Sewing Machines Logo

Related Topics:

Helene
Helene Posted on Oct 07, 2017
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

I have an Elna SP .. not sure of year. Have changed needles to ballpoint and stretch .. still unable to sew stretch material. What else can i do.

Answer This Question

4 Answers

CJ Rock

CJ Rock

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points
Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.
All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.
MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Elna Master 4,429 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 21, 2019
CJ Rock
Elna Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points
Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.
All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.
MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Dec 08, 2012
Answers
4429
Questions
0
Helped
1643816
Points
15024

I agree with J. Honeybun, you need to get the top/bottom thread tension in balance using a straight short stitch on more typical material, then switch fabric.


But if after all that and still having issues;
The middle slot in the needle plate is wide as well as long. You might try masking tape over the slot (possibly more then one layer) but the tape must be narrow enough to not interfere with the feed dogs. Then bring bobbin thread up through tape and begin sewing.


Priceless machine.... I appreciate that well used look.

fixya.com

Carl Rock Garden Sewing Machines Expert Fixya

fixya.com

View Carl Rock current activities on...

Jill Honeybun

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.
New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.
Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

  • Contributor 6 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 21, 2019
Jill Honeybun
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.
New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.
Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

Joined: Jun 21, 2009
Answers
6
Questions
0
Helped
1497
Points
9

I have been using a machine like this for over 40 years. The only limitation is the operator, and operator error the only problem! Whenever there is a problem, go back to basics. Is it threaded properly, especially the bobbin? Does it stitch woven cotton well? Adjust the stitch length. Finally adjust the width. All on good tempered cotton. Then, and only then, change over to stretch fabric. Do you have a manual for it?

Ad
R.A. Ellis

R.A. Ellis

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points
Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.
All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.
MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Elna Master 12,731 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 08, 2017
R.A. Ellis
Elna Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points
Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.
All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.
MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Jun 12, 2012
Answers
12731
Questions
2
Helped
2616570
Points
59176

Please elaborate on what the machine is doing exactly. Is it not picking up the bobbin thread?

Don A

Don A

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points
Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.
All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.
MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Elna Master 4,473 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 08, 2017
Don A
Elna Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points
Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.
All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.
MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: May 29, 2017
Answers
4473
Questions
5
Helped
1331633
Points
25769

In Stitches Sewing Knits Without Serger SewKnits Com

How to Sew Knit Fabrics with Complete Confidence

How to Sew Knits and Stretch Fabrics with Sewing Machine video

There are many elna machine described as Elna somthing or other SP. You might google "Elna SP videos" and find material pertinent to you.

I inlcude the geneal Elna YouTube link below just to demonstrate the large number of videos for the Elna line.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUoLx1i_-3C7TG7-CGFSEv9E6a0FPOg7k

youtube.com

How to Sew Knits and Stretch Fabrics with Sewing Machine

sewknits.com

In Stitches Sewing Knits Without Serger SewKnits Com

sewknits.com

Special stitch settings are needed...

How to Sew Knit Fabrics with Complete Confidence

thespruce.com

Sewing knit fabrics can be tricky You need to use stitch that stretches and the right machine needles and attachments Here are tips to help

1 Related Answer

Anonymous

  • 255 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 15, 2010

SOURCE: Elna Stella TX - stretch stitches missing on stretch material

Oh yes, a ballpoint needle would indeed help.

Good luck and let me know if this solves the problem.

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

My Elna Contessa 305 is more than 40 years old and still going strong.I am attempting to sew a stretch material but the fabric keeps jamming in the feed dog. Is there a setting I need to change
try less down pressure to the foot
Read full answer
Dec 07, 2020 • Elna Sewing Machines
1helpful
1answer

Can I sew stretch material with my Husqvarna 320?
Of course. Use a ballpoint needle and a zig-zag stitch so the seam will stretch with the garment.
Read full answer
Nov 11, 2017 • Husqvarna Sewing Machines
0helpful
1answer

How can this machine sew synthetic materials? Am unable to use the machine to sew synthetic materials. The machine doesn't stitches. How do I make it work.
If you are sewing knit fabrics, use a ballpoint needle.
All About Needles

Perhaps a roller foot or walking foot would be helpful if the fabric is sticking to the sewing machine surface.
Read full answer
Dec 16, 2015 • Sewing Machines
0helpful
3answers

Why am I having endless problems sewing stretch fabrics even though I'm using the correct needle?
Frequently Asked Questions Singer Sewing
Read full answer
Jun 06, 2015 • Sewing Machines
0helpful
1answer

I have a Pfaff Creative 1475 CD. It only skips stitches on stretch materials. I have tried a ballpoint and stretch needle and it still skips stitches. It sews a 100% correctly on any other type of...
There are a couple things you can do that may help. 1. Float some lightweight paper under the fabric. Sew through the material and the paper. Then tear away the paper.

Secondly make sure you are using a long enough stitch.

If none of these things work.... take it in and have an example of the skipping. Have the machine's timing checked.
Read full answer
Oct 30, 2013 • PfaFF Creative 7570
1helpful
2answers

My very old little elna lotus (not sure if zz or sp) has suddenly jammed solid with the needle down through a piece of material. I can't move the flywheel at tall and I can't free the materia
Try unscrewing the needle, and then pull up the plate, and sort outthe threads very carefully with a quikunpick. When starting to sew, have slightly longer threads, make sure they are behind the needle, and hold them in your left hand. Especially when sewing very fine fabric, start slowly until you are sure the threads are forming properly, then it's OK to speed up. Use your ears, if it doesn't sound right, stop immediately. If you are going to use fine slippery fabric, be sure to do a trial piece first, rather than muck up your project. Elna machines are lovely to use, I've had one for over 40 years, still in daily use. Oiled with one spot of oil each time I use it, fluff regularly cleaned from underneath with the little brush supplied.
Read full answer
Apr 15, 2013 • Elna Sewing Machines
0helpful
1answer

Needles to buy
Hello dear! This specific machine recommends regular 90/14 needles, although it would fit 75/11 as well. These are the standard needle and can be purchased at an sewing, fabric or craft store, as well as even a larger store like wal-mart or meijer. (sewing aisle, usually in the middle of the store). If you are sewing a woven, non-stretch fabric, choose the UNIVERSAL needles that come in the red package, if you are sewing on knit or stretch material, choose BALLPOINT (or "stretch") needles that come in the yellow package. Personally, I use schmetz needles. A little more, but way better. Get to stichin! ;)
Read full answer
Jun 22, 2011 • Euro-Pro 1100
4helpful
1answer

I have a old Elna machine. The air electronic SU 390 B. I have lost the manual and am trying to do buttonholes on a dress. I have forgotten the sequence of nob adjustments to complete the process.
Is this the duplex model with the base that fits into a sewing cabinet?

My Elna booklet lists a SP "air electronic" duplex (CL.39), if so, then it would be same stitches as the 38, yellow front panel, 7 built in stitches and automatic knob with blue markings for buttonholing.

Here is the SU manual images for buttonholing, should be exactly the same for the SP.

tally_girl_4.jpg Instructions are:
use buttonhole foot. turn the 3 dials to buttonhole marked in blue (stitch selection, width and length).
Mark length of buttonhol on the material. Place work under foot with the mark in the middile fo the foot, the start being directly below the needle. sew the first side, raise the needle. Turn stitch width dial to 2, blue. Sew a few stitches for bartack. Raise the needle.
Turn stitch width dial to 3 blue. sew the second side. stop just short of the first side. Raise the needle.
turn the stitch width dial to 4 blue. sew a few stitches for bartack. Raise the needle.
Turn stitch width dial to "fastening off stitch" blue dot. Sew a few stitches, holding back the material by hand. Raise needle, lift pressure foot and remove work, triming off threads.
Open the buttonhole with your seam ripper (put a pin across the end to avoid any nasties).
Read full answer
Aug 26, 2010 • Elna 2007 Mechanical Sewing Machine
1helpful
1answer

My Elna lotus SP (about 40 years) will not pick up thread from the spool
The needle will not pick up the bobbin thread?

Check your manual to be sure the needle is installed correctly.

On most machines this is with the flat side of the needle shaft facing the back of the machine.

Check the needle to be sure it is not bent.

Read full answer
Mar 18, 2010 • Elna Sewing Machines
0helpful
1answer

Elna Stella TX - stretch stitches missing on stretch material
Oh yes, a ballpoint needle would indeed help.

Good luck and let me know if this solves the problem.
Read full answer
Jan 13, 2010 • Elna Sewing Machines
Not finding what you are looking for?

View Most Popular

Sewing Machines

Related Question

My Elna Contessa 305 is more than 40 years old and still going strong.I am attempting to sew a stretch material but the fabric keeps jamming in the feed dog. Is there a setting I need to change

  • Elna Sewing Machines

216 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Popular Questions

My elna sewing machine bobbin

Elna 2007 Mechanical Sewing Machine

Need a manual for Elna 6003 Quilters Dream sewing

Elna Quilter's Dream 6003Q

How do you put a

Elna Sewing Machines

Service manual elna 722010 sewing machine

Elna Sewing Machines

Free manual for Elna 7000 sewing machine

Elna 8007

Top Elna Sewing Machines Experts

Mike Cairns
Mike Cairns

Level 3 Expert

3054 Answers

SmartAviator
SmartAviator

Level 3 Expert

1124 Answers

Ngoro

Level 3 Expert

3523 Answers

Are you an Elna Sewing Machine Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

PDF Manual
Sewing_machine_®_.pdf....

Elna 3210 Mechanical...

Loading...