Singer M1500 / M1505 / M1600 / M1605 Instruction Manual

Principal Parts of the Machine

The sewing machine has several key components. A diagram illustrates these parts:

• Diagram 1: Shows the main body of the sewing machine with numbered callouts pointing to: 1. Thread tension dial, 2. Thread take-up lever, 3. Thread cutter, 4. Presser foot, 5. Needle plate, 6. Removable extension table/accessory storage, 7. Pattern selector dial, 8. Bobbin winding stopper, 9. Reverse sewing lever.
• Diagram 2: Shows the sewing machine and foot control with numbered callouts pointing to: 1. Thread guide, 2. Bobbin winder spindle, 3. Spool pin, 4. Handwheel, 5. Power and light switch, 6. Main plug socket, 7. Bobbin thread guide, 8. Handle, 9. Face plate, 10. Presser foot lifter, 11. Foot speed control, 12. Power cord.

Unpacking:

• Place the box on a steady, flat surface. Lift your machine out of the box and remove the outer packaging.
• Remove all other packing material and the plastic bag.

Connecting Machine to Power Source

Connect the machine to a power source as illustrated.

• Diagram 1: Depicts connecting the power cord and foot control to the machine and a wall outlet.
• Diagram 2: A close-up of a polarized plug (a) with one wider blade and a conductor intended to be grounded (b).
• Diagram 3: Shows a foot pressing the foot control pedal.

Attention:

• Unplug power cord when machine is not in use.
• Consult a qualified electrician if in doubt of how to connect the machine to the power source.

Foot control: The foot control pedal regulates the sewing speed.

Sewing light: Press the main switch (A) to "I" for power and light.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

For appliances with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other), this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. To reduce the risk of electric shock, 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.

Two Step Presser Foot Lifter

When sewing several layers or thick fabrics, the presser foot can be raised to a higher position for easy positioning of the work (A).

• Diagram: Shows the presser foot being lifted to a higher position (A) to accommodate thick fabrics.

Attention:

Your SINGER® machine is adjusted to provide the best stitch result at normal room temperature. Extreme hot and cold temperatures can affect the sewn result.

Accessories

The machine comes with standard accessories. Optional accessories are also available.

• Diagram: Displays various accessories labeled 'a' through 'i'.

Standard accessories:

• a. All purpose foot
• b. Zipper foot
• c. Buttonhole foot
• d. Darning plate
• e. L-screwdriver
• f. Seam ripper/ brush
• g. Spool pin felt (2x)
• h. Pack of needles (3x)
• i. SINGER® Class 15 bobbins (4x)

Optional Accessories:

For information about additional presser feet, attachments, and accessories that may be available for your machine, visit www.singer.com.

Winding the Bobbin

Follow these steps to wind a bobbin:

• Place the thread and spool pin felt (a) onto the spool pin. (1)
• Draw the thread from the spool through the upper thread guide. (2)
• Wind the thread clockwise around bobbin winder tension discs. (3)
• Thread bobbin as illustrated and place on spindle. (4)
• Push bobbin spindle to the right. (5)
• Hold thread end. (6)
• Step on foot control pedal. (7)
• Release the pedal after a few turns. Release the thread and cut as close as possible to the spool. Press the pedal again. Once the spool is full, it rotates slowly. Release the pedal and cut thread. (8)
• Push bobbin spindle to the left (9) and remove.

Please Note:

When the bobbin winder spindle is in "bobbin winding" position, the machine will not sew and the hand wheel will not turn. To start sewing, push the bobbin winder spindle to the left (sewing position).

Diagrams: Illustrate steps 1 through 9 for winding the bobbin, showing thread path, spindle movement, and pedal operation.

Inserting the Bobbin

When inserting or removing the bobbin, the needle must be fully raised.

• Open the hinged cover. (1)
• Pull the bobbin case tab (a) and remove the bobbin case. (2)
• Hold the bobbin case with one hand. Insert the bobbin so that the thread runs in a clockwise direction (arrow). (3)
• Pull the thread through the slit and under the finger. Leave a 6 inch tail of thread. (4)
• Hold the bobbin case by the hinged latch. (5)
• Insert it into the shuttle. (6)

Attention:

Turn power switch to off ("0") before inserting or removing the bobbin.

Diagrams: Show the process of opening the cover, removing the bobbin case, inserting the bobbin correctly into the case, and placing the case into the shuttle.

Threading the Upper Thread

This is a simple operation but it is important to carry out correctly, as not doing so can result in several sewing problems.

• Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel towards you (counterclockwise) so that the mark on the handwheel points directly up. Raise the presser foot to release the tension discs. (1)
• Place the thread and spool pin felt (a) onto the spool pin. (2)
• Note: For safety, it is strongly suggested you turn off the power before threading.
• Draw the thread from the spool through the upper thread guide. (3)
• Guide the thread around the thread guide as illustrated. (4)
• Thread the tension module by leading the thread down the right channel and up the left channel. (5) During this process, it is helpful to hold the thread between the spool and thread guide.
• At the top of this movement, pass the thread from right to left through the slotted eye of the take-up lever and then downwards again. (6)
• Now pass the thread behind the thin wire needle clamp guide (7) and then down to the needle, which should be threaded from front to back.
• Pull about 6-8 inches of thread to the rear beyond the needle eye. Trim thread to length with the built-in thread cutter. (8)

Diagrams: Illustrate the complete upper thread path from spool to needle, including guides, tension discs, and take-up lever.

Raising the Bobbin Thread

To bring the bobbin thread up to the needle plate:

• Hold the upper thread with the left hand. (1)
• Turn the handwheel towards you (counterclockwise) to lower the needle, then raise it again.

Note:

If it is difficult to raise the bobbin thread, check to make sure the thread is not trapped by the hinged cover or the Removable Extension Table.

• Gently pull on the upper thread to bring the bobbin thread up through the needle plate hole. (2)
• Lay both threads to the back under the presser foot. (3)

Diagrams: Show holding the upper thread, turning the handwheel, and pulling the bobbin thread up.

Thread Tension

Proper thread tension is crucial for good sewing results.

Upper thread tension

Basic thread tension setting: "4".

• To increase the tension, turn the dial to the next number up.
• To reduce the tension, turn the dial to the next number down.
• 1. Normal thread tension for straight stitch sewing.
• 2. Thread tension too loose for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to a higher number.
• 3. Thread tension too tight for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to a lower number.
• 4. Normal thread tension for zig zag and decorative sewing. Correct thread tension is when a small amount of the upper thread appears on the bottom side of the fabric.

Lower thread tension

The bobbin tension has been set correctly at the factory, so you do not need to adjust it.

Please note:

• Proper setting of tension is important to good sewing.
• There is no single tension setting appropriate for all stitch functions, thread, or fabric.
• A balanced tension (identical stitches both top and bottom) is usually only desirable for straight stitch construction sewing.
• 90% of all sewing will be between "3" and "5".
• For zig zag and decorative sewing stitch functions, thread tension should generally be less than for straight stitch sewing.
• For all decorative sewing, you will always obtain a nicer stitch and less fabric puckering when the upper thread appears on the bottom side of your fabric.

Diagrams: Show thread tension dials and examples of stitches with different tension settings (normal, too loose, too tight, zig-zag).

How to Choose Your Pattern

To select a stitch, simply turn the pattern selector dial. The pattern selector dial may be turned in either direction.

• For straight stitch, select pattern "| | |" with the pattern selector dial.
• For zigzag stitch, select pattern "W W W" with the pattern selector dial.

Diagrams: Show the machine with callouts for the Pattern Selector Dial (a) and Reverse Sewing Lever (b), and a display of various stitch patterns.

Sewing Straight Stitch

To begin sewing, set the machine for straight stitch.

• 1. Set the machine for straight stitch.
• 2. Place the fabric under the presser foot with the fabric edge lined up with the desired seam guide line on the needle plate.
• 3. Lower the presser foot lifter, and then step on the foot control to start sewing.

Diagrams: Show the machine set for straight stitch, fabric placement, and the presser foot being lowered to start sewing.

Reverse Sewing

To secure the beginning and the end of a seam, press down the reverse sewing lever (A). Sew a few reverse stitches. Release the lever, and the machine will sew forward again.

Diagram 1: Shows the reverse sewing lever (A) being pressed.

Removing the Work

Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to bring the thread take-up lever to its highest position and the needle begins to descend. Raise the presser foot and remove the work from behind the needle and presser foot.

Diagram 2: Illustrates removing the sewn work from the machine.

Cutting the Thread

Pull the threads under and behind the presser foot. Guide the threads to the side of the face plate and into the thread cutter (B). Pull threads down to cut.

Diagram 3: Shows threads being guided to the thread cutter (B) and pulled down to cut.

Blind Hem

Suitable for hems on curtains, trousers, skirts, etc., and for blind hemming stretch fabrics.

Note:

It takes practice to sew blind hems. Always make a sewing test first.

Blind Hem procedure:

• Turn up the hem to the desired width and press. Fold back (as shown in Fig. 1) against the right side of the fabric with the top edge of the hem extending about 7 mm (1/4") to the right side of the folded fabric.
• Start to sew slowly on the fold, making sure the needle touches slightly the folded top to catch one or two fabric threads. (2)
• Unfold the fabric when hemming is completed and press.

Note:

To make blind hem sewing even easier, use a blind hem foot, available from your SINGER® retailer.

Diagrams: Show the fabric preparation for a blind hem (1) and the sewing process (2).

Buttonholes

Prepare:

1. Take off the all-purpose foot and attach the buttonhole foot.
2. Measure the diameter and thickness of the button and add 0.3 cm (1/8") for bar tacks to obtain the correct buttonhole length; mark the buttonhole length on the fabric (a).
3. Place the fabric under the foot, so that the marking on the buttonhole foot aligns with the starting marking on the fabric. Lower the foot, so that the buttonhole center line marked on the fabric aligns with the center of the buttonhole foot (b).

Note:

Density varies according to the fabric. Always test sew a buttonhole on the fabric you are using to sew the buttonhole.

Follow the 4-step sequence, changing from one step to another with the Pattern Selector Dial. When moving from step to step through the buttonhole process, be sure that the needle is raised before turning the Pattern Selector Dial to the next step. Take care not to sew too many stitches in steps 2 and 4. Use a seam ripper and cut the buttonhole open from both ends towards the middle.

Tips:

• Slightly reducing upper thread tension will produce better results.
• Use a stabilizer for fine or stretchy fabrics.
• It is advisable to use heavy thread or cord for stretch or knit fabrics. The zig-zag should sew over the heavy thread or cord (A).

Diagrams: Show the buttonhole foot, marking the fabric, and the four steps of buttonhole creation (1-4). Diagram A shows sewing over cord.

Sewing on Buttons

Follow these steps to sew on buttons:

• Install the darning plate. (1)
• Position the work under the foot.
• Place the button in the desired position and lower the foot.
• Set the Pattern Selector Dial for the second zig-zag pattern (as shown), which should correspond to the distance between the two holes of the button. Turn the handwheel toward you to check if the needle goes into the right and left hole of the button without hitting the button. Slowly sew on the button with about 10 stitches. (2)
• Bring the thread tails to the back of the work, then tie off manually.
• If a shank is required, place a darning needle on top of the button and sew. (3)
• For buttons with 4 holes, sew through the front two holes first, push the work forward, and then sew through the back two holes.

Diagrams: Show the darning plate installation (1), sewing stitches over a button (2), and creating a shank (3).

Zippers and Piping

To sew zippers or piping:

• Set the machine as illustrated.
• Change to the zipper foot.
• The zipper foot can be attached right or left, depending on which side of the foot you are going to sew. (1)
• To sew past the zipper tab, lower the needle into the fabric, raise the presser foot, and push the zipper tab behind the presser foot. Lower the foot and continue to sew.
• It is also possible to sew a length of cord into a bias strip to form a "welt" or piping. (2)

Diagrams: Show the zipper foot attachment (1) and sewing a zipper or piping (2).

Free Motion Darning, Stippling

* The darning/embroidery foot is an optional accessory not included with your machine.

Darning:

• Install the darning plate. (1)
• Remove the presser foot shank. (2)
• Attach the darning/embroidery foot to the presser foot bar. The lever (a) should be behind the needle clamp screw (b). Press the darning/embroidery foot on firmly from behind with your index finger and tighten the screw (c). (3)
• For darning, first sew around the edge of the hole to secure the threads. (4)
• First row: Always work from left to right. Turn work by 90 degrees and sew over previous stitching. A darning hoop is recommended for easier sewing and better results.

Note:

Free motion darning is accomplished without the sewing machine internal feed system. Movement of the fabric is controlled by the operator. It is necessary to coordinate sewing speed and movement of fabric.

Stippling:

Set the machine for straight stitch. Using the optional darning/embroidery foot will help guide you as you sew, in a meandering fashion to create small curving lines to hold layers of fabric and batting together.

Diagrams: Show darning plate installation (1), removing presser foot shank (2), attaching darning foot (3), and sewing around a hole (4).

Installing the Removable Extension Table

• Hold the removable extension table horizontally, and push it in the direction of the arrow. (1)
• To remove the extension table, pull it toward the left.

The inside of the removable extension table can be utilized as an accessory box. To open, flip the cover down as shown. (2)

Diagrams: Show attaching the extension table (1) and opening its accessory box (2).

Changing the Presser Foot

Removing the presser foot: Push the presser foot (e) to disengage from the cut-out (c). (1)

Attaching the presser foot: Install the pin (d) of the presser foot (e) into the cut-out (c) of the presser foot holder. (2)

Removing and attaching the presser foot shank: Raise the presser bar (a) with the presser foot lifter. Remove and attach the presser foot shank (b) as illustrated. (3)

Attention:

Turn power switch to off ("0") when carrying out any of the above operations!

Diagrams: Show the process of removing a presser foot (1), attaching a new one (2), and changing the presser foot shank (3).

Needle/ Fabric/ Thread Chart

This chart provides guidance for selecting the appropriate needle, fabric, and thread.

IMPORTANT: Match needle size to thread size and weight of fabric.

Needle, Fabric Selection

Note:

• For best sewing results, always use genuine SINGER® needles.
• Replace needle often (approximately every other garment) and/or at first thread breakage or skipped stitches.

Darning Plate

For certain types of work, (e.g., darning or free-hand embroidery), the darning plate must be used.

• Install the darning plate as illustrated.
• For normal sewing, remove the darning plate.
• For free-motion sewing, it is recommended to use a darning/embroidery foot, available as an optional accessory from authorized SINGER® retailers.

Diagram: Shows the installation of the darning plate.

Inserting the Needle

Change the needle regularly, especially if it is showing signs of wear and causing problems. For best sewing results, always use SINGER® Brand Needles.

Insert the needle as illustrated:

• A. Loosen the needle clamp screw and tighten again after inserting the new needle. (1)
• B. The flat side of the shaft should be towards the back.
• C/D. Insert the needle as far up as it will go.

Attention:

Turn power switch to off ("0") before inserting or removing the needle.

Needles must be in perfect condition. (2)

Problems can occur with:

• A. Bent needles
• B. Damaged points
• C. Blunt needles

Diagrams: Show the needle insertion process (1) and examples of good vs. damaged needles (2).

Maintenance

Attention:

Disconnect the machine from the electrical supply by removing the plug from the main socket. When cleaning the machine, it must always be disconnected from the electrical supply.

Remove the needle plate:

• Turn the handwheel until the needle is fully raised. Open the hinged front cover and unscrew the needle plate screws with the screwdriver. (1)

Cleaning the feed teeth:

• Use the brush supplied to clean the whole area. (2)

Cleaning and lubricating the hook:

• Remove the bobbin case. Snap the two hook retaining arms (3) outwards. Remove the hook race cover (4) and the hook (5) and clean with a soft cloth. Lubricate at the point (6) (1-2 drops) with sewing machine oil. Turn the handwheel until the hook race (7) is in the left position. Replace the hook (5). Replace the hook race cover and snap back the two hook retaining arms. Insert the bobbin case and bobbin and replace the needle plate.

Important: Fabric lint and threads must be removed regularly. Your machine should be serviced at regular intervals at one of our service centers.

Diagrams: Show removing the needle plate (1), cleaning feed teeth (2), and the steps for cleaning and lubricating the hook mechanism (3-7).

Troubleshooting Guide

This table lists common problems, their causes, and suggested corrections.