MODEL REFERENCE
Singer MX60
9 troubleshooting topics · 33 guides

The checks and guides below come from the official manuals for this model.
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Troubleshooting
Find the problem you are experiencingUpper thread breaks6 checks
- The machine is not threaded correctly.
- Rethread the machine.
- The thread tension is too tight.
- Reduce the thread tension. (lower number)
- The thread is too thick for the needle.
- Select a larger needle.
- The needle is not inserted correctly.
- Remove and reinsert the needle. (flat side towards the back)
- The thread is wound around the spool holder pin.
- Remove the reel and wind thread onto reel.
- The needle is damaged.
- Replace the needle.
Lower thread breaks2 checks
- The bobbin case is not inserted correctly.
- Remove and reinsert the bobbin case and pull on the thread. The thread should pull easily.
- The bobbin case is threaded wrong.
- Check both bobbin and bobbin case.
Skipped stitches4 checks
- The needle is not inserted correctly.
- Remove and reinsert needle. (flat side towards the back)
- The needle is damaged.
- Insert a new needle.
- The wrong size or type of needle has been used.
- Choose a needle to suit the thread and fabric.
- The foot is not attached correctly.
- Check and attach correctly.
Needle breaks4 checks
- The needle is damaged.
- Insert a new needle.
- The needle is not correctly inserted.
- Insert the needle correctly. (flat side towards the back)
- Wrong needle size for the fabric.
- Choose a needle to suit the thread and fabric.
- The wrong foot is attached.
- Select the correct foot.
Loose stitches4 checks
- The machine is not correctly threaded.
- Check the threading.
- The bobbin case is not correctly threaded.
- Thread the bobbin case as illustrated.
- Needle/ fabric/ thread combination is wrong.
- The needle size must suit the fabric and thread.
- Thread tension wrong.
- Correct the thread tension.
Seams gather or pucker3 checks
- The needle is too thick for the fabric.
- Select a finer needle.
- The stitch length is incorrectly adjusted.
- Readjust the stitch length. The table supplies no separate stitch-length setting steps.
- The thread tension is too tight.
- Loosen the thread tension.
Uneven stitches, uneven feed3 checks
- Poor quality thread.
- Select a better quality thread.
- The bobbin case is incorrectly threaded.
- Remove bobbin case, thread and insert correctly.
- Fabric has been pulled.
- Do not pull on the fabric while sewing, let it be drawn through by the machine.
The machine is noisy2 checks
- Lint or oil have collected on the hook or needlebar.
- Clean the hook and feed teeth as described.
- The needle is damaged.
- Replace the needle.
The machine jams1 check
- Thread is caught in the hook.
- Remove the upper thread and bobbin case, turn the handwheel backwards and forwards by hand and remove the thread.
Guides
Important safety instructions
Instructions from the manualUse the machine safely17 steps
- Read all instructions and retain them near the machine; pass them to any third party.
- Never leave the plugged-in machine unattended.
- Keep the outlet easily accessible.
- Unplug immediately after use and before cleaning, removing covers, lubricating or other user servicing.
- Use only for its intended purpose and with manufacturer-recommended attachments.
- Closely supervise use by or near children; it is not a toy.
- Do not operate a damaged, malfunctioning, dropped or water-damaged machine: return it to an authorized dealer or service center.
- Keep machine and foot-control ventilation openings clear of lint, dust and loose cloth.
- Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially the needle.
- Use the proper needle plate and straight, undamaged needles; do not pull or push fabric while stitching.
- Wear safety glasses.
- Switch off (0) for needle-area adjustments, including threading, needle changes, bobbin threading and presser-foot changes.
- Do not insert objects into openings, use outdoors or operate near aerosol products or administered oxygen.
- Set all controls off before unplugging; grasp the plug, never the cord.
- Do not put objects on the foot control or use the machine wet.
- Have a damaged LED lamp or foot-control cord replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or similarly qualified personnel.
- Use identical replacement parts for this double-insulated machine.
For cenelec countries only:
Instructions from the manualObserve CENELEC country limitations5 steps
- For CENELEC countries only: children aged 8 or older and people with reduced capabilities or insufficient experience may use the appliance only with supervision or instruction in safe use and understanding of the hazards.
- Children must not play with it or clean/maintain it without supervision.
- Normal operating noise is less than 75 dB(A).
- Use only FC-2902D (220–240 V) foot control manufactured by Zhejiang Founder Motor Corporation, LTD (Vietnam), 4C-326G (230 V) or 4C-336G (240 V) manufactured by Wakaho Electric Ind.
- Co., Ltd (Vietnam).
For non cenelec countries:
Instructions from the manualObserve non-CENELEC country limitations5 steps
- For non-CENELEC countries: persons, including children, with reduced capabilities or insufficient experience should use the machine only under supervision or instruction from a person responsible for safety.
- Supervise children so they do not play with it.
- Normal operating noise is less than 75 dB(A).
- Use only the listed foot controls: KD-1902 or FC-1902 (110–120 V); KD-2902, FC-2902A, FC-2902C or FC-2902D (220–240 V), manufactured by Zhejiang Founder Motor Corporation, LTD (Vietnam); or 4C-316B (110–125 V), 4C-316C (127 V), 4C-326C (220 V), 4C-326G (230 V) or 4C-336G (240 V), manufactured by Wakaho Electric Ind.
- Co., Ltd (Vietnam).
Servicing of double insulated products
Instructions from the manualService double-insulated products4 steps
- This double-insulated product has two insulation systems instead of grounding.
- Do not add grounding.
- Servicing requires extreme care and system knowledge and must be done only by qualified service personnel.
- Replacement parts must be identical to those in the product; look for DOUBLE INSULATION or DOUBLE INSULATED markings.
Machine basics
Instructions from the manualIdentify the front partsView
The front diagram identifies: 1 thread tension dial; 2 thread take-up lever; 3 thread cutter; 4 presser foot; 5 needle plate; 6 removable extension table/accessory storage; 7 pattern selector dial; 8 bobbin winding stopper; 9 reverse sewing lever.
Unpack the machineView
Put the box on a steady, flat surface. Lift the machine out, remove the outer packaging, then remove the remaining packing material and plastic bag.
Identify the rear parts and foot controlView
The rear/control diagram identifies: 1 thread guide; 2 bobbin winder spindle; 3 spool pin; 4 handwheel; 5 power and light switch; 6 main plug socket; 7 bobbin thread guide; 8 handle; 9 face plate; 10 presser foot lifter; 11 foot speed control; 12 power cord.
Connect the machine to power8 steps
- Connect the machine to the power source as illustrated in the manual.
- Use the appropriate polarized outlet for the polarized plug.
- If the plug does not fit fully, reverse it; if it still does not fit, have a qualified electrician install the proper outlet.
- Never modify the plug.
- Consult a qualified electrician if unsure how to connect it.
- Press the main switch to I for power and light.
- The foot-control pedal regulates sewing speed.
- Unplug when not in use.
Raise the presser foot for thick fabrics2 steps
- For several fabric layers or thick fabrics, raise the presser foot to the higher position to make positioning easier.
- The machine is adjusted for normal room temperature; extreme heat or cold can affect stitching.
Identify the supplied accessories2 steps
- Standard accessories are: all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, darning plate, L-screwdriver, seam ripper/brush, two spool-pin felts, three needles and four SINGER Class 15 bobbins.
- For additional feet, attachments and accessories that may be available, consult Singer.
Threading the machine
Instructions from the manualWind the bobbin10 steps
- Put the thread spool and spool-pin felt on the spool pin.
- Pass the thread through the upper thread guide, then clockwise around the bobbin-winder tension discs.
- Thread the bobbin as illustrated and place it on the spindle.
- Push the spindle right, hold the thread end and press the foot pedal.
- After a few turns, release the pedal and thread; cut the thread as close as possible to the spool, as shown.
- Press the pedal again.
- When full, the spool turns slowly: release the pedal and cut the thread.
- Push the spindle left and remove the bobbin.
- While the spindle is in bobbin-winding position, the machine does not sew and the handwheel does not turn.
- Return the spindle left for sewing.
Insert the bobbin5 steps
- Fully raise the needle and switch the power off (0) before inserting or removing the bobbin.
- Open the hinged cover, pull the bobbin-case tab and remove the case.
- Hold the case and insert the bobbin with its thread running clockwise.
- Pull the thread through the slit and under the finger, leaving a 6-inch tail.
- Hold the case by its hinged latch and insert it into the shuttle.

Diagram key
- 1: Open the hinged cover; the bold arrow points downward as the cover opens.
- 2: Pull the bobbin-case tab and remove the case; both fine leader and pull arrow concern the tab/case.
- a: Bobbin-case tab, in compartment 2.
- 3: Insert the bobbin with thread running clockwise; both the bobbin-insertion arrow and curved thread-direction arrow are retained.
- 4: Pull thread through the slit and under the finger, leaving a 6-inch tail; the arrow follows the exiting thread.
- 5: Hold the bobbin case by its hinged latch; the arrow identifies that grip.
- 6: Insert the bobbin case into the shuttle; the retained arrow shows the insertion direction.
Thread the upper thread8 steps
- Switch off for needle-area threading, as required by the safety instructions.
- Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) until the needle is highest and the handwheel mark points up.
- Raise the presser foot to release the tension discs.
- Put the spool and felt on the spool pin.
- Pass the thread through the upper guide, around the next guide as illustrated, down the right tension channel and up the left channel; holding the thread between spool and guide helps.
- Pass it right to left through the take-up lever’s slotted eye, then down.
- Pass behind the thin wire needle-clamp guide and thread the needle from front to back.
- Pull 6–8 inches to the rear beyond the needle eye and trim with the built-in cutter.

Diagram key
- 1 (both): Raise the needle to its highest position with the handwheel mark pointing up and raise the presser foot. The main overview and compartment 1 show the handwheel; the curved arrow shows turning it toward you (counterclockwise).
- 2 (both): Place thread spool and felt on the spool pin; the downward arrows show their placement in overview and compartment 2.
- a: Spool-pin felt, shown beneath the spool in compartment 2.
- 3 (both): Thread through the upper thread guide; overview and compartment 3 retain the same path and arrows.
- 4 (both): Guide thread around the next guide, following the path shown in the overview and compartment 4.
- 5 (both): Lead thread down the right channel and up the left channel; the full two directional paths are shown in the overview and compartment 5.
- 6 (both): Pass right to left through the take-up lever’s slotted eye, then down; overview and compartment 6 show the same path.
- 7 (both): Pass behind the thin wire needle-clamp guide and then thread the needle front to back; overview and compartment 7 retain the path.
- 8 (both): Pull 6–8 inches of thread toward the rear and trim with the built-in cutter; overview and compartment 8 show that final path.
Raise the bobbin thread5 steps
- Hold the upper thread in your left hand.
- Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise), lowering then raising the needle.
- If the bobbin thread is difficult to raise, check that it is not trapped by the hinged cover or removable extension table.
- Gently pull the upper thread to bring the bobbin thread through the needle-plate hole.
- Lay both threads toward the rear under the presser foot.
Adjust thread tension7 steps
- The basic upper-tension setting is 4.
- Turn to a higher number to increase tension, or a lower number to reduce it.
- For straight stitching, balanced top/bottom stitches are normally desired: loose upper tension needs a higher number; overly tight upper tension needs a lower number.
- For zigzag and decorative sewing, a small amount of upper thread should appear on the underside; upper tension should generally be lower than for straight stitching.
- Bobbin tension is factory-set and does not need adjustment.
- No single setting suits every stitch, thread and fabric; the guide states that 90% of sewing falls between 3 and 5.
- Upper thread appearing beneath decorative work gives nicer stitches and less puckering.
Sewing
Instructions from the manualChoose a stitch pattern3 steps
- Turn the pattern-selector dial in either direction to select a stitch.
- The manual shows straight-stitch and zigzag pattern groups for those stitch types.
- It labels a as the pattern-selector dial and b as the reverse-sewing lever.

Diagram key
- a: Pattern-selector dial; turn in either direction to select a stitch.
- b: Reverse-sewing lever.
Sew a straight stitch3 steps
- Select straight stitch.
- Put the fabric under the presser foot with its edge aligned to the desired seam guideline on the needle plate.
- Lower the presser-foot lifter, then press the foot control to sew.
Secure a seam with reverse sewingView
At the beginning and end of a seam, press the reverse lever and sew a few reverse stitches. Release the lever to resume forward sewing.
Remove the work2 steps
- Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) until the take-up lever reaches its highest position and the needle begins descending.
- Raise the presser foot and remove the work behind the needle and foot.
Cut the threadView
Pull the threads under and behind the presser foot, guide them beside the face plate into the thread cutter and pull down to cut.
Sew a blind hem7 steps
- The blind-hem pattern is for stretch fabrics.
- Always make a sewing test first.
- Turn the hem up to the required width and press.
- Fold it back against the fabric’s right side, leaving about 7 mm (1/4 inch) of the hem’s top edge projecting to the right of the fold, as illustrated.
- Sew slowly on the fold so the needle just catches one or two fabric threads.
- Unfold and press when finished.
- An optional blind-hem foot can make this easier.
Sew zippers and piping4 steps
- Use the illustrated straight-stitch setting.
- Switch off to change to the zipper foot; attach it right or left according to the sewing side.
- To pass the zipper tab, lower the needle into the fabric, raise the foot, push the tab behind it, lower the foot and continue.
- The zipper foot also lets you sew cord into a bias strip to make welt or piping.
Use free-motion darning and stippling10 steps
- The darning/embroidery foot is optional and is not supplied.
- Install the darning plate.
- Switch off for foot/shank changes.
- Remove the foot shank and attach the darning/embroidery foot to the presser bar with its lever behind the needle-clamp screw.
- Press the foot firmly from behind with your index finger and tighten its screw.
- For darning, sew around the hole first to secure threads.
- Work the first row left to right, turn the work 90 degrees, then sew over the earlier stitching.
- A darning hoop is recommended.
- You move the fabric manually without the internal feed system; coordinate fabric movement with sewing speed.
- For stippling, select straight stitch and use the optional darning foot while sewing small meandering curves through the fabric and batting layers.
General information
Instructions from the manualInstall or remove the extension table3 steps
- Hold the extension table horizontally and push it into the machine in the illustrated direction.
- Pull it left to remove.
- Its inside is accessory storage; flip the cover down to open.
Change the presser foot and shank4 steps
- Switch the power off (0) for all these operations.
- Push the foot to disengage it from the holder’s cut-out.
- To attach the foot, fit its pin into the holder’s cut-out.
- To remove or attach the shank, raise the presser bar with the foot lifter and remove or attach the shank as illustrated.

Diagram key
- 1: Removing the foot; arrow shows it being pushed out of the holder’s cut-out.
- 2: Attaching the foot by fitting its pin into the holder’s cut-out.
- 3: Removing or attaching the shank after raising the presser bar.
- a (both): Presser bar, repeated in compartments 2 and 3.
- b (both): Presser-foot shank/holder, repeated in compartments 2 and 3.
- c (both): Holder’s cut-out, repeated in compartments 1 and 2.
- d: Foot pin, shown in compartment 2.
- e (both): Presser foot, repeated in compartments 1 and 2.
- + and tightening arrow: Tighten the shank fastening screw for attachment in compartment 3.
- − and loosening arrow: Loosen the shank fastening screw for removal in compartment 3.
Match needle, fabric and thread7 steps
- Match needle size to the thread and fabric weight.
- Sizes 9–11 (70–80): lightweight thin cotton, voile, silk, muslin, interlock, cotton knit, tricot, jersey, crepe, woven polyester, shirt and blouse fabrics; use light-duty cotton, nylon, polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester thread.
- Sizes 11–14 (80–90): medium cotton, satin, kettlecloth, sailcloth, double knit and lightweight woolens.
- Size 14 (90): medium cotton duck, woolen, heavier knit, terrycloth and denim.
- Size 16 (100): heavyweight canvas, woolen, outdoor-tent/quilted fabrics, denim and light-to-medium upholstery.
- For these medium/heavier groups, most medium-size thread is suitable; use polyester for synthetics and cotton for natural woven fabrics, with the same thread above and below.
- Size 18 (110): heavy woolen, overcoat and upholstery fabrics, some leather and vinyl; use heavy-duty thread.
Choose the needle type5 steps
- SINGER 2020 standard sharp needles range from size 9 (70) to 18 (110), for natural woven wool, cotton and silk; they are not recommended for double knits.
- SINGER 2045 scarfed ball-point needles range from 9 (70) to 18 (110), for natural/synthetic woven fabric, polyester blends and knits including polyester, interlock, tricot, single/double knits, sweater knits, Lycra, swimsuit fabric and elastic.
- SINGER 2032 leather needles range from 12 (80) to 18 (110), for leather, vinyl and upholstery, making a smaller hole than a standard large needle.
- For best results, use genuine Singer needles.
- Replace approximately every other garment and/or at the first thread breakage or skipped stitches.
Use the darning plate3 steps
- Use the darning plate for darning or freehand embroidery, installing it as shown to cover the feed teeth.
- Remove it for normal sewing.
- An optional darning/embroidery foot is recommended for free-motion work.
Maintenance and troubleshooting
Instructions from the manualInsert or replace the needle4 steps
- Switch the power off (0) before inserting or removing the needle.
- Replace needles regularly, particularly if wear causes problems; Singer recommends its own brand.
- Loosen the needle-clamp screw, insert the new needle with the flat shaft side to the rear and push it fully up, then tighten the screw.
- Needles must be in perfect condition: bent needles, damaged points or blunt needles can cause problems.

Diagram key
- 1: Needle insertion compartment; push the needle fully upward and secure it with the clamp screw.
- A (upper): Needle-clamp screw: loosen it before replacement and tighten after insertion.
- B (upper inset): The flat shaft side must face the rear.
- C/D (upper): Insert the needle as far upward as it will go; the C and D leaders and upward arrow show the insertion points/path.
- − and loosening arrow: Loosen the needle-clamp screw.
- + and tightening arrow: Tighten the needle-clamp screw after inserting the needle.
- 2: Damaged-needle comparison compartment; needles must be in perfect condition.
- A (lower): Bent needle.
- B (lower): Damaged needle point.
- C (lower): Blunt needle.
Clean and lubricate the machine10 steps
- Unplug from the mains before cleaning.
- Fully raise the needle with the handwheel.
- Open the hinged front cover and remove the needle-plate screws with the screwdriver.
- Brush the feed-teeth area with the supplied brush.
- Remove the bobbin case; swing both hook-retaining arms outward.
- Remove the hook-race cover and hook and clean them with a soft cloth.
- Apply 1–2 drops of sewing-machine oil at the illustrated point.
- Turn the handwheel until the hook race is on the left; replace the hook, race cover and retaining arms.
- Reinsert the bobbin case and bobbin, then replace the needle plate.
- Remove lint and threads regularly and have the machine serviced at regular intervals by a Singer service center.

Diagram key
- 1: Open the hinged front cover and unscrew/remove the needle plate with the needle fully raised; both arrows show removal directions.
- 2: Brush the complete feed-teeth area using the supplied brush.
- 3 (both): The two hook-retaining arms; snap both outward to release the hook-race cover, and back after reassembly.
- 4: Hook-race cover; remove for cleaning and replace afterward.
- 5: Hook; remove and clean with a soft cloth, then replace.
- 6: Lubrication point: use 1–2 drops of sewing-machine oil at the arrowed point.
- 7: Hook race; turn the handwheel until it is in the left position before replacing the hook.
- Disassembly arrows: Outward movement of the retaining arms and removal of cover/hook; reassemble in the written order, then reinsert bobbin case and bobbin and replace the needle plate.
Dispose of the machine safely4 steps
- Recycle according to applicable national electrical/electronic-product legislation.
- Do not put electrical appliances in unsorted municipal waste; use separate collection facilities and ask local government about available systems.
- When replacing an appliance, a retailer may be legally required to take back the old one free.
- Disposal in dumps or landfill can let hazardous substances leak into groundwater and the food chain.
Controls and parts
See the manual diagrams 3 diagrams

Diagram key
- 1: Thread tension dial
- 2: Thread take-up lever
- 3: Thread cutter
- 4: Presser foot
- 5: Needle plate
- 6: Removable extension table / accessory storage
- 7: Pattern selector dial
- 8: Bobbin winding stopper
- 9: Reverse sewing lever

Diagram key
- 1: Thread guide
- 2: Bobbin winder spindle
- 3: Spool pin
- 4: Handwheel
- 5: Power and light switch
- 6: Main plug socket
- 7: Bobbin thread guide
- 8: Handle
- 9: Face plate
- 10: Presser foot lifter
- 11: Foot speed control
- 12: Power cord

Diagram key
- a: All-purpose foot
- b: Zipper foot
- c: Buttonhole foot
- d: Darning plate
- e: L-screwdriver
- f: Seam ripper / brush
- g: Two spool-pin felts
- h: Three needles
- i: Four SINGER Class 15 bobbins
Model details
Model and compatibility
- Bobbins
- SINGER Class 15; the manual lists four among standard accessories.
- Darning foot
- The darning/embroidery foot is optional and is not included.
