Singer WORKBOOK SCHOOL MODELS 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 sew-
ing is a creative art—there are very few absolutes.
So have fun as you learn these exciting
techniques! 
Singer is a registered trademark of the Singer Company Limited.
© 2003 Singer Sewing Company. All rights reserved.
Part # 640—505255OFC

StraightStitching 1
Straight Stitch for Topstitching 2
CreateQuiltedFabric 3
SpeedBasting 4
MakingPiping 5
Attaching Purchased Piping 6
CenteredZippers 7
SatinStitchApplique 9
Lace Insertion 11
Couching a Strand of Pearls 13
ButtonSewing 14
Four-Step Buttonholes 16
Four-Step Corded Buttonholes 18
Free-Motion Monogramming 20
Free-Motion Embroidery 22
BlindHem 24
Attaching Beaded Trims 26
Mending with Multi-Stitch Zigzag 27
CrazyQuilting 28
Straight Stretch Stitch for Woven Fabrics 29
Straight Stretch Stitch for Stretch Fabrics 30
Ribbing Application 31
OveredgeStitching 32
Open Seams with Overedge Stitching 33
AttachingElastic 34
Sewing with a Wing Needle 35
TwinNeedleSewing 36

Applying Ribbon with a Twin Needle 37
SewingonLeather 38
NarrowHem 39
Gathering with the Cording Foot 40
Applying Trims, Cords & Braids 41
Shirring with the Gathering Foot 42
Using the Even Feed Foot to Sew Multiple Fabric Layers 44
Using the Even Feed Foot to Sew Plaid Fabrics 45
Using the Even Feed Foot to Sew Pile Fabrics 46
SewingwiththeSideCutter 47
SewingwiththeRuffler 49

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
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 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
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.

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
Needle Position: Centered
Materials:
Quilt-type sample that was previously used on the
“Straight Stitch for Topstitching” page
Procedure:
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, 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. 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: 5
Presser Foot: Standard 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 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
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
Stitch Width: 0, 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
Fabric Raw