The zig-zag function has just stopped working on my Frister Star 112 - this is because the dial that controls the stitch width is no longer working. It feels as though perhaps a screw has come loose i

If the zig zag function on your Elna Carina sewing machine is not working, there could be a few possible causes:

1. Incorrect stitch selector: Make sure you have selected the correct stitch on your machine. Double check that you have selected the zig zag stitch, and not accidentally switched to another stitch.
2. Incorrect stitch width: The stitch width knob on your machine controls the width of the zig zag stitch. Make sure that the stitch width is not set to zero, as this would prevent the zig zag function from working. Adjust the stitch width to the desired size.
3. Tension issues: If the thread tension is too tight or too loose, it can affect the zig zag stitch. Check your thread tension to make sure it is set correctly.
4. Clogged machine: Dust, lint, and debris can accumulate inside your sewing machine and affect its performance. Clean your machine thoroughly, including the bobbin area and the feed dogs.

If none of these solutions work, it may be necessary to have your machine serviced by a professional.

It really depends on what you want your stitch to look like. A longer stitch length will put more space between the stitches. Shorter stitch length will close the gap between stitches. Stitch width determines how wide the stitch will be.

Get some scrap fabric. One dial is for the width of the zig zag stitch, the other dial is for the length of any stitch. First set both to ZERO. It won't move then set one to half way. This will show you which dial is which. If it is the width dial. You'll get a bar tack. If it is the length dial you'll get straight stitches.

First, make sure you select the straight stitch setting on the round dial. It is the one that has the dashed lines, looking like the stitch itself. Then, you may also want to be sure that the stitch WIDTH (dial with the picture that looks like a straight line gradually turning into a zig-zag) to the lowest setting, which is generally 0. With some machines, even after selecting a straight stitch setting, moving the stitch width can change needle position. Sometimes it will initiate the zig zag, other times it will move needle position left to right. Does that fix it?

Generally on most machines you would set the stitch length dial to 2, and stitch width dial to 2. And the stitching selector to the zig zag icon.

If you give your make and model other experts may provide more specific info for your machine.

Have you also turned the stitch width lever to 3 or 4 to form a swing needle type stitch?

Is this a Lotus SP or a Star Series SP? They should both have a stitch selector, a stitch width dial and a stitch length dial. Stitch width usually 3 or 4 and length usually at least 2 for a zig zag or overcast stitch. Also check the needle position dial, have you perhaps moved this off centre and not moved it back?

Is there a stitch width setting and has to be set to a number greater than zero?

The three front dials are as follows....left to right-Stitch width, type of stitch, and stitch length. The dial on the top adjust the top tension.

For straight stitch you want 0 stitch width, straight stitch, 3 for stitch length.

For zig zag you want turn your stitch width to how wide you want the zig zag, choose zig zag stitch, and choose how close you want the stitches to be on the stitch length dial. Practice on a piece of fabric. Usually for zig zag you will want to loosen your top tension a little bit.

By turning the bottom dial on the righthand side of the machine, you can change type of stitch. For zig zag, you need to set it to B (seen on the front of the machine). You can adjust the width of the zig zag using the same dial.