How do I adjust the 'feed dog' height on a Husqvarna Lilly 540?

To adjust the feed dog height on a Kenmore 1690 (158.16900) sewing machine, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn off the sewing machine and unplug it from the power source for safety.
2. Remove the needle and presser foot from the machine.
3. Locate the feed dog adjustment screw, which is usually located on the backside of the sewing machine, near the feed dogs.
4. Use a screwdriver to loosen the feed dog adjustment screw. It might be a slotted screw or a thumbscrew, depending on the model.
5. Gradually adjust the height of the feed dogs by turning the adjustment screw clockwise or counterclockwise. Clockwise rotation raises the feed dogs, while counterclockwise rotation lowers them. Make small adjustments and test with a scrap fabric after each turn to achieve the desired height.
6. Once you have set the feed dog height, tighten the adjustment screw securely.
7. Reinstall the needle and presser foot, and plug in the sewing machine.
8. Test the machine with a piece of fabric to ensure the feed dogs are working properly and at the desired height.

It is important to consult the sewing machine manual for specific instructions related to your model, as the location of the adjustment screw may vary.

Are you using a very thin fabric? If so perhaps you need more pressure, try turning up the pressure wheel a notch. Normal setting is 4 so perhaps up to 5 or 6. But remember to turn it back down when finished.

Not knowing this exact model or your history with this specific machine, I'll just toss out the following info.

If feeder dogs are not stepping, none of the following applies to your problem. Otherwise;

I believe the 1425 does not have dog up/down selection, therefor it uses stitch length zero (or about) to keep the feeder dogs below the needle plate when embroidery/darning.

Assuming feed dogs are stepping (rotary reciprocation), adjust stitch length toward a longer setting. Eventually this should raise the height of the feed dog step to a point above the needle plate thereby feeding the fabric.

So if choosing a longer stitch length feeds fabric, either the feed dog height needs adjusted, or something else has caused feed dogs to be lower than normal (additional repairs).

The feed dogs in all Classic Bernina machines from the 130-180\'s will eventually come out of adjustment. This is due to the so-called cost savings modern manufacturing method of drilling holes in the machine frame parts and using thread forming screws instead of tapping or cutting cylindrical threads and the use of standard fasteners.

Regarding the screw fastener itself having a cylindrical screw form, the Bernina Classic machines used thread forming screws. Not necessarily a bad thing but in this case a dumb idea. Because these screws are not exactly cylindrical, they will not hold tight over time, hence loosening of the feed dog\'s height adjustment. You will need a T-10 Torx screw driver to make the adjustment.

Proceed by opening the bobbin cover door. You will find a rectangular opening to your upper right and will be able to see the screw head of the feed dog adjustment. With the feed dog in the upper most raised position, loosen the screw and lift the feed dog. Tighten the screw.

Check the height of the feed dog by rotating the hand-wheel in the direction of motion until the needle eye is flush with the needle plate. The feed dog teeth will also be flush in the normal position. If too high or too low, readjust to this height and, voila\'..... SewTechnical Home

If it were my machine I would pull the back cover for better access to the rotating shaft and remove the remaining thread. If the thread works its way into the shaft bearings you will have a real mess.

Check they feed dogs are at least one mm above the needle plate. If not check their is no lint under the needle plate. To raise the feed dogs you remove the rear cover and turn a knurled wheel. From the rear it is visible to the right and above the gear that drives the hook.

try a new needle
if the needle is still hitting the needle plate, then it's possible that the machine is out of time and needs to be adjusted, or there is something wrong with the needle bar.

Raise the presser foot lever, and then slide the drop feed lever. Set the lever in the position for normal sewing. The feed dogs can not be raised only by sliding the drop feed lever to . Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise), or press the "Needle Position" button once or twice.

Check whether the feed dogs are coming above the stitch-plate at their maximum height. They should be about 1mm above the stitch plate when driving the material under the foot. I assume, by the way, that you haven't got the feed-dog drop button pushed-in at the handwheel end !!! If the feed-dogs are lower than 1mm, or not above the stitch-plate, the dog cam cam-foller will need adjustment. You have to remove the front cover to get at this and it should be done with a special gauge, so really its a service agent job, however, for what its worth;
With the front cover removed to gain access to the free-arm mechanism, look to the right of the hook race and on the end of the bottom drive shaft there are two black plastic cams . The right-hand one regulates the movement of the dogs front-to-back in association with the stitch-length stepper-motor, which drives the upper shaft in the free-arm. The left-hand cam regulates the up-down movement of the dogs and the cam follower (a piece of right-angled plated metal) has to be adjusted to determine the maximum height of the dogs aboe the stitch plate. The cam follower rubs against the top edge of the dog cam. There should be a small spring that pulls the cam follower down onto the cam at the front - if that's missing, the feed-dogs probably wont move quite correctly. To adjust the dog height, turn the hand-wheel until the feed-dogs are at their maximum height, unscrew the small screw in the left-hand side of the cam follower a couple of turns (dont, for goodness-sake, take it out !) - the feed-dogs should then pop-up above the stitch-plate. You now have a problem without the proper gauge ! You need to gently push the dogs back down against spring pressure until they are the correct height above the stitch-plate and tighten the screw on the cam follower. This should, at least, get over the problem - it wont be exactly right without the gauge and there is another adjustment that should be done to ensure the front and back of the dogs are at slightly different heights, but it should be good enough without this.

Good Luck !!!

Look to see what the height of the presser foot is. A nickle laid beside the feed dogs for comparison will give you an idea. Its height should be the same or slightly less than the nickle. In the high position, at the top of the needle stroke. 1.m.m is the correct height. Worn feed dogs, thick heavy material and binds in the feed nechanism will do the same.

Derek