Singer 15 Sewing Machine Manual

The Singer 15 is a classic straight-stitch sewing machine known for its reliability and durability. This manual covers the essential information for operating and maintaining your Singer 15 sewing machine, including threading, stitch adjustment, bobbin winding, troubleshooting, and care instructions. Below are key sections for setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Threading the Machine 7. Bobbin Winding and Insertion 8. Stitch Adjustment 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Straight-stitch mechanism, front-loading bobbin, tension dial, stitch length lever, reverse stitch lever, built-in light, foot pedal control.

FeatureDescription
Stitch typeStraight stitch only
Bobbin systemFront-loading class 15 bobbin
Stitch lengthAdjustable up to 4mm
Reverse stitchingLever-operated reverse
Tension controlTop thread tension dial
Presser feetStandard presser foot included
Power sourceFoot pedal with electrical motor
Built-in lightIlluminates sewing area
Needle system15x1 household needles
WeightApproximately 25 lbs

Unpacking and Setup

Remove machine from packaging and inspect for damage. Place on stable surface.

  1. Position machine: Place on sturdy table or sewing cabinet.
  2. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
  3. Connect power: Plug foot pedal into machine, then plug into wall outlet.
  4. Oil machine: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to designated points if machine is new or has been stored.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care. Ensure power cord is undamaged before use.

Basic Operation

Power on machine by pressing foot pedal. Begin with practice fabric.

  1. Thread machine: Follow threading diagram from spool to needle.
  2. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disk, engage winder.
  3. Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread rotating counterclockwise.
  4. Test stitches: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality and tension.
  5. Adjust settings: Modify stitch length and tension as needed for fabric.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle. Always turn off when threading or changing needle.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on machine body. Stitch length lever, reverse lever, tension dial, presser foot lever.

Stitch Length: Lever on right side - move up for longer stitches, down for shorter.

Reverse Stitch: Lever below stitch length - press and hold for reverse stitching.

Tension Dial: Numbered dial on front - higher numbers for tighter tension.

Presser Foot: Lever at back - lift to change fabric, lower to sew.

Bobbin Winder:Right side of machine - disengages needle mechanism when winding bobbin.

Threading the Machine

Follow numbered threading path from spool pin to needle.

  1. Place thread spool on spool pin.
  2. Pull thread through first thread guide on top.
  3. Wrap thread around tension disks.
  4. Pull thread up through take-up lever.
  5. Thread through lower thread guides.
  6. Finally thread needle from front to back.

Tip: Always raise presser foot when threading to open tension disks.

Bobbin Winding and Insertion

Use built-in bobbin winder for consistent bobbin tension.

  1. Place empty bobbin on winder spindle.
  2. Thread machine through bobbin winding tension.
  3. Push bobbin winder to engage winding mechanism.
  4. Press foot pedal to wind bobbin until full.
  5. Insert bobbin in case with thread rotating counterclockwise.
  6. Pull thread through slot and under tension spring.

WARNING! Do not overwind bobbin - stop when thread reaches outer edge.

Stitch Adjustment

Adjust stitch length and tension for different fabrics.

Stitch Length: 0-4mm range. Use shorter stitches for fine fabrics, longer for basting.

Tension: Dial 3-5 for medium weight fabrics. Lower for delicate fabrics, higher for heavy fabrics.

Needle Position: Center needle position is fixed on Singer 15 models.

Presser Foot Pressure: Fixed pressure suitable for most fabrics.

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Clean lint: Remove bobbin case and brush out lint after each project.
  2. Oil machine: Apply sewing machine oil to moving parts monthly with moderate use.
  3. Needle replacement: Change needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or for each new project.
  4. Cover machine: Use dust cover when not in use.

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

Regulatory Information

Manufactured to meet industry safety standards. UL listed electrical components. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. For technical support or service, contact authorized Singer service centers or visit www.singer.com. Serial number located on machine bed plate.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; reduce tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skipped stitchesBent needle/wrong needleReplace needle; ensure correct needle type; check needle insertion.
Uneven stitchesTension imbalanceAdjust top and bobbin tension; rethread both top and bobbin.
Machine jamsLint buildup/thread tangleClean bobbin area; remove tangled thread; oil moving parts.
No powerPower connection/foot pedalCheck power outlet; inspect cords; test foot pedal connection.

Service: Contact authorized Singer service center for mechanical repairs.

Support: www.singer.com or 1-800-4-SINGER

Singer 15 Sewing Machine Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025