Simplicity 621-401-008 Instruction Manual

Simplicity

Model 621-401-008

Sewing Machine

Instruction Manual

Dear Owner:
You can be proud of your new sewing machine – an outstanding product of many years of development. The
highest quality materials and functional design are combined in it to achieve years of dependable service.

If you have ever admired the beautiful and intricate sewing professional seamstresses, you will be amazed
and delighted to learn that you can now do it yourself with this remarkable sewing machine.

Before attempting to sew, however, please read this instruction book carefully. If you follow these instructions
and give your machine proper care, it will operate perfectly for many years.

Should the machine fail to function correctly, stop sewing and review the manual before starting again. Time
spent in learning the features, controls and adjustments of your machine will climate errors and will result in
satisfaction and enjoyment of your sewing skills.

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“IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS”

“When using an electrical sewing machine, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following.”
“Read all instructions before using this sewing machine.”
“This sewing machine is designed for household use.”

“DANGER- TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK:”

“A sewing machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this sewing machine from the electrical
outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.”
“Warning-to reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons…”

1. “Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attentions is necessary when this sewing machine is used by or near children.”

2. “Use this sewing machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachm ent s recommended by the
manufacturer as contained in this manual.”

3. “Never operate this sewing machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped
or damages, or dropped into water. Return the sewing machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for
examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.”

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4. “Never operate the sewing machine with any air opening blocked. Keep ventilation openings from the sewing machine

and foot control free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.”

5. “Never drop or insert any object into any opening.”

6. “Do not use outdoors.”

7. “Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.”

8. “To disconnect, turn all controls to the off (“O”) position, then remove plug from outlet.”

9. “Do not unplug by pulling on cord, To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.”

A. Sewing Machines

10. “Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.”

11. “Always use the proper needle plate. The wring plate can cause the needle to break.”

12. “Do not use bent needles.”

13. “Do not pull or push fabric while stitch in g. It may deflect the needle, causing it to break.”

14. “Switch the sewing machine off (“O”) when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading needle,

changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot and the like,”

15. “Always unplug sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating or when making any other

user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.”

16. “Always unplug before relamping. Replace bulb with the same rated 15 watts.”

“SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS”

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Names of working parts………………….. .. 5-6

Accessories…………………………………. 7
How to connect the machine to
the power supply…………………………… 8
How to use the foot control………………… 9
Sewing lamp…………………………………. 9
Thread and needle chart…………………… 10
Changing the needle……………………….. 11
To select a suitable needle…………………. 11

Removing and attaching the presser foot… 12
Regulating the thread tension ……… 13
Reverse stitch and darning plate…………... 14
The pattern selector…………………………. 15
Removing the bobbin case and bobbin…… 16
Winding the bobbin………………………….. 17

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Threading the bobbin case………………… 18
Threading the needle thread……………….. 19
Drawing up the bobbin thread……………… 20

BASIC SEWING

Straight stitch and zigzag stitch……………. 21
Starting to sew………………………………. 21
Changing sewing directions………………… 22
Fastening seams…………………………….. 22
Sewing buttonholes…………………………. 23
Blind stitch hem………………………………. 24
Cleaning the feed dog …………………… 25
Sewing on button……………………………. 26
Sewing embroidery, Darning Plate………… 27
Cleaning the shuttle race…………………… 28
Free-arm sewing…………………………….. 29
Trouble shooting guide……………………… 30-31

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PRINCIPAL PARTS

1. Bobbin winder thread guide

2. Thread tension dial

3. Stitch width control lever

4. Bobbin winder spindle

5. Bobbin winder stopper

6. Balance wheel

7. Stitch length dial

8. Reverse lever

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9. Needle clamp and screw

10. Shuttle cover

11. Presser foot

12. Presser foot thumb screw

13. Needle

14. Rear cover

15. Front cover

16. Extension table

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ACCESSORIES

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This product is equipped with a polarized alternating current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than
other. This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is safety feature. If you are unable to insert
the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact an electrician to
replace the obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

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HOW TO CONNECT THE MACHINE TO THE POWER SUPPLY

1. Fit the machine plug into the machine.

2. Plug the machine to the power supply.

Note: *Before plugging in the machine, ensure that the voltage and

number of cycles indicated, conforms to your electrical power
supply.

HOW TO USE THE FOOT CONTROL

Sewing speed can be varied by the foot control. The harder you press
on the controller, the faster the machine runs.
Note: *By releasing the controller, the machine stops running

automatically.
*Before using the machine, practice controlling the speed with

out threading.

HOW TO REPLACE THE SEWING LAMP

Before replacing a lamp, disconnect the machine from the power
supply.

To replace the sewing lamp, use the sewing lamp holder which you
may find in the accessory storage.

Push the holder from bottom until the lug over the sewing lamp, and
twist the holder together with sewing lamp in counterclockwise, until
the lamp is taken down.

To replace the new sewing lamp, twist the holder together with sewing
lamp in clockwise.

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THREAD AND NEEDLE CHART NEEDLE TYPE: 15x1

FABRICS THREADS NEEDLE SIZE

LIGHT
WEIGHT

Sheer cotton, Silk
Synthetics, Georgette

Fine Silk
Fine Cotton
Fine Synthetic
Fine Cotton Covered Polyester

9 or 11

MEDIUM
WEIGHT

Medium Weight Cottons, Synthetics,
Poplin, Velvet, Light Weight Wools

50 silk
50 to 80 Cotton
50 to 60 Synthetic
Cotton Covered Polyester

11 or 14

HEAVY
WEIGHT

Heavy Weight Cottons, Denim
Tweed, Gabardine, Drapery

50 Silk
40 to 50 Cotton
40 to 50 Synthetic
Cotton Covered Polyester

14 or 16

Note *In general, fine threads and needles are used for sewing thin fabrics, and thicker threads and needles are

used for sewing heavy fabrics. Always test thread and needle size on a small piece of fabric, which will be

used for actual sewing.
*Use the same thread for needle and bobbin.
*When sewing stretch, or fine fabrics and synthetics, use a BLUE SHANK needle. The blue shank needle

effectively prevents skipped stitches.
*When sewing very fine fabrics, sew over a piece of paper to prevent yarn distortion.

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CHANGING THE NEEDLE

1. Turn the balance wheel towards you until the needle is at is
highest position.

2. Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning its top edge
towards you. Remove the needle from the clamp.

3. Place the new needle in the needle clamp with its flat side
facing away from you. Push the needle up into the needle
clamp as far possible.

4. Tighten the needle clamp screw firmly.

TO SELECT A SUITABLE NEEDLE

■ A number indicating the size of
needle is marked on the stem.
The higher the number, the
thicker the needle.

● Do not use any needle which is
bent of blunted.

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REMOVING AND ATTACHING THE PRESSER FOOT

To Remove:

1. Turn the balance wheel towards you until the needle is at its highest position.
Raise the presser foot by lifting the presser foot lifter.

2. By lifting the lever on the back of the foot holder, the presser foot will drop off.

Note: *Do not force the presser foot to remove it.

To Attach:

1. Place the presser foot so that the pin on the foot lies just under the groove of
the foot holder. Lower the foot holder.

2. When the presser foot lifter is raised you’ll find the presser foot is locked in
place.

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REGULATING THE THREAD TENSION

Generally, should any tension adjustment be necessary, the adjustment can normally be made by regulating the upper
thread tension dial only. Bobbin thread tension has been adjusted at the factory and readjustment is seldom required except
for special instances, thread and fabric.
Bobbin thread tension is just right when you can pull the thread from bobbin case easily with a little resistance.
Thread tension may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the thread tension dial.

The needle thread and the bobbin thread
Should interlock in the center of two layers of fabric.

rem

Remember the higher the number, the tighter the tension. Correctly balanced tension for one fabric may not be suitable for
another. The required tension depends upon the stiffness of fabric, thickness of the fabric, numbers of layers of fabric being
sewn, as well as the type of stitch you are making. It is better to test the stitching on a scrap of the fabric you are using
before starting to make a garment.

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STITCH LENGTH DIAL REVERSE LEVER

STITCH LENGTH DIAL
To change the length of the stitches proceed as follows:
Turn the dial so that the number for the required stitch length
is at setting mark. The numbers indicate the approximate is at
setting mark. The numbers indicate the approximate stitch
length in millimeters. The lower the number, the shorter the
stitch.

REVERSE STITCH
Press downward the reverse lever and hold for reverse
stitching. Fabric will immediately start feeding backwards.
Release the lever and machine will resume normal forward
sewing. Release the lever and machine will resume normal
forwarding sewing. Very useful for fastening ends of seams
and darts without having to tie threads, and for strengthening
seams.

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STITCH WIDTH CONTROL

The desired stitch width can be selected by moving the control lever of the dial. The marks on the dial
correspond to the different stitch width shown on the panel respectively, as follows:

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REMOVING THE BOBBIN CASE AND BOBBIN

1. Raise the presser foot and turn the balance wheel towards

you until the thread take-up lever is at its highest position.

2. Open the shuttle cover.

3. Open the hinged latch of the bobbin case and pull the bobbin

case out of the machine.
Release the latch and the bobbin will fall out. As long as you
hold the bobbin case latch open, the bobbin cannot drop out.

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WINDING THE BOBBIN

1.

Release the clutch by turning the clutch knob
toward you.

2. Draw the thread from the spool through the
bobbin winder tension disc as shown.

3. Pull the end of the thread through the hole in
the bobbin as shown.

4. Place the bobbin onto the bobbin winder shaft
with the end of the thread coming from the
top of the bobbin. Push the bobbin winder
shaft to the right until it clicks. Holding onto
the end of the thread, start the machine.
When the bobbin is slightly filled, snip off the
end of the thread.

5. Wind the thread until the winder stops above
the bobbin. Clip the thread tighten the clutch
knob.

6. Tighten the clutch knob.

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THREADING THE BOBBIN CASE

Hold the bobbin between the thumb and forefinger of your right
hand and pull off about 15 cm (16 inches) of thread.

1. Hold the bobbin case in your left hand as shown and place
the filled bobbin inside.

2. Pull the thread into the slot in the edge of the bobbin case.

3. Now pull the thread under the tension spring and into the
thread eyelet.

To insert the bobbin case and bobbin…..
Make sure that about 15 cm (6 inches) of thread extends
out of bobbin. Hold the bobbin case so that the long finger
of the case points up. Open the latch of the bobbin case.
Slip the bobbin case over the center pin of the hook and
press in place until the long finger of the bobbin case
enters the notch. Release the latch and press down.

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THREADING THE NEEDLE THREAD

Ⓐ Raise presser foot lifter.

Ⓑ

Raise take-up lever to the highest position

by turning handwheel towards you.

Thread following numbers ① - ⑦.

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DRAWING UP THE BOBBIN THREAD

1. Hold the end of the needle thread with you your left hand

2. Turn the balance wheel slowly towards you with your

right hand until the needle goes down and comes up.
Then stop the balance wheel the take-up lever is at its
highest position.
Lightly draw up the needle thread forming a loop with the
bobbin thread.

3. Pull about 15 cm (6 inches) of both threads away from

you under the presser foot.

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STRAIGHT STITCH AND ZIGZAG STITCH

Starting To Sew

1. Be sure both the threads are drawn back under the presser foot

2. While holding the threads with your left hand, turn the balance
wheel towards you to bring the needle into the fabric where you
wish to start sewing.

3. Lower the presser foot, and gently depress the foot control until
you reach the desired sewing speed.

*Sew a few reverse stitches by pushing reverse button for

reinforcing the end of seams.

*Raise the needle to its highest position before turning the pattern

selector dial and stitch width dial.

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Changing Sewing Directions

1. Stop the machine, and turn the balance wheel toward you to
bring the needle down into the fabric. Raise the presser foot.

2. Pivot the fabric around the needle to change direction as
desired.

3. Lower the presser foot and continue sewing.

Fastening Seams

1. For fastening the ends of seams, press in the reversing
button and sew several reverse stitches.

2. To remove the fabric, raise the needle to it’s highest position,
raise the presser foot and draw the fabric away from you.

3. Cut threads on the thread cutter at the rear of presser bar or
will a pair of scissors.
Leave about 15 cm (6 inches) of thread hanging from the
needle eye.

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SEWING BUTTONHOLES

1. Set the stitch width control at “3”, and stitch length dial at the buttonhole symbol then pass the needle thread
through the opening in the zigzag foot and draw both needle and bobbin threads to the left side. Turn the
balance wheel towards you until the needle comes to point (1).

2. Lower the foot and sew slowly until the desired length is sewn, then stop the machine at point (2). Stop with the
needle in the down position and on the right side of the zigzag sewing.

3. Lift the presser foot and using the needle as a pivot, turn the fabric 180 degree lower the presser foot, raise the
needle, set the stitch width control at “5”. Sew several stitches of bar back until the needle is at point (3).

4. Raise the needle and set stitch width control at “3” then sew the left side of buttonhole the same length as the
right side of buttonhole. Stop the machine at point (4).

5. Raise the needle and set stitch width control at “5”, then sew several stitches of final bar tack. Stop the machine
when the needle is at point (5).

6. Cut the buttonhole open carefully by using a seam ripper, taking care not to damage the bar tacks.

Note: *To make a heavier buttonhole, set the stitch length control between the buttonhole symbol and “O”.
Note: *To find the most suitable stitch length, it is better to sew a sample buttonhole on a piece of waste fabric.

*When sewing very fine fabrics and synthetics, decrease the pressure of the foot and sew over a piece of

paper to prevent yarn distortion.

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BLIND STITCH HEM

With the fabric inside out, fold it to the desired size of the hem (No. 1)
Fold it again with a ¼ inch overlap on the bottom fold. (No. 2)
Set the pattern selector at “3” and the stitch length regulator knob at about “2”.

and sew on the fold. (No. 3)
Unfold the fabric, and you will have a blind stitch hem. (No. 4)

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CLEANING THE FEED DOG

It is necessary to keep the feed dog teeth always cleaned in
order to ensure smooth sewing.
Remove the needle and the presser foot.
Unscrew the needle plate set screws with a screw driver to take
off the needle plate from the machine.
With a brush, clean out dust and lint clogged on the fee dog
teeth.
Refit the needle plate and tighten set screws.

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SEWING ON BUTTONS

Thread Shank

Sew-through buttons on coats and

j

ackets should have a thread shank to
make them stand away from the fabric
Place a straight pin or sewing machine
needle on top of button between the
holes, and sew over the pin or needle.
Pull thread to back of button and wind
around stitches to form a firm shank.
Tie thread ends securely.

Presser foot……………. zigzag foot
Pattern selector ………. zigzag
Stitch length dial………. O

1. Align two holes of button with slot of
presser foot and lower foot to hold the
button securely.

2. Turn hand wheel manually until needle
point is just above button.

3. Adjust stitch selector so needle enters
right hole of button.

4. Turn hand wheel by hand so needle
enters second hole. The stitch selector
may need to be adjusted again. Stitch
a number of times.
NOTE:
You may find it helpful to use trans­parent tape to position your button and
to keep it in place during sewing.
Tear away after stitching.

5. F inish sewing with an extra two inches
of thread remaining. Draw these
threads to reverse side of garment and
tie.

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SEWING EMBROIDERY

Place the fabric in embroidery hoop. Place darning plate over
needle plate (see below). Lower the presser foot lifter. Hold the
embroidery hoop firmly with your hand.

While sewing the desired pattern, move the embroidery hoop
slowly and do not allow your fingers to get near the needle.
*Set the needle thread tension a little looser so that the bobbin
thread is not pulled through to the right side of fabric.
(see page 13).
*It is recommended to mark the required embroidery pattern on
the right side of the fabric

with a pencil or tailor’s chalk.

DARNING PLATE

There are few times when you want to control the feeding of the
fabric yourself. Raise needle to its highest position and raise
presser foot. Place darning plate over needle plate aligning two
pins of darning plate with holes of needle plate. You may then
determine the movement of the fabric yourself. See above for
embroidery.

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CLEANING THE SHUTTLE RACE

Unplug the machine from the power supply.
To remove the shuttle.
Raise the needle to its highest position and remove bobbin
case.
Turn levers away from the shuttle and lift out the retaining
ring and shuttle, by grasping the center pin.
Clean the reverse side of feed dog with a small brush.
Remove lint and thread from all parts of shuttle and wipe
with lightly oiled cloth.
To reassemble:
Hold the shuttle by the center pin and fit is carefully back into
the shuttle race, forming a perfect circle with the shuttle
driver.
Replace the retaining ring polished side out, making sure the
bottom pin fits into the notch. Lock the retaining ring by
turning levers back into position. Refit the bobbin case with
the bobbin.

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FREE ARM SEWING

This sewing machine can be used like a flat bed machine, but easily
converts to a free arm machine by removing the extension table.
The free arm enables you to sew tubular types of pieces more easily.
Just slip the sleeve or pants leg on the free arm as shown above.
You will find many uses for this free arm feature such as:

1. Mend elbows and knees of garments more easily.

2. Sew in sleeves more easily. This is especially true when sewing smaller
garments.

3. Applique, embroider or hem around edges of cuffs or pants legs.

4. Sewing in elastic casings in skirts or pants at the waist line.

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TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE

STITCHING FORMS LOOPS

CAUSE REMEDY

1. Needle is not threaded correctly.

2. Bobbin is not thread correctly.

3. Needle/fabric/thread ratio is incorrect.

1. Thread needle front to back.

2. Thread bobbin according to chart.

3. Match needle size to thread & fabric weight.
(Check needle/fabric/thread chaft).

SEAMS SHRINK OR PUCKER

1. Foot pressure is too heavy.

2. Needle it too large for fabric.

3. Wrong stitch length if used.

1. Use smaller needle (see chart).

2. Adjust length for proper stitches.

IRREGULAR STITCHING/FEEDING

1. Thread is of poor quality.

2. Foot pressure us too light.

3. Bobbin is threaded incorrectly.

4. Material is being pulled by operator.

1. Use quality thread!

2. Thread bobbin again and check for proper
insertion.

3. Do not pull on fabric. Let it feet automatically.

MACHINE IS NOISY AND ROUGH

1. Machine needs oil.

2. Lint and oil residue have collected in hook or on
needle bar.

3. Inferior oil has been used and gums-up machine.

4. Needle is damaged.

5. Stitch length/width dials set incorrectly for type of
stitch used.

1. Oil according to instructions.

2. Clean race and hook according to instructions.

3. Clean and oil again only with fine sewing machine
oil.

4. Replace needle.

5. Follow INSTRUCTION P.21.

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TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE

TOP THREAD BREAKS

CAUSE REMEDY

1. Machine is threaded incorrectly.

2. Tension is too tight.

3. Thread is too heavy for needle size (see
needle/fabric/thread chart).

4. Needle is inserted incorrectly.

5. Thread may be caught on spool pin.

6. Needle is damaged.

1. Rethread machine and needle.

2. Reduce tension on top (smaller numbers).

3. Use larger needle.

4. Reinsert needle (flat side toward back).

5. Remove spool, rewind excess thread, thread, turn
spool over, use felt disc on spool pin.

6. Insert new needle.

LOWER THREAD BREAKS

1. Bobbin case is not inserted correctly.

2. Bobbin case is improperly threaded.

3. Bobbin tension is too tight.

1. Reposition bobbin. Check by pulling thread. If it pulls
smoothly it is correct.

2. Check for correct threading.

3. Change bobbin tension according to instructions.

SKIPPED STITCHES

1. Needle is not inserted correctly.

2. Needle is damaged.

3. Wrong type of needle is used.

4. Wrong foot is used.

5. Foot pressure is wrong.

1. Reinsert needle (flat side toward back).

2. Insert new needle.

3. Match needle size to fabric and thread weight.

(Check needle/fabric/thread chart).

4. Check to see if proper sewing foot is used.

5. Check foot pressure regulation for proper setting.

NEEDLE BREAKAGE

1. Needle is damaged.

2. Needle is not inserted correctly.

3. Fabric too heavy/ wrong needle size.

4. Fabric is being pulled by operator.

1. Insert new needle.

2. Reinsert needle correctly (flat side to ward back).

3. Match needle size to thread & fabric weight.

(Check needle/fabric/thread chart).

4. Do not pull on cloth. Check for proper foot pressure

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621-401-008

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