Sunbeam Compact Sewing Machine SB1800 Manual

The Sunbeam Compact Sewing Machine SB1800 is a versatile, user-friendly sewing machine designed for beginners and intermediate sewers. It features multiple stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in needle threader, free arm capability, automatic bobbin winding, reverse stitching, and variable speed control. Powered by 120V AC, this compact machine is perfect for home sewing projects, repairs, and creative crafts. 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 & Patterns 7. Threading & Bobbin Winding 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Compact sewing machine body, foot pedal, power cord, accessory kit, instruction manual.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitch Patterns	Multiple pre-programmed stitches including straight, zigzag, and decorative
Adjustable Stitch Length	Control stitch length from 0-4mm
Adjustable Stitch Width	Control stitch width from 0-5mm
Built-in Needle Threader	Easy needle threading assistance
Free Arm Capability	Convertible for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Automatic Bobbin Winding	Built-in bobbin winding system
Reverse Stitch Button	Secure stitching at beginning and end
Variable Speed Control	Foot pedal controls sewing speed
Drop Feed Dogs	For free-motion sewing and darning
LED Work Light	Illuminates sewing area

Installation & Setup

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

Connect foot pedal: Plug into machine front port.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Wind bobbin: Follow automatic bobbin winding procedure.
Thread machine: Follow threading guide from spool to needle.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to straight stitch position.
Set stitch length: Adjust to medium setting (2.5mm).
Practice on scrap fabric: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, press pedal gently.
Test reverse: Hold reverse button to stitch backward.
Experiment with speed: Practice controlling speed with foot pedal.

CAUTION! Always use correct needle for fabric type. Change needle regularly.

Specifications

Machine Type: Compact Electronic Sewing Machine
Stitch Patterns: 10 built-in stitches
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable
Buttonhole: 1-step automatic
Speed: Variable up to 800 stitches per minute
Bobbin: Front-loading, class 15 transparent
Needle: Standard domestic 130/705 H system
Presser Feet: 4 included (zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing)
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: 12 lbs (5.4 kg)
Dimensions: 15" x 6" x 12"

Controls and Settings

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse button, bobbin winder, hand wheel.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 10 built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, blind hem, stretch, and decorative stitches.

Stitch Length: Adjust from 0 (for darning) to 4mm (basting). Normal sewing: 2.5mm.

Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag and decorative stitch width from 0-5mm.

Reverse Stitch: Hold button to reinforce stitching at beginning and end of seams.

Stitch Selection & Patterns

Available Stitch Patterns:

Straight Stitch: For basic sewing, topstitching
Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges, appliqué
3-Step Zigzag: For stretch fabrics, elastic
Blind Hem Stitch: Nearly invisible hems
Stretch Stitch: For knit fabrics
Decorative Stitches: 5 decorative patterns
Automatic Buttonhole: 1-step buttonhole

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

Threading & Bobbin Winding

Upper Threading:

Place spool on spool pin.
Pull thread through first thread guide.
Pass thread through tension discs.
Thread take-up lever from right to left.
Pass through remaining guides.
Use built-in needle threader or thread needle manually.

Bobbin Winding:

Place empty bobbin on winder shaft.
Pass thread from spool through bobbin winding tension disc.
Wind thread around bobbin several times.
Push bobbin winder to engage.
Press foot pedal to wind bobbin.
Stop when bobbin is full; cut thread.

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Clean lint: Remove needle plate, clean bobbin area with brush after each project.
Oil machine: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to moving parts monthly.
Change needle: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or for each new project.
Storage: Cover machine when not in use; store in dry area.

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

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL safety standards. Copyright © 2025 Sunbeam Products, Inc. All rights reserved. Sunbeam is a registered trademark of Sunbeam Products, Inc. For technical support and service, visit www.sunbeam.com or contact 1-800-555-1234.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't start	Power connection	Check power cord; ensure machine is turned on; check foot pedal connection
Thread breaking	Tension/thread quality	Rethread machine; check tension settings; use quality thread
Skip stitches	Needle issues	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type; check needle installation
Bobbin thread bunching	Bobbin threading	Rethread bobbin; ensure bobbin inserted correctly; clean bobbin area
Uneven stitches	Tension problems	Adjust upper tension; check bobbin tension; rethread completely
Machine jams	Thread buildup	Remove needle plate; clean bobbin area; remove tangled thread
Noise during operation	Lint/lack of oil	Clean and oil machine; check for loose parts

Service: 1-800-555-1234; www.sunbeam.com