Where can I find the setting ring for the tension dial on the elna lotus sp 35.

The tension dial is on the front of the machine right above the needle. The higher the number, the tighter the tension is applied to the top thread. HINT: When threading the top thread, ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot throughout the entire threading process. This allows the thread to seat completely in the tension disk. Tension is correct when the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

Elna Lotus Instruction Booklet

Elna Lotus SP bobbin case repair Removing cotton jam from Elna Sewing...

Elna SP ST SU sewing machine repair tips (I use liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Lube or silicone spray to loosen parts seized from old oil. Do NOT use WD-40, cooking oil, motor oil...)

You will probably need to contact an Elna dealer. Elna does not readily make manuals available.

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I can help you with this, the Elna Lotus has a pretty simple bobbin winding system, the bobbin winder is top right of the machine, drop bobbin with holes to the top onto the spindle. Now Lotus have a dial on the right side which switches between bobbin winding, stitching and locked for transport, turn it to Bobbin symbol. Take the thread from the spool pin at the back across to the metal eyelet at top front (it sits inside the accessory tray when transporting so you may need to pop open the tray lid and flip this eyelet out)
Now take thread across and through a hole on top of the bobbin and holding the tail, put your foot onto the foot control to get a couple of winds onto the bobbin to hold the thread. Now place your finger or the handle of a pair of scissors onto the top of the thread spool to apply tension so that the thread winds evenly and slowly wind the bobbin until about 3/4 full, making sure it winds evenly. Tension onto the spool is the key here, Lotus doesn't have a tension device to control the thread tension as it winds so you need to do this, critical to getting a good stitch out of these lovely machines.

Hope this helps you out.

follow this link for free download
http://www.scribd.com/doc/25386753/Elna-Lotus-Sewing-Instruction-Manual Elna Lotus Sewing Instruction Manual

you could start at sewingpartsonline.com, they have a list of Elna models with manuals and spare parts. You will need to find the model number however, it should be on the right side panel, a little plate with Tavaro SA and a two digit code number. If its a Lotus code might be 15, 25, 35 or 36. Also, if you do have a Lotus, please go to my solutions and find mine regarding winding a bobbin. The Lotus has no tensioner on the bobbin winding so it is critical that you tension the thread by applying your hand or scissors to the top of the thread spool as the thread winds off it and use your finger to nudge the thread so it feeds onto the bobbin nice and evenly. If you bobbin has wound without tension then the thread will be loose and uneven and you will never get a good stitch from it. Also, check that you are clicking the bobbin thread into the tension spring on the bobbin case. I'll attach an image to assist.

If the bobbin case rotates freely it is probable that the pinion gear is broken. Replace the gear, retime machine and voila it works again. Trouble is tough to find the gear anymore good luck it is a good machine and worth the effort

Hi Jeanne, you might want to check out my tip on early Swiss Elnas,

http://www.fixya.com/support/r10602655-acquired_early_swiss_elna_sewing

it should help you get the Lotus going. Lovely machine. If you are in the USA you may also want to contact White Sewing Center as he may have this manual available for sale or a copy of it. www.whitesewingcenter.com.

Remember to use the Elna 7 hole dished metal bobbins, there are 7 holes on the top, and looks like this

Always wind it and insert it into the machine this way. Don't use any other bobbin. Standard needles 130/705H, flat shank to the back.

Check out my other tip on bobbin winding too, it is important to keep tension onto the thread spool that you are winding thread off as the machine doesn't tension the thread for you. So you need to apply pressure to the top of the thread spool as you wind off, use the curved handle of your scissors on the top of the spool.

Feel free to connect to me and ask if you have any other questions, I have a Lotus TSP at home and its almost identical to the SP. Happy stitching.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/25386753/Elna-Lotus-Sewing-Instruction-Manual

Hi,
I did a search and found this post for you. I hope it will help.
The best-known Elna guru is Ray White, aka "Elnaman". He teaches classes on sewing machine repair but his speciality is Elnas. You can order parts or contact him at his website:
http://www.whitesewingcenter.com/index.p…

or you can contact him directly at:
Ray White
White Sewing Machine Center
PO Box 73
Bellview, MO 63623
Phone: 573-697-5841
[email protected]

You can also join the yahoo group "elnaheirloomsewingmachines" where very knowledgeable Elna owners/collectors share information and answer questions. Enjoy your Lotus!