Singer Rotomatic 8 Manual

							5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine 
Instruction Manual  
						

							5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine 
Table of Contents 
1. Getting To Know Your Machine
Principal Parts
Accessories
Important Safety Instructions 
  
2. Getting Ready To Sew
Operating the Machine
Choosing and Changing Needles
Changing Presser Feet
Changing the Needle Plate
Attaching the Feed Cover
Removing and Replacing the
Extension Table
Fabric Thread and Needle Table
Winding a Bobbin
Inserting a Bobbin
Threading the Machine
Raising the Bobbin Thread 
  
3. Straight Stitching
Stitch Width Selector
Needle Position Selector
Stitch Length Selector
Reverse Stitch Button
Adjusting Thread Tension
Sewing a Seam
Starting a seam
Darning 
Quilting
Inserting a Zipper 
  
4. Zig-Zag Stitching
Stitch Pattern Selector
Needle Position Selector
Stitch Width Selector
Adjusting Stitch Length
Needle Thread Tension 
Zig-Zag Zag Stitch
Blindstitch
Ladder Seams
Multi Stitch Zig-Zag
M Stitch 
  
5. Four Step Buttonhole 
  
6. Free-Arm Sewing 
  
7. Twin Needle Sewing 
 
 
8. Caring For Your Machine
Removing and Replacing the Bobbin Case
Changing the Light Bulb
Cleaning the Machine
Lubricating the Machine
Additional Accessories 
Attaching a Button 
Performance Checklist  
						

							5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine 
Congratulations 
  
As the owner of a new Singer sewing 
machine, you are about to begin an exciting 
adventure in creativity. From the moment you 
first use your machine, you will know you are 
sewing on one of the easiest to use sewing 
machines ever made. 
  
In addition to the many familiar SINGER 
exclusives, like a removable extension table 
and a horizontal spool pin, this machine offers 
you these features: 
  
* Zig-zag stitching for buttonholes, mending 
and decorative stitches. 
  
* Flexi stitch patterns for sewing knitted and 
other stretch fabrics. (only for machines with 
6, 8 and 10 stitches) 
  
* Built-in 4-step buttonholer that takes the 
difficulty out of making a buttonhole. (only for 
machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches) 
  
* Blindsitching for invisible hems. (only for 
machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches) 
  
* Easy to find Letter-Coded Accessories. 
  
* Drop in front bobbin for easy, quick bobbin 
replacement.  * Simple stitch length dial and push button 
reverse stitching. 
  
* Snap on presser feet that are quickly 
removed and easily replaced. 
  
* One-way needle insertion that makes it 
impossible to insert the needle incorrectly. 
  
  
May we recommend that, before you start to 
use your sewing machine, you discover the 
many advantages and the ease of operation 
by going through this instruction book, step by 
step, seated at your machine. 
  
  
To ensure that you are always provided with 
the most modern sewing capabilities, the 
manufacturer reserves the right to change the 
appearance, design or accessories of this 
sewing machine when considered necessary. 
  
  
*A Trademark of The Singer Company 
Copyright (c) 1992 Singer Sewing Machine Company 
All rights reserved throughout the world. 
3  
						

							5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine
Dear Customer,
 
We recommend that for future reference you record the 
Serial Number of your Sewing Machine in the space 
provided.
 
Refer to illustration at right for location of Serial Number on 
your machine.
  
Serial No.
Serial No.
For European Territories:
This Singer Sewing Machine was tested according to 
European norms and meets the requirements regarding 
electrical safety radio, interference and electromagnetic 
immunity.
 
The conformity is documented with the 
 mark.4 
						

							5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine 
1 Getting to know your machine 
  
Principal parts 
  
1. Hand wheel 
2. Bobbin winder 
3. Pattern selector lever (only for machines with 
5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches)
 
4. Horizontal spool pin and holder 
5. Needle position selector 
6. Stitch width lever 
7. Snap-in thread guide 
8. Bobbin winder tension disc 
9. Thread guide 
10. Take up lever 
11. Face plate 
12. Needle thread tension dial 
13. Thread guides 
14. Snap on presser foot 
15. Feed system 
16. Needle plate 
17. One-way needle clamp 
18. Removable extension table 
19. Stitch length dial/ four-step buttonhole (only 
for machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches)
 
20. Push button reverse 
21. Stitch balance control (only for machines with 
6, 8 and 10 stitches)
 
22. Presser foot lifter 
23. Thread cutter 
24. Slide plate 
25. Foot control 
26. Electrical lead 
27. Machine plug 
28. Power and light switch 
29. Bobbin winding indent 
5  
						

							5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine 
Accessories 
  
The following accessories furnished with your sewing 
machine are designed to simplify your sewing projects 
and increase the versatility of your machine.
 
  
The letter in a circle adjacent to the illustrated part is 
reproduced on the part itself to help you select the 
correct attachment for the type of work you are doing.
 
  
1. Special purpose presser foot (J) is used for 
decorative and zig-zag sewing. (only for machines 
with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches)
 
  
2. General purpose needle plate (A) and presser 
foot (B) are on your machine when delivered. Use 
together for alternating between straight and zig-zag 
stitching.
 
  
3. Buttonhole presser foot (L) is used with the 
General Purpose Needle Plate to make four-step 
buttonholes. (only for machines with 5, 6, 8 and 10 
stitches)
 
  
4. Zipper foot (E) is used for inserting zippers and 
stitching corded seams. (only for machines with 5, 6, 8 
and 10 stitches)
 
  
5. Friction free spool holder is used to hold various 
size spools and allows thread to unwind smoothly. 
The spool does not turn.
 
  
6. Small thread spool holder (Q) for use with small 
diameter spools of thread.
 
  
7. Needlepack includes an assortment for sewing 
various types of fabrics.
 
6  
						

							5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machines 
Accessories Continued... 
  
8. Feed cover (F) is used to prevent the feed from 
moving the fabric when darning or free motion 
embroidery.
 
  
9. Transparent bobbins for easy viewing of thread 
supply
 
  
10. Blindstitch hem presser foot is used to position 
the hem for blindstitch hemming. (only for machines 
with 5, 6, 8 and 10 stitches)
 
  
11. Twin needle and spool pin are used to stitch two 
parallel rows of decorative stitching simultaneously. 
When using twin-needle for decorative stitching, set 
stitch width lever to zig-zag mid range. (Optional for 
some markets).
 
  
12. Felt for twin needle spool pin. (Optional for some 
markets).
 
  
Optional accessories are available for your 
machine from your local Singer retailer.
 
7  
						

							5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 
  
When using this machine, basic safety precautions 
should always be followed including the following:
 
  
Read all instructions before using this machine. 
  
DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock: 
  
* The machine should never be left unattended when 
plugged in. Always unplug the machine from the 
electric outlet immediately after using and before 
cleaning.
 
  
* Always unplug before re-lamping. Replace bulb with 
the same type rated 15 watts. Be sure to replace the 
face plate which covers the light bulb before operating 
the machine.
 
  
WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric 
shock or injury to persons:
 
  
* Be sure that the electrical voltage of the socket 
outlet (wall receptacle) is the same as the rated 
voltage of the motor.
 
  
* Use this machine only for its intended use as 
described in this Operators Guide. Use only 
attachments recommended by the manufacturer as 
contained in the Operators Guide.
 
  
* To disconnect, turn all controls to the off 
( 0 )position, then remove plug from outlet.
 
  
* Disconnect the power-line plug from the socket 
outlet or switch the machine off when making any 
adjustments in the needle area, such as threading 
needle, changing needle, changing throat plate or 
changing presser foot, etc.
 
* Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet 
when removing covers, lubricating, or when making 
any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the 
Operators Guide.
 
  
* Do not attempt to adjust the motor belt. Contact your 
nearest Service Center should any adjustment be 
required.
 
  
* Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp 
the plug, not the cord.
 
  
* Handle the foot controller with care and avoid 
dropping it on the floor. Be sure not to place anything 
on top of it.
 
  
* Always use the proper throat plate. The wrong plate 
can cause the needle to break.
 
  
* Do not use bent needles. 
  
* When sewing, keep fingers away from all moving 
parts. Special care is required around the sewing 
machine needle.
 
  
* Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may 
deflect the needle causing it to break.
 
  
* Before removing the bobbin case, remove plug from 
the socket outlet.
 
  
* For double insulated machines, when servicing use 
only identical replacement parts.
 
  
* Never operate the machine if it has a damaged cord 
or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been 
dropped or damage, or dropped into the water. Return 
the machine to the nearest authorized dealer or 
Service Center for examination, repair, electrical, or 
mechanical adjustment.
 
8  
						

							5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machines 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 
continued... 
  
* Never operate the machine with any air openings 
blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the machine 
and foot controller free from the accumulation of lint, 
dust, and loose cloth.
 
  
* Never drop or insert any object into any opening. 
  
* Do not use outdoors. 
  
* Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are 
being used or where oxygen is being administered.
 
  
* Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is 
necessary when the machine is used by or near 
children.
 
  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS 
  
Servicing should be performed by an authorized 
service representative.
 
  
This product is intended for household 
use. 
  
  
9  
						

							5, 6, 8, 10 Stitch Sewing Machine 
2 Getting ready to sew 
Operating the machine 
Connecting the machine 
Push plug (1) into the receptacle (2) at the right end of 
the machine. Then connect plug (3) to your socket 
outlet.
 
  
For North America 
This appliance has a polarized (one blade wider than 
the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this 
plug is intended to m in a polarized outlet only one 
way.
 
  
If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the 
plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician 
to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in 
any way.
 
  
Running the machine 
To turn on machine and sewing light, press upper 
portion I of power switch (4). To turn off machine and 
light, press lower portion 0 of power switch.
 
  
To run the machine and control speed press the foot 
control (5) with your foot. The harder you press, the 
faster the machine will sew. To stop machine, remove 
foot from control.
 
  
Note: Do not operate machine without fabric under the 
presser foot as this may damage the feed and the 
presser foot.
 
  
Choosing and changing needles 
Important: For best results from your sewing machine, 
use only SINGER * needles. Check the needle 
package, and the Fabric, Thread and Needle Table on 
page 16 for the correct needle and fabric combination.
 
  
* Raise needle to its highest position. 
* Loosen needle clamp screw and remove needle. 
  
* With flat side of needle to the back, insert new 
needle up into clamp as far as it will go.
 
  
* Tighten needle clamp screw securely. 
10