Area 49

Our sewing machines may be without training. If you do not know how to use a sewing machine, please ask a Makerspace Monitor for a quick tutorial, check out the user manual linked under each machine listed above, or watch the following instructional video from Singer. Timestamps are listed below the video for helpful sections.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Instructional Video

Video Timestamps

0:00 - General machine tour: Covers location of machine controls and uses for accessories 

4:35 - Threading the Machine: Describes how to load and thread the bobbin, as well as how to thread the upper thread

9:35 - Select a Stitch and Start Sewing: Information on navigating the machine’s front panel and ow to change stitch 

20:25 - Stitch Elongation and Mirroring: Explains how stitch length and stitch elongated differ. Also explains how to program elongated stitches and stitch mirroring. 

26:15 - Buttonholes: How to select and stitch buttonholes.

29:10 - Changing Needles: Explains needle types and how to change them.

NOTE: When threading the sewing machine, ALWAYS turn the machine off. The machine is on in most of these pictures ONLY to have the light on to better illuminate the picture.

Threading the Spool

1. Place the spool on the spool pin so that the direction of the thread matches the diagram. ALWAYS make sure the spool cap is the same size or larger than the spool itself.
   

2. Thread as follows. Be sure to loop the thread around the plastic piece indicated in magenta in the second photo before feeding it down the front of the machine following the blue arrows.
   
3. Grasp the thread with both hands at the points indicated in magenta. Gently “floss” the thread back and forth until you hear/feel it pop into the thread uptake lever.
   
4. Thread as follows.
   

5. Make sure the presser foot is raised. Slide the thread under the metal bar indicated in magenta.
   

6. Pass the thread through the hole in the needle from front to back.
   

Threading the Bobbin

1. Press on the release button to pop the plastic cover off the bobbin holder.
   
2. Place the bobbin in the holder with the thread going counter clockwise.
   

3. Draw the thread to the left and slide it under the small metal piece indicated in magenta, then let it rest to the side.
   

4. Put the bobbin cover back in place.
   

5. Turn the machine on. Gently hold the upper thread to the left, then press the needle lowering/raising button. The needle will move to its lowest point. Continue holding the thread, then press the needle lowering/raising button again.
   
   

6. 
    

7. Turn the machine back off. Gently pull on the upper thread. You will notice that the lower thread is pulled up along with it. Carefully pull the lower thread so that the tail comes up through the hole near the feed dogs. Make sure the upper thread is passed through the presser foot’s hole, and push both threads out of the way.
   

8. Place your fabric under the presser foot, then lower it.
   

Fabric Not Feeding Through

If the sewing machine is not pulling the fabric through the machine, the Feed Dogs are probably lowered. To raise the Feed Dogs:

1. Slide off the accessory box.
2. Locate the lever on the front of the machine and slide it to the right.
3. Replace the accessory box.
4. Feed dogs will raise once you being sewing.
   See the photos and video below for the feed dogs locations on the Quantum Stylist 9960. They are in a similar location for the other sewing machines.
   
    

Check out the following creators and resources for tutorials that range from beginner to advanced projects and techniques.