Elna SU buttonhole- I can't remember the order to set the dials for the automatic button hole function. Anyone know? Thanks

Just stitch the buttonhole without the automatic buttonholer. That's how we do it with machines that don't have the buttonhole function. Buttonholes can be done on any sewing machine that has zig-zag capability. A left/right needle position would be helpful, but if that is not available, just be sure to sink the needle into the fabric BEFORE changing the zig-zag width.

How to sew buttonhole with an old machine

Sew Buttonhole without Buttonhole Foot by Create Kids Couture

Buttonholes without using special feet or cams YouTube

A transcript from the Elna SU manual reads as follows, and the manual can be viewed on line at http://sewingonline.co.uk/instructions/elnasp/

First make a few trial runs with a scrap of material exactly as the buttonhole will be stitched, with the machine adjusted as you intend to use it.
1. Use the embroidery and buttonhole foot. It can be chnged without a screwdriver by using the fixation screw.- With the stitch width knob at "0", turn the selector to zigzag "1".
2. De-center the needle to the left.
3. Set the stitch width knob at 2, with the solid mark on top.
4. Set the stitch length dial between 1/2 and 1/4.
5. a) Mark the desired length on the material.
b) Sew the first side of the buttonhole. Stop with the needle in the material and the mark (right).
c) Raise the foot and pivot the material round the needle. Lower the foot and raise the needle.
6. a) Set the stitch width knob at 4.
b) Sew a few stitches. Raise the needle.
7. a) Set the stitch width knob at 2.
b) Sew the second side and stop just short of the length of the first. Raise the needle.
8. a) Set the stitch width knob at 4.
b) Finish off the buttonhole by sewing a few stitches. Raise the needle.
9. a) Set the stitch width knob at "0".
b) Sew a few stitches to fasten the threads, holding the material back by hand.
10. Open with the buttonhole knife, which you will find in the accessory box.

I don't know that machine, but generally on older machines, you put a buttonhole foot on the machine, set one of the buttons in the back-end of the slot so that it adjusts the size needed automatically. Then you set the machine stitch setting on 1 and set the width to make a satin stitch (a close zig-zag) down one side of buttonhole. You sew until the buttonhole foot makes the button hit near the foot; it will stop you, basically. Then you change stitch dial to 2 to make the bottom of the buttonhole, then 3 to make the other side, then 4 to make the top side. Then you remove the fabric and cut open the buttonhole (I use FrayCheck fist) Try some buttonholes on scrap fabric first, you will figure it out by trial and error.
If your machine is newer, they automatically can sew a buttonhole, but each one does it differently, Sorry.

you should a buttonhole button that must be pushed on the machine
either before you pull the buttonhole lever down or after to let the
sewing machine know what function to use, my sewing machine
won't let me make a buttonhole unless I push the buttonhole button
or yes, like you said the buttonhole foot could be damaged.

some machine have a button hole lever that has to be pulled
down, before they work.
are you using the button hole foot?
if the machine is mechanical, are all the dials set for button hole?
if the machine is electronic are all the settings correct?
also change the needle
if you have the button hole foot on & the button hole lever is down
& a new needle,, the it is possible that the machine needs to be
checked to see if there is something wrong with the buttonhole
function

Bar tack
left side
bar tack
right side

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.

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).

you have to reset the function by turning the dial normally clockwise after each buttonhole

This sewing machine looks exactly like the Berninas that I own, although my are not industrial. You just use the dial to make each side of the buttonhole, only having to set the stitch length to super small. The way you make buttonholes is this:

Think of the buttonhole as a square-ish capital O, with the center of the bottom of the O as the point where the button shank will lie when buttoned. Place the marked buttonhole area under the buttonhole foot, with this bottom point directly under the foot, squarely in the center of the 'hole'.
-Turn the dial to 1 and the long left edge will sew in zig zag stitches; stop the machine at the top of the O.
-Then turn the dial to 2 and the top edge of the O will sew; stop the machine after half a dozen stitches.
-Turn the dial to 3 and the right edge will sew; stop the machine at the bottom of the O.
-Turn the dial to 4 and the bottom edge of the O will sew; stop the machine after half a doze stitches.
-Turn the dial to 5 and run half a dozen stitches; this is a line of straight stitches that will 'tie off' the buttonhole.

Try this with a plain piece of fabric. Just put the fabric under the foot and dial away. You'll see how the stitches stitch.

I'll send a copy of instructions from my manual to you if you want. Email me at: [email protected].