1972 Singer Stylist 513 Zig-Zag Sewing Machine Instruction Manual (P/N 116286-001)

This Singer instruction manual covers the Stylist 513 Zig-Zag sewing machine, from initial setup and stitch selection to routine care. The publication is identified as Form K8751 (179), P/N 116286-001.

Text search and navigation: PDF text search and embedded bookmarks are not available. A printed table of contents and index help you locate individual subjects.

• Threading and setup: Bobbin winding, needle and bobbin-case threading, needle and presser-foot changes, and adjustment of stitch length, pressure and thread tension.

• Stitch controls: Straight, zig-zag and satin stitching, plus Flexi-Stitch pattern selection, needle positioning, stitch width and stitch-balance adjustment.

• Garment construction: Twin-needle stitching, blindstitch hemming, zipper insertion, corded and ladder seams, decorative appliqué, shell edging and machine-worked buttonholes.

• Fabric repair: Mending tears, repairing stretch garments and seams, reinforcing stress points with bar tacks, and darning with or without an embroidery hoop.

• Routine maintenance: Hook-area cleaning and lubrication, cover and bobbin-case removal and replacement, light bulb replacement, cabinet removal and the Performance Checklist.

The illustrated setup explanations make this guide suited to home sewers learning the machine's controls and owners carrying out routine cleaning and care.

Machine Setup and Operation

The setup section explains the electrical connections, combined power and light switch, and speed controller.

Needles and fabrics: The Fabric, Thread and Needle Table pairs fabric types with thread choices and needle styles. It covers Style 2020 for general sewing, Style 2045 for knits and stretch fabrics, and Style 2032 for leather.

Separate material guidance addresses leather-look vinyl, deep-pile fabrics and ciré tricot. These sections explain how fabric behavior affects sewing choices.

Flexi-Stitch adjustment: Ric-Rac, Slant Overedge and Straight Stretch have illustrated selector settings. The Adjusting Stitch Balance diagrams compare correctly formed and uneven patterns, while the tension illustrations distinguish balanced stitching from puckering or loose stitches. Separate guidance explains the lighter needle-thread tension needed for zig-zag work compared with straight stitching.

Stretch Seams, Twin Needles and Garment Finishes

The Stretch Stitch Chart links each pattern to suitable applications. For overedged seams, the text distinguishes overedging on firmer fabrics from mock overedging on bulky knits and fabrics that curl or fray.

Twin-needle instructions cover Style 2028, separate thread paths through the tension assembly, and the permitted needle positions and stitch widths. Buttonhole illustrations distinguish side stitching from bar tacks.

Darning guidance separates work with the regular presser foot from free-motion work using the feed-cover needle plate and an embroidery hoop. The zipper foot and blindstitch hem guide also receive their own fitting and use instructions.

Cleaning, Access and Performance Checks

Cleaning coverage includes the tension discs, take-up lever, thread guides and rotating hook, with illustrations showing oiling points. Access procedures cover the top and bottom covers, face plate and portable carrying-case base.

The Replacing Bobbin Case illustration supports the instructions for locating the case beneath the position plate and checking for binding after installation. Slide-plate replacement is also explained if the plate becomes disengaged.

Cabinet instructions distinguish machines equipped with a spring-assist plate and cord clip. Singer warns that removing the cabinet hinges can damage the cabinet wood. The Changing the Light Bulb illustration shows the pin-lock fitting and accompanies a warning against attempting to unscrew the bulb.

The Performance Checklist directs attention to threading, needle condition, tension, lint and damaged sewing components when thread breaks. These checks help you assess basic causes before arranging a repair; the introductory notes also connect skipped stitches with damaged or incorrectly inserted needles.

Service scope: Mechanical overhaul, hook-timing adjustment and electrical repair are outside this instruction book's coverage. It contains no wiring diagrams.

Singer's maintenance precautions require disconnecting the power supply before opening covers, cleaning or replacing the light bulb.

Printable PDF and Included Pages

A printable 64-page PDF in English: 60 numbered pages plus four unnumbered pages comprising the front cover, introductory owner notes, serial-number record/publication page and cabinet advertisement. All four unnumbered pages are already included in the total.