HI, I have an old Elna Stella, bought in Australia in 1983. The shank that holds the presser foot onto the column keeps slipping forward. This causes the needle to strike the presser foot at the back edge of the needle hole, instead of passing though it to the hole in the plate over the bobbin. I have repeatedly tightened the screw holding the shank onto the post, but within a few stitches it comes lose again. Can you suggest anything I can do to fix this problem? Thanks Lindy

To Measure: When presser foot is down, measure the distance from the bottom of foot to screw-hole that holds the foot onto the presser bar. Singer slant is for slant needle machine only. A high shank machine measures approximately 1 1/4" from the screw to the bottom of the foot.

Using Standard Low Shank Feet
There are 2 different adaptors available that will allow you to use standard low shank presser feet and snap on feet. Some people prefer this method instead of forking out $20-$50 per Bernina presser foot. If you have other sewing machines, it may make sense financially to invest in more low shank or snap on feet that you can take from machine to machine. If you decide to go this route, I just want to remind you that if your machine uses the presser feet with the sensors, these adaptors will not trigger those sensors.
Use Snap On Presser Feet
This snap on presser foot adaptor is available in both old style and new style. When ordering your generic snap on feet for this shank adaptor, be sure you're ordering the correct maximum stitch width that your machine has. This is a very convenient shank since you're able to quickly switch between many different feet without having to remove the shank.
Use Low Shank Presser Feet
Chances are if you sew, you have low shank feet laying around (or 40). This low shank presser foot adaptor is available in both old styleand new style. Simply install this shank like a normal Bernina foot, and then screw your low shank foot to the shank. If you install a low shank foot onto this adaptor, be sure to test with a wide zig zag to make sure the installed foot is wide enough to accommodate your machines maximum stitch width.

When presser foot is down, measure the distance from the bottom of foot to screw-hole that holds the foot onto the presser bar.

1. Singer slant is for slant needle machine only.
2. A high shank machine measures approximately 1 1/4" from the screw to the bottom of the foot.

You have to remove the shank(that holds your regular presser feet) and then put your walking foot.

Sewing shops are loaded with this stuff. You can order online too. You'll need the make & model number. Do a little research, I think Kenmores are simply repackaged Singers.

Yes, any low shank should work. If it doesn't you can always regift it to someone.

There should be a little **** in the back of the pressure foot bar that you cut the thread on. It normally is about an inch above the pressure foot attachment screw running horizontally.

Elna also bought out a a little black pressure foot screw/combination thread snip that replacded the silver thumb screw holding on the pressure foot shank which serves the same purpose. You wind the thread around it on the left side into a spring loaded crack and pull, it cuts and holds the two ends.

Failing that, a cheap pair of thread snips is another way to solve the problem.

try www.sewingpartsonline.com for replacement parts

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/presser-foot-shank-elna-janome-kenmore-804509000.aspx looks like it is the one you need I think.

Not sure what the problem is.

There is a screw that holds the presser foot shank to the presser bar.

When the presser foot shank is lowered, it snaps onto the presser foot.

See page 26 of the manual - http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html

Presser foot shank and you would contact an Elna dealer for a genuine part. There is also a website; sewingmachinesplus that has several brands and accessories.