Thank you for contacting Singer. No, this machine should not have a rattling noise. You will need to take it to a service center to have it looked at. If you visit our website at singerco.com, you can find a service center in your area.

Thank you.

The 8780 Curvy sewing machine is not an embroidery machine. It cannot be "upgraded" to make it into an embroidery machine. The alphanumeric stitches will sew up to 7mm in width.

Make sure your machine is set for straight stitch, that your needle is in the center position and that the needle is also at the highest position. When you swing the threader towards the needle, you want to make sure the hook inside the threader goes into the eye of the needle. Slip the thread under the hook and then pull the thread through the needle by pulling the threader away from you. When you pull the threader, the thread will form a small loop behind the needle, pull this loop using your fingers, pulling the thread under the raised presser foot and to the back of the machine.

Instruction manuals for all of our sewing machines can be found here: http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html. All you need to do is input your model number (8780).

You must input the model number (in this case 8780) in the search bar. A free download option will pop up.

Go here: http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html

Unfortunately your model of sewing machine does not have a mounting bracket in order to secure it to a cabinet. Because it cannot be secured to the base of the cabinet, you will only be able to sit this machine in what is called an airlift cabinet. This type of cabinet allows you to raise and lower the machine rather than flipping it up and down.

Many of the Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts stores offer sewing lessons.

Also, SINGER's Ready, Set, Sew video might be helpful in getting you started and helping you learn how to use all your presser feet. You can purchase the video here: http://www.singerco.com/accessories/sewing_spaces_all.html

The SINGER Universal Carrying Case will fit the 8780.

We suggest you "walk" the needle through the stitch by manually moving it via the handwheel. (Always turn the handwheel towards you to ensure you do not knock out the timing.)

Threading problems

If the thread gathers, loops or bunches underneath the fabric, there is a problem with the upper threading. If the thread gathers, loops or bunches above the fabric, the problem is with the bobbin (lower) thread.

1. Looping/nesting on the underside of the fabric.

This is usually caused by not threading the upper tension disks correctly. With the presser foot lever in the "up" position, and the tension set at 4, follow the threading guidelines at the top of the machine. Hold the spool of thread with your right hand. With the left hand, bring the thread down into the tension channel, around the bottom and up the other side. As the thread comes up the opposite channel, you will hear an audible click (current models only) as the spring engages, and the thread slips between the tension discs. Continue to thread the machine, but do not thread the needle.

Before threading the needle, perform this easy test to make sure the tension disks are threaded correctly. Making sure the presser foot is raised, pull the thread. It should pull easily. Now lower the presser foot, the thread should now resist when you pull it. There should be a significant increase in the tension of the thread. If there is no increased tension, the machine is not threaded correctly.

2. Looping on top of fabric.

This signifies that your bobbin is not inserted or threaded correctly.

Place bobbin in the case with thread winding off counter-clockwise. (The thread should pass over the top of the bobbin and drop off to the right). Slip thread through the notch located slightly to the left at the bottom of the bobbin case and pull it through the tension. Pull thread over top of throat plate and to the back of the machine. (See your instruction manual for details)

The bobbin tension is pre-set at the factory and usually never needs adjusting. However if the bobbin is threaded properly and the problem still persist, remove the bobbin case and adjust the screw on the side of the bobbin in small increments. Adjust as needed until loops disappear.

Loose threads or fibers caught in the tension discs and using the incorrect bobbins may also cause problems with sewing. Even though the plastic bobbins may look the same, they are not. The class 66 plastic bobbins are slightly beveled or rounded; the class 15 bobbins are flat and taller.

Always turn the handwheel TOWARDS you; to turn it in the opposite direction will knock the timing out.

A good suggestion is to use a contrast color thread in your bobbin for test purposes. This will help you recognize how your tension works.