1. Introduction
Welcome
Welcome to the Singer family! This instruction manual is designed to help you get the most out of your Singer 3342 sewing machine. It provides detailed instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable sewing experience.
Important Safety Instructions
DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock:
- Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning, removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in this instruction manual.
WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to person:
- Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this sewing machine is used by or near children.
- Use this sewing machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
- Never operate this sewing machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the sewing machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
- Never operate the sewing machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot control free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
- Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
- Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
- Do not use bent needles.
- Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.
- Wear safety glasses.
- Switch the sewing machine off ("O") when making any adjustment in the needle area, such as threading needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, etc.
- Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This household sewing machine is designed to comply with IEC/EN 60335-2-28 and UL1594.
Image: Pages from the Singer 3342 manual detailing welcome information and critical safety warnings regarding electrical shock, burns, fire, and personal injury.
2. About Your Machine
Main Parts of the Machine Front
Familiarize yourself with the key components of your Singer 3342 sewing machine. Understanding these parts will assist in proper operation and maintenance.
- Thread Tension Dial: Adjusts thread tension.
- Thread Take-Up Lever: Controls upper thread flow.
- Thread Cutter: Conveniently located for trimming threads.
- Presser Foot: Holds fabric against feed teeth.
- Needle Plate: Provides guidelines for straight sewing.
- Removable Storage Compartment: Provides surface for sewing and storage for accessories.
- Reverse Sewing Lever: Reverses stitching direction.
- Bobbin Winding Stopper: Stops bobbin winding when full.
- Stitch Width Dial: Controls stitch width.
- Stitch Length Dial: Controls stitch length.
- One Step Buttonhole Lever: Automatically determines buttonhole length.
- Needle Threader Lever: Engages automatic needle threader.
- Bobbin: Holds the thread that forms the stitching on the underside of the fabric.
Image: A detailed diagram from the manual illustrating the main components of the Singer 3342 sewing machine, with corresponding numbered descriptions.
Removable Storage Compartment and Accessories
The removable storage compartment provides a flat sewing surface and also stores various accessories. To remove it, pull it towards you to reveal the free arm, which is useful for sewing tubular items like sleeves and pant hems.
Standard accessories typically include:
- All-Purpose Foot (for general sewing)
- Zipper Foot (for inserting zippers)
- Buttonhole Foot (for making buttonholes)
- Button Sewing Foot (for attaching buttons)
- Sew Easy Foot (for easier seam allowances)
- Needles (various types for different fabrics)
- Spool Holders (small and large)
- Bobbins (SINGER® Class 15 transparent)
- L-Screwdriver (to remove needle plate for cleaning)
- Darning Plate (for free-motion sewing)
- Second Spool Pin (for sewing with a twin needle)
- Spool Pin Felt (to cushion the spool of thread)
- Soft Cover (to protect your machine)
Image: Manual page showing how to access the free arm by removing the storage compartment, alongside an illustration and list of standard accessories.
3. Getting Ready to Sew
Powering Your Machine
To power your Singer 3342 sewing machine, connect the machine to a power source as illustrated. Ensure the machine is equipped with a polarized plug. The foot control regulates the sewing speed. When the foot control is disconnected, the machine will not operate.
Always turn the main switch to "O" (off) when connecting or disconnecting the power cord.
WARNING:
- For machines with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other), this plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If it does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.
Refer to the manual for detailed diagrams on winding the bobbin, threading the upper thread, and drawing up the bobbin thread.
4. Start Sewing
Stitch Formation
Proper stitch formation is crucial for quality sewing. The manual illustrates how upper thread and bobbin thread interlock to form a balanced stitch. Incorrect tension can lead to loose stitches or loops on the fabric surface.
Adjusting Tension
The thread tension dial allows you to select the correct tension. A range of settings between 0 and 9 is available. For most sewing, a setting between 3 and 5 is suitable. If the upper thread appears too loose, increase the number. If the bobbin thread appears too loose, decrease the number.
Image: Manual page illustrating correct stitch formation, how to adjust thread tension, and common issues like loose upper or bobbin thread.
Stitch Selector Dial
The Stitch Selector Dial is used to choose the desired stitch pattern. Turn the dial to align the desired stitch with the indicator. The manual provides diagrams for various stitch patterns, including straight stitch, zigzag stitch, and decorative stitches.
- For straight sewing, the Stitch Width Dial should be set at 0 for the center needle position or 2.5 for the left needle position.
- For grey stitch patterns, turn the Stitch Selector Dial until it clicks into place. Set the Stitch Length Dial according to the length you want.
Changing the Presser Foot
Always turn off the machine before changing the presser foot. To change the presser foot, raise the presser foot lifter. Press the release lever at the back of the presser foot holder to detach the current foot. Snap on the new presser foot by lowering the presser foot holder until it locks into place.
Sew Easy Foot
The Sew Easy Foot is designed to help you sew the most accurate seams every time. It features guides for various seam allowances. To use, attach the Sew Easy Foot, select your desired seam allowance, and place the fabric with the raw edge aligned with the guide.
Image: Manual page detailing the process of changing presser feet and instructions for using the Sew Easy Foot, including a diagram of the foot.
5. Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions for common issues you might encounter while using your Singer 3342 sewing machine.
Thread Loops on Underside of Fabric
Possible Cause: Threading on the underside of the fabric indicates that the upper thread is not correctly threaded, causing the upper thread to take up lever to move freely.
Solution: Re-thread the machine, making sure to first raise the presser foot lifter, which opens the tension discs so thread can be properly seated. Pull the upper thread firmly to ensure it is seated correctly.
Bobbin Thread Showing on Top of Fabric
Possible Cause: Too loose upper thread tension.
Solution: Reduce upper thread tension (See page 18).
Possible Cause: Thread path is obstructed, preventing even tension on top thread.
Solution: Check that the top thread path is not obstructed and thread is moving freely through the thread path (See page 14).
Possible Cause: Bobbin thread not in bobbin case tension.
Solution: Re-thread bobbin (See page 13).
Refer to the manual for more troubleshooting scenarios and their solutions.
6. Appendix - Glossary of Key Sewing Terms
Understanding common sewing terminology will enhance your sewing experience. Here are some key terms:
- Backstitch: Stitching in reverse to secure the beginning and end of seams.
- Basting: Temporary stitching used to hold fabric together, often removed later.
- Free Arm: The narrow part of the machine, used for sewing small, tubular projects.
- Interfacing: A material used to add body, support, or stability to fabric.
- Raw Edge: The cut edge of fabric.
- Seam: The line of stitching that joins two fabric pieces.
- Seam Allowance: The distance between the seam and the raw edge of the fabric.
- Seam Finish: A method used to prevent raw edges from fraying.
- Stabilizer: Material used to provide support for special techniques.
- Topstitching: Decorative stitching visible on the right side of the fabric.
Image: Manual page displaying a comprehensive glossary of sewing terms, providing definitions for common words used in sewing.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 3342 |
| Product Dimensions | 0.1 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches (Manual dimensions) |
| Item Weight | 1.6 ounces (Manual weight) |
| Power Source | AC (for the sewing machine) |
| Is Electric | Yes (for the sewing machine) |
| Material | Paper (for the manual) |
| Color | White (for the manual) |
| Manufacturer | TabSynth Design (Publisher of manual reprint) |
8. Support and Resources
For additional assistance, resources, or to purchase optional accessories, please refer to the official Singer website or contact customer support.
- Official Singer Website: www.singerco.com
- Personal assistance via email: talktous@singerco.com
- Live, one-on-one help from one of our SINGER® Sewing Assistants: 1-800-474-6437 (North America Only)
Product Overview Video
Video: A flip-through of the Singer 3342 Sewing Machine User's Manual, providing a visual overview of its contents and layout. This video is provided by TabSynth Design Works.
