Simplicity American Denim SA1100 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
& REFERENCE GUIDE
Sewing Machine Model SA1100
Simplicity Sewing Machine Education Helpline: 636-651-0030

When using the sewing machine, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including
the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING MACHINE
DANGER - To reduce risk of electric shock:
1. The sewing machine should never be left unattended when plugged in.
2. Always unplug this sewing machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using and
before cleaning.
3. Always unplug before changing the light bulb. Replace bulb with same type rated 15 watts.
WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons:
1. Do not allow this machine to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the
sewing machine is used by or near children.
2. Use this sewing machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only
attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
3. Never operate this sewing machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working
properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the sewing
machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, and
electrical or mechanical adjustment.
4. Never operate the sewing machine with any air openings blocked. Keep the ventilation
openings of the sewing machine and foot controller free from the accumulation of lint, dust
and loose cloth.
5. Never drop or insert any object into any openings.
6. Do not use this machine outdoors.
7. Do not operate this machine where aerosol spray products are being used or where oxygen
is being administered.
8. To disconnect, turn all controls to the off position then remove the plug from the outlet.
9. Do not unplug by pulling on the cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
10. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing
machine needle.
11. Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
12. Do not use a bent needle.
13. Do not pull or push the fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.
14. Unplug the sewing machine when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as
threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the bobbin, or changing the presser foot.
15. Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers,
lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in this
instruction manual.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This sewing machine is intended for household use.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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WELCOME TO THE CREATIVE WORLD OF SEWING WITH SIMPLICITY!
Congratulations on being the owner of a new Simplicity sewing machine. Whether you’re
new to sewing, a lifelong sewer, or returning to sewing, we at Simplicity Sewing
Machines are dedicated to providing you with simply the BEST features, quality, and cus-
tomer service to ensure you many pleasurable hours of sewing satisfaction and success.
Before starting a sewing project, here are a few recommendations to help you become
acquainted with your new machine:
• Read through the instruction book and become familiar with the sewing
terms.
• Review the machine, using the instruction book as a guide, to identify each
part and function of the machine.
• Practice sewing on a variety of fabric scraps using various stitches and stitch
settings.
• Make a stitch sampler of your favorite techniques in the instruction book,
marking your machine setting preferences for future reference.
• • •
Thank you for choosing a Simplicity sewing machine.
If you have any questions or comments, give us a call – we’ll be glad to help you!
• • •
Simplicity Sewing Machine Education Department
636-651-0030
FORWARD

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PRINCIPAL PARTS............................................................4-5
ACCESSORIES .....................................................................6
PREPARATION FOR SEWING .............................................7
ACCESSORY STORAGE .......................................................7
CHANGING PRESSER FEET.................................................7
Snap-on feet.................................................................7
Screw-on feet...............................................................7
FREE-ARM SEWING ............................................................8
PRESSER FOOT PRESSURE REGULATOR ............................8
DROP FEED ........................................................................8
LEVELING BAR....................................................................8
STITCH SELECTION ............................................................9
Pattern selector dial......................................................9
Stitch width dial...........................................................9
Stitch length dial ..........................................................9
Needle plate seam guides ............................................9
Reverse sewing lever....................................................9
STITCH SELECTION TABLE ...............................................10
TENSION ADJUSTMENTS .................................................10
Upper thread tension dial ..........................................10
Lower thread tension .................................................10
WINDING THE BOBBIN ...................................................11
LOWER THREADING ........................................................12
Removing the bobbin.................................................12
Inserting new bobbin .................................................12
Placing bobbin case in shuttle ...................................12
UPPER THREADING..........................................................13
Raising the bobbin thread ..........................................13
SEWING TIPS ....................................................................14
BEGINNING TO SEW........................................................14
NEEDLE, THREAD & FABRIC GUIDE ................................15
STITCH “A” STRAIGHT STITCH ........................................16
Seaming.....................................................................16
Basting.......................................................................16
Topstitching and edgestitching ...................................16
Gathering...................................................................17
Zipper insertion .........................................................17
Piping insertion..........................................................17
STITCH “A” ZIGZAG .........................................................18
Overedging ................................................................18
Bartacking..................................................................18
Satin stitch for appliqué .............................................18
Attaching buttons.......................................................19
Seaming knits.............................................................19
STITCH “B” BLINDHEM....................................................20
Blindhemming ...........................................................20
STITCH “C” THREE-STEP ZIGZAG ....................................20
Overcasting................................................................20
Mending ....................................................................20
Attaching flat elastic...................................................21
STITCH “D” SHELL STITCH ..............................................21
Seaming nylon tricot ..................................................21
Decorative picot hem.................................................21
STITCH “E” STRETCH STRAIGHT STITCH ........................22
Seaming bias curves...................................................22
Triple topstitching ......................................................22
Seaming double knits.................................................22
STITCH “E” RICK RACK.....................................................23
Overcasting heavy fabrics ..........................................23
Decorative rick rack...................................................23
STITCH “F” STRETCH OVERCAST.....................................23
Encasing elastic and ribbon .......................................23
Decorative flat fell seams ...........................................23
STITCH “G” HONEYCOMB ..............................................24
Decorative ribbon attaching.......................................24
Mock smocking..........................................................24
STITCH “H” SLANT OVERCAST........................................24
Attaching rib knit trim................................................24
BUTTONHOLE STITCH.....................................................25
FREE-MOTION MONOGRAMMING.................................26
FREE-MOTION QUILTING ................................................26
DARNING .........................................................................26
SEAMING SHEER FABRICS................................................27
PERFECT PATCHWORK PIECING......................................27
SEWING SPECIALTY SYNTHETIC FABRICS .......................27
SEWING WITH TWO THREADS........................................27
SEWING OVER DENSE SEAMS .........................................27
NEEDLES ...........................................................................28
CLEANING FEED TEETH AND SHUTTLE AREA.................28
CHANGING THE LIGHT BULB.........................................28
OILING .............................................................................28
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................29-30
TABLE OF CONTENTS
KNOW YOUR SIMPLICITY SEWING MACHINE
SIMPLICITY SEWING MACHINE SET-UP
CUSTOM STITCH SELECTION
THREADING YOUR MACHINE
SEWING
BUILT-IN STITCHES
FREE-MOTION SEWING
SPECIALTY SEWING TECHNIQUES
CARE AND MAINTENANCE

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KNOW YOUR SIMPLICITY SEWING MACHINE
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FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW

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FRONT VIEW
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1FACE COVER
Opens to provide access to the light bulb and the
presser foot pressure regulator.
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2BOBBIN WINDING TENSION DISC
Used when threading machine for bobbin winding.
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3THREAD TENSION DIAL
Controls the upper thread for proper stitch formation.
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4REVERSE LEVER
Press this lever down and hold in place to sew in
reverse.
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5STITCH WIDTH DIAL
Sets the width of a stitch.
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6STITCH SELECTOR DIAL
Turn the dial in either direction to select a stitch.
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7BOBBIN WINDER SPINDLE
Winds thread on a bobbin for lower threading.
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8HAND WHEEL
Turn the hand wheel toward you to raise the
needle up and down.
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9STITCH LENGTH DIAL
Sets the length of the stitch.
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10 FREE-ARM COVER/ACCESSORY STORAGE
Provides a flat surface for most sewing. Remove
it to convert to free-arm sewing.
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11 FEED TEETH (FEED DOGS)
The metal teeth under the needle plate that push
or feed the fabric through the machine.
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12 PRESSER FOOT
Holds the fabric firmly against the feed teeth for
proper feeding.
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13 PRESSER FOOT HOLDER
Holds the snap-on presser foot in sewing position.
The presser foot holder is removed when using
screw-on feet.
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14 NEEDLE PLATE
Supports the fabric while sewing. Has seam guide
markings on right side.
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15 PRESSER FOOT THUMB SCREW
Secures the presser foot or presser foot holder to
the presser foot bar.
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16 NEEDLE CLAMP SCREW
Loosen to remove a needle; tighten to secure a
needle in position.
BACK VIEW
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17 CARRY HANDLE
Simply lift to carry the Simplicity sewing
machine from one place to another.
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18 PRESSER FOOT LEVER
Lift to raise the presser foot and release the thread
tension; lower to lower the presser foot and engage
the thread tension.
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19 POWER CORD RECEPTACLE
Connect the three-prong power plug here.
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20 MAIN SWITCH
Turns the main power and built-in sewing light
on or off.
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21 RETRACTABLE SPOOL PINS
Raise the spool pins to hold the spools of thread.
KNOW YOUR SIMPLICITY SEWING MACHINE

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1ALL-PURPOSE FOOT - snap-on
Use for most straight and zigzag seams. The needle
opening is rectangular to accommodate the swing of the
needle in a zigzag stitch.
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2BLIND HEM FOOT - snap-on
Features an adjustable guide for positioning and evenly
stitching blind hems, topstitching, or edgestitching.
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3BUTTONHOLE FOOT - snap-on
Use for sewing made-to-measure buttonholes.
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4BUTTON ATTACHING FOOT - snap-on
Holds flat buttons secure for machine stitching in place.
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5ROLLER FOOT - screw-on
The textured rollers aid in feeding top and bottom fabric
layers evenly.
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61/4” STRAIGHT STITCH FOOT - snap-on
Use to sew lightweight fabrics or for patchwork piecing.
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7OPEN TOE SATIN STITCH FOOT - snap-on
Satin stitching glides comfortably under the sole of this
foot and the open toe provides clear visibility of stitches.
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8ZIPPER FOOT - screw-on
Adjusts to stitch close to either side of the zipper without
catching the zipper coil.
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9PLASTIC BOBBINS (10)
Hold lower thread. These are “Class 15” bobbins.
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10 SEAM RIPPER
Use to remove stitching and to open buttonholes.
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11 SCREWDRIVER
Use to loosen and tighten the presser foot thumb screw,
needle clamp screw, and needleplate screw.
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12 FELT CUSHIONS (2)
Fit on the spool pin beneath the thread spool, stabilizing
the spool and preventing the thread from wrapping
around the spool pin.
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13 NEEDLES (5)
The most commonly used “universal” needles, size #11 and
#14, are included. A size #16 heavy duty needle is also
included for sewing denim and other dense fabrics. This
machine uses 15x1 household sewing machine needles.
KNOW YOUR SIMPLICITY SEWING MACHINE
ACCESSORIES
The SIMPLICITY sewing machine comes
with the presser feet and accessories you
will need, conveniently stored in the free
arm cover. This low shank machine uses
snap-on or screw-on presser feet.
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The Simplicity sewing machine has many conversion options for a multitude of sewing
applications.
SIMPLICITY SEWING MACHINE SET-UP
The power cord and foot control are one unit.
Insert the three-prong plug into the machine [Fig. 1].
Insert the power supply plug into a wall outlet. Turn the
power switch to “on” [Fig.1].
Raise the left retractable thread spool pin for most sewing
[Fig. 2]. Raise both the left and right retractable thread
spool pins for twin needle or dual thread sewing.
Accessories and presser feet are conveniently stored in
the free-arm cover.
Grasp the free-arm cover with your left hand and gently
pull up and toward you to open the storage tray [Fig.3].
Your Simplicity sewing machine comes with both snap-
on and screw-on presser feet. They're easy to change
and each foot helps make a specific sewing task easier.
Removing and Attaching Snap-on Presser Feet
1. Turn the handwheel toward you [Fig. 4] to bring the
needle to its highest position.
2. Raise the presser foot lever [Fig. 5].
3. Release the foot by pushing the presser foot release
lever located behind the presser foot holder [Fig. 6].
4. Place the desired foot on the needle plate, aligning
the metal bar on the presser foot with the groove of
the presser foot holder [Fig. 7].
5. Lower the presser foot lever to snap the foot in place.
Removing and Attaching Screw-on Presser Feet
1. Loosen the thumb screw located on the left side of the
presser foot on the presser foot bar [Fig. 8]. You may
need to use the screwdriver. It is not necessary to
remove the screw all the way.
3. Remove the presser foot holder and foot [Fig. 9].
4. Attach the desired screw-on presser foot onto the
presser bar.
5. Tighten the thumb screw with the screwdriver to hold
the presser foot securely in place [Fig. 10].
Note: After attaching a presser foot, select the desired
stitch and turn the hand-wheel toward you several times to
make sure the needle clears the opening in the foot. Some
presser feet require a straight or narrow width stitch only.
PREPARATION FOR SEWING
ACCESSORY STORAGE
CHANGING PRESSER FEET
Fig. 1
Fig. 3 Fig. 4
Fig. 5 Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 2
on/off
Fig. 9 Fig. 10
Fig. 8

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SIMPLICITY SEWING MACHINE SET-UP OPTIONS
Free arm sewing makes it easy to sew hard to reach
areas such as sleeves, pant legs, and necklines.
To convert to free arm sewing, grasp the left end of the
free-arm cover and pull it out to the left to remove [Fig. 1].
Slip the sleeve or pant leg on the free arm as shown and
sew [Fig. 2].
The pressure on the presser foot can be adjusted to accom-
modate sewing on various weights of fabric to ensure
proper fabric feeding and to eliminate skipped stitches.
1. Open the face cover [Fig. 3].
2. Move the lever until the desired pressure number is
displayed in the opening of the lever [Fig. 4]. Standard
setting is 2 for most sewing. To increase pressure
move to a higher number. To decrease pressure
move to a lower number.
Set lever at 1 for heavyweight fabrics.
Set lever at 2 for mediumweight fabrics.
Set lever at 3 for lightweight fabrics.
Set the lever at 0 for darning and free-motion sewing.
The drop feed mechanism lowers the feed teeth below the
needleplate for darning, free-motion embroidery, mono-
gramming and free-motion quilting. This eliminates the
need to make stitch length adjustments. When the feed
teeth are lowered, the fabric is guided by hand, allowing
free movement of the fabric in any direction.
1. Turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle to
its highest position.
2. Open the face cover and set the presser foot pressure
regulator to 0.
3.
Remove the free arm cover and open the front bobbin
cover [Fig. 5].
4. Push down on the drop feed lever and the feed teeth
will drop below the needle plate [Fig. 6].
5. Push the lever up to return to normal sewing.
If the machine is not sitting on a level surface turn the
leveling screw to stabilize the machine.
1. Remove the free arm to access the screw under the
leveling bar [Fig. 7].
2. Turn the screw to the right to lower the machine.
Turn the screw to the left to elevate the machine.
CONVERTING TO FREE-ARM SEWING
PRESSER FOOT PRESSURE REGULATOR
DROP FEED
LEVELING BAR
Fig. 1
Fig. 3 Fig. 4
Fig. 5 Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 2

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STITCH SELECTOR DIAL [Fig. 1]
To select a stitch, turn the stitch selector dial to align the
stitch desired with the indicator dot. The stitches are
color-coded to correspond with the stitch length dial.
Select a stitch, then set the stitch length within the color
range. These color ranges are guidelines and may vary
for some sewing techniques.
STITCH WIDTH DIAL [Fig. 2]
The stitch width dial is numbered 0 - 5, representing
the various stitch widths in millimeters. The higher the
number, the wider the stitch. The yellow color-coding
between 3 and 5 represent the width range for making
buttonholes.
To select a stitch width turn the dial until the desired
width setting is aligned with the indicator dot.
STITCH LENGTH DIAL [Fig. 3]
The stitch length dial is numbered 0 - 4 representing the
various stitch lengths in millimeters. The higher the
number, the longer the stitch.
To select a stitch length turn the dial until the desired
length setting is aligned with the indicator dot.
When set at 0 the fabric will not feed under the foot.
NEEDLE PLATE SEAM GUIDES [Fig. 4]
The five seam guide markings on the right side of the
needle plate are set at 1/8” intervals. The first mark is
1/2" from the needle; the second, 5/8” and so on. Align
the fabric edge at a seam guide marking for a consistent
seam width. The standard seam allowance width is 5/8”.
REVERSE SEWING LEVER [Fig. 5]
Use the reverse sewing lever to secure the beginning
and ends of seams.
With the foot control depressed, push and hold the
reverse lever down to sew in reverse. Release the lever
to return to forward sewing.
STITCH SELECTION
Each built-in stitch can be customized for specific sewing needs by making stitch length and
stitch width adjustments. The machine is color-coded for easy stitch length and width selection.
SIMPLICITY CUSTOM STITCH SELECTION
Fig. 1
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
1
⁄2”5⁄8”3
⁄4”7
⁄8”1”