My White 1866 is dropping stitches when I have the selector switch on the button hole function, but it can do zig zag stitches just fine using the zig zag selection?

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.

The manual should be helpful:

Brother XL 2600 Operation Manual


FWIW, not all machines have a needle "position" function even though they can make a zig-zag stitch. The home position is the center and the zig-zag selector just sets how wide the stitch will be.

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could you explain more about what the machine zig zag stitch is doing or not doing?

Have you cleaned and oiled your machine??? Clean out all the dust and lint with a soft brush.

Use good quality sewing machine oil (not the stuff in your Grandmother's sewing box, 3-in-1, WD-40, or cooking oil). Liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Oil (from the local hardware store) is a good product for loosening things, but you should follow up with real sewing machine oil.

Open the top lid, the side door over the needlebar, and the bobbin area. Gently move the handwheel (forward, NEVER backward!) and drop ONLY 1-2 drops of oil every place that metal rubs on metal. Do NOT oil belts. Your machine may have oil ports (little holes for oil) so you may want to consult your owner's manual for a picture. Since your stitch selector is not switching to zig-zag, something to do with that mechanism is most likely frozen from lack of oil. Concentrate on that area along with the needlebar side-to-side movement. To help speed up the process, direct heated air from a handheld hairdryer into the internal mechanics. Test. You may need to repeat the process until things are moving freely again. Be sure to place a drop of oil on the bobbin race.

Make sure to oil every time you change a bobbin, every 8 hours of constant sewing, or every 6 months if not in regular use. This will keep your machine healthy--and you happy!

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From the pattern selector (the bigger dial), select the zig-zag stitch. Then, using the stitch length dial (the smaller dial), adjust the stitch length. The closer your stitch length is to "0", the more dense will your zig-zag stitch be.

From the pattern selector (the bigger dial), select the zig-zag stitch. Then, using the stitch length dial (the smaller dial), adjust the stitch length. The closer your stitch length is to "0", the more dense will your zig-zag stitch be.

If the machine is not zig zagging when you select zig zag it will mean the selector finger needs adjusting which is a shop job

The switch could be bad or the mechanics that physically move the needle for the zig zag could be broken/worn. Hope you get it fixed soon!

You have the machine set for blind hem stitching. Change the stitch selector to stretch stitch, which is a single, in line stitching zig zag stitch.

Cheers,
Embroidery Services
San Diego, CA

make sure the pattern selector is set for straight stitch first. If it is set correct then the machine may be "stuck" is zig zag mode. May need to be de greased and then re lubricated.