Singer 3116 Simple - Page 3 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

If your machine keeps running when you let up on the foot control you need to have the foot control repaired or replaced. The on/off switch only controls the light. It will stop running if you disconnect the power line at the sewing machine but this will become a headache..

Pull needle pie out from below: Take out bobbin case Get hold of needle with needle nose pliers While holding needle, loosen screw up above Pull needle piece down and out.

Is the bobbin upside-down? Is there something else in there? Try rotating the bobbin some.

The first thing you need to do is check with your user's manual on to make sure that your needle is inserted correctly--flat side to the back, and it is all the way UP in the holder. I find a small needle nose pliers helpful to hold the needle for this. If you don't have it, you can download it free at the Singer Sewing machine website--I just did before I answered this. Next, make sure you have correctly threaded your machine, and when you did so, the presser foot was UP (ALWAYS thread with the presser foot UP--on ANY machine anywhere!). The next part is on page 20 of your user's manual, and there are drawings. Then, insert your bobbin, with the lever on the case DOWN (it's the only time you can insert and remove a bobbin; with the tab on the case open, the bobbin is locked into place. Make sure the bobbin is inserted the correct way. In your case, when you hold the bobbin up vertically the thread should be unwinding from the left, or clockwise. After you have inserted the bobbin, take a look at the right side of the bobbin case towards the top; you will see a slot the thread needs to go into. Once it's in the slot, hold your finger on the bobbin so it that can't unwind, and pull the thread so that it is in the slot at the top of the shot you put it in. This part exerts tension on the bobbin thread, and it's VERY important that you get it in there. . Then open the tab or lever and put it into the bobbin basket (holds the bobbin case), with the projecting part on the top. A length of bobbin thread should be projecting outside the case at this point--you will be drawing it up to the needle plate. How, hold the top thread end pull the hand wheel TOWARDS you (ALWAYS towards you--on any machine) at least one revolution and possibly two revolutions, then pull on the top thread and the bobbin thread will come up. When starting to sew on fabric, hold your hand on the top thread for the first two or three stitches.

If you are using knit fabric and a regular needle, then your machine will skip stitches. Can you give me more details on what you are sewing or trying to sew>

The maker wants you to take it to a repair shop. There is a chance that you'll muck something up inside; kinda like a watch in there.

Format it.

You may download a copy of the manual at http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/438_3116.pdf

If you're in the US, contact Singer Customer Support at 1-888-633-8635 Monday through Friday 8AM to 4PM CST.

Drop-in bobbin: Note: thread must change direction when entering bobbin shuttle notch. Usually bobbin will turn counter-clockwise when threaded properly.

1. hold bobbin so that the tail of thread is facing to left.
2. drop bobbin into bobbin shuttle.
3. pull thread toward you.
4. guide thread into notch and pull to left so that slot engages thread.
5. pull thread diagonally across shuttle toward back of machine.
6. draw bobbin thread up through needle plate with threaded needle.

You may download a copy of the manual at http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/20ddc135d1620e270b2750fb72e9f58905043215.pdf

The tension in the top thread is controlled by a dial, and the tension in the bottom thread is controlled by a small screw on a spring on the bobbin. The tensions are supposed to be exactly equal in order to make the stitch perfectly in the middle of the cloth. Uneven tension will pull the stitch up or down from there. You can tug on each thread to feel how much tension there is. Often the bottom will get too much tension by just inserting the bobbin upside down. Leave the bobbin door open, and watch the operation. The top thread is pulled down around the bobbin. See if it is getting caught on anything?

If you can bring up the bobbin thread to the top, your timing is NOT off. If you can't, or if you're skipping stitches, you might want to check to make sure the needle is ALL the way up i the clamp. If you don't have your user's manual, download it free from the Singer Sewing Machine site. On page 22, it shows you how to check to make sure your needle is all the way up.

It could very well be that your bobbin winder is fully or partially engaged. If that's the case, it disengages the needle action while it is in operation.

When you start stitching, you need to old the ends of BOTH the upper and bobbin thread, because if you don't, the upper thread will retract.

I have listed two different machines in your question--which is it? If it's a Singer, you can download the user's manual free from the Singer Sewing Machine site. It will tell you how to do that.

To download a copy of the USER'S MANUAL for your machine, just go to the Singer Support site for your model at the following link (just click on the text below with your mouse):

http://new.singerco.com/products/detail/1407

When you get to the support page, click on the INSTRUCTION MANUAL option under the RELATED LINKS on the right hand side.

On the next page click on the little red FREE DOWNLOAD button.
It will be at the right hand side of the second item on the list.
Right after: 3116 - Simple - Languages - Home - FREE! ---------- FREE DOWNLOAD !

After you click on that button, it will ask you if you want to open or save the file.
Choose SAVE.

Now Choose a location on your computer where you would like to save the file.
The easiest place is just right on your DESKTOP so it will be easy to find later.
Now click SAVE.

Once the download completes in about 5 seconds,
Click on the OPEN button.

If the document opens then just read it, or print it off if you want, or just leave it on your computer to reference when you need it.

If the document does not open, then you may need a PDF viewer program like ADOBE READER installed on your computer to read PDF documents.

You can download this free at WWW.ADOBE.COM if necessary.
Click on the DOWNLOAD ADOBE READER button on right side of the ADOBE home page when you get there.

Install the ADOBE READER program then you can come back to your desktop and open the USER'S MANUAL document without a problem.

Please comment back here to this page if you have any questions, have difficulty accessing the links, or just require further general assistance and I will respond as soon as I see it.

If this was at all helpful please click on the 4 Thumbs Up helpfulness rating icon you see on this page.

Thank you very much and good luck.

Joe.

You need to download the user's manual at the Singer support site and once you do, DON'T LOSE IT! This is an example of why you should always have your manual and refer to it frequently.

What cover are you trying to take off? There is usually a separate cover over the thread path, and it's designed to be removed to that you can clean and remove any loose threads. That is over the needle shaft, and is generally held by one or two screws. If it's one screw, it's in the back; if it's two, then there's one on the side (often covered by a white disk to hide it--just pop it out), and one on the back that isn't covered by anything.

The stitch length lever on some machines will back stitch when the lever is in the uppermost position. Bring the lever down to an appropriate stitch length and your machine should stitch forward.