Stitch length adjustment don't work, fabric will not feed in to machine

It sounds like there might be an issue with the settings or mechanism of your Elna Stitch Craft 4000 sewing machine. Even after adjusting the stitch length, if it continues to sew very small stitches, there are a few things you can try:
1. **Check the Stitch Length Dial**: Ensure that you are adjusting the stitch length dial correctly. Sometimes, the dial may not be turning properly or may be stuck, leading to the machine sewing at the same small stitch length regardless of your adjustments.
2. **Clean and Oil the Machine**: A sewing machine that hasn't been cleaned or oiled in a while can have issues with stitch length consistency. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean out any lint or debris from the machine and oil the necessary parts.
3. **Inspect the Feed Dogs**: The feed dogs are responsible for moving the fabric through the machine. If they are not functioning properly or are obstructed, it can affect the stitch length. Check for any debris or damage to the feed dogs and clean or replace them if needed.
4. **Check the Bobbin Tension**: Incorrect bobbin tension can also cause irregular stitch lengths. Make sure the bobbin is correctly threaded and that the tension is adjusted according to the machine's specifications.
5. **Test with Different Fabric and Thread**: Sometimes, the type of fabric or thread being used can affect stitch length. Try sewing on different types of fabric with different threads to see if the issue persists across various materials.
If none of these steps resolve the problem, it may be necessary to have the machine inspected and serviced by a professional technician. They can identify any underlying mechanical issues that may be causing the small stitch length problem.

Not knowing this exact model or your history with this specific machine, I'll just toss out the following info.

If feeder dogs are not stepping, none of the following applies to your problem. Otherwise;

I believe the 1425 does not have dog up/down selection, therefor it uses stitch length zero (or about) to keep the feeder dogs below the needle plate when embroidery/darning.

Assuming feed dogs are stepping (rotary reciprocation), adjust stitch length toward a longer setting. Eventually this should raise the height of the feed dog step to a point above the needle plate thereby feeding the fabric.

So if choosing a longer stitch length feeds fabric, either the feed dog height needs adjusted, or something else has caused feed dogs to be lower than normal (additional repairs).

Make sure the stitch length is set high enough to actually advance the fabric--the feed dogs actually need to move forward and backward.. The stitch length control controls how much the feed dogs move the fabric. Also, check if your machine has a presser foot pressure control. This manages the amount of pressure the presser foot applies to the fabric, causing the feed dogs to grip the fabric in their movement.

If these do not resolve the issue, you may need to take it for service.

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Is the feed dog raised into sewing position and not dropped as for darning? Feed dogs need to be in the raised position in order to pull the fabric through the machine.

If the stitch length is set too short, it will cause the fabric to barely move thereby causing the machine to stitch in one place.

Raise your presser foot and gently rotate the handwheel and watch the feed dogs. Do they rise when coming to the front of the machine, move toward the back of the machine, drop down below the needle plate, and move forward to the front of the machine again? If so, the feed dogs are working properly.

If the feed dogs never rise, they are in the dropped position for darning or free motion quilting when you would move the fabric manually.

If, on the other hand, the feed dogs do not move at all, then they are seized and you should probably get your machine serviced.

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under the foot around the needle, there should be two rows of what look like teeth, these pull the material through and there will be an adjustment mechanism on the machine. Try leaving the foot up while you run the machine, you should see the teeth going up and down; if they are it is most likely just a case of setting up the amount of pull. I think it is adjusted with the wheel that sets the length of stitch.

Check that the stitch length is set to make ~10 stitches per inch. This stitch is long enough to actually move the fabric. If the stitch length is set too short, the fabric will stay barely move and the needle will stitch almost in place.

Check that the feed dogs have not been dropped for darning or free motion quilting. In this position, they do not rise and are, therefore, unable to contact the fabric to pull it through the machine.

With the presser foot raised and using no fabric, hand rotate the handwheel and watch if the feed dogs actually drop down below the needle plate, move toward the front of the machine, then rise above the needle plate, and move toward the back of the machine. If the feed dogs are moving in this manner, then they are functioning properly.

Is there lint or gunk stuck in the feed dogs? This will restrict the ability of the feed dogs to grip the fabric.

Are the feed dogs worn? Are the little teeth worn so there are no sharp points?

What type fabric are you using? If it is very light-weight or slick fabric, the feed dogs will have a difficult time gripping the fabric. Most machines have a presser foot pressure adjustment so that more pressure is applied between the presser foot and the feed dogs. Consult your Owner's Manual. The adjustment is usually a dial either on the left side of the machine, on the front of the machine located above the needle bar, or on vintage machines it is usually a skrew located under the top lid above the needle bar.

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First, make sure the feed dogs are in the up position and NOT dropped for darning.

Second, check that the stitch length is set to at least a 2 or 2.5 to make sure the feed dogs will actually move the fabric a noticeable distance. The closer the stitch length is set to zero, the closer together the stitches will be until it will sew only in one place because the fabric will no longer advance.

The feed dogs need to move. They should actually rise, move toward the back of the machine, drop down, move forward to the position to again rise--this creates one stitch. If the fabric is not moving, then it is possible that your machine has not been cleaned and oiled recently. Old oil will dry and cause the moving parts to seize.

It was working now it seems to be frozen the needle part wont move


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Without fabric in your machine and with the presser foot raised, do the feed dogs move front->back? Are the feed dogs in the raised position? Is the stitch length at a 10-12 stitch per inch setting so that the fabric actually moves (try increasing the stitch length to see if it makes a difference)?

Does your machine have a presser foot pressure adjustment? If you are sewing light weight fabric, the pressure may need to increased so there is more pressure applied by the presser foot to the feed dogs. You can also try adding a strip of tear-away or wash-away stabilizer to the underside of the fabric as you stitch so the feed dogs have something to grip.

Are the tips of the feed dogs rounded? Could be worn and need replacement.

If the feed dogs are not moving, how long has it been since the machine was cleaned and oiled?

It was working now it seems to be frozen the needle part wont move

If the feed dogs remain below the needle plate, and the feed dog lever does not activate them, then perhaps something is disconnected in the feed dog mechanism. The feed dogs should rise when stitching begins.

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check where the direction button/lever is
it controls the feed mechanism and if it is in the middle the teeth will just go up and down
set it one way and it moves forward and set the other way will go in reverse
it is graduated to provide a stitch length ( number of stitches per 1")

Could be the feed dogs are not advancing the fabric. First check to insure that your stitch length is adjusted correctly. Also insure that the clutch wheel is tightened (little wheel inside the big wheel). If stitch length is set to 1 or 0 (darning setting) this is your problem. If the stitch length is correct then rotate the machine by hand and watch the feed dogs to insure that they are moving in an elliptical pattern and rising above the throat plate. If the feed dogs are not moving then the hex screws securing the connecting rod that connects the feed dog mechanism to the drive shaft may have worked loose. If this is the case the timing will need to be readjusted and the screws tightened.