Your SINGER C5955 / C5985Q Patchwork Plus
Singer's instructions for the C5955 and the C5985Q Patchwork Plus rewritten in plain English, with every setting kept exactly as Singer intended, and with tips from our team added along the way. Where the two models differ, we say so. 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.
- 🔄Thread with the presser foot up
Raise the presser foot and turn the handwheel towards you until the needle is at its highest point before threading. Threading with the foot down is the number one cause of loops and bird’s nests under the fabric. - 💡Feed teeth back up? Turn the handwheel
After moving the feed teeth lever back up, turn the handwheel towards you one full turn (or start sewing) - the feed teeth won’t rise until you do. - 💡Only use transparent Class 15 bobbins
Use the same transparent SINGER Class 15 bobbins that came with the machine. Other bobbins can cause thread breaks and stop the machine running. - ⚡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 any electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the ones below. Read all the instructions before using this household sewing machine.
Keep these instructions somewhere handy, close to the machine, and pass them on if the machine is ever given to someone else.
This machine is intended for use by adults. Children aged 8 to 12, and people with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or without experience and knowledge, may use it with adult supervision, as long as they have been shown how to use it safely and understand the hazards involved. Cleaning and user maintenance must not be done by children without supervision. Nobody should play with the machine. Children under 8 must not use the machine.
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 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.
- Only use the foot control supplied with the machine, or one supplied by an approved SINGER retailer.
Servicing double-insulated products
This is a double-insulated product: it has two systems of insulation instead of an earth. No earth is provided, and one must not be added. Servicing a double-insulated product needs great care and knowledge of the system, and should only be done by qualified service staff. Replacement parts must be identical to the original parts. A double-insulated product is marked DOUBLE INSULATION or DOUBLE INSULATED.
NoteThis sewing machine is for household use only, not for industrial or commercial use. Please keep these instructions. This manual can be printed.
Machine overview
- Feed teeth lever - at the back of the free arm. Move it from side to side to raise or lower the feed teeth.
- Accessory tray / free arm - gives you a flat surface when sewing and stores your accessories. Take the accessory tray off to use the free arm, which makes it easier to sew things like trouser hems and sleeves.
- Thread cutter - for trimming the threads at the end of sewing.
- Threading slots - the thread path, with the tension discs and take-up lever.
- Reverse button - press and hold to sew in reverse, or to make a tie-off, for example to secure the start or end of a seam.
- Start/stop button - starts and stops sewing without the foot control.
- Thread tension dial - sets the tension for your stitch, thread and fabric.
- Machine operation controls - functions that make sewing easier.
- Display - shows the current stitch and its settings.
- Handwheel - moves the needle and the thread take-up lever by hand.
- Function buttons - set the stitch width and stitch length, and the pattern memory for letters and numbers.
- Stitch chart - shows every stitch on your machine.
Needle area and top of the machine
Needle area
- Needle plate - a flat area around the presser foot, with guide lines for different seam allowances.
- Feed teeth - feed the fabric under the presser foot as you sew.
- Presser foot - holds the fabric against the feed teeth, which draw it through as you sew.
- 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 presser foot from the holder.
- Buttonhole lever - used for sewing buttonholes.
- Built-in needle threader - threads the needle quickly and easily.
- Presser foot bar - holds the presser foot holder.
- Needle clamp screw - holds the needle in place.
- Thread guide - keeps the thread running smoothly when sewing.
- Needle thread guide - keeps the thread running smoothly when sewing.
- Bobbin cover - protects the bobbin while you sew.
- Bobbin cover release button - push it to open the bobbin cover.
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 and presser feet
Supplied with the machine
- Bobbins x 4 - only use the transparent SINGER Class 15 bobbins supplied with your machine. One is already in the machine when it arrives.
- Felt pad - cushions the thread spool when you use the auxiliary spool pin.
- Spool caps - two sizes (large and small) for different spools.
- Auxiliary spool pin - for large spools or speciality threads.
- Brush and seam ripper - for unpicking stitches and brushing away lint.
- L-screwdriver - for removing the needle plate, the presser foot holder or the needle screw.
- Edge / quilting guide - for straight, accurate sewing, for example when quilting. Push it into the slot at the back of the presser foot holder and set it to suit your project.
- Also supplied (not pictured): needles, foot control, power cord and extension table.
Presser feet supplied with both models
- All purpose foot (T) - fitted to the machine when it arrives. For general sewing on most fabrics. Its flat base holds the fabric firmly against the feed teeth, and the wide slot lets the needle swing for each stitch.
- Blind hem foot (F) - for blind hems on clothes and home furnishings. The adjustable guide at the front runs along the fold of the hem.
- Zipper foot (I) - for putting in zips. It fits the holder on either side, depending on which side of the zip you are sewing. It can also be used to make and insert piping.
- One-step buttonhole foot (D) - put your button in the space at the back and the machine sews a buttonhole to fit it.
- Satin stitch foot (A) - for satin stitch and other dense decorative stitches. The groove underneath lets the stitching pass freely.
- Open toe foot - for satin stitch applique and other decorative sewing.
- Button sewing foot (H) - for sewing on buttons by machine. The foot sits on top of the button, with the opening around the holes.
C5955 only
- Cording foot (M) - for sewing cords, thin braids, embroidery floss or yarn on to the surface of the fabric. It can also be used to gather fabric.
C5985Q Patchwork Plus only
- Even feed foot (walking foot) - for sewing several layers, especially quilting, and fabrics with a nap or pile, so they don't shift. It has its own feed teeth that work with the machine's feed.
- 1/4 inch foot - for quilting 1/4 inch seam allowances, and small projects with narrow seams such as baby and doll clothes. The red guide lines help with perfect corners. Only use straight stitch with this foot, and turn the handwheel towards you before sewing to check the needle clears the opening.
- Stitch in the ditch foot - for stitching accurately in the seams of pieced quilts, garments and other projects.
- Multi-line (parallel) sewing foot - clear, so you can line up rows of stitching. The vertical lines space the rows and the horizontal lines help you line up where to start.
- Darning foot - for free motion quilting with straight stitch and the feed teeth lowered. It releases the fabric when the needle is up, so you can move the fabric freely for quilting, monogramming and embroidery.
Optional extras (not supplied)
More accessories are available for your machine. If you have the C5955, the quilting feet that come with the C5985Q can be bought separately:
- Even feed (walking) foot
Even Feed (Walking) Foot£29.99 - 1/4 inch quilting foot
1/4 Inch Quilting Foot£11.99 - Stitch in the ditch (edge joining) foot
Stitch in the Ditch (Edge Joining) Foot£11.99 - Darning / free motion foot
Darning / Free Motion Foot£12.99
Useful for this
Walking Foot (Even Feed)£29.991/4 Inch Quilting Foot£11.99
10-piece Presser Foot Kit£29.99
The rest of this manual is for our customers
36 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.
Order a Singer C5955 / C5985Q Patchwork PlusAlready a customer? Log inBought your machine somewhere else? Get the full manual, plus our Live Sewing Advisor for any sewing question, for 30 days.
Get 30 days' access - £10 one-offA one-off payment of £10 for 30 days - no subscription. Instant access by email, including every interactive sewing machine manual we have.