Singer Sewing Machine 774 Manual

The Singer Sewing Machine 774 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring straight and zigzag stitches, built-in buttonholer, free arm capability, stitch length and width adjustment, reverse sewing function, built-in light, drop feed for darning and free-motion sewing, and includes various presser feet. 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. Stitch Selection 7. Threading & Bobbin 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with free arm, built-in stitches, reverse function, built-in light, various presser feet included.

FeatureDescription
Stitch Selection DialSelects straight stitch, zigzag, and decorative stitches
Stitch Length ControlAdjusts stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch Width ControlAdjusts zigzag width from 0-5mm
Reverse Sewing LeverReinforces stitching at beginning and end
Free ArmFor sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other tubular items
Built-in ButtonholerOne-step automatic buttonholes
Drop Feed DogFor darning and free-motion sewing
Built-in LightIlluminates sewing area
Bobbin WinderBuilt-in bobbin winding system
Power PedalControls sewing speed

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Remove machine from packaging and all protective materials.
  2. Place on sturdy table or sewing cabinet at elbow height.
  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 pedal to wind.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Unplug when not in use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow threading diagram.

  1. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
  2. Insert bobbin: Remove bobbin case, insert bobbin with thread counterclockwise.
  3. Bring up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel toward you.
  4. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
  5. Adjust stitch length and width as needed for fabric.
  6. Test stitch on scrap fabric before starting project.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Use correct needle for fabric type.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch Selection Dial, Stitch Length Control, Stitch Width Control, Reverse Sewing Lever, Bobbin Winder Stop.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select straight stitch (1), zigzag (2-3), blind hem (4), stretch stitches (5-6). Stitch Length: 0 for darning, 1-4 for regular sewing. Stitch Width: 0 for straight stitch, 1-5 for zigzag width. Reverse: Hold lever for backstitching. Bobbin Winding: Push bobbin to right, thread through guides, press pedal.

Stitch Selection

Six built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

  1. Straight Stitch (Position 1): General sewing, topstitching
  2. Zigzag Stitch (Position 2): Overcasting, appliqué, decorative
  3. Satin Stitch (Position 3): Close zigzag for appliqué
  4. Blind Hem Stitch (Position 4): Nearly invisible hems
  5. Multiple Zigzag (Position 5): Stretch fabrics, mending
  6. Shell Stitch (Position 6): Decorative edge finishing

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric of same type as project.

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading essential for good stitch quality.

  1. Upper Threading: Follow numbered path: spool pin → thread guides → tension discs → take-up lever → needle.
  2. Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guides, wind bobbin until automatic stop.
  3. Bobbin Insertion: Open slide plate, drop in bobbin with thread counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.
  4. Bring Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel toward you until bobbin thread appears.
  5. Thread Tension: Adjust tension dial (3-5 for most fabrics).

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading. Lower when sewing.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Unplug machine before cleaning.
  2. Remove needle plate and clean lint with brush.
  3. Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil (2-3 drops monthly).
  4. Wipe exterior with soft, dry cloth.
  5. Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.
  6. Store covered when not in use.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil. Never use household oils.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with Singer 774.

AccessoryUse
All-Purpose FootGeneral sewing
Zipper FootInstalling zippers
Buttonhole FootMaking buttonholes
Button Sewing FootSewing on buttons
Bobbin (4)Extra bobbins
Needles (3)Assorted sizes
Seam RipperRemoving stitches
BrushCleaning lint
ScrewdriverNeedle plate removal

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. For support, visit www.singer.com or contact 1-800-4-SINGER. Made for household use only. Not for commercial applications.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitchesWrong needle/bent needleReplace needle; ensure correct type for fabric.
Bobbin thread bunchingIncorrect bobbin insertionRemove and reinsert bobbin; check threading.
Machine not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dogs; clean under needle plate.
Noisy operationLack of oil/lint buildupClean and oil machine; check for loose parts.
Needle breaksWrong needle/bent needleUse correct needle size; don't pull fabric.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur.

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

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