Singer Sewing Machine Model 500A Manual

The Singer Model 500A is a classic vintage sewing machine featuring a straight stitch mechanism, built-in bobbin winder, adjustable stitch length, reverse stitching capability, built-in light, and manual thread tension control. This heavy-duty machine operates with a foot pedal control and is designed for various fabric types. 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 & Adjustment 7. Threading & Bobbin Winding 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Heavy-duty metal frame, built-in bobbin winder, stitch length dial, reverse lever, tension control dial, presser foot lever, built-in work light.

Feature	Description
Stitch Length Dial	Adjusts stitch length from 0-4mm
Reverse Lever	Enables reverse stitching for seam reinforcement
Tension Control Dial	Adjusts upper thread tension (0-9 scale)
Bobbin Winder	Built-in automatic bobbin winding mechanism
Presser Foot Lever	Raises and lowers presser foot
Built-in Light	Illuminates sewing area
Foot Pedal	Controls sewing speed
Hand Wheel	Manual control of needle position
Thread Cutter	Built-in thread cutting notch
Accessory Storage	Built-in compartment for feet and accessories

Installation & Setup

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

Position machine: Place on sturdy table or sewing cabinet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Connect power: Plug foot pedal into machine, then plug power cord into wall outlet.
Install bobbin: Remove bobbin case, insert bobbin, replace in machine.
Thread machine: Follow threading diagram from spool pin to needle.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure stable surface before operation.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions before sewing projects.

Test light: Turn on power switch; built-in light should illuminate.
Test foot pedal: Press gently; machine should run smoothly.
Practice stitching: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality.
Adjust tension: Test on fabric scrap until stitches are balanced.
Practice reverse: Engage reverse lever to reinforce stitches.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle. Always turn off when not in use.

Specifications

Machine Type: Straight Stitch Sewing Machine
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Type: Straight stitch with reverse
Bobbin Type: Class 15 metal bobbins
Needle System: 15x1 household needles
Presser Feet: Standard presser foot included
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Motor: Standard household sewing motor
Weight: Approximately 25 lbs
Dimensions: 15" W x 7" H x 6" D

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on machine body for easy access during sewing.

Front Panel: Stitch length dial, reverse lever, tension control, presser foot lever, hand wheel.

Stitch Length: Adjust with dial (0 for shortest, 4 for longest stitches). Reverse: Engage lever for backward stitching. Tension: Adjust dial for different fabrics (lower numbers for lighter fabrics). Presser Foot Pressure: Fixed pressure suitable for most fabrics. Bobbin Winder: Automatically stops when bobbin is full.

Stitch Selection & Adjustment

Straight stitch only machine with adjustable length and reverse capability.

Set stitch length: Turn dial to desired setting (1.5-2.5mm for general sewing).
Engage reverse: Hold lever while sewing to reinforce seam ends.
Adjust tension: Turn dial until stitches appear balanced on both sides of fabric.
Change presser foot: Lift lever, remove current foot, snap on new foot.

Tip: Test stitch settings on fabric scrap before starting project.

Threading & Bobbin Winding

Proper threading is essential for smooth operation and quality stitches.

Upper threading: Follow numbered guides from spool pin to needle.
Bobbin winding: Place spool on winder, thread through tension disc, press winder to engage.
Bobbin insertion: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
Bring up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel to catch bobbin thread.
Thread tension: Adjust until stitches lock in middle of fabric layers.

WARNING! Always raise needle to highest position before threading. Ensure presser foot is raised when threading upper tension.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

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 folded fabric or dental floss.
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

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

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for household use in United States and Canada. Copyright © Singer Manufacturing Company. For technical support or service, contact authorized Singer service centers. Original manufacturer specifications subject to change without notice.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread completely; reduce tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/bent needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric.
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin threading	Remove and rethread bobbin; check bobbin case.
Machine won't run	Power connection/foot pedal	Check power cord; ensure foot pedal is plugged in properly.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; clean tension discs.
Noise during operation	Lint buildup/needs oiling	Clean lint from bobbin area; oil moving parts.

Service: Contact authorized Singer service center for mechanical repairs.