Singer 14U 34B Manual

U 34B/234B
Operator’s
Guide
SINGER

14U 34B/234B
PREFACE
Thank you for your purchase of this sewing machine.
This machine intended for household use will provide you with excellent performance in sewing from
light to heavy material (lawn to denim). Please refer to this booklet for proper use and optimum service.
To get the most out of your sewing machine, read the entire operator’s manual before attempting to
operate the machine. Then familiarize yourself with the machine by foilwing the operator’s manual page
by page.
To ensure that you are always provided with the most modern sewing capabilities, the manufacturer reseves
the right to change the appearance, design or accessories of this sewing machine when considered necessary
without notification or obligation.
Copyright©1990 SINGER SEWING MACHINE COMPANY
All Rights Reserved Throughout The World

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using this machine, basic safety precautions should always be followed including the following.
Read all instructions before using this machine.
DANGER
— To reduce the risk of electric shock:
■ 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 relamping. Replace bulb with the same type rated 12 volt, 6 watts. Be sure to
replace the face plate which covers the light bulb before operating the machine.
- To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:
■ Be sure that the electrical voltage of the socket 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 Operator’s Guide. Use only attachments
recommended by the manufacturer as contained in the Operator’s Guide.
■ 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 Operator’s Guide.
■ Do not attempt to adjust the motor belt. Contact your nearest Service Center should any adjustment
be required.
■ Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
■ Handle the foot controller with care and avoid dropping it on the floor. Be sure not to place anything
on top of it.
■ Always use the proper throat 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 needle causing it to break.
■ For double insulated machines, when servicing use only identical replacement parts. See instructions
for Servicing of Double-Insulated Appliances.
■ Use only the handle to lift and move the machine.
■ 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.
■ Do not use outdoos.
■ Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being adminstered.
■ 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.
■ SERVICINCj OF DOUBLE-INSULATED PRODUCTS. In a double-insulated product, two systems
of insulation are 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 words “DOUBLE-INSULATION’' or
^DOUBLE-INSULATED.”
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Servicing should be performed by an authorized service representative.
This product is intended for household use.
FOR EUROPEAN AND SIMILAR TERRITORIES:
This product is suppressed for radio and television interference with the International Electrotechnical
Commission requirements of the CISPR.
Machines for Great Britain and some other countries having similar wiring standards are shipped from
the factory without a plug for connection to the mains. The wires in this mains lead are colored in accord¬
ance with the following code.
Blue: neutral (N) Brown: live (L)
As the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the colored markings
identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is colored blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or
colored black. The wire which is colored brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with
letter L or colored red. If a 13 Amp. (BS 1363) plug is used, a 3 Amp. fuse must be fitted, or if any other
type of plug is used, a 5 Amp. fuse must be fitted either in the plug or adaptor or at the distribution board.
Neither cord is to be connected to the earth terminal of a three-pin plug.

CONTENTS
Page
1. Principal parts. 2
2. Preparation prior to sewing. 3
3. Threading the machine . 4
• Setting up the thread guide holder.4
• How to open looper cover .. 4
• How to remove cylinder cover...4
• How to thread your machine correctly. J . 5
• How to change threads .. 8
4. Chain off and test sew. 8
5. 1-Needle, 3-Threads overedge stitching. 9
6. How to adjust thread tension .10
7. How to adjust stitch length.12
8. How to adjust overedge seam width..12
9. How to do rolled hemming. 1 3
10. Differential feed (with differential feed machine only).15
• Gathered overedge ..15
• Stretch overedge.16
11. Free arm sewing (tubular work).17
12. Seam guide lines.17
13. Edge guide (optional parts).17
14. Variation stitch.18
• Ornamental stitching.18
• Blindstitching .19
• Braiding by chaining-off.19
• Pin tuking.20
• Turning square corners .20
15. How to replace needles . 2 1
16. How to replace stationary knife. 2 2
17. How to exchange light bulb .22
18. How to adjust presser foot pressure.22
19. Cleaning.23
20. Reasons for poor stitches and how to make adjustment. 24
21. Relationship between cloth, thread and needle.25
22. Accessories. 2 6
23. Specification. 2 6
1

1. Principal parts
Thread guide holder
Left hand looper thread tension dial
Right hand looper thread tension dial
Pressure regulating screw I I
Right needle thread tension dial
Left needle thread tension dial ^
Handle
Spool pin
Convertible bed plate
Throat plate^
Free arrn
Spool stand
siNce*
Looper cover
Machine with looper cover opened
Motor cover
; Handwheel
Stitch length dial
Power switch
(used also for light switch)
Movable knife
Presser foot
R. looper
\ i 1
L. looper
Stationary knife

2. Preparation prior to sewing
Connect the machine plug to the electrical receptacle of your machine and the power line plug to the wall
receptacle.
For 120/220/240V
Power switch
(used also for light switch)
Push ''I” mark side
to turn "ON"
Push "O" mark side
to turn "OFF"
For 120V
Power switch
(used also for light switch)
When the switch is ON,
the red mark on the knob
is visible
Controller
Power line plug
Wall receptacle
To run the machine and control the speed, press the speed controller. The harder you press, the faster the
machine will sew. To stop the machine from sewing, remove your foot from the speed controller.
Warning:
• Be sure that the electrical voltage of the socket 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.
• Disconnect the power-line plug from the socket outlet when changing needles, presser feet or throat
plates, or when leaving the machine unattended. This eliminates the possibility of starting the machine
by accidentally pressing the speed controller.
• Before cleaning your machine, disconnect the power-line plug from the socket outlet.
3

3. Threading the machine
• Setting up the thread guide holder
• How to open looper cover
C'Tm
Thread guide
Thread guide
holder
Extend the thread guide holder as far as possible
and set the thread guides so that they are located
right above the spool pins.
Place the thread on the spool stand as shown
above.
0 Push the cover to the right as
far as it will go and
© Pull cover down toward you.
Caution:
* Be sure looper cover is closed when sewing.
• How to remove cylinder cover
0 While pulling the cylinder cover to the left,
® Lift cover upward and off the machine.
To replace cover
throat plate.
0 Press cover downward to the right.
Warning:
Do not hold the cylinder cover when lifting or carrying the machine.
Caution:
Be sure cylinder cover is replaced when sewing.

• How to thread your machine correctly
Correct sewing cannot be obtained when machine is threaded incorrectly.
Threading is diagrammed on the inner side of the looper cover and identified with colors on the various
thread guides.
(1) Open looper cover. Thread the right looper in the order (T) to (8) as indicated in the figure below,
(threading points marked in orange)
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.
• Use tweezers provided in the accessory set when
threading looper thread hole (8).
• Draw about 5cm (2 inches) of thread from the
looper thread hole.
5

(2) Thread left looper in sequence from (a) to ® (marked in yellow color). Cylinder cover must also be
removed when threading this part. (Refer to page 4 for cylinder cover removal).
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.
Turn hand wheel toward you
until left looper is at left as far
as it will go and thread looper
thread hole (£) from left to
right. (Use tweezers provided in
your accessory set).
Turn hand wheel toward you until
the looper is at right as far as
it will go passing the thread under
the throat plate, then using the
tweezers, thread the looper thread
hole ® from front to back. Draw
about 5cm (2 inches) of thread
from thread hole.
Note: When left looper thread breaks or when changing
the thread, be sure to pass the left looper thread
through the inner side of the needle thread as
shown. If it is difficult to thread the left looper
in the manner described above, cut the needle
thread and rethread left looper first and then
the needle to avoid erroneous threading.
6

(3) Thread the left needle thread in the order ® to (H) (blue mark).
Threading of needle eye ® becomes easier when the movable knife is set at the non-operating posi¬
tion (See figure on page 12 for movable knife non-operating position).
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.
• Lower needle bar when
threading ® and © .
• Use tweezers to thread
needle eye ® .
• Draw about 5cm (2 inches)
of thread from needle eye.
(4) Thread the right needle thread in the order (A) to ® (green mark).
Threading of needle eye (T) becomes easier when the movable knife is set at the non-operating position
(See figure on page 12 for movable knife non-operating position).
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.
• Lower needle bar when
threading © and (6) .
• Use tweezers to thread
needle eye ® .
• Draw about 5cm (2 inches)
of thread from needle eye.
7

• How to change threads
When you wish to change the left needle
thread, right needle thread, left looper
thread or right looper thread with a different
thread, the following steps will make the
changing convenient.
(1) Cut the thread near the spool and tie
the end to the thread you wish to
change to as shown in figure at right.
(2) Raise presser foot.
(3) Note tension reference numbers.
(4) Turn the tension dials down toward the
(—) mark until the dial stops and draw
the thread out so that the tie knot of
the threads extend about 5cm (2
inches) from the presser foot. When
drawing needle thread through the
needle eye, stop the tie knot before the
needle eye, cut the thread and pass it
through the needle eye.
(5) Return tension dials to reference num¬
bers.
4. Chain off and test sew
When the machine is completely threaded,
turn the hand wheel toward you 2 or 3 turns
while holding the 4 threads applying a slight
tension as shown in figure at left.
After chaining off, make a test stitch on a
sample of your fabric so that you can adjust
the thread tensions correctly.
After completing the seam, chain off approx.
5 cm (2 inches) as shown in figure at left and
cut thread with scissors.
8

5. 1— Needle, 3—Threads overedge stitching
This is a two needles four threads overedge machine but one needle three threads overedge can be done by
means of using only the left or right needle and three threads.
No. of thread
Overedge width
Needle used
Needle thread Tension
dial
Threading
3 threads
5.7mm
Left needle
Blue
3 threads
3.5mm
Right needle
Green
4 threads
5.7mm
Left and Right needle
Blue
Green
9

6. How to adjust thread tension
Adjust thread tension to suit the type of material and size of the thread used. The thread tension dials on
this machine are a one-turn system and as the number on the thread tension dials increases, the thread
tension becomes tighter.
1) 2-needle, 4-thread overedge stitching.
• Correct thread tension
Be sure the threads are correctly threaded otherwise
proper thread tension cannot be obtained (See page 5).
Set each of the thread tension dials to the settings shown below
and test sew.
Thread
Left Right Right
Left
^vtension
needle
needle looper
looper
Fabric^\^
thread
thread thread
thread
Light
wieght
3
2
2,5
2
Medium
weight
4
3
2,5 2
Heavy
weight
6
5 ■
3,5
2
Right needle Left looper
thread tension thread tension
dial (green) dial (yellow)
With following figure as reference, adjust the thread tension dials to obtain correct tension.
When right looper thread lies on the underside
of fabric.
Right looper thread
Turn right looper dial (orange) toward the (+)
mark. Or, turn left looper dial (yellow) toward
the (—) mark.
When left looper thread appears on the top.
Right looper thread
Turn left looper dial (yellow) toward the (+)
mark.
Or, turn right looper dial (orange) toward the
(—) mark.
When left needle thread tension is too loose.
When right needle thread tension is too loose.
Turn left needle thread tension dial (blue)
toward the (+) mark.
Turn right needle thread tension dial (green)
toward the (+) mark.
10

2) Standard 1-needle, 3-thread overedge stitching
This machine can do 1-needle, 3-thread overedge stitching by using only the left or right needle.
• Correct thread tension
Be sure the threads are correctly threaded otherwise
proper thread tension cannot be obtained (See page 5).
Set each of the thread tension dials to the settings shown
below and test sew.
• When using the left needle, be sure to remove the
right needle.
^^Thread tension
Left needle
Right looper
Left looper
Fabric ^
thread
thread
thread
Light weight
3
2,5
2
Medium weight
4
2,5
2
Heavy weight
6
3,5 2
Needle thread
tension dial
(blue)
Right looper
thread tension
dial (orange)
Left looper
thread tension
dial (yellow)
• When using the right needle, be sure to remove the
left needle.
"^^Thread tension
Right needle
Right looper
Left looper
Fabric^^^^^
thread
thread thread
Light weight
2
2,5
2
Medium weight
3
2,5 .
2
Heavy weight
5
3,5 2
\
Needle thread Right looper Left looper
tension dial , thread tension thread tension
(green) \ dial (orange) dial (yellow)
With following figure as reference, adjust the thread tension dials to obtain correct tension.
When right looper thread lies
on the underside of fabric.
When left looper thread
appears on the top.
Left looper
thread
Right lodper
thread
Needle
thread
Topside
Underside
When needle thread tension is
too loose.
Turn right looper dial (orange)
toward the (+) mark.
Or, turn left looper dial
(yellow) toward the (—) mark.
Turn left looper dial (yellow)
toward the (+) mark.
Or, turn right looper dial
(orange) toward the (—) mark.
Turn needle thread tension
dial (green) toward the (+)
mark.
11

7. How to adjust stitch length
The stitch length dial on this machine is pre-set to 3mm for
normal sewing condition. Since the adjustment can be made
easily, adjust the stitch length to 4mm when sewing heavy weight
fabrics such as quilting and to 2mm when sewing light weight
fabrics such as lining fabric, crepe, etc. and you will obtain ex¬
cellent seams without puckering.
8. How to adjust overedge seam width
Overedge seam width of this machine is set to 3.5 mm for normal sewing with right needle and 5.7 mm
with left needle however it can be increased up to 5 mm for overedge heavy weight fabrics with right needle
and 7.2 mm with left needle as instructed below.
(1) Before making the adjustment, be sure that the power line plug is disconnected from the wall re¬
ceptacle.
(2) Open the looper cover. (See page 4).
(3) Turn the hand wheel toward you, lower the movable knife as far as it will go and set it in the non¬
operating position as shown in figure below.
(4) Remove the cylinder cover. (See page 4).
(5) Loosen the 2 stationary knife holder set screws
with the hex-head wrench provided in the acces¬
sories, move the stationary knife holder to the
right or left and tighten the set screw.
(When a wider seam is desired, move the holder to
the right and when a narrower seam is desired,
move the holder to the left).
Be sure to align the cutting edge of the stationary
knife level with the top surface of the throat plate.
(6) Replace the cylinder cover. (See page 4)
(7) Return the movable knife to its original position.
(8) Test Sew
12

9. How to do rolled hemming
This machine can do the 2 types of standard and right looper thread wrapped rolled hem stitching with a
seam width of 1.5mm.
Always remove the left needle
1. Fabric, needle, thread and stitch length
Fabric: Light to medium weight (See page 25)
• Rolled hemming is done by rolling the fabric and overedging (seam width 1.5mm), and is not
suited for heavy or stiff fabrics.
Needle: Singer Cat. No. 2054 (#10), #14.
Thread: A variety of thread combinations can be used for rolled hemming.
Stitch length adjustment (See page 12)
For rolled hemming, set the stitch length dial to “2” or “F” and a fine seam
can be obtained.
2. How to exchange throat plate
A throat plate for rolled hem stitching has been furnished in the accessories for
this machine. By exchanging the ordinary overedge throat plate on the machine
with a rolled hemming throat plate by the following procedure, the machine can
be used for rolled hem stitching.
1. First of all, always disconnect the power line plug from
the receptacle.
2. Turn the hand wheel towards you until the needle is at
its highest point.
3. Lift the presser foot.
4. Remove the cylinder cover. (See page 4).
5. Unscrew the throat plate screw (1) and remove the throat
plate.
6. Install the rolled hemming throat plate and replace the
screw (1).
7. Replace the cylinder cover (see page 4).
Note: • When replacing the throat plate, be careful that the thread is not
caught between the throat plate and machine.
• Set seam width to the “M” mark on the rolled hemming throat plate.
• To set seam width, align left edge of stationary knife holder with the
“M” mark on the rolled hemming throat plate.
Be sure the stationary knife is not in contact with the edge of throat
plate.
r i
b
11 - 1 J
©
V
1
r
]
JJ
Rolled hemming
throat plate
v y
13

3. How to adjust thread tension
1. Standard rolled hem stitching
As adjustments are the same as 1-needle, 3-thread overedge stitching, refer to page 11.
2. Right looper thread wrapped rolled hem stitching (rolled hem variation)
• Correct thread tension
For light and medium weight fabrics which are dif¬
ficult to roll, a fine seam can be obtained by this
stitching.
To correctly adjust the thread tension, set the dials as follows from the standard thread tension dial sett¬
ings.
a. Turn the right looper thread tension dial (orange) one half graduation toward the (—) mark.
b. Turn the left looper thread tension dial (yellow) 2 ~ 3 graduations toward the (+) mark.
Slight adjustment will give better thread tensions.
When right looper
thread is too loose
Needle thread
Right looper
thread
Topside
Underside
Turn right looper thread tension
dial (orange) toward the (+)
mark.
When left looper
thread is too loose
mmmmm
Needle thread
Right looper
thread
Topside
Left looper
thread
Underside
Turn left looper thread tension
dial (yellow) toward the (+)
mark.
Or, turn right looper thread ten¬
sion dial (orange) toward the
(—) mark.
When needle thread is
too loose
Topside
Left looper
thread *
Needle thread
Underside
Turn needle thread dial (green)
toward the (+) mark.
4. How to sew
Sewing
• See page 8, “4. Chain off and test sew”.
• For rolled hemming, if a slight tension is applied to the material in the sewing direction, a finer seam
finish can be obtained.
• At the start of sewing, slightly pull the end of the chain off so it will not be entangled in the stitch.
• The minimum overedge stitch width that can be obtained for rolled hemming is approximately
1.5mm since the cutting width cannot be set below 3.5mm.
14

10. Differential feed (with differential feed machine only)
Differential feed is a system which “stretches” or “gathers” the fabric, when amount of feed of front
feed dog in relation to the rear feed dog is changed. The differential feed ratio ranges from 1:0.77 ~
1:2.0. Adjustment is made by means of the differential
feed adjusting lever pictured below.
Use of differential feed is very effective in overedging
stretch fabrics and fabrics cut on the bias.
• Gathered overedge (Use regular throat plate)
Gathered overedge is most suited for shirring sleeves, yokes, front and back bodices, skirt hems, etc. in
stretch fabrics such as knits and jersey before assembling into garment.
To set the differential feed adjusting lever
• Open looper cover and loosen differential feed adjusting lever thumb screw.
• Slide adjusting lever downward below the center mark, as required, to gather, and tighten the thumb
screw.
Note: The setting position of the lever will differ depending on the material being sewn and the amount
of feed for shirring.
When differential feed adjusting lever is set to maximum gathering ratio, the stitch length dial will
automatically move to setting “3” if previous setting was higher than setting “3”.
Be sure to reset the differential feed adjusting Jever to center
mark for normal overedge stitching.
15

• Stretch overedge (Use regular or rolled hemming throat Plate)
Stretch overedge is ideal for sewing decorative collars, sleeves, skirt hems, etc. on loosely knit and woven
fabrics.
• Open looper cover and loosen differential feed adjusting lever thumb screw.
• Slide adjusting lever upward above the center mark, as required, to stretch, and tighten the thumb
screw(Fig. 1)
To sew a seam, apply gentle tension to the fabric by holding the seam lightly in front and back of the
presser foot. (Fig. 2)
Note: If amount of “stretch” is not correctly set in relation to the fabric being sewn, the fabric is apt to
shift away from the needle resulting in improperly sewn overedge seam. In such case, reset dif¬
ferential feed adjusting lever closer to the center mark.
Be sure to reset the differential feed adjusting lever to center mark for normal overedge stitching.