We have a Singer 6180 - this is the second time of use and all it will do is plain stitch - move to the zig zag stitches and it is only doing is straight stitch.

Lyle Siemens

• 328 Answers
• Posted on Nov 01, 2007

SOURCE: upside down stitching

Sounds like the needle alignment is out.
This website has some instructions on how to properly set it up and also has manuals too.
http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/bsc/public/us/ca/en/faq/faq_list.html?reg=us&c=ca&lang=en&prod=hf_cs8072eus&Cat=53

Hassy

• 1388 Answers
• Posted on Feb 24, 2008

SOURCE: singer sewing machine will not zig zag

Over time, and especially when not used, there is a likelihood of dust and old oil forming a sort of glue, or clag....

Remove the needle for safety, then, when you have the setting on Zig zag, gently push the needle arm to the opposite side of the zig stitch.......release the needle arm, and if it springs back quickly, it is fine, if it moves slowly, or almost not at all, then the clag needs removing with application of few drops of methylated spirit to start, at the sort of piston affair that shifts needle arm L & R .....move the needle arm back & forth until it frees up, a drop of oil to finish.........if almost seized, may require leaving overnight after using a penetrating lubricant if it is really resistant....I have had them on the bench for 3 days with manual manipulation a few times each day before they finally come good.

Denatured alcohol is fine, surgical spirit too, different countries have different names or products, essentially alcohol with few impurities that will evaporate quickly with little residue.

Hope this does work for you, tho' as I said, it may take a little time to penetrate depending on severity........the same applies to the reverse mechanism of many machines when they seize.
If you want any more help with this, just post back here, or, drop a line through the "Contact Us" page at www.bargainbox.com.au

SOURCE: Skipping stitches while zig-zagging

If you have put a new needle in then the chances are the machine has gone out of time, you can either take it in to the repair shop or you can contact me and I will attach timing instructions [email protected]

SOURCE: Zig Zag Stitch not working

THis problem occurred as I was sewing on Neoprene. I was using Gutterman all-purpose thread and a size 80 needle. Tried switching to a size 70, then to size 90. Still unable to zig zag. After inserting a test sample of cotton, the zig zag worked perfectly, so I knew it was not a mecahnical problem. I switched needles again. This time to size 90 for stretch fabric. Voila! Problem solved.

SOURCE: only does zig zag stitches, no straight stitches,

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.