Trying to sew light indoor outdoor material (zig/zag stitch) keeps getting tangled in the feed dogs and needle keeps sticking in the material from the top. It is mangling my fabric.
Is a new needle? Unfortunately the timing may be messed up and it has to be looked at by a professional. Sometimes you can get a shop to at least tell you what is wrong because a heavier needle should have done the trick, darn it.Is a new needle? Unfortunately the timing may be messed up and it has to be looked at by a professional. Sometimes you can get a shop to at least tell you what is wrong because a heavier needle should have done the trick, darn it.
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If the zig zag function on your Elna Carina sewing machine is not working, there could be a few possible causes:
Incorrect stitch selector: Make sure you have selected the correct stitch on your machine. Double check that you have selected the zig zag stitch, and not accidentally switched to another stitch.
Incorrect stitch width: The stitch width knob on your machine controls the width of the zig zag stitch. Make sure that the stitch width is not set to zero, as this would prevent the zig zag function from working. Adjust the stitch width to the desired size.
Tension issues: If the thread tension is too tight or too loose, it can affect the zig zag stitch. Check your thread tension to make sure it is set correctly.
Clogged machine: Dust, lint, and debris can accumulate inside your sewing machine and affect its performance. Clean your machine thoroughly, including the bobbin area and the feed dogs.
If none of these solutions work, it may be necessary to have your machine serviced by a professional.
First, check if the machine feed dog knob is turned to the left. Make sure that it is turned to the right (look for the zig-zag and straight stitch symbols) as far as it will go. This knob is on the lower right hand side of the front of the machine. It's near the base and below the stitch length regulator. See page 4 of the manual and look for item 22 in the picture. More about the control knob for the feed dog is on page 10.
Next check that the open arm cover is properly seated. This is secured by a screw that is to the right of the needle. See page 50 of the manual. The manual is currently available here: https://media.rainpos.com/4690/bernina_707_717_manual.pdf .
I hope this helps. If the feed dog control is set to sew and the cover with the needle plate is aligned properly, then your machine may have a damaged/broken part deeper in the machine. A replacement feed dog is available, https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/bernina-707-sewing-machine-parts.aspx?index=54 . I'm not sure about other parts for this section of the 707.
the stitch length is set by the amount the foot pulls the material through
adjusting the needle thread tension is the main adjustment to ensure that both threads meet at the center of the materials being sewn
if your question is that the fabric didn't feed when I tried a zig-zag stitch , well then this might be a normal thing to happen on your machine , some machines when set to MAX size zig-zag stitch retract the "feed dogs" as you call them so that the operator can hand move the fabric around under presser foot , this is task called "darn" and its usually for filling large holes in fabric (socks!!) and for adding embroidery too (special needle)
Most sewing machines will cause puckering when zig-zaging, especially when sewing light-weight fabric like chiffon, etc. Try a brand new needle. You can try narrowing the zig-zag so there is not such a large gap between the left & right swing. Can also try loosening the tension a bit so the thread is not pulling so tightly. Another possibility (if your machine has the capability) is to increase the presser foot pressure so there is more pressure applied between the presser foot and the feed dogs. Or, try using a layer of wash-away stabilizer or clean (unused) newsprint paper with the fabric to help give it some stability.
Check to be sure you have not inadvertently dropped the feed dogs on your machine. Dropped feed dogs are used for 'darning' or 'free motion quilting.' Below is info from Troubleshooting Manual:
Fabric does not feed through the machine The feed dogs are lowered. Use the feed dog position switch to raise the feed dogs. 81 The stitches are too close together. Lengthen the stitch length. 42 The wrong presser foot was used. Attach the correct presser foot. 179 The needle is bent or blunt. Replace the needle with a new one. 34 The thread is tangled. Use scissors, etc., to cut the tangled thread and remove it from the race, etc.
Well, I think you confused your machine. Go back to the zig zag and sew on a scrap piece of material. Stop sewing and carefully go back to regular stitching. Make sure your stitch length is correct and you have everything tightened up and the feed dog is raised. If this doesn't help, try doing a button hole stitch for a bit, stop sewing, go to zig zag, stitch a bit and go to the regular stitch and see if that works. If not, you may have to take it in to be reset. Good luck.
I am using a #14 it is getting tangled on the bottom by the feed dogs.
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