently to maintain a straight seam.
6. Once finished, raise the presser foot and carefully remove the fabric. Use the built-in thread cutter to snip the threads.

Image: Handheld operation of the SINGER Stitch Quick+ machine, demonstrating mending a denim garment.

3. Material Compatibility

The Stitch Quick + is designed for a variety of lightweight to medium-weight fabrics and projects:

• Denim
• Knit Fabrics
• Cotton Fabrics
• Polyester Fabrics
• Paper Crafts

Note: Not suitable for heavyweight fabrics such as leather or wool. Selecting appropriate needles for fabric type and weight ensures optimal stitch quality.

Image: Visual guide to material compatibility, highlighting suitable fabric types for the machine.

Maintenance

1. Needle Replacement

Regularly inspect your needle for bends or dullness. A damaged needle can cause skipped stitches or fabric damage. Always ensure the machine is in the 'LOCK' position before changing the needle.

1. Ensure the machine is in the 'LOCK' position.
2. Raise the needle to its highest position.
3. Remove the top thread from the needle.
4. Hold the needle and loosen the needle clamp screw. On some versions, a coin can be used with a notch; others may require pliers.
5. Remove the old needle.
6. Insert the new needle into the clamp with the flat side of the needle facing towards the back of the machine. The eye should be straight, facing right to left.
7. Push the needle all the way up into the bar before tightening the needle clamp screw.
8. Tighten the screw firmly, first with your fingers, then with a coin or pliers if applicable.
9. After replacing, hand crank the needle up and down a few times to ensure it moves freely and does not hit anything. This confirms correct positioning.

Image: The needle and presser foot area of the machine, showing the needle clamp screw.

Troubleshooting

1. Stitch Quality Issues

If your machine is not sewing correctly or stitches appear uneven:

• Check Bobbin Placement: Ensure the bottom bobbin is placed correctly in the bobbin case, sitting flush and running clockwise off the bobbin. If not, remove, reposition, and re-catch the bobbin thread.
• Check Upper Threading: Verify that the upper thread is threaded correctly through all guides and tension discs. The thread should be coming off the spool or bobbin in a counter-clockwise manner.
• Adjust Tension:
  • If the upper tension is too tight (fabric puckers, bottom thread lays straight), turn the tension dial counter-clockwise in small increments.
  • If the upper tension is too loose (top thread lays straight, bottom thread is visible on top), turn the tension dial clockwise in small increments.

  Always test on a scrap piece of fabric after each adjustment until the top and bottom stitches look identical.

• Needle Condition: Ensure the needle is straight, not bent, and fully inserted into the needle bar. A damaged needle can significantly impact stitch quality.

2. General Problems

• Machine Not Starting: Check battery installation. Ensure 4 Alkaline AA batteries are correctly inserted with proper polarity. If using an AC adapter, ensure it is properly connected and functional.
• Safety Switch: Always ensure the mode switch is set to 'HANDHELD' or 'DESKTOP' and not 'LOCK' for operation.
• Needle Issues: If the machine is not sewing at all, check for a bent or broken needle. Replace if necessary following the needle replacement instructions.

Specifications

Warranty & Support

For warranty information, product support, or to purchase accessories, please visit the official SINGER website or contact SINGER customer service. You can also visit the SINGER Store on Amazon.