SINGER 4452 (01) PDF Document

When using the SINGER 4452, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including:

DANGER – To reduce the risk of electric shock:

• An appliance should never be left unattended when plugged in.
• Always unplug this appliance from the electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.

WARNING – To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons:

• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this appliance is used by or near children.
• Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in the manual. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer.
• Never operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water.
• Never operate the appliance with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot controller free from accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
• Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
• Do not use bent needles.
• Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.
• 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.
• 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.
• Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate where aerosol spray products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
• To disconnect, turn all controls to the off (“O”) position, then remove plug from outlet.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

The principal parts of the SINGER 4452 include:

1. Thread tension dial
2. Presser foot pressure adjustment
3. Thread take-up lever
4. Reverse sewing lever
5. Thread cutter
6. Presser foot
7. Needle plate cover
8. Removable extension table/ accessory storage
9. Three needle position dial
10. Bobbin stopper
11. Stitch width dial
12. Stitch length dial
13. Pattern selector dial
14. Automatic threader
15. One step buttonhole lever
16. Horizontal spool pin
17. Bobbin winding spindle
18. Hole for second spool pin
19. Handwheel
20. Buttonhole stitch balance adjustment slot
21. Power and light switch
22. Main plug socket
23. Bobbin thread guide
24. Upper thread guide
25. Face plate
26. Handle
27. Presser foot lifter
28. Drop feed control
29. Foot speed control
30. Power cord

To connect the machine to a power source:

1. Connect the machine to a power source as illustrated in the manual. This appliance is equipped with a polarized plug which must be used with the appropriate polarized outlet.
2. Press main switch (A) to ” I ” for power and light.

Attention: Unplug the power cord when the machine is not in use. Consult a qualified electrician if in doubt of how to connect the machine to the power source.

Foot control: The foot control pedal regulates the sewing speed.

Two Step Presser Foot Lifter: When sewing several layers or thick fabrics, the presser foot can be raised to a higher position for easy positioning of the work. The presser foot will remain raised as long as you hold up the presser foot lifter. As soon as you release it, the presser foot will drop back down to the intermediate position.

Adjusting Presser Foot Pressure: The presser foot pressure of the machine has been pre-set and requires no particular readjustment according to the type of fabric (light-or-heavy weight).

However, if you need to adjust the presser foot pressure, turn the presser adjusting screw with a coin:

• For sewing very thin fabric, loosen the pressure by turning the screw counter-clockwise.
• For heavy fabric, tighten by turning it clockwise.

It is suggested that you turn the screw in one-quarter inch increments so that it can be easily reset to factory settings.

The standard accessories included with the SINGER 4452 are:

• All purpose foot
• Zipper foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Button sewing foot
• Non-stick foot
• Even feed / walking foot
• Clearance plate
• Needles (#16 x 5)
• Needles (#14 x 3)
• Seam ripper / brush
• Edge / quilting guide
• Spool holders (L & S)
• Bobbin (3x)
• L-screwdriver
• Auxiliary spool pin
• Spool pin felt
• Soft cover

1. Place thread and corresponding spool holder on to spool pin.
2. Snap thread into thread guide.
3. Wind thread clockwise around bobbin winder tension discs.
4. Thread bobbin as illustrated and place on spindle.
5. Push bobbin spindle to right.
6. Hold thread end securely.
7. Step on foot control pedal.
8. Trim thread close to the bobbin & then continue winding until bobbin is full.
9. Cut thread, push bobbin spindle to left and remove.

Please Note: When the bobbin winder spindle is in the “bobbin winding” position, the machine will not sew and the handwheel turn. To start sewing, push the bobbin winder spindle to the left (sewing position).

When inserting or removing the bobbin, raise the presser foot and make sure the needle is fully raised. Turn power switch to off (“O”) before inserting or removing the bobbin.

1. Remove the bobbin cover plate by pushing the small tab to the right of the cover towards the right.
2. Insert the bobbin in the bobbin case with the thread running counterclockwise direction (arrow).
3. Pull the thread through the slit (A).
4. Draw the thread clockwise until it slips into the notch (B), while holding the bobbin down with the tip of your finger.
5. Pull out about 15 cm (6 inches) of thread towards the back of the plate and attach the bobbin cover plate (C).

Start by raising the needle to its highest point, and continue turning the handwheel counterclockwise until the needle just slightly begins to descend. You must raise the presser foot to release the tension discs. For safety, it is strongly suggested you turn off the power before threading.

1. Lift up the spool pin. Place the spool of thread on the holder with the thread coming off the spool from the back and place appropriate spool holder next to the spool. For small thread spools, place small side of spool holder next to spool.
2. Draw thread from spool through the upper thread guide and pulling thread through pre-tension spring as illustrated.
3. Thread tension module by leading thread down right channel. During this process it is helpful to hold the thread between the spool and thread guide, as this will help to seat the thread between the tension discs.
4. At the top of this movement pass thread from right to left through the slotted eye of the take-up lever and then downwards again.
5. Now pass the thread behind the horizontal thread guide, and then behind the thin wire needle clamp guide and then down to the needle which should be threaded from front to back.
6. Pull about 6 – 8 inches of thread under the presser foot to the rear beyond the needle eye. Trim thread to length with built-in thread cutter.

Note: Never turn the handwheel away from you as this may cause the timing to be disrupted. Always turn the handwheel counterclockwise (towards you).

Attention: Turn power switch to off (“O”)!

1. Thread upper tension of machine up to the thin wire in front of the needle clamp.
2. Raise the needle to its highest position.
3. Set machine to straight stitch.
4. Press lever (A) down as far as it will go, and gently insert the hook of the threader into the eye of the needle by swinging the lever towards you when it is fully lowered.
5. The threader automatically swings to the threading position (B).
6. Pass thread under thread guide (C), from left to right.
7. Pass the thread in front of the needle around the hook (D) from bottom to top.
8. Release lever (A), by swinging it away from you & then pushing it back up to the resting position.
9. Pull the thread through the needle eye.

1. Hold the upper thread with the left hand. Turn the handwheel towards you (counterclockwise) lowering, then raising needle.
2. Gently pull on the upper thread to bring the bobbin thread up through the needle plate hole.
3. Lay both threads to the back under the presser foot.

Note: If it is difficult to raise the bobbin thread, check to make sure the thread is not trapped by the hinged cover or the Removable Extension Table.

Upper thread tension:

Basic thread tension setting is “4”.

• To increase the tension, turn the dial to the next number up.
• To reduce the tension, turn the dial to the next number down.
• A. Normal thread tension for straight stitch sewing.
• B. Thread tension too loose for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to higher number.
• C. Thread tension too tight for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to lower number.
• D. Normal thread tension for zig zag and decorative sewing. Correct thread tension is when a small amount of the upper thread appears on the bottom side of fabric.

Lower thread tension: The bobbin tension has been set correctly at the factory, so you do not need to adjust it.

Please note:

• Proper tension setting is important for strong seams.
• There is no single tension setting appropriate for all stitch functions, thread or fabric.
• A balanced tension (identical stitches both top and bottom) is usually only desirable for straight stitch construction sewing.
• 90% of all sewing will be between “3” and “5”.
• For zig zag and decorative sewing stitch functions, thread tension should generally be less than for straight stitch sewing.
• For all decorative sewing you will always obtain a nicer stitch and less fabric puckering when the upper thread appears on the bottom side of your fabric.

To select the patterns indicated with the gray color, turn the pattern selector dial. The pattern selector dial may be turned in either direction.

• Use the stitch length dial to adjust the stitch length as desired for the project.
• Use the stitch width dial to adjust the width of the stitch as desired.

To obtain the other patterns, turn the stitch length dial to “S1” or “S2”, select the pattern desired with pattern selector dial, and adjust the stitch width with the stitch width dial.

The needle position can be altered with the “Three needle position dial”.

• For normal work, the needle position is middle.
• For edge stitching or sewing parallel lines of top stitch, select needle position left or right.
• For twin needle stitching, needle position is middle.

Function of stitch width dial: When doing a zig zag or a decorative pattern you can alter the width from 1mm to 6mm. To obtain a very narrow stitch, set the dial to 1, to obtain the maximum 6mm width, set the dial to 6. When the dial is set to 0, you will obtain a straight stitch.

Function of stitch length dial while zig-zag stitching: Set the pattern selector dial to zig zag or any other decorative pattern. The density of zig zag or decorative stitches increases as the setting of the stitch length dial approaches “0”. The smaller the number the closer, or denser the stitches will be. Standard zigzag stitches are usually achieved at “3” or below. Dense zig-zag stitches are called satin stitches.

Function of stitch length dial for when straight stitching: For straight stitch sewing, turn the pattern selector dial to the straight stitch setting. Turn the stitch length dial, and the length of the individual stitches will decrease as the dial approaches “0”. The length of the individual stitches will increase as the dial approaches “4”. Generally speaking, use a longer stitch length when sewing heavier weight fabrics or when using a thicker needle or thread. Use a shorter stitch length when sewing lighter weight fabrics or when using a finer needle or thread.

• The standard setting for sewing a seam is between 2 and 3.
• For basting purposes, set the stitch length all the way to 4 (longest).

1. To begin sewing, set the machine for straight stitch.
2. Set the stitch length to between 2 and 3.
3. Place the fabric under the presser foot with the fabric edge lined up with the desired seam guide line on the needle plate.
4. Lower the presser foot lifter, and then step on the foot controller to start sewing.

Reverse Sewing: To secure the beginning and the end of a seam, press down the reverse sewing lever (A). Sew a few reverse stitches. Release the lever and the machine will sew forward again.

Removing the Work: Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to bring the thread take up lever to its highest position, raise the presser foot and remove work behind the needle and presser foot.

Cutting the Thread: Pull the threads under and behind the presser foot. Guide the threads to the side of the face plate and into thread cutter (B). Pull threads down to cut.

The stretch stitch patterns are indicated with blue and red colors on the pattern selector dial. To select these stitches, turn the pattern selector dial to the desired pattern. Then, turn the stitch length dial to the indicator marked “S1” or “S2”.

Straight Stretch Stitch:

• Set the pattern selector dial to straight stitch.
• Set the stitch width dial to “1”.
• Used to add triple reinforcement to stretch and hardwearing seams. The machine sews two stitches forward and one stitch backwards.

Ric Rac:

• Set the pattern selector dial to Ric Rac.
• Set the stitch length dial to “S1” or “S2”.
• Adjust the stitch width dial to between “3” and “6”.
• Ric rac stitch is suitable for firm fabrics like denim, corduroy, poplin, duck, etc.

For hems on curtains, trousers, skirts, etc.

1. Set the stitch length dial with the range shown on the diagram. Blind hems are normally sewn with a longer stitch length setting.
2. Set the stitch width dial at a setting appropriate for the weight/type of fabric being sewn. Generally, a narrower stitch is used for lighter weight fabrics, and a wider stitch is used for heavier weight fabrics.
3. Turn up the hem to the desired width and press. Fold back against the right side of the fabric with the top edge of the hem extending about 7 mm (1/4″) to the right side of the folded fabric.
4. Start to sew slowly along the fold, so that the needle drops through the edge of the fold.
5. Unfold the fabric when hemming is completed and press.

Note: To make blind hem sewing even easier, use a blind hem foot.

Buttonhole sewing is a simple process. It is strongly suggested to always make a test buttonhole on a sample of your fabric before working on your garment. Stabilizer should always be used when making buttonholes.

1. Using tailor’s chalk, mark the position of the buttonhole on the fabric.
2. Attach the buttonhole foot and set the Pattern Selector Dial to the buttonhole symbol. Set stitch length dial to the buttonhole symbol. Set the stitch width at “6”. The width may need to be adjusted according to the project. Sew a test first to determine this.
3. Lower the presser foot aligning the marks on foot with the marks on the fabric. (The front bar tack will be sewn first.)
4. Open the button plate and insert the button.
5. Lower the buttonhole lever and gently push it back.
6. While lightly holding the upper thread, start the machine.
7. Buttonhole stitching is done in order.
8. Stop the machine when the buttonhole cycle has completed.

Making a Buttonhole on Stretch Fabrics: When sewing buttonholes on stretch fabric, hook heavy thread or cord under the buttonhole foot. When the buttonhole is sewn the legs will overcast the cord.

Stitch density on right and left sides of buttonhole can be adjusted by the buttonhole balance control dial. This dial should usually be in a neutral position (between “+” and “-“).

• If the stitches on the left side of buttonhole are too close together, turn the dial to the left (+). Turning dial to the left opens left side.
• If the stitches on the left side of the buttonhole are too open, turn the dial to the right (-). Turning dial to right closes left side.

1. Move the drop feed control to right side to lower the feed dogs.
2. Change the all purpose foot to the button sewing foot.
3. Set the stitch length to “0”.
4. Place the button and fabric under the Button Sewing foot.
5. Set the machine for zig-zag stitch, then set the width to number “3” – “6”. Turn the handwheel to check that the needle goes cleanly into the left and right holes of the button. Adjust the stitch width, as needed, according to the distance between the holes of the button. Slowly sew on the button with about 10 stitches.
6. Raise the needle out of the fabric. Set the machine for straight stitch again, then sew a few securing stitches to finish.

If a shank is required, place a darning needle on top of the button and sew. For buttons with 4 holes, sew through the front two holes first, push the work forward and then sew through the back two holes.

This foot is used when sewing fabrics such as leather or vinyl.

1. Snap on the Non-Stick Foot. Select desired stitch. Verify that the needle will line up with the opening of the foot before starting to sew.
2. Sew slowly and guide the layers.

Tip: Try using paper clips to hold fabric layers together. Using pins will leave holes in leather and vinyl.

The Even Feed / Walking Foot has its own set of feed dogs that work in conjunction with the sewing machine’s feeding system to aid the movement of the fabric. This is important when sewing several layers of fabric, especially when quilting. This presser foot is also great for matching plaids or stripes and sewing fabrics with nap or pile, to keep them from shifting.

1. Loosen the presser bar screw, then remove the presser bar screw, presser foot holder and foot.
2. Place the Even Feed / Walking Foot onto the presser bar, making sure the bar fits over the needle bar. Replace the presser bar screw. Once it is correctly seated onto the presser bar, secure it in place using a screwdriver.
3. To sew seams in plaid, pile or napped fabrics, place two pieces of the fabric, right sides together, under the presser foot. Select straight stitch, with a medium stitch length setting. Lower the presser foot, then sew the seam from top to bottom.

To sew quilt layers, first secure the top fabric, batting and backing fabric together with pins or basting. Place all layers of fabric together under the presser foot. Lower the presser foot, then sew the layers together.

The Clearance Plate is used to aid in removing or replacing needles. It can also be used to help stitch over thick seams, such as when hemming jeans. The Clearance Plate keeps the presser foot level when stitching over thick areas, preventing the needle from hitting the opening in the presser foot.

Needle Replacement:

• Use the hole in the Clearance Plate to hold the old needle while it is still on the machine. Slide the Clearance Plate up onto the needle, starting at the point of the needle and moving the tool upward on the needle.
• While holding the old needle with the Clearance Plate, loosen the needle clamp screw. Remove the needle.
• Insert the new needle into the hole in the Clearance Plate.
• While holding the Clearance Plate, guide the needle into the needle slot, making sure that the flat side of the needle is toward the back of the machine.
• Tighten with a screwdriver to secure, and then remove the Clearance Plate from the needle.

Sewing Denim Seams:

• Prepare the jeans hem and pin it in place.
• Begin stitching the hem, but stop sewing when the presser foot starts to climb, but before the needle reaches the seam.
• Turn the hand wheel toward you to lower the needle into the fabric. Raise the presser foot using the presser foot lifter.
• From the back side of the presser foot, insert the Clearance Plate up to the seam allowance (you will notice that the presser foot is now level). Lower the presser foot.
• Begin sewing slowly, and continue until you have stitched across the seam.
• After you have sewn across the seam, remove the Clearance Plate, then continue sewing.

• Hold the removable extension table horizontally, and push it in the direction of the arrow.
• To remove the extension table, pull it toward the left.

The inside of the removable extension table can be utilized as an accessory box. To open, flip cover down.

Attaching the presser foot: Raise the presser bar with the presser foot lifter. Loosen or remove the presser shank screw. Line up the opening in the shank with the opening on the presser bar and then tighten the screw. Lower the presser foot shank using the presser foot lifter, until the cut-out is directly above the pin. The presser foot will engage automatically.

Removing the presser foot: Raise the presser foot using the presser foot lifter. Raise the lever on the back of the shank and the foot disengages.

Attaching the edge/ quilting guide: Attach the edge/ quilting guide in the slot as illustrated in the manual. Adjust as needed for hems, pleats, quilting, etc.

Attention: Turn power switch to off (“O”) when carrying out any of the above operations!

Needle, Fabric, Thread Selection Guide:

Needle, Fabric Selection:

For ordinary sewing, keep the feed dogs engaged. For freehand embroidery, sewing on buttons and darning, drop the feed dogs.

• To lower feed dogs: Push lever towards position (b).
• To raise feed dogs: Push lever towards position (a). Turn handwheel towards you until you see the feed dogs re-engage.

Change the needle regularly, especially if it is showing signs of wear and causing problems. Insert the needle as follows:

1. Loosen the needle clamp screw and tighten again after inserting the new needle.
2. The flat side of the shaft should be towards the back.
3. Insert the needle as far up as it will go.

Attention: Turn power switch to off (“O”) before inserting or removing the needle. Needles must be in perfect condition.