Singer machine needle won't do width in zigzag

If your Bernina 930 record sewing machine is experiencing issues with zigzag stitches and straight stitches, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check the needle: Ensure that the needle is properly inserted and not bent or dull. Replace the needle if necessary, making sure to use the correct needle type and size for the fabric you are sewing.
2. Adjust the stitch width and length: Verify that the stitch width and length settings are properly adjusted for the desired zigzag stitch. Refer to your machine's user manual for instructions on how to adjust these settings correctly.
3. Clean and lubricate the machine: A build-up of lint or lack of lubrication can affect the machine's performance. Clean the bobbin area and other accessible parts of the machine using a soft brush or lint brush. Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the recommended areas as specified in the user manual.
4. Check the tension: Improper tension can lead to skipped stitches. Ensure that the upper thread tension is properly adjusted for the fabric and thread you are using. Consult the user manual for guidance on adjusting the tension correctly.
5. Test with different fabrics and threads: Try sewing on different fabrics using different types of thread to determine if the issue is specific to certain materials. This will help identify whether the problem lies with the machine or the materials being used.
6. Have the machine serviced: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to have your Bernina 930 record serviced by a professional. There could be underlying mechanical issues that require expert attention.

It's important to note that the Bernina 930 record is a vintage sewing machine, and finding a qualified technician with experience working on older models may be beneficial if further repairs or adjustments are needed.

You really do not need a straight stitch needle plate because you can sew straight or zigzag stitches with the plate that came with your machine. Biggest advantage is that you do not have to change the plate to sew. Many people forgot to change it and broke needles when sewing zigzag.

Tension knob on any machine will be in the thread path and usually above the needle somewhere, while the stitch width and length knobs are usually on the right side of the machine. I cant identify your model but on any machine straight stitch is usually a length of 2.5 and width of 0, while a zigzag the width will be set somewhere between 2-4 depending on how wide you need it to be. There is usually a stitch selector of some sort too but many machines, providing the width is set to 0, you will get a straight stitch.

The machine may be slightly out of time so it works in straight stitch but not zig-zag.

Maybe there's a problem with your straight stitch needle plate .Try looking at it. Read Sewing machine reviews.

Most common fault is either a bent or blunt needle or not using the correct type of needle for the fabric you are sewing on

I don't know your model but most machines have 2 common setting devices, namely a stitch width dial (how wide the needle swings) and a stitch length dial, how far apart the stitches are. So a normal straight stitch is "width" set to zero and "length" set to 2.5. If the machine has several different stitches then there may be a "stitch selector" too where you can choose the stitch style, ie zig-zag, 3 step zigzag, blind hem stitch etc.

You could try to locate a manual or threading diagram at various websites or visit sewing.about.com which gives good general information on threading and use.

Try setting the stitch width to 0

You must adjust the program control, to the zig-zag position also.