Necchi 4825, cannot get machine to sew the different stitches - have tried adjusting width/length just all come out as some form of zig zag - arggh!

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.

If you haven't removed the top to clean and oil the cams then likely they are stuck, hence zigzag.

It should set the width automatically when buttonhole is selected. Set the length to fine stitch.

Hello, Annelien -

Unless your manually operated sewing machine has switches to realign your sewing machine needle to make zig zag stitching, as is demonstrated in this YouTube video (starting at around 6:30 minutes in the video):
https://www.fearlessmakers.com/manual-sewing-machine-works/
you cannot. Note: The machine in the video is a Necchi brand sewing machine.

Without knowing the model number of your manually operated Singer sewing machine, I cannot try to find operating instructions for it to determine if your machine has zig zag stitching potential.

Best wishes.

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.

You need to take the width setting up to 4 and length down to 2 or less if you want a close zig zag. You may not want it that wide but usually 4 is the maximum width.

There is probably also a stitch selector if your machine has several stitch patterns it can do. I've looked at an image at http://www.stevekraftrepair.com/uploads/resized-P9200750.JPG and it looks to me like the left hand knob on the front of the machine is the stitch selector and is colour coded in with the images on the front panel. I just can't make out which number is the zig zag, it could be the red number 4??? So you would put this dial onto the zig zag, then turn the other dial up to a wider stitch width and I am guessing that the little blue box lower down the case has the reversing button and the stitch length setting.

Usually it pays to turn the width to zero BEFORE you make changes to the stitch selector, most machines seem to like being treated this way, ie engaging cams inside the works.

Also, it is always a good idea to check what foot you have on before you start sewing a swing needle stitch just to make sure that you don't hit the foot with the needle. Some feet are designed for straight stitch only and have a little hole but obviously this is not going to work for a zigzag stitch.

I hope this is of help and that I have understood your problem.

The three front dials are as follows....left to right-Stitch width, type of stitch, and stitch length. The dial on the top adjust the top tension.

For straight stitch you want 0 stitch width, straight stitch, 3 for stitch length.

For zig zag you want turn your stitch width to how wide you want the zig zag, choose zig zag stitch, and choose how close you want the stitches to be on the stitch length dial. Practice on a piece of fabric. Usually for zig zag you will want to loosen your top tension a little bit.

You can do all of these stitches by using different combinations of your stitch selector, stitch width and stitch feed knobs, for instance, on the panel I can see on your machine:

http://www.jo-ann.com/joann/product/images/52659.jsp?CATID=cat3122&PRODID=prd11333

Stitches 1, 2 & 3 are straight stitches, centered, left and right. Really basic stuff, not different stitches at all. 4,5,6,7 & 8 are zig-zag stitches of different widths. 9 is the widest zig-zag (no. 8) on a finer stitch length, etc...

I think you should try and get an instruction manual for your machine. After a lengthy search of my usual manual sources, I've determined that that this may not be so easy. I think you should contact White on their 800 number and let them try and help you... 1-800-331-3164.

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