Singer 14T968 User manual

14T968DC
Instruction Book

SINGER is a registered trademark of The Singer Company Limited or its affiliates.
©2008 The Singer Company Limited or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
14T968DC
This SINGER sewing machine, model 14T968DC,

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using this machine, basic safety precautions should always be followed including the following.
Read all instructions before using the machine.
* The machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug the machine from the
electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
* Always unplug before re-lamping. Replace bulb with the same type rated 15 watts. Be sure to replace the
face plate which covers the light bulb before operating the machine.
* Be sure that the electrical voltage of the electric outlet (wall receptacle) is the same as the rated voltage of
the motor.
* Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this Instruction Book. Use only attachments
recommended by the manufacturer as contained in the Instruction Book.
* To disconnect, turn all controls to the off ("0") position, then remove plug from outlet.
* Disconnect the power line plug from the socket outlet or switch the machine off when making any adjustments
in the needle area, such as threading needle and loopers, changing needle, changing throat plate or changing
presser foot, etc.
* Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making
any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the Instruction Book.
* Do not attempt to adjust the motor belt. Contact your nearest Service Center should any adjustment be
required.
* Handle the foot controller with care and avoid dropping it on the floor. Be sure not to place anything on top
of the controller.
* Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
* Do not use bent needles.
* When sewing, keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine
needle.
* Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needles causing them to break.
* For double insulated machines, when servicing, use only identical replacement parts. See instructions for
Servicing of Double-Insulated Appliances.
* Never operate the 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 the water. Return the machine to the nearest authorized dealer or
Service Center for examination, repair, electrical, or mechanical adjustment.
* Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the machine and
foot controller free from the accumulation of lint, dust and loose cloth.
* Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
2
DANGER -To reduce the risk of electric shock:
WARNING -To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:

* Do not use outdoors.
* Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
* Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near
children.
* Do not expose the machine or machine plastic case to sunlight directly. Also, do not keep it in a very warm
or damp place.
* Do not touch the machine, foot controller and power line cord with wet hand, wet cloth or with anything wet.
* Do not connect power line cord to one of the many cords connected to one power outlet with adapters.
* Use machine on flat and stable table.
* Be sure to close the looper cover before operating the machine.
* Keep presser foot and needles away from children's reach.
* Be sure the light bulb has cooled off before changing with a new one.
* Do not dismantle or modify the machine yourself.
* The appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
* Be sure to turn off the power switch and disconnect the power line plug before caring for your machine as
* Young childen should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
* Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
instructed in the Instruction Book.
* SERVICING OF DOUBLE-INSULATED PRODUCTS. In a double-insulated product, two systems of
insulation is provided instead of grounding. No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated product,
nor should a means for grounding be added to the product. Servicing of a double-insulated product requires,
extreme care and knowledge of the system, and should be done only by qualified service personnel.
Replacement parts for a double-insulated product must be identical to those parts in the product. A double-
Insulated product is marked with the word "DOUBLE-INSULATION" or "DOUBLE-INSULATED".
3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Selection stitches & Auto tension..............................
2. Handy Reference Chart............................................
3. Accessories..............................................................
4. Needle Information...................................................
5. Principal Parts..........................................................
6. How to Open Looper Cover.....................................
7. Principal Parts Behind Looper Cover.......................
8. Preparation prior to sewing......................................
9. Removal and Replacement of Waste Tray..............
10. Preparation for Threading........................................
*Setting up the thread guide holder............................
*Anti-spill net..............................................................
*Spool cap..................................................................
11. How to Remove and Insert Needles........................
*Needle position.........................................................
*To remove needle(s).................................................
*To insert needle(s)....................................................
12. Threading the Machine...........................................
*Threading diagram...................................................
*Understanding the color code..................................
*To thread the machine correctly...............................
1) Threading the upper looper (Green)...................
2) Threading the lower looper (Red).......................
3) Threading the chain stitch looper (Brown)..........
4) Threading the overedge right needle (Blue).......
5) Threading the chain stitch needle (Orange)........
6) Threading the cover stitch needles.....................
Threading the cover stitch left needle (Orange)
Threading the cover stitch middle/chain stitch
needle(Blue).....................................................
Threading the cover stitch right needle(Green).
13. How to Change Threads / Tie on Method...............
14. How to Adjust the Stitch length...............................
15. How to Adjust the Seam width................................
*Width adjustment by changing needle position........
*Width adjustment with adjustment knob...................
16. How to Adjust the Presser Foot Pressure...............
17. Differential Feed......................................................
*Gathered overedge...................................................
*Stretch overedge......................................................
18. How to Disengage Movable Upper Knife................
19. To Convert upper Looper to Spreader....................
*To use the spreader..................................................
*To disengage to upper looper...................................
20. Standard overedge and Rolled Hem Stitching........
*To sew standard overedge.......................................
*To sew rolled hem....................................................
21. Chaining Off and Test Sewing............................
22. Settings and Sewing Instructions........................
1) Double chain stitch...........................................
2) 2-Thread Wrapped Edge Overlock...................
3) 2-Thread Overedge..........................................
4) 3-Thread Overlock............................................
5) 3-Thread Flatlock..............................................
6) 3-Thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety Stitch.......
7) 4-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safely Stitch.........
8) 4-Thread Safety Stitch......................................
9) 5-Thread Safety Stitch......................................
23. How to Sew a Cover Stitch.................................
24. How to Sew a Rolled hem..................................
1) 3-thread standard rolled hem stitching.............
2) 3-thread upper looper thread wrapped
rolled hem stitching...........................................
3) 2-thread standard rolled hem stitching.............
4) 2-thread lower looper thread wrapped
rolled hem stitching...........................................
25. Stitch Variations and Sewing Techniques...........
*Decorative Flatlocking..........................................
*How to sew an overlock blind hem.......................
*How to sew pin tucks...........................................
*Turning square corners........................................
*Pin placement.......................................................
*Securing the thread chain.....................................
*How to reinforce a seam.......................................
*Braiding by chaining off........................................
26. Machine Maintenance.........................................
*Cleaning the machine...........................................
*Oiling the machine................................................
*How to replace the moveable upper knife............
*How to exchange light bulb...................................
27.Optional Accessories...........................................
*Snap-on type presser foot....................................
*Optional presser feet............................................
1) Elastic foot.......................................................
2) Blind hem foot..................................................
3) Shirring foot......................................................
4) Pearl/Sequin foot.............................................
5) Piping/Cording foot..........................................
6) Taping foot.......................................................
28. Troubleshooting Chart.........................................
29. Relationship between Cloth, Thread and Need..
30. Specification........................................................
Page Page
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1
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4

A 1-needle 2-thread straight stitch is used
for construction or decorative stitching.
1-needle 2-thread stitch is used for
1-needle 2-thread stitch is used for
overedging common fabrics. It is also
1-needle 3-thread stitch is used for
overedging and seaming on common
1-needle 3-thread stitch is used for
butted or lapped seams and ornamental
2-needle 3-thread stitch that is ideal for
lightweight, extremely stretchy fabrics
such as tricot and spandex.
2-needle 4-thread stitch that is ideal
for medium to heavyweight stretchy
fabrics such as double knits and swim
1. SELECTION OF STITCHES & AUTO TENSION
Seams also can be sewn at desired
A 4 mm and 6 mm overlock seam width
ideal for flatlock (butted or lapped) seams
stitching with decorative thread. Also,
Mock Safety
Stretch Mock
This machine is capable of producing various types of stitches according to the combination of Auto Tension
Selected, needle positions, threading methods, and the use of convertible right looper/spreader.
Stitch Type Reference
Page
1. Double
Chain Stitch
39
distance from edge of fabric by
disengaging the right looper and movable
knife.
2. Two-thread
Wrapped Edge
Overlock It is also ideal for rolled and blind hemming. 41
can be obtained by changing the needle
position.
3. Two-thread
Overedge
42
and blind hemming. A 4 mm and
6 mm overedge seam width can be
obtained by changing the needle position.
Overlock
43
fabrics. A 4mm and 6 mm overlock seam
width can be obtained by changing the
needle position.
5. Three-thread
Flatlock
44
a 4 mm and 6 mm flatlock width can
be obtained by changing the needle
position.
6. Three-thread
Ultra-Stretch
45
Stitch
7.Four-thread Ultra-
46
Safety Stitch
Wear.
4. Three-thread
seaming lightweight or stretch fabrics.
5
ATD : Auto Tension Dial Selected
ATD: D
ATD: E
ATD: B
ATD: F
ATD: G
ATD: A
ATD: A
ATD: G
ATD: D

6
Stitch Type Reference
Page
8. Four-thread
Safety Stitch made up of combined 2-thread
overedge and double chainstitch.
9. Five-thread
Safety Stitch
Wide
A wide seam is formed by using left needle.
Overedge and seaming can be done
in one operation on non-stretch fabrics.
10. Five-thread
Safety Stitch
Narrow
11. Cover Stitch
Narrow
(2.8mm)
A narrow seam is formed by using left
and middle needles.
12. Cover Stitch
Wide
(5.6mm)
A wide seam is formed by using left
and right needles.
13. Triple Cover
Stitch
(5.6mm)
A triple seam is formed by using left,
middle, and right needles.
14. Three-thread
Rolled Hem
A narrow seam is formed by using right
Needle. Overege and seaming can be done
in one operation on non-stretch fabrics.
ATD : Auto Tension Dial Selected
ATD: I
ATD: B
ATD: A
ATD: K
ATD: H
ATD: J
ATD: C 55
52
51
51
48
48
47
The 4-thread stitch is a safety stitch
The 5-thread stitch is a safety stitch
made up of combined 3-thread
overlock and double chainstitch.
The 5-thread stitch is a safety stitch
made up of combined 3-thread
overlock and double chainstitch.
2-needle, 3-thread cover stitch is
suitable for stretchy fabrics such as
knits, etc.
2-needle 3-thread cover stitch is
suitable for stretchy fabrics such as
knits, etc.
3-needle 4-thread cover stitch is
suitable for stretchy fabrics such as
knits, etc.
1-needle 3-thread stitch is used for sewing
narrow rolled hems.

6.0 mm4.0 mm
Overedge left needle
Overedge right needle
Orange
Blue
* Depending on the needle positions used, this machine can sew 2-thread and 3-thread standard width 4 mm
overedge anda6mmwide overedge seams.
Also, for overedging heavyweight fabrics, the seam width can be increased still more by turning the overedge
seam width adjustment knob. (See page )
31
Overedge width
Needle used
Needle thread
tension fine tuning
7

Stitch Type
Correct Threading / Tension Path: When
using the Auto Tension Dial (ATD), the correct
tension is set automatically.
*When option 2, 3, 6, 8 selected, use spreader.
*When option 1, 11, 12, 13 selected, turn upper knife down, move seam width finger knob to setting R, and change knife cover
into seam guide plate.
*Auto tension settings are based on medium weight fabric and standard # 60 polyester spun thread. It can satisfy most requirements
for sewing. If using a different thread weight or fabric and the result is not as you expected, please adjust tension in small increments.
Double Chain Stitch
Two - Thread
Wrapped Edge
Overlock
Two - Thread
Overedge
Three - Thread
Overlock
Three - Thread
Flatlock
Three - Thread
Ultra - Stretch mock
Safety Stitch
four - Thread
Ultra - Stretch mock
Safety Stitch
Four - Thread
Safety Stitch
Five - Thread
Safety Stitch
Wide
Five - Thread
Safety Stitch
Narrow
Cover stitch
Narrow
Cover stitch
Wide
Triple Cover stitch
Three - Thread
Rolled Hem
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
4.0mm
6.0mm
4.0mm
6.0mm
4.0mm
6.0mm
4.0mm
6.0mm
2.8mm
5.6mm
5.6mm
4.0mm
Page
Orange Blue
39
41
41
42
42
43
43
44
44
45
46
47
48
48
51
51
52
55
Green Red Brown
D
G
D
E
E
B
A
F
F
G
A
I
B
A
K
H
J
C
N
2
2
2
2
N
N
2
2
2
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
ATD: Auto Tension Dial Selection SL: Stitch Length
DF: Differential Feed L / C: Upper Looper driving clutch position
A
T
D
S
L
D
F
L
/
C
Needle
Position
8
2. HANDY REFERENCE CHART
C
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
C
C
C
L

12345
6789
10
11
12
Accessories are contained in the accessory case
1. Screw driver (large size)
2. Knife (stationary)
3. Thread Unwinder spool cap
4. Anti-spill net
5. Oiler
6. Allen Screw driver (small)
7. Tweezers
8. Needle set
9. Brush
10. Cone Adapters
11. Waste tray
12. Machine cover
This overlock uses a flat shank industrial needle
that eliminates the possibility of inserting the needle
backwards.
Do not attempt to use a standard household sewing
machine needle of any size or type in this overlock.
Singer needle #2022 size 14/90 is furnished with the
machine.
Only use Needle #2022 size 14/90 and 11/80 as
supplied in the accessory case.
9
1
1
5
1
1
1
1
1
5 (on machine)
1 in carton
1 in carton
#2022
Overlock needle
5
3. ACCESSORIES
4. NEEDLE INFORMATION
13
13. Knife cover 1

2
1
34567
19
10
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
8
1. Thread guides and holder
2. Handle
8. Needle plate
9. Cloth plate
10. Looper cover
11. Power & light switch
12. Stitch length dial
13. Hand wheel
14. Spool stand
15. Cone adaptor
16. Spool pin
17. Waste tray
10
18. Auto tension dial
3. Left needle thread tension fine tuning lever (orange)
4. Right needle thread tension fine tuning lever (blue)
5. Upper looper thread tension fine tuning lever (green)
6. Lower looper thread tension fine tuning lever (red)
7. Chain stitch looper thread tension fine tuning lever (brown)
5. PRINCIPAL PARTS
19. Seam guide plate

20
21
22
23
20. Presser bar lifter and tension release
21. Differential feed adjusting dial
22. Cutting width dial
23. Presser foot pressure adjusting dial
11
PRINCIPAL PARTS

2
1
9
4
3
7
1
2
5
6
8
ON
OFF
Be sure to turn off power switch.
Push the cover to the right as far as it will go.
Pull cover down toward you.
Be sure looper cover is closed when
sewing.
1. Upper looper
2. Moveable Upper knife
3. Presser foot
4. Fixed position lower knife
5. Lower looper
6. Chain/Cover looper
7. Rolled Hem lever
8. Spreader
9. Upper looper clutch
Connect the controller/electric plug to the machine
receptacle.
Plug power line into electric outlet.
Power Switch: Push"l"mark side to turn "ON"
To run the machine and control the speed, press
the controller.
The harder you press, the faster the machine will sew.
To stop the machine from sewing, remove your foot
from the controller.
Push "O" mark side to turn "OFF"
Use only foot controller provided with this machine.
(Type 4C-316B for U.S.A. & CANADA only)
Be sure to make reference to "Warning" on following
Page.
12
Note: Machine will not operate when
Looper Cover is open.
8. PREPARATION PRIOR TO SEWING
6. HOW TO OPEN LOOPER COVER
7. PRINCIPAL PARTS BEHIND THE
LOOPER COVER
Caution:
Caution:
WARNING:

3
2
1
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of
electric shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only way. If the plug does
not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit contact a qualified electrician
to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.
13
Insert the waste tray under the looper cover.
Be sure the left side of waste tray is mounted near the
cutter where the scraps drop.
* Be sure that the electrical voltage of the electric outlet (wall receptacle) is the same as the rated
voltage of the motor.
* Handle the foot controller with care and avoid dropping it on the floor. Be sure not to place anything
on top of it when not in use.
* Disconnect the power line plug from the electric outlet when changing needles, presser feet
or when leaving the machine unattended. This eliminates the possibility of starting the machine
by accidentally pressing the controller.
To remove, hold the waste tray as shown and
pull it outward.
Replacement
Removal
Warning:
9. REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF
WASTE TRAY
POLARIZED PLUG INFORMATION (FOR U.S.A. & CANADA ONLY)

14
10. PREPARATION FOR THREADING
When using synthetic threads that easily spill off
the cone, slip the anti-spill net furnished with the
machine over the thread from the bottom of the
cone leaving the thread end hanging free at the
top of the anti-spill net as shown on illustration.
Take out the thread guide from the top of
Styrofoam, and insert it as shown on illustration.
This machine is shipped with the thread guide
holder in the lowered position.
Fully extend the thread guide holder.
The two joints on the telescope will click into place
when they are correctly positioned.
Center the thread guides above the spool pins.
Place thread over the cone adapters on the spool
pins.
When using a regular thread spool, fit the spool cap
supplied with the machine onto the thread spool as
shown on illustration.
Anti-spill net
Spool cap
Press in
Thread spool
Note: Your new machine is threaded to sew
Triple Cover Stitch. Refer to Page 30 for
instructions on tying on to the threads.
Setting Up the Thread Guide Holder
Anti-spill Net
Spool Cap

C
B
D
E
A
B
C
E
D
A
11. HOW TO REMOVE AND INSERT
NEEDLES
B
To loosen
To tighten
Flat surface to the rear
BA
CE
DD
15
Turn the hand wheel toward you until the needles are
at their highest position.
Place a thick piece of fabric [such as felt] under the
presser foot. Lower the needles halfway into the
fabric.
Loosen, but do not remove the needle set screws with
the small allen screwdriver. Hold the needles with
your fingers and raise the needle bar. The needles
will remain in the fabric.
A. Overedge needleleft
B. Overedge needleright
C. Cover stitch left needle
D. Cover stitch middle needle
E. Cover stitch right needle
With this machine, five needles can be inserted into
the needle clamp as shown in the drawing but only
one or two or three needles are to be used for sewing.
Do not attempt to use four or five needles.
The Instruction Book refers to different needle
positions by illustrating the needle clamp at right.
Note: When both the left and right overedge needles
are inserted, the left needle will be slightly
higher than the right.
When all cover stitch needles are inserted,the
center needle will be slightly higher than the right
needle and the left needle slightly higher than the
center needle.
Caution:
Be sure to disconnect the machine from the
electric outlet before removing needle(s).
Hold the needle with the flat surface to the back.
Insert the needle into the needle socket as far as it
will go.
When inserting a needle, if you first lower it down
into the hole in the needle plate it will line up with the
needle socket. Then direct it upwards
Note: When inserting needles into the A or B sockets
it is necessary to loosen both A & B Allen Screws.
After inserting the needles equally tighten both
screws.
Left, middle and right cover
stitch needle thread
Overedge left needle
Overedge right needle
Cover stitch right needle
Cover stitch middle needle
/ Chain stitch needle
Cover stitch left needle
Right overedge
needle thread
Chain stitch
needle thread
Left and right
overedge needle
thread
Needle Position
To Remove Needle (s)
To Insert Needles (s)
This machine uses Singer #2022 needles. Do not
use Standard Household Needles.

16
Chain stitch
Overlock
12. THREADING THE MACHINE
A color coded threading diagram is located inside
the looper cover for quick reference.
Thread the machine in the order 1 to 5 as shown.
Note: Threads go through the take-up lever cover
for Overlock and Chain stitching as shown.
A color coded threading diagram is located inside
the looper cover for quick reference.
Thread the machine in the order 1 to 4 as shown.
Note: Threads go through take-up lever
cover for Cover stitch as shown.
Threading Diagram: Cover Stitch
1. Upper looper thread............................
2. Lower looper thread............................
3. Chain stitch looper thread...................
4. Right needle thread............................
5. Chain stitch needle thread..................
1. Cover stitch looper thread.............
2. Right needle thread.......................
3. Middle needle thread.....................
4. Left needle thread..........................
Tension Color Code: Cover Stitch
Brown
Green
Blue
Orange
Green
Red
Brown
Blue
Orange
Tension Color Code: Overlock and Safety Stitch
Threading Diagram: Overlock and Safety Stitches

C
L
1
3
3
2
2
9
6
8
7
5
4
3
2
1
Caution:
Be sure to turn off power switch.
Thread the top cover
thread guide by pulling
the thread towards the
left until it slips under
guide. Then pull
thread along the right
side of button as
illustrated.
While holding thread with fingers, pass it between
the tension discs and pull thread down to make
certain it is properly located in between the
tension discs 3.
Thread the upper looper as indicated 1~9.
Note: The presser foot is raised by lowering the
Presser bar lifter. The motion allows a clear
path for the fabric when sewing.
Raise Presser foot to release tension discs.
17
Pass thread from back to the front through the
thread guide 1.
Note: The instructions on this page and the following pages
will guide you through the proper threading for each
color coded threading path.
Before threading, refer to the Handy Reference Chart
for information on Stitch Types, Settings, Needle
Sockets and Color Coded Threading Paths.
1) Threading the (Green)Upper Looper
To Thread The Machine Correctly

2
2
5
9
8
9
4
8
9
10
1
6
7
8
5
76
4
3
2
1
Raise Presser foot by lowering presser bar lifter to
release Tension discs.
18
Thread the top cover
thread guide by pulling
the thread towards the
left until it slips under
guide. Then pull thread
along the right side of
button as illustrated.
Thread the lower looper as indicated 1~10.
Thread the looper area of the machine following the
green color coded thread guides (4~9).
Thread the hole in the upper looper from front to
back 9. Note: Make sure thread passes behind lower
looper.
Note: Use tweezers provided in the accessory
case to aid in threading the looper.
Pull about 10cm(4 inches) of thread through the
looper and place to the back of the needle plate.
Pass thread from back to the front through the
thread guide 1.
2) Threading the (Red)Lower Looper

C
10
B
A
9
D
5
8
7
4
6
9
7
8
6
10
5
4
3
3
19
Thread the looper eye (A) from front to back.
Pull about 10cm (4 inches) of thread.
Position thread into V cutout (B) on threader.
Firmly hold thread tail with left hand and pull
Threader lever (C) up into place (D).
Turn the hand wheel toward you until the lower
looper extends out 5~10mm from the needle
plate edge.
Thread the looper area of the machine following
the red color coded thread guides 4~10.
Note: Use tweezers provided in the accessory
case to aid in threading the looper.
While holding thread with finger, pass it between
the tension discs and pull thread down to make
certain it is properly located in between the
tension discs 3.
Place the thread with the point of the tweezers
slightly from left and to the right of threading guide 4.
Place the thread with the point of the tweezers
slightly from front and to the back of threading guide 5.