Domestic 955 Sewing Machine Manual

The Domestic 955 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring multiple stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in buttonholer, free arm capability, reverse stitching, and easy threading system. Suitable for various fabrics from lightweight to medium-weight materials. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with built-in stitches, free arm, stitch length/width controls, reverse lever, built-in light, foot pedal control.

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface at comfortable working height.

1. Remove protective packaging and foam inserts
2. Attach foot pedal: Connect to machine port at front right
3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side toward back
4. Connect power: Plug into standard 120V AC outlet
5. Install bobbin: Follow threading diagram for bobbin case

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always unplug when not in use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

1. Thread machine: Follow numbered threading path on machine
2. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, guide thread through tension disc
3. Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selector to position 1
4. Test sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, gently press pedal
5. Adjust tension: Test on scrap fabric until stitches are balanced

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area clean and organized.

Specifications

• Type: Mechanical sewing machine
• Stitches: 12 built-in patterns
• Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
• Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable (zigzag)
• Buttonhole: One-step automatic
• Max Sewing Speed: 800 stitches per minute
• Needle System: 15x1 (HAx1)
• Presser Feet: Standard, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Weight: 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg)

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch pattern selector, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever, bobbin winder, tension dial.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 12 patterns (straight, zigzag, stretch, decorative). Stitch Length: 0-4mm (0 for darning, 4 for basting). Stitch Width: 0-5mm for zigzag and decorative stitches. Tension: Adjust for different fabrics (3-4 for medium weight). Reverse: Hold lever for backstitching at beginning/end of seams.

Stitch Selection

Choose appropriate stitch for fabric type and project.

1. Straight Stitch (1): Basic sewing, seams, topstitching
2. Zigzag Stitch (2-4): Finishing edges, stretch fabrics, appliqué
3. Blind Hem (5): Nearly invisible hems on garments
4. Elastic Stitch (6): For sewing elastic and stretch fabrics
5. Decorative Stitches (7-12): Embellishment and decorative sewing
6. Buttonhole (B): Automatic one-step buttonhole

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing project.

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

1. Raise presser foot and needle to highest position
2. Follow numbered threading path: Spool pin → thread guides → tension discs → take-up lever → needle
3. Wind bobbin: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, wrap around bobbin, engage winder
4. Insert bobbin: Drop into case with thread following J-shape, pull thread through slot
5. Bring up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you

WARNING! Ensure machine is unplugged during threading to prevent accidental starting.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Daily: Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
2. Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil (2-3 drops)
3. Monthly: Clean race hook and surrounding mechanism
4. As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only sewing machine oil.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with Domestic 955.

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for sewing machine operation.

• Always unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance
• Keep fingers away from moving needle and mechanism
• Do not sew over pins - remove before needle reaches them
• Use proper needle type and size for fabric
• Ensure adequate lighting in work area
• Keep machine clean and free of lint buildup
• Store in dry area away from moisture

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support, contact Domestic customer service at 1-800-555-SEWING or visit www.domesticservice.com