Firstly will it sew any stitches that require the needle to swing from side to side? the serpentine stitch or blind hem stitch?
As this machine is now 20+ years old (but a beautifully made Swiss Elna, don't junk it) I must ask firstly has it had a full service recently?
What can happen with these (and many machines if left for a bit) is that the needle bar bearings will sieze up and the needle won't swing from side to side. It can certainly be fixed if this is the case, I've done it with a TSP and a SU Air Electronic machine.
Other possibility is that the spring that pulls the neeld bar back to position may have broken. Check this as follows. Set stitch width dial to 4, stitch selector to zig zag and press the needle bar to the right, place your finger high on the bar, not down on the needle itself. If it moves to the right freely, then release it and it should move back to centre itself if the spring is there.
If the bar does spring back slowly and the machine hasn't been serviced for some time; then good chance its the bearings. You may want to take it for a full service as a technician can check out the timing also as well as giving it a full clean and lube internally.
SOURCE: upside down stitching
Sounds like the needle alignment is out.
This website has some instructions on how to properly set it up and also has manuals too.
http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/bsc/public/us/ca/en/faq/faq_list.html?reg=us&c=ca&lang=en&prod=hf_cs8072eus&Cat=53
SOURCE: Elna Carina Zig'Zag Stitch Issue
Over time, and especially when not used, there is a likelihood of dust and old oil forming a sort of glue, or clag....
Remove the needle for safety, then, when you have the setting on Zig zag, gently push the needle arm to the opposite side of the zig stitch.......release the needle arm, and if it springs back quickly, it is fine, if it moves slowly, or almost not at all, then the clag needs removing with application of few drops of methylated spirit to start, at the sort of piston affair that shifts needle arm L & R .....move the needle arm back & forth until it frees up, a drop of oil to finish.........if almost seized, may require leaving overnight after using a penetrating lubricant if it is really resistant....I have had them on the bench for 3 days with manual manipulation a few times each day before they finally come good.
Bargain Box
SOURCE: zig zag won't work
Make sure stitch width slider is not set to zero. If not then you either have a bind in the needle bar pivot or an electrical problem (bad stepper motor or bad circuit board).
I can't remember if this machine has a twin needle lock out, if so turn it off.
Good Luck!
SOURCE: Zig Zag Stitch not working
THis problem occurred as I was sewing on Neoprene. I was using Gutterman all-purpose thread and a size 80 needle. Tried switching to a size 70, then to size 90. Still unable to zig zag. After inserting a test sample of cotton, the zig zag worked perfectly, so I knew it was not a mecahnical problem. I switched needles again. This time to size 90 for stretch fabric. Voila! Problem solved.
SOURCE: only does zig zag stitches, no straight stitches,
make sure the pattern selector is set for straight stitch first. If it is set correct then the machine may be "stuck" is zig zag mode. May need to be de greased and then re lubricated.
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