Arm to select the stitch and it works except for one stitch. However, even when I have selected a stitch it will only zig zag

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.

we don't know what machine you have.

With most machines after you select the Zig Zag setting you then select the normal stitch knob that can be adjusted for long or short stitch lengths and that should also give you adjustment on your Zig Zag stitch length .

The stitch Width selection regulates straight-stitch or zig-zag width. Needle position does not determine straight or zig-zag. Needle position just determines whether the needle's home position is center, left, or right. Needle position can be used with straight or zig-zag stitching.

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.

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.

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!

First, make sure you select the straight stitch setting on the round dial. It is the one that has the dashed lines, looking like the stitch itself. Then, you may also want to be sure that the stitch WIDTH (dial with the picture that looks like a straight line gradually turning into a zig-zag) to the lowest setting, which is generally 0. With some machines, even after selecting a straight stitch setting, moving the stitch width can change needle position. Sometimes it will initiate the zig zag, other times it will move needle position left to right. Does that fix it?

I can't find an image clear enough to actually see the stitch selection on the front of this machine.

Does it have a stitch that looks like three or 4 straight stitches, then one zig zag, then more straight stitches? This is the stitch you want to select to do a shell tuck.

Then hold your fabric with right side up and turn edge under about 8mm and seam along the edge using this stich so that the zig zag stitch goes over the folded edge each time to the right. This should pull in the folded edge a little giving a scalloped edge.

Just do a couple of trials to work out the best position for the folded edge on the needle plate to get the effect right, probably just the edge of the normal straight stitch but it varies for each machine. If your machine does this stitch with a variable adjustment on the width of the zig zag part, then you could finesse it with this too.