Sewing machine Just want to know how to use stitch selector, it really does not explain completely on instructions

We need to know the make & model machine.

If it is an older mechanical Kenmore, more than likely it is seizing due to old oil turning to glue inside the machine. Unfortunately, these old machines were made too well as the manufacturers never anticipated the machines would be around for 50 years. However, as mechanical machines they do need regular cleaning and oiling with a good quality oil, ie liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Lube or "good quality" sewing machine oil.

Either the stitch width regulator is broken or stuck or the mechanism that drives the needle bar is stuck. With plenty of time, patience, elbow-grease & Tri-Flow, your sewing machine will probably be sewing like new.

I've used the following method to free up some great old mechanical machines and they operate like new again:

http://www.fixya.com/support/t25934410-wheel_right_side_controls_needle_up_down

Also, be sure to change the needle frequently, ie every 8-16 hours of use. Most sewing issues can be resolved with a new needle.

could you explain more about what the machine zig zag stitch is doing or not doing?

See the suggested answers for your question. If it is a mechanical machine, the oil has probably solidified and is not allowing you to change the stitch length selector.

Something you might try is opening the machine and directing hot air from a handheld hairdryer into the internal mechanism concentrating on the location of the stitch length selector. This may help loosen it up.

Consult your owner's manual and follow the instructions for cleaning and oiling your machine. Use ONLY fresh good quality sewing machine oil and apply only 1-2 drops each spot.

...

Download the instruction manual for your machine free at the Singer Sewing Machine site. It will tell you how to do that.

I'm not sure what you've actually got, since your question mentions two different machines. Straight stitch is typically the default setting (the thing that comes up automatically) on computerized or electronic machines. On other machines, there may be an indicator for straight stitch (often stitch 0 or 1 if numbered), or it may be a zigzag stitch of width 0, length whatever.

You can download a manual for your White machine from the Singer website, link is
http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/1111_white-1760-xl-x.pdf

Here are the relevant pages from the manual:



Straight stitch settings as follows:
stitch length on 2.5 (selector marked with blue arrow)
stitch width on zero (no swinging of the needle) selector marked with red arrow
stitch selector on A - selector marked with green arrow

Generally all sewing machines will have a similar three controls, because all stitches are a combination of moving the fabric forward a certain amount between the needle going through the fabric - the stitch length; and moving the needle from side to side - the stitch width.

And then a stitch selector for different stitch forms such as a blind hem or shell stitch where the needle is going through a series of different moves in sequence to form a special stitch. You still have the width and length controls to vary this formation.

For general sewing machine information www.sewing.about.com is excellent, there is lots of pages on general tips, cleaning, threading up and sewing machine know how. Try this page to start http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachineindex/ig/Sewing-Machines.--9k/

If you are a beginner, then I'd recommend printing out the instruction manual for your machine and putting into a binder, placing beside the machine, and carefully read from the beginning going through all the instructions to wind a bobbin, thread up, three or four times until you can do it without reading the manual, then practice stitching out each of the stitches your machine does. Buy a cheap exercise book and on each page, write the name of the stitch, staple the stitch sample in and either write down the settings used or glue in a photo taken of the machine controls you used. This way you can quickly flick through and refer to your settings next time. ADjusting the top tension dial will also adjust the stitch formation so read the manual and set the tension dial to the setting it suggests but sometimes you'll need to adjust it slightly to get the stitch looking even (balanced between top and bottom thread), especially for zigzags.

Practice a bit and you'll soon feel much more confident using the machine. Also, refer to the cleaning and oiling instructions and do it regularly, along with changing the needle for each new sewing project, about 4-6 hours sewing time. The needle is the most important part of a sewing machine, always use the right sized needle for the fabric. Refer here for info http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachineindex/ig/Sewing-Machine-Needles/

I hope this helps you with your White sewing machine, there are lots of great sewing machine books on the market too or in your public library to refer to. Also taking beginner sewing classes will really help you learn how best to use your machine. I've been sewing for over 38 years but still enjoy going to a class and learning a new technique from another enthusiast - life long learner!!

Hi Sue,

I found that the blanket stitch is also called a "whip stitch" or a "crochet stitch" and looks like this:



I tried to look for instructions or a manual on the web for your machine, but there's little to find. I did find a picture of the stitch selector - and it looked to me that the RED "D" or "F" :



was as close as that machine was going to get to it. I'm not a sewing machine person - so that may not be correct.

Good luck!

Have you turned the stitch width and stitch length selectors back to zero each before trying to change the stitch selector wheel? Really important to always do this.

Have you resolved this issue now?

You can do all of these stitches by using different combinations of your stitch selector, stitch width and stitch feed knobs, for instance, on the panel I can see on your machine:

http://www.jo-ann.com/joann/product/images/52659.jsp?CATID=cat3122&PRODID=prd11333

Stitches 1, 2 & 3 are straight stitches, centered, left and right. Really basic stuff, not different stitches at all. 4,5,6,7 & 8 are zig-zag stitches of different widths. 9 is the widest zig-zag (no. 8) on a finer stitch length, etc...

I think you should try and get an instruction manual for your machine. After a lengthy search of my usual manual sources, I've determined that that this may not be so easy. I think you should contact White on their 800 number and let them try and help you... 1-800-331-3164.

If you found this helpful, please vote generously as I receive nothing other than acknowledgement for my time.