When zig zagging over a raw edge, the tension on the thread will pull in the fabric, especially in lightweight cottons or even lighter organza. Its not the best edging method for very light weight fabrics. You can try using a smaller zig zag, loosening off the top tension a little bit. Or if your machine has it, use the triple zig zag or serpentine stitch, where the needle goes through the fabric three times to make up each zig stitch, this stitch is better for edging most fabrics and is my preferred stitch.
SOURCE: Elna Carina Zig'Zag Stitch Issue
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.
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SOURCE: zig zag won't work
Make sure stitch width slider is not set to zero. If not then you either have a bind in the needle bar pivot or an electrical problem (bad stepper motor or bad circuit board).
I can't remember if this machine has a twin needle lock out, if so turn it off.
Good Luck!
SOURCE: It sews straight just fine.
Get a copy of your manual for $10 at www.sewingmanuals.com and you can check out the problem. Kind of hard to help when the machine is not there.
SOURCE: The 6 built-in stitches (such
I have the same model, have you turned the first knob on left, the stitch selector, to the stitch you want? Then turn the middle knob, the stitch width to "4". Use the colour guide marks shown in the little picture on left of the knobs so you are dialing up the right settings. So for the zig zag, elastic blind hem, scallop, overcasting and multi-stretch stiches, 1-6 on the diagram you'll be setting the left knob to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively and the stitch width and length knobs to "green", you can vary the length and width to suit what you want.
Then for the cams, you need to set everything zero, turn stitch selector to 7, the cam setting. then turn the width to orange again (3-4) and the stitch lenth selector to the orange setting, right around the knob. This engages the "Elnagraph" the device under the flap on top of the machine to read the discs. Basically the green stitches the needle is swinging from side to side while the feed dogs move the fabric forward, making your zig zags, blind hems etc.
But when you engage the Elna graph, the machine matches stiches by moving the fabric "forward and backwards at certain times, while the needle does its thing from side to side. This is what makes elastic or stretchy type stitches because you are putting "stretch" into the seam by sewing forwards and backwards.
Please note: always turn your stitch width and length back to Zero BEFORE you make any changes to the left knob and select a new stitch as this saves on wear and tear to the moving parts in these wonderful machines.
I do hope this assists you and I haven't just told you stuff you already knew!
SOURCE: My Elna SU will only do straight stitching it will
I have the same model, have you turned the first knob on left, the stitch selector, to the stitch you want? Then turn the middle knob, the stitch width to "4". Use the colour guide marks shown in the little picture on left of the knobs so you are dialing up the right settings. So for the zig zag, elastic blind hem, scallop, overcasting and multi-stretch stiches, 1-6 on the diagram you'll be setting the left knob to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively and the stitch width and length knobs to "green", you can vary the length and width to suit what you want.
Then for the cams, you need to set everything zero, turn stitch selector to 7, the cam setting. then turn the width to orange again (3-4) and the stitch lenth selector to the orange setting, right around the knob. This engages the "Elnagraph" the device under the flap on top of the machine to read the discs. Basically the green stitches the needle is swinging from side to side while the feed dogs move the fabric forward, making your zig zags, blind hems etc.
But when you engage the Elna graph, the machine matches stiches by moving the fabric "forward and backwards at certain times, while the needle does its thing from side to side. This is what makes elastic or stretchy type stitches because you are putting "stretch" into the seam by sewing forwards and backwards.
Please note: always turn your stitch width and length back to Zero BEFORE you make any changes to the left knob and select a new stitch as this saves on wear and tear to the moving parts in these wonderful machines.
I do hope this assists you and I haven't just told you stuff you already knew!
Testimonial: "Thanks so much for taking the trouble to reply. I will check everything you have said. The machine is 30 years old so maybe worn out."
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