Zig zag stitch is skipping sporatically

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.

Be sure stitch is in between the two fabrics when straight stitch. Adjust tension until stitch is between top and bottom fabric. Use different color top thread to make it easier to see. Once tension is correct sewing straight, switch to zigzag.

Remove hook race and bobbin. Clean area with vacuum.
Replace needle.
Try different thread and fabric.

Are you using a brand new ball-point needle?

Basic Maintenance Tension Skipped Stitches

Yes, because a zig zag stitch is creating a wide stitch and the tension on the thread is going to pull the fabric within the seam together, you can't seam thin fabric with a wide zig zag. It will "tunnel together". If you are using this stitch to neaten a raw edge, then try using the serpentine or three step zig zag where the needle pierces the fabric 3 times in each leg of the zig zag, this will give better results.

Do you have it on zig zag or maybe it is in one of the hem stitches. Make sure you have not selected a special stitch. Sometimes with a small width setting it looks like no zig zag, then when you increase the length you see it is not.

The hook timing is out. If it's very new I'm assuming it's still under warranty. Take it to the place you purchased for repair.

Adjust the tension

sounds like the timing is off and will need a service call to get it reset. your local fabric store should know who you can call.

usually a tension of 3 or 4 is good
only if the presser foot not is not made for zig zag--all the presser foot's that I've seen on new machines do straight stitch & zig zag,, if the opening in the foot is large then manually try a zig zag stitch to see

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.