FDM Sewing Machine Manual

The FDM Sewing Machine is a versatile household sewing device featuring multiple stitch patterns, adjustable speed control, built-in needle threader, automatic bobbin winding, free arm capability, LED lighting, and various presser feet attachments. Designed for both beginners and experienced sewers, it operates on standard household power and includes essential accessories for basic sewing projects. Below are key sections covering safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection Guide 7. Threading & Bobbin Winding 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories Included 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, Stitch selection dial, Speed control slider, Reverse stitch button, Built-in needle threader, Bobbin winding system, LED work light, Foot pedal control.

Feature	Description
Stitch selection dial	Select from 12 built-in stitch patterns
Speed control slider	Adjust sewing speed from slow to fast
Reverse stitch button	For reinforcing seams at beginning and end
Built-in needle threader	Automatic needle threading assistance
Bobbin winding system	Automatic bobbin winding with thread cutter
LED work light	Illuminates sewing area for better visibility
Foot pedal control	Hands-free speed control while sewing
Free arm capability	Convertible for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Presser foot pressure	Adjustable for different fabric types
Thread tension dial	Adjust upper thread tension (0-9)

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on stable, flat surface.

Remove protective covers and packaging materials from machine.
Attach power cord to machine and plug into standard 120V AC outlet.
Install foot pedal and connect to machine port.
Attach standard presser foot by lowering presser foot lever and snapping into place.
Install needle with flat side facing back, tighten needle clamp screw securely.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup. Ensure machine is unplugged during installation.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; LED light should illuminate.

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc, press pedal to wind.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread moving counterclockwise.
Select stitch: Turn dial to desired stitch pattern (start with straight stitch).
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality and tension.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep hands clear of moving parts.

Specifications

Stitch Patterns: 12 built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, stretch, and decorative
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable 0-5mm for zigzag stitches
Speed: Up to 800 stitches per minute
Needle System: Standard HA-1 household needles
Bobbin Type: Class 15 transparent bobbins
Lighting: LED work light
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Machine Weight: 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg)
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Main control panel located on front right side of machine.

Primary Controls: Power switch, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch button, Thread tension dial.

Stitch Settings: Straight stitch (position 1), Zigzag stitch (position 2-4), Buttonhole (position 5), Decorative stitches (positions 6-12). Tension: Adjust for balanced stitches (normal setting 4-5). Presser Feet: Standard foot for straight stitching, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, blind hem foot included.

Stitch Selection Guide

Choose appropriate stitch for your fabric and project type.

Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, seams, topstitching (length 2.0-2.5mm)
Zigzag Stitch: Finishing edges, stretch fabrics, appliqué (width 2-4mm)
Stretch Stitch: Knits and stretch fabrics to prevent popped seams
Blind Hem: Nearly invisible hems on garments
Decorative Stitches: Embellishments and decorative sewing
Buttonhole: Automatic 4-step buttonhole for various button sizes

Tip: Test stitch on fabric scrap before starting project to ensure proper settings.

Threading & Bobbin Winding

Proper threading ensures smooth operation and quality stitches.

Upper Threading: Raise presser foot, raise needle to highest position, follow numbered path from spool pin to needle.
Needle Threading: Use built-in threader by pushing lever down and through needle eye.
Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, wrap around bobbin 3-4 times, press winder to engage.
Bobbin Insertion: Open bobbin cover, drop bobbin in with thread moving counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.
Bring Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you until needle goes down and up, pull upper thread to bring up bobbin thread.

WARNING! Always raise presser foot when threading. Incorrect threading causes thread jams.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs. Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts (use sewing machine oil only). Monthly: Remove needle plate and thoroughly clean feed dog area. Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or for each new project.

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

Accessories Included

Standard accessories package contains essential items for basic sewing.

Standard Presser Foot
Zipper Foot
Buttonhole Foot
Blind Hem Foot
Class 15 Bobbins (4 pieces)
Needle Set (assorted sizes)
Seam Ripper/Lint Brush
Screwdriver
Spool Caps (large and small)
Instruction Manual

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for safe operation.

Electrical Safety: Use only with proper voltage. Unplug when not in use. Operation Safety: Keep fingers away from moving needle. Never pull fabric while sewing. Maintenance Safety: Unplug before cleaning or changing needles. Storage: Store in dry area, cover when not in use. Child Safety: Keep out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't start	Power connection	Check power cord connection; ensure foot pedal is plugged in properly.
Thread breaking	Tension/thread quality	Reduce tension; check for rough spots on thread path; use quality thread.
Skipped stitches	Needle issues	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric; check needle installation.
Bobbin thread bunching	Bobbin threading	Re-thread bobbin; ensure bobbin inserted correctly; clean bobbin area.
Uneven feeding	Presser foot pressure	Adjust presser foot pressure; clean feed dogs; check foot installation.
Unusual noise	Lint buildup	Clean and oil machine; check for foreign objects in mechanism.

Service: For technical support, contact FDM Customer Service at 1-800-FDM-SEW1 or visit www.fdmsewing.com