Help with singer simple 3116 sewing machine
 

hi, im new to quilting, ive up until now only used my straight stitch, ive got a hardly used singer simple 3116 sewing machine. ive gone over the sewing machine book. my fancy stitches wont work period. ive got some awesome crazy hearts i wanted to zigzag onto blocks for valentines day. the manuel says to just turn the knob to the coresponding design you want and start sewing. anybody else have this problem or know how i can fix it, im good at fixing things.

I can't help, but maybe you could google it? I find all kinds of info by googling.

Good luck, and welcome to quilting. It is adductive, so be aware!

Dina

I don't know your machine, so can't really help, but if all else fails, consider fusible applique for your hearts.

Have you checked the stitch length? p. 40 of your manual http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/438_3116.pdf

This machine gets pretty bad reviews on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/SINGER-3116-Si...dp/B0014MBN5E/

My bet is that the knob mechanism for selecting decorative stitches is broken. Possibly, depending on how the machine is made, you might be able to take the case apart and fix whatever is broken inside. This is what I would do with a vintage machine. However, many of the new cheaper machines have electronic components glued inside the case, so taking the case apart could ruin something else.

thank you, ive got it appart trying to figure whats going on, have tried the stitch distance settings at every level, figure something just isnt kicking in with the knob turn, thanks for yalls help.

I also have a Singer Simple 3116. It is my first and only machine, purchased a couple of years ago. When you turn the knob that would change from straight stitches (A) to a decorative stitch (B, C, D...) does the letter change? When my letter changes there is an audible *thump* as it locks into the next stitch. I used my zigzag (B) to stitch around some letters I fused onto a quilt the other day. I had to play with my stitch length to get it right to the way I wanted it to appear. Once, my machine wouldn't work and it was because I had the bobbin winder set to wind a bobbin and I forgot to slide it back. So when you change the stitch setting, can your machine still operate as a straight stitch? If so, then it sounds like it is the knob that is just spinning and not really catching on to switch the stitch. Hope you can figure it out!

Personally, I'd get rid of the machine. If you have any dealers in your area I would go see what they have, either a new one(NOT a Singer) or a trade in. Lots of times they have higher end traded in machines that are very reasonable, compared to what they cost new.