Singer Featherweight 100 Sewing Machine Manual

The Singer Featherweight 100 is a compact, lightweight sewing machine designed for portability and ease of use. This manual covers essential information for setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your sewing machine. Key features include straight stitch capability, built-in needle threader, adjustable stitch length, free arm design, built-in light, and easy bobbin winding system.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Threading and Bobbin 7. Basic Sewing Operations 8. Maintenance and Care 9. Safety Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Compact sewing head, Free arm, Built-in needle threader, Stitch length dial, Bobbin winding system, Built-in work light, Foot pedal control.

Feature	Description
Free Arm	For sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other tubular items
Built-in Needle Threader	Easy needle threading with automatic system
Stitch Length Dial	Adjustable stitch length from 0-4mm
Bobbin Winding System	Built-in bobbin winding while threaded
Built-in Work Light	LED light for illuminated sewing area
Foot Pedal	Variable speed control for sewing
Reverse Stitch	Button for securing stitches at beginning and end
Spool Pins	Vertical and horizontal spool pin options
Presser Feet	Includes standard presser foot and zipper foot
Power Switch	On/off power control

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack all components and inspect for damage.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift by carrying handle, not by free arm.
Attach foot pedal: Connect pedal to machine power port.
Connect power: Plug power cord into electrical outlet.
Install accessories: Attach standard presser foot and thread spools.
Position machine: Place on stable, level surface with adequate lighting.

WARNING! Machine is electrical equipment; keep away from water and moisture. Ensure stable surface to prevent tipping.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup procedures.

Thread the machine: Follow threading guides and use built-in needle threader.
Wind bobbin: Use built-in bobbin winding system with thread from spool.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in bobbin case following directional arrows.
Test stitches: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality and tension.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and tension as needed for fabric type.

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

Technical Specifications

Machine Type: Compact electric sewing machine
Stitch Type: Straight stitch only
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Speed: Up to 750 stitches per minute
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Needle: Standard domestic 15x1 needles
Lighting: Built-in LED work light
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: Approximately 11 pounds
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on right side of machine. Front panel: Power switch, Stitch length dial, Reverse stitch button, Bobbin winder.

Stitch Length Dial: Turn clockwise to increase stitch length (0-4mm). Reverse Stitch Button: Press and hold for reverse stitching. Bobbin Winder: Push bobbin onto winder shaft and engage mechanism. Tension Dial: Adjust upper thread tension (3-4 for normal fabrics).

Threading and Bobbin

Proper threading is essential for optimal performance.

Raise needle to highest position using handwheel.
Place spool on spool pin and follow threading guides.
Use built-in needle threader: Push lever down and hook thread through needle.
Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, engage mechanism, and press pedal.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case following directional arrow.

Tip: Always pull thread tails to back when starting to sew.

Basic Sewing Operations

Master fundamental sewing techniques.

Position fabric: Lower presser foot and guide fabric gently.
Start sewing: Press reverse button for few stitches, then sew forward.
Guide fabric: Let machine feed fabric; don't pull or push.
Change direction: Stop with needle down, lift presser foot, pivot fabric.
Finish seams: Press reverse button to lock stitches at end.
Remove fabric: Raise needle to highest position, lift presser foot.

WARNING! Never sew over pins; remove them before they reach needle. Keep hands clear of moving parts.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance ensures long machine life.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil (2-3 drops).
Monthly: Clean tension discs with soft brush.
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.
Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

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

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Disconnect power when not in use or during maintenance
Keep fingers away from moving needle and mechanism
Do not operate with damaged cord or plug
Keep work area well-lit and free of obstructions
Supervise children and inexperienced users
Use proper needle for fabric type to prevent breakage

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Re-thread completely; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric.
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin insertion	Remove and reinsert bobbin following directional arrow.
Machine not running	Power/pedal issues	Check power connection; ensure pedal is plugged in properly.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; clean tension discs.
Needle breaks	Bent needle/wrong size	Replace needle; ensure needle is inserted fully and straight.
Fabric not feeding	Presser foot pressure	Check presser foot is lowered; clean feed dogs.

Service: For professional service, contact authorized Singer service center. Warranty service available at participating dealers.

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