Bottom tension issue or needle timing issue
In short, zigzag requires the highest accuracy (timing) and tuning (tension) necessary. Zigzag pushes the mechanical machine tolerances to the limit.
A missed stitch is a failure of the top thread to be pulled down and released around the bobbin (thread). See this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc10-O3KoNM
Note how the bobbin thread "hook" captures the small loop of top thread (red) at eye of needle and wraps around the bobbin (blue). This capture of top thread with hook is the "timed" event that has to be set whenever critical components inside the machine are replaced or serviced.
Zigzag requires the needle point to be skewed from the nominal center line or the point at which the hook captures the top thread. This left/right needle movement from the optimal timed position exacerbates the tolerance restrictions imposed by mechanical sewing. Tuning of top thread tension is the usual remedy for missed stitches, but isn't always able to compensate for all variables and/or causes.
Other causes include, bent needle, blunted needle, needle not fully seated, damaged hook/race, debris in race or bobbin, top thread feed uneven (snag), etc.
SOURCE: PFAFF 362 Sewing Machine: The shift
Remove the top cover (grasp and lift straight up), spray with "Tri-Flow, liberally inside. Pay attention to the right 1/2 and behind the front dials.
In Front, each dial has a small square opening on the side, use the tube included with the "Tri-flow" to squirt lube inside them. DO NOT use WD-40.
Run the machine daily for 5-10 minutes (set the dial "C" [top front that goes up to 8] to 0 also set the dial on top of the case to 0. Move the Zig-Zag lever (upper right) from 0 to 4 and back again. Respray with Tri-flow. After a couple of days, if it is still stuck place a hair-dryer or light nearby to warm it up to skin temp.
Between the temp and the oil, it should begin working.
Break a Leg!
SOURCE: Machine sews zigzag although stitch is set at 0 for straight
It must be a design flaw- things don't always last like they are supposed to. I would personally check the physical reason it is not responding... knowing what it would take to make it stop moving- or whatis causing it to. *perhaps the switch isn't working to stop it- or the mechanism that controls it is worn down. If it was new- I'd return it- but there are only a few options at this point.
SOURCE: Singer Touch Tronic 2001 Sewing Machine Stuck on Sewing Straight Stitch Only
I had a similar problem a couple of years ago. I finally figured out that I had the straight stitch needle plate (the one with the single hole), rather than the zig zag needle plate (the one with the curved hole). When I changed plates, it worked fine.
SOURCE: singer machine needle won't do width in zigzag
It sounds like it needs lubrication on the needle bar frame and linkage.
SOURCE: Kenmore 2142 sewing machine won't zigzag.
Before you put the cam in did you make sure the machine was set on straight stitch and then select zig zag?
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