Your SINGER 3221 Simple

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.

Watch Singer’s owner’s class

A full walk-through of your machine from Singer - setting up, threading, winding the bobbin and your first stitches. Short videos for each step are in the sections below.

Please note: the model number shown in the video may vary, as it was made in the US, but the functions are the same as your model.

Important - please read: getting the best out of your machine

The questions our customers ask us most - worth two minutes before you start.

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Stretch and decorative stitches need S1
For the stretch and decorative patterns, turn the stitch length dial to S1 as well as choosing the pattern - otherwise they will not sew as they should.
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Darning plate for buttons and free-motion
There is no feed dog lever - fit the darning plate for sewing on buttons, darning and free-motion work, and take it off again for normal sewing.
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Pull down the buttonhole lever
For a one-step buttonhole, put the button in the foot and lower the buttonhole lever - and push it back up afterwards for normal sewing.
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Always turn the handwheel towards you
Turn it towards you (anti-clockwise) to raise and lower the needle.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 any 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 area).

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 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).
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 are supervised or have been given instruction on its use by a person responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to make sure they do not play with the machine.

NoteThis sewing machine is for household use only. Please read these instructions. This manual can be printed.

Parts of the machine - front

Thread tension dial
Thread take-up lever
Thread cutter
Presser foot
Needle plate
Removable accessory tray (accessory storage)
Reverse sewing lever
Bobbin stopper
Stitch width dial (3232 model only - not on the 3221)
Stitch length dial
Pattern selector dial
One-step buttonhole lever
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 - the harder you press, the faster you sew (3).

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.

Useful for this

Turtle Foot Control£49.99

Continue reading

Hold the thread lightly and turn the handwheel towards you until the needle reaches its highest point. Raise the presser foot and guide the thread through each point in turn, checking it sits in the tension discs.

Choose your setting, sew a few stitches on a scrap of the same fabric and look at both sides. Adjust a little at a time until the stitches lie flat and even.

Switch the machine off at the power switch.
Raise the needle and the presser foot.
Follow the guide for your model shown in the drawing.
Check the result before you start your project.

Next steps

Choose your setting, sew a few stitches on a scrap of the same fabric and look at both sides. Adjust a little at a time until the stitches lie flat and even.

Switch the machine off at the power switch.
Raise the needle and the presser foot.
Follow the guide for your model shown in the drawing.
Check the result before you start your project.

Choose your setting, sew a few stitches on a scrap of the same fabric and look at both sides. Adjust a little at a time until the stitches lie flat and even.

Switch the machine off at the power switch.
Raise the needle and the presser foot.
Follow the guide for your model shown in the drawing.
Check the result before you start your project.

The rest of this manual is for our customers

25 more sections, including step-by-step guides, stitch settings and troubleshooting.

The full manual and our Live Sewing Advisor come free with every machine we sell.

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