Singer Scholastic Operation instructions

Welcome to
This workbook is designed to teach basic and advanced sewing
techniques that you can achieve with your sewing machine.
You will need your manual to provide the exact settings for your
particular machine model. The difficulty or skill level
required for each technique is rated by this symbol:
“Two spools” indicate a more difficult technique.
These techniques require more practice to master
than others. The most important thing to remember is that
sewing is an creative art—there are very few absolutes.
So have fun as you learn these exciting
techniques! 
Singer is a registered trademark on the Singer Company Limited.
© 2003 Singer Sewing Company. All rights reserved.
Part # 640—505255OFD

StraightStitching 1
Straight Stitch for Topstitching 2
CreateQuiltedFabric 3
SpeedBasting 4
MakingPiping 5
Attaching Purchased Piping 6
CenteredZippers 7
SatinStitchApplique 9
LaceInsertion 11
Couching a Strand of Pearls 13
ButtonSewing 14
Four-StepButtonholes 16
One-StepButtonholes 18
Four-Step Corded Buttonholes 20
One-Step Corded Buttonholes 22
Free-MotionMonogramming 24
Free-MotionEmbroidery 26
BlindHem 28
AttachingBeadedTrims 30
Mending with Multi-Stitch Zigzag 31
CrazyQuilting 32
ScallopEdging 33
Straight Stretch Stitch for Woven Fabrics 34
Straight Stretch Stitch for Stretch Fabrics 35
Ribbing Application 36
OveredgeStitching 37
Open Seams with Overedge Stitching 38
AttachingElastic 39
SewingwithaWingNeedle 40
TwinNeedleSewing 41

Attaching Ribbon with a Twin Needle 42
SewingonLeather 43
NarrowHem 44
Gathering with the Cording Foot 45
Applying Trims, Cords or Braids 46
Shirring with the Gathering Foot 47
Sewing with an Even Feed Foot on Multiple Layers 49
Sewing with an Even Feed Foot on Plaids 50
Sewing with an Even Feed Foot on Pile Fabrics 51
SewingwiththeSideCutter 52
SewingwiththeRuffler 54

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 using the Stitch
Length Dial.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Straight Stitch
Stitch Width: 0, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: Standard Foot
Materials:
(2) 4” x 4” pieces of cotton, right sides together
Procedure:
Place fabrics under the foot, matching the raw edges with the 5/8”
seam guide.
Sew the length of the fabric.
Use the Reverse Lever 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
Stitch Width: 0, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: Standard Foot
Materials:
(2) 5” x 5” pieces of cotton with batting between the two pieces,
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.

3
Create Quilted Fabric
Create your own quilted fabric with the Straight Stitch and the Seam/Quilt
Guide. This attachment is great when sewing large projects that cover the
machine’s seam guides.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Straight Stitch
Stitch Width: 0, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: Standard Foot
Materials:
Quilt-type sample that was previously used on the
“Straight Stitch for Topstitching” page
Procedure:
Attach the Seam/Quilt Guide.*
Use the guide to ensure even spacing and straight lines
when large projects cover the machine’s seam guides.
Position fabric approximately 1-2 inches to the right of the previously
sewn straight stitch.
Position the guide so that it rides on the previous row of stitching.
Sew successive rows using the guide.
Change the direction and sew diagonally from the top right corner to the
bottom left corner.
Sew 3 or more rows, using the guide.
*Depending on model, the Seam/Quilt Guide might be optional. Check the instruction
manual.

4
Speed Basting
Basting is used to temporarily hold fabrics together. The 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
Stitch Width: 0, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: Standard Foot
Tension: Adjust the tension by setting to a smaller number
Materials:
(2) 4” x 4” pieces of cotton, right sides together
Procedure:
Place under the foot, matching the raw edges with the 5/8” 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
Stitch Width: 0, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: Zipper Foot
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 add a bold finish to home decorating
projects, crafts or clothing.
Machine Set-up:
Stitch: Straight Stitch
Stitch Width: 0, no width
Stitch Length: 3-4
Presser Foot: Zipper Foot
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.
Piping Raw Edges
Fabric Raw Edges Stitching Line

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
Stitch Width: 0, no width
Stitch Length: For basting: longest stitch
For stitching: 3-4
Presser Foot: Zipper Foot
Tension: For basting: loosen the tension
For stitching: Auto
Materials:
(1) 7” zipper
(2) 8” x 4” piece of medium weight fabric
Transparent tape
Fabric glue stick
Procedure:
Place fabric under the foot, matching the raw edges with the 5/8” 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 1/2” 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
A close Zigzag Stitch is called a Satin Stitch. Satin Stitching is a great
way to finish an appliqué on children’s garments and home decorating
projects. Try a rayon thread for a smoother looking finish.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Zigzag Stitch
Stitch Width: 2-3
Stitch Length: 1-2
Presser Foot: Satin Foot *
or Standard Foot
Materials:
2” x 3” cotton fabric for simple-shaped applique
2” x 3” fusible stabilizer
6” x 6” cotton foundation fabric
6” x 6” tear-away stabilizer
Procedure:
Press the fusible stabilizer onto the simple-shaped applique.
Fuse the simple-shaped 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.
*Depending on model, the Satin Foot might be optional. Check the instruction manual.

10
Sew 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
Stitch Width: 2-3
Stitch Length: 1
Presser Foot: Standard Foot or Satin
Foot*
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 on the lace.
*Depending on model, the Satin Foot might be optional. Check the instruction manual.

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 Hemstitching down each side of
the lace.

13
Couching a Strand of Pearls
Couching is a term for sewing over trims, such as cord, ribbon or a strand
of pearls. The stitch may or may not penetrate the cord it stitches over,
depending on the desired effect. A Zigzag stitch or a wide decorative
stitch are excellent choices for this technique.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Zigzag
Stitch Width: Adjust according to size of pearls
Stitch Length: 3 or 4
Presser Foot: Standard Foot
Materials:
Monofilament thread
Strand of pearls
Felt or stabilized woven fabric
Procedure:
Lay pearls or other couching trim on top of fabric.
Stitch, adjusting width to ensure the stitch slightly encases the trim as
desired.

14
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 multiple
buttons need to be attached, such as a shower curtain that has button
tabs.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Zigzag
Stitch Width: Determined by button
(width between holes is usually 3mm)
Stitch Length: N/A
Feed Dogs: Lowered (or Covered) Position
Presser Foot: Button Sewing Foot*
Materials:
Home décor fabric or shirting
One 2-hole button
Liquid fray preventer
Procedure:
Lower the Feed Dogs or Cover them with the Feed Dog Cover.
(see your manual for more information)
Fold fabric in half and place under foot.
Position the button on the fabric so that the holes in the button are
between the toes of the
foot.

15
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 other hole, and then use the
foot control to sew 5-6 stitches.
Before removing the button and fabric from the machine, turn 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.
Note: Remember to raise the feed dogs (or remove the feed dog
cover) when finished.
Curtain with Button Tabs

16
Four-Step Buttonholes
The built-in buttonhole is divided into four different steps. This simple
process provides reliable results for buttonholes on garments, home
decorating projects and crafts.
Machine Set-Up:
Stitch: Step One of the 4-Step Buttonhole*
Stitch Width: Buttonhole symbol
Stitch Length: Buttonhole symbol
Presser Foot: Buttonhole Foot
Needle Position: Changes automatically
(See manual for complete machine set-up for buttonholes.)
Materials:
Home décor fabric with interfacing or tear-away stabilizer
Disappearing fabric marking pen or tailor chalk (for marking size
of buttonhole)
Button (to establish length of buttonhole)
Liquid fray preventer
Procedure:
Fold fabric in half crosswise, with interfacing or stabilizer placed
between layers.
Lay button on fabric and mark the top and bottom of the button.
This will establish the starting and ending point of the buttonhole.
Place the fabric under the foot, matching the foot’s red mark with the
bottom mark on the fabric.