I have an older Elna Lotus SP and I can't get the bobbin to spin. I'm pretty sure I have the bobbin in correctly (right side up, thread through the 'spring' in the back so it 'clicks' and up through hole near the needle. I've cleaned, oiled, and changed the needle, but can't get it to pick up the lower thread. Any help would be great! My Grandma gave me this machine, so I would assume it worked last time used. My mom had the same one but recently passed away, so have no one to help!

The tension dial is on the front of the machine right above the needle. The higher the number, the tighter the tension is applied to the top thread. HINT: When threading the top thread, ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot throughout the entire threading process. This allows the thread to seat completely in the tension disk. Tension is correct when the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

Elna Lotus Instruction Booklet

Elna Lotus SP bobbin case repair Removing cotton jam from Elna Sewing...

Elna SP ST SU sewing machine repair tips (I use liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Lube or silicone spray to loosen parts seized from old oil. Do NOT use WD-40, cooking oil, motor oil...)

try another needle-- one for the fabric being sewed

make sure the top thread has not come off the thread take up lever

clean under the needle plate and in the bobbin area for lint


make sure the bobbin is inserted into the bobbin case correctly

make sure the bobbin is turned the correct way in the bobbin case

I can help you with this, the Elna Lotus has a pretty simple bobbin winding system, the bobbin winder is top right of the machine, drop bobbin with holes to the top onto the spindle. Now Lotus have a dial on the right side which switches between bobbin winding, stitching and locked for transport, turn it to Bobbin symbol. Take the thread from the spool pin at the back across to the metal eyelet at top front (it sits inside the accessory tray when transporting so you may need to pop open the tray lid and flip this eyelet out)
Now take thread across and through a hole on top of the bobbin and holding the tail, put your foot onto the foot control to get a couple of winds onto the bobbin to hold the thread. Now place your finger or the handle of a pair of scissors onto the top of the thread spool to apply tension so that the thread winds evenly and slowly wind the bobbin until about 3/4 full, making sure it winds evenly. Tension onto the spool is the key here, Lotus doesn't have a tension device to control the thread tension as it winds so you need to do this, critical to getting a good stitch out of these lovely machines.

Hope this helps you out.

you could start at sewingpartsonline.com, they have a list of Elna models with manuals and spare parts. You will need to find the model number however, it should be on the right side panel, a little plate with Tavaro SA and a two digit code number. If its a Lotus code might be 15, 25, 35 or 36. Also, if you do have a Lotus, please go to my solutions and find mine regarding winding a bobbin. The Lotus has no tensioner on the bobbin winding so it is critical that you tension the thread by applying your hand or scissors to the top of the thread spool as the thread winds off it and use your finger to nudge the thread so it feeds onto the bobbin nice and evenly. If you bobbin has wound without tension then the thread will be loose and uneven and you will never get a good stitch from it. Also, check that you are clicking the bobbin thread into the tension spring on the bobbin case. I'll attach an image to assist.

If the bobbin case rotates freely it is probable that the pinion gear is broken. Replace the gear, retime machine and voila it works again. Trouble is tough to find the gear anymore good luck it is a good machine and worth the effort

Try unscrewing the needle, and then pull up the plate, and sort outthe threads very carefully with a quikunpick. When starting to sew, have slightly longer threads, make sure they are behind the needle, and hold them in your left hand. Especially when sewing very fine fabric, start slowly until you are sure the threads are forming properly, then it's OK to speed up. Use your ears, if it doesn't sound right, stop immediately. If you are going to use fine slippery fabric, be sure to do a trial piece first, rather than muck up your project. Elna machines are lovely to use, I've had one for over 40 years, still in daily use. Oiled with one spot of oil each time I use it, fluff regularly cleaned from underneath with the little brush supplied.

Hi Jeanne, you might want to check out my tip on early Swiss Elnas,

http://www.fixya.com/support/r10602655-acquired_early_swiss_elna_sewing

it should help you get the Lotus going. Lovely machine. If you are in the USA you may also want to contact White Sewing Center as he may have this manual available for sale or a copy of it. www.whitesewingcenter.com.

Remember to use the Elna 7 hole dished metal bobbins, there are 7 holes on the top, and looks like this

Always wind it and insert it into the machine this way. Don't use any other bobbin. Standard needles 130/705H, flat shank to the back.

Check out my other tip on bobbin winding too, it is important to keep tension onto the thread spool that you are winding thread off as the machine doesn't tension the thread for you. So you need to apply pressure to the top of the thread spool as you wind off, use the curved handle of your scissors on the top of the spool.

Feel free to connect to me and ask if you have any other questions, I have a Lotus TSP at home and its almost identical to the SP. Happy stitching.

The needle will not pick up the bobbin thread?

Check your manual to be sure the needle is installed correctly.

On most machines this is with the flat side of the needle shaft facing the back of the machine.

Check the needle to be sure it is not bent.

Hi,
I did a search and found this post for you. I hope it will help.
The best-known Elna guru is Ray White, aka "Elnaman". He teaches classes on sewing machine repair but his speciality is Elnas. You can order parts or contact him at his website:
http://www.whitesewingcenter.com/index.p…

or you can contact him directly at:
Ray White
White Sewing Machine Center
PO Box 73
Bellview, MO 63623
Phone: 573-697-5841
[email protected]

You can also join the yahoo group "elnaheirloomsewingmachines" where very knowledgeable Elna owners/collectors share information and answer questions. Enjoy your Lotus!