Singer CG-550 Operation instructions

MODEL CG-550
COMMERCIAL GRADE
SEWING MACHINE
WORKBOOK

Congratulations on the purchase of your new SINGER®
Sewing Machine! This commercial grade sewing machine
is ideal for all types of sewing, including fashion sewing,
home decorating, quilting and crafts. Your machine is
designed to deliver the ultimate combination of power,
performance and durability.
This workbook has been created as a tool for learning
various sewing techniques, which you can apply to your
own projects. We are certain that your creativity will be
inspired, and that you will have many hours of sewing
enjoyment with this easy-to-use machine, feature-packed
machine!
Enjoy!
The SINGER®Education Department
SINGER®is a registered trademark of the Singer Company Ltd.
©2004 Singer Sewing Company
All Rights Reserved.
Part # 640 5052550GL

Straight Stitch 1
Straight Stitch for Topstitching 2
Create Quilted Fabric 3
Speed Basting 4
Making Piping 5
Attaching Purchased Piping 6
Centered Zippers 7
Satin Stitch Applique 9
Lace Insertion 11
Button Sewing 13
Four-Step Buttonholes 15
Free-Motion Monogramming 17
Free-Motion Embroidery 19
Blindstitch Hem 21
Stretch Blindstitch Hem 23
Attaching Beaded Trims 25
Mending with Multi-Stitch Zigzag 26
Crazy Quilting 27
Straight Stretch Stitch for Woven Fabrics 28
Straight Stretch Stitch for Stretch Fabrics 29
Ribbing Application 30
Overedge Stitching 31
Seam Allowence with Stretch Overedge Seam Sttitch 32
Attaching Elastic 33
Sewing with a Wing Needle 34

Twin Needle Sewing 35
Applying Ribbon with a Twin Needle 36
Sewing on Leather 37
NarrowHem 38
Gathering with the Cording Foot 39
Applying Trims, Cords & Braids 40
Shirring with the Gathering Foot 41
Using the Even Feed Foot to Sew Multiple Fabric Layers 43
Using the Even Feed Foot to Sew Plaid Fabrics 44
Using the Even Feed Foot to Sew Pile Fabrics 45
Sewing with the Side Cutter 46
Sewing with the Ruffler 48
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Heavy Duty Commercial Grade
CG-550
Up to 1100 Stitches-Per-
Minute Sewing Speed
Machine sews faster than a standard sewing machine.
60% Stronger Motor The motor is stronger than a standard sewing machine
motor, which means it can sew heavyweight fabrics with
ease.
Steel Plate on Machine
Bed
Sewing pins won’t damage the steel surface of the
machine free arm. This feature is particularly beneficial
for quilting.
Duratec™ Frame A SINGER® Exclusive. This provides rigid support and
helps prevent rusting.
Double Insulated Double insulation protects against electric shock by
creating a non-conducting barrier between the operator
and the electrical components inside.
Finger Guard Provides additional protection to keep fingers from
getting too close to the needle area. This is especially
helpful and desirable for high speed sewing.
Free Arm Provides professional results and easy access to cuffs,
collars, pant hems and other difficult-to-reach areas.
Utility Stitches A variety of stitches for fashion sewing, home dec and
quilting.
Stretch Stitches Specially designed stitches that add strength and
flexibility to seams, especially useful when sewing on
knitwear and super-stretch fabrics.
6mm Stitch Width Stitches can be set for a maximum width of 6mm.
Automatic Built-In Four
Step Buttonhole
Buttonhole sewing is a 4-step simple process that
provides reliable results.
Balance Adjustment Dial Guarantees control for even stitching of buttonholes and
stretch stitches, even on difficult fabrics.
Infinitely Variable Stitch
Length and Width
Adjustment
Settings for length and width can be adjusted as
desired, to suit any project.
Multiple Needle Positions Needle position can be changed for individual projects,
such as inserting zippers or cording and topstitching.
Electronic Foot Control Guarantees consistent speed with no jump starts.
Includes a regulating dial that allows for slower speeds,
regardless of the pressure applied.

SINGER®is a registered trademark of the Singer Company Ltd.
©2004 Singer Sewing Company.
All Rights Reserved.
Horizontal Thread
Delivery
The thread feeds into the threading path in a
horizontal direction, which keeps the thread from
getting too much twist.
Touch-N-Wind™ Declutch
Bobbin Winder
Needle bar easily disengages for winding the bobbin.
Jam-Resistant Bobbin System This is a system in which the bobbin case actually
floats above the hook, precluding thread jams. The
machine will not jam, even when sewing on sheer
fabric or no fabric at all!
Top-Loading Drop-In Bobbin The bobbin conveniently inserts-no bobbin cases to
remove or adjust. It is easy to monitor the thread
supply.
Extra-High Presser Foot Lifter There are 2 heights to the presser foot lifter. The
second height offers ¼” more clearance, which is
needed when placing multiple layers of bulky fabric
under the presser foot.
Thread Cutter Located for precise thread cutting, eliminating the
extra step of cutting thread with scissors.
Automatic Pressure System This feature automatically adjusts the pressure for
sewing on fabrics from the lightest weight tricots to
the heaviest denim, to maximize feed accuracy.
Twin Needle Capable Stitches can be adjusted for twin needle
sewing by just moving a lever.
Suction Cup Machine Base Holds the machine securely to the table, even when
sewing at maximum speed.
Accessories Special Purpose Presser Foot
Buttonhole Presser Foot
Blindstitch Hem Presser Foot
Zipper Foot
General Purpose Foot
Feed Dog Cover
Finger Guard
Needle Pack
Bobbins
Self-Lubricating Because the machine is permanently lubricated,
there is no need to oil the machine, and no oil gets on
fabric.
25 Year Limited Commercial,
School and Home Warranty
Peace of mind knowing the machine has a 25 year
limited warranty.
Portable Machine has a built-in carry handle, making it
easy to transport the machine.
Cabinet Mountable Machine can be mounted into a cabinet.

1
Straight Stitching
The Straight Stitch is generally used to join seams or do topstitching. It is the
most basic of the stitches and is the most commonly used. For a longer stitch
or for thicker fabrics, lengthen the Stitch Length.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Straight Stitch
Pattern Selector: A
Stitch Width: 1, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: General Purpose Foot
Needle Position: Center
Materials:
(2) 4” x 4” pieces of cotton, right sides together
Procedure:
Place fabrics under the foot, matching the raw
edges with the ⅝” seam guide.
Sew the length of the fabric.
Use the Reverse Button to reinforce the seam.

2
Straight Stitch for Topstitching
The Straight Stitch can be sewn “on top” of the fabric so that the stitches are
visible. This is different from using the straight stitch to join a seam hidden
inside the project. A topstitch provides a decorative touch while holding the
seam allowances flat. It is also sturdy and durable.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Straight Stitch
Pattern Selector: A
Stitch Width: 1, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: General Purpose Foot
Needle Position: Center
Materials:
(1) 5” x 5” piece of cotton
Procedure:
Press a 1” hem on one side of the edge.
Align the folded edge to the edge of the foot.
Sew.
Use the Reverse Button to reinforce the seam.

3
Create Quilted Fabric
Create your own quilted fabric with the Straight Stitch. Texture can be added to
plain fabric by just adding consecutive rows of straight stitches!
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Straight Stitch
Pattern Selector: A
Stitch Width: 1, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: General Purpose Foot
Needle Position: Center
Materials:
(2) 5” x 5” pieces of cotton with batting between the two fabrics,
creating a quilt-type sample
Procedure:
Sew diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right corner.
Use the Reverse Lever to reinforce the seam.
Position the foot’s edge so that it rides on the previous row of stitching.
Sew successive rows using the edge of the foot to ensure even spacing and
straight lines.
Change the direction, sew diagonally from the top right corner to the
bottom left corner.

4
Speed Basting
Basting is used to temporarily hold fabrics together. Stitch length and tension
are adjusted to create a looser stitch. This stitch can easily be removed with a
seam ripper or simply pulled out.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Straight Stitch
Pattern Selector: A
Stitch Width: 1, no width
Stitch Length: 5
Presser Foot: General Purpose Foot
Tension: Adjust the tension setting to a smaller number
Needle Position: Center
Materials:
(2) 4” x 4” pieces of cotton, right sides together
Procedure:
Place under the foot, matching the raw edges with the ⅝” seam guide.
Sew the length of the fabric.
Use the seam ripper to remove a portion of the basting, or simply pull the
bobbin thread to completely remove basting.

5
Making Piping
Piping adds a beautiful finish to projects such as pillows, sleeve edges, collars
and more. The design of the Zipper Foot allows for the needle to stitch very
closely to the edge of the foot. This is important when inserting zippers,
applying piping or when topstitching close to the fabric’s edge. Only the
Straight Stitch can be used when sewing with the Zipper Foot.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Straight Stitch
Pattern Selector: A
Stitch Width: 1, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: Zipper Foot
Needle Position: Center
Materials:
5” x 6” home décor fabric
7” piping cord
Procedure:
Fold fabric, wrong sides together.
Place piping inside of the fold.
On the right side of the fabric, sew a straight stitch close to the piping.
Note: The Zipper Foot can be attached right or left, allowing for
the piping to be inserted from either side.

6
Attaching Purchased Piping
Attach pre-packaged piping to make a bold finish on home decorating
projects, crafts or garments.
Machine Set-up:
Stitch: Straight Stitch
Pattern Selector: A
Stitch Width: 1, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: Zipper Foot
Needle Position: Center
Materials:
(2) 3” x 6” pieces of home décor fabric
7” pre-packaged piping
Procedure:
Place fabric right sides together.
Place piping between the fabrics, matching the piping’s raw edge with
the fabric’s raw edges.
On the wrong side of the fabric, sew a straight stitch close to the piping.
Note: The Zipper Foot can be attached right or left, allowing for
the piping to be inserted from either side.
Stitching Line
Piping Raw Edges
Raw Edge of Fabric

7
Centered Zippers
There are several ways of inserting zippers. The pattern envelope of the
project or garment will designate the best type of zipper application, as well as
the length and type of zipper to use. Most applications require a zipper foot.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Straight Stitch
Pattern Selector: A
Stitch Width: 1, no width
Stitch Length: For basting: 5
For stitching: 3-4
Presser Foot: Zipper Foot
Tension: For basting: loosen the tension
For stitching: 3
Needle Position: Start with needle in left position
The needle can be moved to the left or right. This will allow stitching closer to
the zipper than when the needle is in the center position.
Materials:
(1) 7” zipper
(2) 8” x 4” pieces of medium weight fabric
Transparent tape
Fabric glue stick
Procedure:
Place fabric under the foot, matching the raw edges with the ⅝” seam
guide.
Starting at the top of the fabric, baste 7”. Then change the stitch length
to 3 and finish seaming the remaining length of the fabric.

8
Press the seam open. Finish raw edges if necessary.
Apply glue stick lightly on the right side of the zipper.
Place the zipper face-down, so that the zipper’s coils or teeth are
directly over the machine-basted seam. Pin in place, if necessary.
Spread fabric flat, right side up and place ½” wide transparent or
perforated marking tape on top of the centered seam line. The tape
should be the length of the zipper (7” long for this exercise).
Replace the Standard Presser Foot with the Zipper Foot. Adjust the
foot to the left of the needle.
On the right side of the fabric, stitch around the zipper. Pivot the fabric
on the needle at the corners, using the edge of the tape as a guide.
Turn fabric to right side and remove the tape and the basting. Press.

9
Satin Stitch Appliqué
Satin Stitching is a series of closely spaced zig-zag stitches. Satin Stitching
can be used for monograms, embroidery and appliqué work to produce a
smooth satin-like appearance. Try a rayon thread for a smoother looking
finish.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Zigzag Stitch
Pattern Selector: B
Stitch Width: 2-3
Stitch Length: 0.5-1
Presser Foot: Special Purpose Foot (J)
Needle Position: Center
Materials:
2” x 3” cotton fabric for appliqué
2” x 3” fusible stabilizer
6” x 6” cotton foundation fabric
6” x 6” tear-away stabilizer
Procedure:
Press the fusible stabilizer onto the appliqué.
Fuse the appliqué onto the cotton foundation fabric.
(Fusing the appliqué into place will keep the appliqué from shifting
while stitching.)
Place a tear-away stabilizer underneath the fabric. (This is used to
ensure quality stitching when using dense stitches.)
Place the applique under the foot, so that half of the stitch will form on the
applique and half on the base fabric.
Sew around the applique.
Widen the stitch width to 4 and change the stitch length to below 1.
.

10
Sewing around the applique again, covering the previous stitching.
.
Sewing over an applique twice is not always necessary, however, it
does give a beautiful full-covered effect.

11
Lace Insertion
Insert lace into a special occasion garment or a home decorating project
to create a beautiful heirloom keepsake.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Zigzag Stitch
Pattern Selector: B
Stitch Width: 2-3
Stitch Length: 1
Presser Foot: Special Purpose Foot (J)
Needle Position: Center
Materials:
5” x 3” of batiste
6” strip of lace
60-80 weight fine cotton thread
Procedure:
Spray starch and iron the lace and batiste.
Center the lace right side up, lengthwise on batiste.
Stitch lace to fabric by sewing a zigzag stitch down both edges of the
lace. Try to just clear the heading of the lace.

12
Carefully cut under the lace down the center.
Turn these raw edges back away from the lace, then finger press.
Finish fabric’s edges by sewing a small zigzag through all layers, being
careful not to catch too much lace.
Turn fabric over and trim excess fabric seam allowances away.
Note: A nice touch can be added by stitching a row of decorative
stitches down each side of the lace.
Back side of fabric
Lace

13
Button Sewing
Use your sewing machine to sew on buttons, snaps or hooks with ease.
This is especially helpful when making a large project where several
buttons need to be attached, such as a shower curtain that has button tabs.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Zigzag Stitch
Pattern Selector: B
Stitch Width: Determined by button
(width between the holes is usually 3mm)
Stitch Length: N/A
Feed Dogs: Covered Feed Dogs
Presser Foot: Button Sewing Foot*
Needle Position: Center
Materials:
Home décor fabric or shirting
One 2-hole button
Liquid fray preventer
Procedure:
Cover the Feed Dogs with the Feed Dog Cover.
(See your manual for more information.)
Fold fabric in half and place under presser foot.
Position the button on the fabric so that the holes in the button are
between the toes of the foot.
*The Button Sewing Foot is optional.
Check with your SINGER® Retailer.

14
Lower the presser foot to hold the button in place.
Turn the hand wheel forward, adjust so that the needle goes into the
right or left hole.
Adjust the stitch width dial to fine tune the swing of the needle into the
opposite hole.
Recheck the swing of the needle into the opposite hole and then use the
foot control to sew 5-6 stitches.
Before removing the button and fabric from the machine, set machine
to straight stitch. Leave width at current setting and stitch in place for
three stitches. This forms a tie-off on the back side to secure the
button.
Apply a liquid fray preventer on the backside of fabric on the knots.
Trim threads after they dry, being careful not to cut thread knots.