Singer Sewing Machine 248 Instruction Manual

The Singer Sewing Machine 248 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 buttonholer, and drop feed mechanism.

Installation & Setup

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

1. Remove packaging materials and protective covers from machine.
2. Attach extension table if removed for transport.
3. Connect foot pedal to machine and plug into power outlet.
4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
5. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc, press winder to engage.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always turn off when threading or changing accessories.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; practice basic stitching on scrap fabric.

1. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle.
2. Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
3. Bring up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel toward you.
4. Select straight stitch: Set stitch selector to position 1.
5. Practice stitching: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, press pedal gently.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area well-lit.

Specifications

• Machine Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine
• Stitches: 23 built-in stitches
• Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
• Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable for zigzag
• Buttonholes: 1-step automatic
• Presser Feet: 4 included (zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, button)
• Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
• Needle System: 130/705 H household needles
• Power Supply: 110V, 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.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to desired stitch pattern (1-23). Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter/longer stitches (0-4mm). Stitch Width: Control zigzag width (0-5mm). Reverse: Hold lever for backstitching. Tension: Adjust upper thread tension (3-4 for normal fabrics).

Stitch Selection

23 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

1. Straight Stitch: Positions 1-2 for basic sewing
2. Zigzag Stitch: Positions 3-5 for finishing edges
3. Blind Hem: Position 6 for invisible hems
4. Elastic Stitch: Position 7 for stretch fabrics
5. Decorative Stitches: Positions 8-23 for embellishments
6. Buttonhole: Special position for automatic buttonholes

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

Basic Sewing Techniques

Fundamental sewing operations for beginners.

1. Starting to Sew: Position fabric, lower presser foot, begin stitching
2. Reverse Stitching: Hold reverse lever to secure beginning and end
3. Changing Direction: Stop with needle in fabric, lift presser foot, pivot
4. Seam Finishing: Use zigzag or overcast stitch to prevent fraying
5. Gathering: Use longer stitch length (3-4mm) and pull bobbin thread
6. Zipper Installation: Use zipper foot for invisible or centered zippers

WARNING! Never pull fabric while sewing - let feed dogs move fabric.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

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

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with Singer 248.

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for sewing machine operation.

• Always disconnect power when changing needles or cleaning
• Keep fingers away from moving needle and feed dogs
• Do not sew over pins - remove before needle reaches them
• Use proper lighting to see sewing area clearly
• Keep long hair and loose clothing away from machine
• Supervise children when using sewing machine
• Do not use damaged power cords or foot pedals

Troubleshooting

Service: Contact authorized Singer service center for repairs.

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