Your SINGER 2263 Tradition
Singer's instructions rewritten in plain English, with every setting kept exactly as Singer intended, and with tips from our team added along the way. Stuck on something? Ask the Live Sewing Advisor at any point.
This manual applies to UK spec machines.
Important - please read: getting the best out of your machine
The questions our customers ask us most - worth two minutes before you start.
- 💡Blue stitches need the length dial on S1
The stitches marked in blue on the pattern selector dial are stretch stitches. For these, turn the stitch length dial to S1. - 💡Raise the needle before each buttonhole step
The buttonhole is sewn in 4 steps with the pattern selector dial. Always raise the needle out of the fabric before turning the dial to the next step. - 💡The width dial also moves the needle
For straight stitch, the stitch width dial sets the needle position: 0 is full left, 5 is full right, and between 2 and 3 is the centre. - ⚡Switch off before you thread or change anything
Turn the power switch to O (off) before threading, changing the needle or foot, or taking out the bobbin. - 📦Keep the box and packaging
Please keep the box and packaging for your machine, should it ever need to be sent away for servicing or repair. - 🔄Stitching problems? Rethread first
If you ever have an issue with stitching, tension, looping or jamming, the first thing to do is rethread the machine. If the issue persists, change the needle and bobbin, clean out the bobbin area, and make sure no thread is stuck anywhere in the thread path or in the bobbin area. If you have tried all of these and are still having issues, please do get in touch with our support team. - 🧹Keep the bobbin area clean
We recommend you clean out your bobbin area with a brush or cotton bud every 4 to 6 bobbin changes, to keep your machine free of lint and debris. - 🔄Change your needle
To keep your machine stitching perfectly, we recommend changing your needle every 6 to 8 hours of sewing. We supply needles in different sizes and for different types of materials - including stretch, jeans/denim, leather, and multiple sizes of universal needles to suit the weight of the fabric. - 🧵Use good thread
Always try to use good quality branded threads such as Gutermann, Coats, Hemline or Mettler. Avoid non-branded threads, such as ones found in supermarkets or on some online marketplaces. - ✅Use the correct bobbin
With very few exceptions, Singer machines use Class 15 plastic bobbins. Always use the type that came with your machine - we recommend genuine bobbins only. Even slight differences in bobbin size or weight can cause the machine not to stitch correctly. - ⚙Let the machine feed the fabric
Modern machines have extremely good feeding mechanisms, designed to pull the fabric through the machine for you. Try to avoid pulling the fabric through to the point of bending the needle, as this can cause the needle to strike the bobbin case or needle plate. - 💬We are here to help
Always feel free to message us for help and advice on how to get the best out of your machine.
Getting to know your machine
Important safety instructions
When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the ones below. Read all the instructions before using this sewing machine.
DANGER - to reduce the risk of electric shock
- Never leave the machine unattended while it is plugged in.
- Always unplug the machine from the socket straight after use and before cleaning.
- Always unplug the machine before changing the bulb. Replace the bulb with the same type, rated 15 watts (220-240V).
WARNING - to reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury
- Do not let the machine be used as a toy. Take close care when it is used by or near children.
- Only use the machine for its intended purpose, as described in this manual. Only use attachments recommended by the manufacturer, as listed in this manual.
- Never use the machine if the cord or plug is damaged, if it is not working properly, or if it has been dropped, damaged or dropped into water. Take it to your nearest authorised dealer or service centre to be examined, repaired or adjusted, electrically or mechanically.
- Never use the machine with any of its air openings blocked. Keep the ventilation openings of the machine and the foot control free from lint, dust and loose cloth.
- Keep your fingers away from all moving parts. Take special care around the needle.
- Always use the correct needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
- Do not use bent needles.
- Do not pull or push the fabric while sewing. It can bend the needle and make it break.
- Turn the power switch to O (off) when making any adjustments in the needle area - threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the bobbin, changing the presser foot and so on.
- Always unplug the machine from the socket when removing covers, oiling, or making any other user adjustment mentioned in this manual.
- Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not use where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being given.
- To disconnect, turn all controls to off (O), then take the plug out of the socket.
- Do not unplug by pulling the cord. Hold the plug, not the cord.
- The sound pressure level in normal use is 75dB(A).
- Please turn the machine off or unplug it if it is not working properly.
- Never put anything on the foot control.
- If the cord fixed to the foot control is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or a similarly qualified person, to avoid a hazard.
- This machine is not intended for use by people (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or without experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction on using it by a person responsible for their safety.
- Children should be supervised to make sure they do not play with the machine.
- Only use the foot control supplied with the machine, or one supplied by an approved SINGER retailer.
NoteSave these instructions. This sewing machine is for household use only. This manual can be printed.
Parts of the machine - front
- Thread tension dial
- Thread take-up lever
- Thread cutter
- Presser foot
- Needle plate
- Removable extension table (accessory storage)
- Reverse sewing lever
- Bobbin stopper
- Stitch width dial
- Stitch length dial
- Pattern selector dial
- Automatic needle threader
Parts of the machine - back
- Horizontal spool pin
- Bobbin winding spindle
- Hole for a second spool pin
- Handwheel
- Power and light switch
- Main plug socket
- Bobbin thread guide
- Upper thread guide
- Face plate
- Handle
- Presser foot lifter
- Foot control (speed)
- Power cord
Connecting to the power
Plug the foot control into the machine and the power cord into the wall socket, as shown (1).
The foot control sets your sewing speed (3) - the harder you press, the faster you sew.
Press the main switch (A) to I to turn on the power and the sewing light.
Safety
- Unplug the power cord whenever you are not using the machine.
- Only use the foot control supplied with the machine, or one supplied by an approved SINGER retailer.
- If you are unsure how to connect the machine to the power, ask a qualified electrician.
- Singer's notice about polarised plugs (one blade wider than the other) (2) is for machines sold in other countries. Never modify the plug in any way.
Useful for this
Turtle Foot Control£49.99
The rest of this manual is for our customers
25 more sections, including step-by-step guides, stitch settings and troubleshooting.
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