Singer 9970 Instruction Manual - Page 45

Clearance Plate : This is an optional accessory. The Clearance Plate is used to help stitch over thick seams, such as when hemming jeans. The presser foot tilts as it sews on and off thick seams areas. The Clearance Plate keeps the presser foot level when stitching over thick areas, preventing the needle from hitting the opening in the presser foot. The Clearance Plate is also used to aid in removing or replacing needles. Sewing Denim Seams 1. Prepare the jeans hem and pin it in place. 2. Begin stitching the hem, but stop sewing when the presser foot starts to climb, but before the needle reaches the seam. 3. Turn the hand wheel toward you to lower the needle into the fabric, then raise the presser foot using the presser foot lifter. 4. 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. 5. Begin sewing slowly, and continue until you have stitched across the seam. Turn the hand wheel toward you to lower the needle into the fabric, then raise the presser foot. 6. Place the Clearance Plate now in front of the presser foot. Lower the presser foot and slowly sew a few stitches until the back side of the presser foot has cleared the thick seam. 7. Turn the hand wheel toward you to lower the needle into the fabric, then remove the Clearance Plate. Continue sewing. Needle Replacement 1. 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. 2. While holding the old needle with the Clearance Plate, loosen the needle clamp screw. Remove the needle. 3. Insert the new needle into the hole in the Clearance Plate. 4. 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. 5. Tighten with a screwdriver to secure, and then remove the Clearance Plate from the needle. Edge Joining Foot : This is an optional accessory. The Edge Joining Foot guides trims sewn to an edge. 1. Snap on the Edge Joining Foot. 2. Place the edge of the fabric against the left side of the Edge Joining Foot's guide. 3. Place the edge of the trim against the right side of the Edge Joining Foot's guide. Both pieces should have the right sides facing up. 4. Set the machine to ZigZag or Ladder Stitch. 5. Turn the hand wheel toward you, ensuring that the needle does not hit the guide. 6. Sew, keeping both the fabric and the trim next to the guide to join them together. 45