Your SINGER C5655
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.
- 💡Metal Class 15 bobbins only
The C5655 has a front-loading bobbin case. Singer says to use only the metal Class 15 bobbins that come with the machine - do not swap in plastic ones. - 💡Reverse button - two jobs
On utility stitches 00-03 it sews in reverse while you hold it. On stitches 04-79 it sews 3 tie-off stitches and stops by itself. - 💡Bobbin winder back to the left to sew
While the bobbin winding spindle is pushed to the right the machine will not sew (the screen shows C1 or a bobbin symbol). Push it back to the left. - ⚡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
Read all the instructions before using this household sewing machine. When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the ones below.
- Keep the instructions in a suitable place close to the machine, and pass them on if the machine is given to someone else.
- This machine is intended for use by adults. It can be used with adult supervision by children aged 8 to 12, and by people with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge, if they have been given instruction on using it safely and understand the hazards involved.
- Cleaning and user maintenance must not be done by children without supervision. No one is allowed to play with the machine. Children under 8 are not allowed to use it.
WARNING - to reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury
- Never leave the machine unattended while it is plugged in. The socket the machine is plugged into should be easy to reach. Always unplug the machine from the socket straight after use, and before cleaning, removing covers, oiling, or making any other adjustment mentioned in this manual.
- 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.
- Wear safety glasses.
- 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.
- 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 foot control is used to run the machine. Never put anything else on the foot control.
- Do not use the machine if it is wet.
- If the LED light is damaged or broken, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or a similarly qualified person, to avoid a hazard.
- If the foot control cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or a similarly qualified person, to avoid a hazard.
- Only use the foot control supplied with the machine, or one supplied by an approved SINGER retailer.
Servicing double insulated products
A double insulated product has two systems of insulation instead of an earth. No earth is provided, and none should be added. Servicing needs great care and knowledge of the system, and should only be done by qualified service staff. Replacement parts must be identical to the parts in the product. A double insulated product is marked "DOUBLE INSULATION" or "DOUBLE INSULATED".
NoteThis sewing machine is for household use only - it is not intended for industrial or commercial use. Please keep these instructions. This manual can be printed.
Parts of the machine
Machine overview
- Accessory tray / free arm - a flat surface for sewing, with storage for your accessories. Take the tray off to use the free arm for trouser hems and sleeves.
- Thread cutter (Singer calls it the thread knife) - for trimming the threads when you finish sewing.
- Threading slots - the thread path, with the tension discs and take-up lever.
- Thread tension dial - set the tension for your stitch, thread and fabric.
- Reverse button - press and hold to sew in reverse, or to make a tie-off at the start or end of a seam.
- Display - shows the stitch and its settings.
- Handwheel - moves the needle and take-up lever by hand.
- Function buttons - choose the stitch and set the stitch width and length.
Needle area
- Needle plate - guide lines show the seam allowances.
- Feed teeth (feed dogs) - feed the fabric under the presser foot.
- Presser foot - holds the fabric against the feed teeth.
- Presser foot holder screw - loosen it to take off the presser foot holder.
- Presser foot holder - holds the presser foot.
- Presser foot release button - press it to release the foot from the holder.
- Buttonhole lever - for sewing buttonholes.
- Built-in needle threader.
- Presser foot bar - holds the presser foot holder.
- Needle clamp screw - holds the needle.
- Needle thread guide - keeps the thread flowing smoothly.
Top of the machine
- Bobbin winding tension disc
- Thread guides
- Handle
- Spool pin
- Hole for the auxiliary spool pin
- Bobbin winding spindle
- Bobbin winding stopper
- Thread tension discs
- Thread take-up lever
Accessories
Supplied with the machine
- Bobbins x4 - only use the metal bobbins supplied with the machine (SINGER Class 15 metal bobbins). One is in the machine when it arrives.
- Felt pads x2 - cushion the spool on the auxiliary spool pin.
- Spool caps - two sizes (one large, one small) for different spool styles.
- Auxiliary spool pin - for large spools or speciality threads.
- Brush and seam ripper - to remove stitches and brush away lint.
- Screwdriver - to remove the needle plate, presser foot holder or needle screw.
- Edge / quilting guide - for straight, accurate sewing such as quilting. Slide it into the slot at the back of the presser foot holder and set it to suit your project.
- Needles, foot control, power cord and the extension table.
Presser feet
- All purpose foot (on the machine when it arrives) - for general sewing on most fabrics. Its flat bottom holds the fabric firmly against the feed teeth, and its wide slot lets the needle swing left to right.
- Zipper foot (I) - for zips and piping. It clips onto the holder on either side, depending on which side of the zip you are sewing.
- One-step buttonhole foot - holds your button at the back and sews a buttonhole to fit it.
- Blind hem foot (F) - for blind hems on clothes and home furnishings. Its adjustable guide, with an extension at the front, guides the fold of the hem as you sew.
- Button sewing foot (H) - sits on top of the button with its opening round the holes, to sew buttons on quickly and neatly.
- Roller foot - helps leather, suede, vinyl and velvet flow smoothly under the foot. On softer leather and suede the all purpose foot can give better results.
- Invisible zipper foot - for concealed zips, such as at the side or back of skirts and dresses.
- Overcasting foot - an even, accurate overcast stitch for an overlocked look. The thread locks round the fabric edge to stop it fraying.
Optional extras (not supplied)
More accessories are available for your machine, for example:
- Walking foot
Walking Foot£29.99 - 1/4" quilting foot
1/4" Quilting Foot£11.99 - Satin stitch foot
Satin Stitch Foot£11.99 - Side cutter overlocking foot
Side Cutter Overlocking Foot£31.49
The rest of this manual is for our customers
31 more sections, including step-by-step guides, stitch settings and troubleshooting.
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