Singer 8280 Mechanical Sewing Machine - Page 6 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

I think that your thread may be old or of not good quality. Try a good quality, non linty brand and rethread your machine. Clean your machine and oil according to your manual. Even treat your machine to a new needle.

try this
The machine is not threaded correctly--rethread the machine
The thread tension is to tight--reduce the thread tension (lower number)
The thread is to thick for the needle--select a larger needle
The needle is not inserted correctly--remove needle & reinsert the needle (flat side toward the back)
The thread could be wound around the spool pin
The needle is damaged--replace
Some needles & thread are not compatible--try this

Cut 6-8 inch piece of thread of the spool you are going to use for your project
Take the needle you are going to use for the project
& insert the thread thru the eye of the needle
& lift one end of the thread to a 45 degree angle
& if the needle is the right size for the thread it will slide down the thread
But if the needle hangs on the thread you need one size larger needle for the thread

Your manual shows it on page 34 of your manual.

Download a free copy of your manual at www.singerco.com under customer support and enlarge your diagrams to see it better.

Usually universal, just be sure that it is a low shank because that is what your machine looks like to me. I looked up your manual online at www.singerco.com and here is a little bit of advice. Go there and download a copy to your computer. That way, you will always have a copy when you need it. You can make ruffles by using your machine stitch length, just make it the longest stitch, loosen your top tension, then pull on the bottom thread. Or you can do a basting stitch by hand and pull the thread and distribute evenly, then machine stitch to lock it down. I haven't used a ruffler in years. Try it first and see if you like that idea before you invest in a ruffler. They can be pricey, try ebay for a used one but be sure that it is a low shank . I am also sure that Singer sells them too, 1-800-4singer. Good luck and happy sewing.

Call Singer at 1-800-4singer and order one. They may supply it for free, and even if they charge it will be worth it because it will be the right one.

All manual's are readily available online. The bobbin threader is on the top of the machine. And you will insert the bobbin below the presser foot.

I know you do not want to hear it but your threading is not correct. Do this test, put the presser foot up, pull on the top thread it should pull smoothly,now put the presser foot down, pull the thread again and it should barely move. You have to make sure that the thread is getting the correct tension in the threading path and not tangled. Now check your bobbin threading, is the thread pulling smoothly? If, not see the way your bobbin is unwinding, do you have it in backwards? By the way, how is your needle, when is the last time you changed it? Do so now and make sure that it right size for your material and inserted right, flat side face the rear. Have you done any maintenance? Like oiling, cleaning out lint and such? Refer to your manual for oiling points. If, you do not have a manual go to www.singerco.com and download a free one and enlarge the diagrams to see everything really clear and save a copy. Singer have excellent customer service, and can be reached at 1-800-4singer.

Go to www.singerco.com and download your manual for free. When you see it, enlarge the diagrams and you will see exactly what you need, It is much easier than trying to explain it.

I know that you think that your machine is threaded right, but 99%of the time it is not . You have to make sure that the thread is in discs right, going down the machine . To check it, put your presser foot up, and pull on your top thread, it should move smoothly. Now, put the presser foot down and try it again, it should barely move. Also, put in a new needle, flat side facing to the rear. If, you need a copy of your manual go to www.singerco.com and download it for free. Now, you can enlarge the diagrams of your threading path. Good luck

you said the needle broke, did you check in the needle plate where the feed dogs are if there was any needle fragments
also check in the bobbin area for needle fragments, take the bobbin case & bobbin out & clean the area

it could be the foot pedal, if it's still under warrenty I would suggest to take it back & get another one

Depending on where you live they most likely have a sewing / vacuum shop that sells and repairs both . I would check with them and they can order it if they dont have one in stock.

Go to www.singerco.com and download a manual for free. It is located under support.

There's a free to download manual available on the Singer site.
http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html
Just type in 8280 and click on search.
On the next page click on the free download option.
Hope this helps!

You can download a copy of your manual for free on www.singerco.com under customer support if you need to see the correct way to thread your machine. Hope this helps

Go to www.singerco.com and under customer support and click on manuals, put 8280 in box and download your manual for free. Save it to your computer and you will always one on hand.
You have a vertical bobbin you have to put the bobbin in the case and pull the thread through the guide. and you must insert it right, with the finger facing up. It is much easier to look at your manual to see this, because explaining it is very difficult because we do not know what you are doing.

Go to www.singerco.com and download a free manual. It will answer all of your questions. I hope I helped you.

Yes, just adjust your width of your zig zag, and pattern. Practice on a scrap piece of your material for the look that you want. It is easier with a hemming foot but a zig zag foot will do just fine. Remember picot means "roosters beak". Good luck and have fun with it.

you can buy one at sewingpartsonline.com for about $35.