Despite adjusting the stitch length and width to maximum setting the stitches are no larger than 3mm. Advice gratefully received. The tension dials are set at 4

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.

Doing a google search for the brand plus model number for a user guide or YouTube videos might find what you are looking for. That it is a Necchi doesn't supply the model number and of course models differ. On a 537L model, the large knob on the right side about halfway between the top and bottom of the machine adjusts stitch length. The numbers may range from 0 to 5 with 0 meaning no length and 5 being the largest length. Tension, stitch length and stitch width are all controlled by small dials on the front of the Necchi machine. If your stitch length is set to 0, the sewing machine will not feed the fabric. Incorrect tension will cause poor stitch quality. You must consult you machine's user manual to know how to adjust the tension as the procedure differs among machines. Here is a general guide, however:

How to Adjust the Tension on Sewing Machine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-7bnb_6EBU Necchi

It really depends on what You envision yourself doing with the sewing machine and then finding the machine that has the most functions that fit your needs.
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Empisal 889:

• 36 Stitch functions
• Front load bobbin
• On/off switch
• Left and middle needle position
• 18 Stitches
• 4 Step buttonhole
• Stitch width control
• 4.5mm Maximum stitch width
• Soft cover
• 4.5mm Maximum stitch length

• Reverse stitch
• Twin needle
• Free arm
• Carrying handle
• Uncoupling bobbin winder
• Clip on, clip off foot
• Drop feed
• Sews on buttons
• Zipper foot

Empisal Expression 889 Sewing Machine Empisal Sewing Machines

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Empisal Creations

:

• 4 Step buttonhole
• 19 Built-in stitch patterns
• Oscillating hook
• Sews on zips
• Adjustable stitch length: 0 - 4mm
• Adjustable zigzag stitch width: 0 - 5mm
• On / Off swithch
• Free Arn
• Accessories
• Reverse stitching
• Horizontal spool holder
• Self uncoupling bobbin winder

• Cover on accessory compartment
• Large working surface
• Thread cutter
• Adjustable presserfoot pressure
• Built-in tension
• Darning plate
• Fold away carry handle
• One touch snap on foot
• Versatile utility stitches
• Sews through heavy fabrics
• LED lighting

Empisal Creations Sewing Machine Empisal Sewing Machines
https://www.russells.co.za/empisal-creations-sewing-machine

Your AE 68 will have three dials across the front, from L-R, stitch selector, stitch width and stitch length. To sew any stitch with a sidewise needle movement, you will need to turn the stitch selector to that stitch on the selector, then turn the stitch width to between 3 and 4 and the stitch length to a similar setting, adjusting to get the stitch formation you need. To sew with the discs, set all the dials to zero, then insert a cam into the Elnagraph on top of the machine. Then turn the selector to the disc icon, and the stitch length around to the "S" and stitch width to 4.

Don't use reverse if using the elnagraph stitches.

the stitch length is set by the amount the foot pulls the material through
adjusting the needle thread tension is the main adjustment to ensure that both threads meet at the center of the materials being sewn

Hello

The stitch dial for the length is located all the way on the right side of the machine and is factory set at the setting "3," which is a 3mm or 1/8 inch length. Turn the dial up or down to adjust the length. For example, the setting "4" is 4mm (5/32 inch) and "2" is 2mm (5/64 inch).

The width of the serged seam is dependent on the needle or by adjusting the knob for the width. With the left needle only sewing, the width is set to 7/32 inch, and with the right needle only sewing, it is set to 9/64 inches. Additionally, by pushing in the width adjustment knob behind the front cover, the stitching can be adjusted manually from 1/8 inch to 17/64 inch wide.

Hello,
#1- tension settings, set this to "5" and leave it
#2- width control setting, 0 would be straight while 5 would be the full width of the stitch (would make a wide zig zag)
#3- Length control, larger the number, longer the stitch. (usually you will set this from 1.5 to 2.5)
#4- Stitch selector, match up the number with the stitch you want to sew. If you want to use the lower row of stitches (14-25) set the length dial to "ss". (ss stands for stretch stitch, such as for #14 (three rows of straight dashed lines) instead of just sewing one stitch forward, the machine will sew back and forth giving you a stretchy stitch/stronger)

Let me know if you need more help :) Chris

there are generally two variable controls .. one adjusts the stitch length (distance between stitches measured in stitches per inch) ... the second is stitch width .. that adjusts how far the zigzag moves left and right .. thats usually just a number from 0 to 10 or so .. 10 would be maximum width .. 0 would be used for straight stitch ..
so you need to adjust the stitch width control to make the stitching narrower .. the controls are called different things on different brand sewing machines .. if you have the brand and model number then there may be instruction booklets available ...

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.

A good standard tension setting is usually around 4.5.
If you find it to be looping on the bottom, raise your top tension. If it's pulling bobbing thread to the top, lower your top tension.
For straight stitch, your stitch width should be set to zero, although on some machines (and I believe your Baby Lock to be one of them,) the stitch width setting will change your needle position.
Stitch length is simply a matter of preference.

-R