singer portable electric sewing machine 221 1 manual

The Singer Portable Electric Sewing Machine 221-1 is a compact, lightweight sewing machine designed for home use with electric power operation. It features straight stitch capability, adjustable stitch length, built-in light, reverse stitching, bobbin winding system, foot pedal speed control, and accessory storage. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for 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. Basic Sewing Operations 7. Maintenance & Cleaning 8. Accessories 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electric sewing machine, Foot pedal, Power cord, Needles, Bobbins, Presser feet, Instruction manual.

Feature	Description
Power switch	Turns machine on/off
Stitch length dial	Adjusts stitch length (0-4mm)
Reverse stitch lever	For backstitching to secure seams
Built-in light	Illuminates sewing area
Bobbin winder	Winds thread onto bobbin
Foot pedal	Controls sewing speed
Presser foot lever	Raises/lowers presser foot
Tension control dial	Adjusts thread tension (0-9)
Thread guide	Directs thread path
Accessory compartment	Stores needles, bobbins, feet

Installation & Setup

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

Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet (120V AC).
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Wind bobbin: Place bobbin on winder, thread through guide, press pedal to wind.
Insert bobbin: Remove bobbin case, insert bobbin with thread unwinding clockwise.
Thread machine: Follow numbered thread guide path from spool to needle.

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

First-Time Operation

Plug in machine and turn on power switch.

Test stitch: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, gently press pedal.
Adjust stitch length: Turn dial to desired setting (2.5mm recommended for general sewing).
Practice reverse: Hold reverse lever to backstitch at beginning and end of seams.
Adjust tension: Start with setting 4-5; adjust based on fabric and thread.

CAUTION! Always start with slow pedal pressure. Keep work area well-lit and free of obstructions.

Specifications

Machine Type: Portable Electric Sewing Machine
Model: 221-1
Stitch Type: Straight stitch only
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Max Sewing Speed: 800 stitches per minute
Light: Built-in LED sewing light
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: 12 lbs (5.4 kg)
Dimensions: 15" x 6" x 12"
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: Power switch, Stitch length dial, Reverse stitch lever, Built-in light switch.

Adjustment Points: Tension control dial, Presser foot pressure, Needle position.

Stitch Length: 0-4mm (0 for darning, 4 for basting). Tension: 0-9 (lower for lightweight fabrics, higher for heavy fabrics). Reverse: Hold lever for backstitching. Light: Switch for sewing area illumination.

Basic Sewing Operations

Straight stitching for seams, hems, and repairs.

Prepare fabric: Place right sides together if sewing seam.
Position fabric: Lower presser foot at starting point.
Start sewing: Gently press foot pedal; backstitch 2-3 stitches.
Continue sewing: Guide fabric gently without pulling.
Finish seam: Backstitch 2-3 stitches at end.
Cut threads: Use thread cutter or scissors.

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric first. Always lower presser foot before sewing.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

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.

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

Accessories

Standard accessories included:

All-purpose presser foot
Zipper foot
Buttonhole foot
Spool pins (2)
Bobbin (4)
Needles (assorted sizes)
Thread spool cap
Seam ripper
Brush
Screwdriver

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL safety standards. FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Copyright © 2025 Singer Manufacturing Company. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER. Made for household use only.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine not running	Power connection	Check power cord; ensure switch is on; test outlet.
Thread breaking	Tension/needle	Reduce tension; check for burrs on needle; rethread properly.
Uneven stitches	Threading/tension	Rethread both upper and bobbin threads; adjust tension.
Fabric not feeding	Presser foot/feed dogs	Ensure presser foot is down; clean feed dogs; check stitch length.
Needle breaking	Bent needle/fabric pull	Replace needle; don't pull fabric; use correct needle for fabric.
Bobbin issues	Insertion/thread	Reinsert bobbin ensuring correct direction; check bobbin thread.

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