r TABLE OF CONTENTS KNOW YOUR SEWING MACHINE Name of parts 45 Accessories 6-7 the to connect the machine to the power supply 8 How to use the foot control 8 Sewing light 8 Thread and needle chart 9 Changing the needle 10 To select a correct needle 10 Take off the accessory box (extension table) 11 Free-arm sewing 1 1 Raising or lowering the presser foot 12 Spool pin 12 Removing and attaching the presser foot 13 Straight stitch foot 14 Thread tension 15 Winding the bobbin 16 Threading the bobbin case 17 Threading the upper thread 18 Bring up the bobbin thread 19 Pattern selector 20 Stitch length dial, reverse stitch 21 BASIC SEWING Straight stitch and zigzag stitch 22 Begin sewing 22 Change sewing directions 22 Fastening seams 23 UTILITY STITCHING Triple stretch stitch 24 Triple straight stretch stitch 24 Triple zigzag stretch stitch 24 3-step zigzag stitch 25 Smocking stitch 25 Overlock stitch 26 Shell stitch 27 Blind hem 27 Sewing buttonholes 28-29 Sewing zippers 30 Sewing embroidery 31 Darning plate 31 MACHINE CARE AND TROUBLE SHOOTING Cleaning the feed teeth 3 Cleaning the shuttle race 3 Trouble shooting; Causes and remedies 34-3E
Oot Controller Model 4C-316s201sJ made by Matsusita Electric Co., for use with sewing machine Models 1911 POLARIZED PLUG CAUTION o reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider ian the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully i the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the roper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way. SEWING MACHINE Record in space provided below the Serial No. and Model No. of this appliance. The Serial No. is located Rear of arm. The Model No. is located Rear of arm. Serial No. 1911 Model No. Retain these numbers for future reference. he sewing machine is for Household Use.
IMI- ORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following: Read all instructions before using (this appliance). DANGER To reduce the risk of electric shock: An appliance should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this appliance from the electric outlet imn after using and before cleaning. WARNING To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons: 1. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this appliance is used by or near children. 2. Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended by the man er as contained in this manual. 3. Never operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or dama mechanical adjustment. 4. Never operate the appliance with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot co free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth. 5. Never drop or insert any object into any opening. 6. Do not use outdoors. 7. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered. 8. To disconnect, turn all controls to the off ( 0 ) position, then remove plug from outlet. 9. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord. DANGER 1. Always unplug before replacing light bulb. Replace the bulb with same type rated 15 watts. 2. Do not reach for an appliance that has fallen into water. Unplug immediately. 3. Do not place or store appliance where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or sink. Do not place or drop into water other Ii
IVARNING 1. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle. 2. Always use proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break. 3. Do not use bent needles. 4. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break. 5. Switch the sewing machine off ( 0 ) when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading needle, changing nee dle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, etc. 6. Always unplug sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user ser vicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual. 7. Never operate on a soft surface such as a bed or couch where the air openings may be blocked. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Thread tension dial 2. Thread take-up lever 3. Bobbin winder thread guide 4. Carrying handle 5. Pattern selector dial 6. Bobbin winder spindle 7. Bobbin winder stop 8. Hand wheel 9. Stitch length dial 10. Reverse lever 11. Needle clamp and screw 12. Needle 13. Needle plate 14. Presser foot 15. Shuttle cover 16. Feed teeth 17. Presser foot thumb screw 18. Accessory box, extension table
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1. Felt pads 2. Bobbins 3. Oil 4. Screw driver (small) 5. Screw driver (large) 6. Needle case 7, Seam ripper 8. ButtonhOle foot 9. Zipper toot 10. Brush ii. Spool pin 12. Sewing light holder (for replacing the bulb) 13. Staight stitch foot 14. Darning plate 7
HOW TO CONNECT THE MACHINE TO THE POWER SUPPLY 1. Push the machine plug into the machine. 2. Plug the machine to the power supply. Note: Before plugging in the machine, ensure that the voltage and number of cycles indicated, is conlormed to your electrical power supply. HOW TO USE THE SPEED CONTROLLER Sewing speed can be varied by the foot control. The harder you press on the foot control, the faster the machine runs. Note: By releasing the foot control, the machine stops running automatically. Before using the machine, practice controlling the speed with out threading. HOW TO REPLACE THE SEWING LIGHT BULB Before replacing a bulb, disconnect the machine from the power supply. To replace the sewing light bulb, use the bulb holder which you may find in the accessory storage. Push the holder from bottom until the lug over the bulb and twist the holder together with bulb counter-clockwise, until the bulb is taken out. To replace the new bulb, twist the holder together with bulb clockwise. 8 -
THREAD AND NEEDLE CHART FABRICS THREADS NEEDLE SIZE Fine Silk LIGHT Crepe de Chine, Voile Fine Cotton WEIGHT Lawn, Organdy, Georgette, Tricot Fine Synthetic Fine Cotton Covered Polyester 9 or 11 50 Silk MEDIUM Linens. Cotton, Pique 50 to 80 Cotton WEIGHT Serge, Double Knits, Percale 50 to 60 Synthetic Denim. Tweed, Gabardine, Cotton Covered Polyester 50 Silk HEAVY 40 to 50 Cotton 11 or 14 Coating, Drapery and Upholstery 14 or 16 WEIGHT 40 to 50 Synthetic Fabric Cotton Covered Polyester Note: In general. tine threads and needles are used for sewing thin fabrics, and thicker threads and needles are used for sewing heavy fabrics. Always test thread and needle size on a small piece of fabric which will be used for actual sewing. Use the same thread for needle and bobbin. When sewing stretch, very fine fabrics and synthetics, use a stretch needle. The stretch needle prevents skipped stitches. When sewing very light weight fabric use stabilizer underneath as needed. -9
the CHANGING THE NEEDLE 1. Turn the hand wheel towards you until the needle is at the highest position. 2. Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning the screw towards you. Remove the needle from the clamp. 3. Place the new needle into the needle clamp with the flat side facing away from you. Push the needle up into needle clamp as far as possible. 4, Tighten the needle clamp screw firmly. SELECT THE CORRECT NEEDLE - A number indicating the size of needle is marked on the Shank shank. The higher the number, Blue tipped needle thicker the needle. BA BLUE TIPPED needle for knits is supplied with the machine. Do not use any needle which is bent or blunt. Always use a C good quality needle and change the needle often. 3 i1 1o-
TAKE OFF THE ACCESSORY BOX (EXTENSION TABLE) As illustrated pull the accessory box foward you. FREE-ARM SEWING This sewing machine can be used as a flat bed machine, or easily converts to free arm machine by removing the extension table. The free arm enables you to sew tubular projects more easily. Just slip the sleeve or pants leg on the free arm as shown. You will find many uses for this free arm feature such as: 1. Mend elbows and knees of garments easily. 2. Sew in sleeves easily. This is especially true when sewing smaller garments. 3. Applique, embroider or hem cuffs or pants legs. 4. Sewing elastic casings in skirts or pants. 11
RAISING OR LOWERING THE PRESSER FOOT 1. By raising or lowering the presser foot lift, the presser foot goes up and down respectively. 2. For additional clearance, the presser foot lift can be raised higher to place heavy or thick fabrices under the foot. SPOOL PIN 1. Take out spool pin from accessory box. 2. Insert the spool pin as illustafed in the direction of arrow into the spool pin base. 3. Put the thread on spool pin. 12
REMOVING AND ATtACHING THE PRESSER FOOT To Remove: 1. Turn the hand wheel towards you until the needle is at the highest position. Raise the presser foot by lifting the presser foot lift. 2. By lifting the lever on the back of the foot holder, the presser foot will drop off. Note: Do not force the presser foot to remove it. To Attach: 1. Place the presser foot so that the pin on the foot lies just under the groove of the foot holder. Lower the foot holder. 2. When the presser foot lift is raised, you ll find the presser foot is locked in place. 13
STRAIGHT STITCH FOOT Snap on the straight stitch foot when sewing fine fabrics with a straight stitch. Quilters find when piecing quilt tops they use the straight stitch foot for smooth accurate seams. Note: Be sure to replace the straight stitch foot with the zigzag foot when sewing any stitch other a straight stitch because the needle will hit the foot. - 14-
How to adjust the bobbin thread tension THREAD TENSION Gener&ly, thread tension should be controlled by the thread tension dial. Bobbin thread tension has been adjusted at the factory and readjustment is rarely needed. Bobbin thread tension is just right when you can pull the thread from bobbin case easily with a little resistance. Top thread tension may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the thread tension dial, if necessary. Properly adjusted thread tension for straight sewing The needle thread and the bobbin thread should interlock in the center of two layers of fabric The upper thread is too tight The bobbin thread ap pears on the upper surface of the fabrics. Loosen the needle thread tension by moving the dial to the lower number The upper thread is too loose The needle thread ap pears on the underside of the fabrics. Tighten the needle thread tension by moving the dial to the higher number. There are several reasons you might reset your tension. The best tension for one fabric may not be correct for another. The required tension depends upon the stiffness of fabric, thickness of the fabric, numbers of layers of fabric being sewn, as well as the type of stitch you are making. It is better to test the stitching on a scrap of the fabric you are using before starting to make a garment. 15
WINDING THE BOBBIN 1 To keep the needle from moving up and down while winding a bobbin, release the clutch by turning the outer hand wheel toward you while holding the inner hand wheel firmly to keep it from turning. Fig.1.3/ 2. Draw thead from spool through bobbin winder tension disc as shown. Fig.2 3. Pull end of thread through hole in bobbin as shown. 4. Place bobbin onto bobbin winder shaft with end of thread coming from the top of the bobbin. Push bobbin winder shaft to the right until it clicks. Holding onto end of thread, start machine. When bobbin is slightly filled, snip off end of thread. 5. Wind thread until winder stops. Remove bobbin. Clip thread. 6. Tighten outer hand wheel. Ni 1 (2 4) N) 5 (L- 4 16
THREADING THE BOBBIN CASE Hold the bobbin between the thumb and forefinger of your right hand and pull off about 15 cm (6 inches> of thread. 1. Hold the bobbin case in your left hand as shown and place the filled bobbin into the bobbin case. Fig.1 2. Pull the thread into the slot in the edge of the bobbin case. Fig.2 3. Now pull the thread under the tension spring and into the thread eyelet. Fig.3 To insert the bobbin case and bobbin Ensure that about 15 cm (6 inches) of thread extends out of bobbin case. Hold the bobbin case so that long finger on the case points up. Open the latch of bobbin case. Slip the bobbin case over the center pin of hook and press in place until long finger of the bobbin case enters notch. Release latch and press down. 17
THREADING THE UPPER THREAD A Raise presser foot lift. B Raise take-up lever to the highest position by turning hand wheel towards you. Thread following numbers - 0. 7 18
eedie thread P\ BRING UP THE BOBBIN THREAD 1 Hold the end of the needle thread with your left hand. (I) 2. Turn the hand wheel slowly towards you with your right hand until the needle goes down and comes up. Then stop the hand wheel when the take-up lever is at its highest position. Lightly pull up the needle thread to pull up a loop of bobbin thread. 3. Pull about 15 cm (6 inches) of both threads away from you under the presser foot. needle thread bobbin thread 19
PATTERN SELECTOR 1 ( ) straight stitch 2 3 ( ) ( ) zigzag stitch triple zigzag (rick rack) stretch stitch pattern selection window pattern selector 4 ( ) triple straight (elastic) stretch stitch 5( overlock stitch 6( smocking stitch 7( 3-step zig zag 8( blind hem stitch automatic buttonhole sewing Turn pattern selector dial until picture of desired stitch appears in the pattern selection window. 20
STITCH LENGTH DIAL To change the length of the stitches; turn the dial so that the number for the required stitch length is at setting mark. The numbers indicate the approximate stitch lengths in mm. The lower the number, the shorter the stitch. REVERSE STITCH: Press down reverse lever and hold for reverse stitching. Fabric will immediately start feeding backwards. Release lever and machine will resume normal forward sewing. Very useful for fastening ends of seams and darts without having to tie threads, and for strengthening seams.
STRAIGHT STITCH AND ZIGZAG STITCH Presser foot zigzag foot Pattern selector ( ) (for straight stitch) Stitch length dial 0.5-4 NW ) (narrow zigzag) (Mv w ) (medium zigzag) (./ N) (wide zigzag) Begin Sewing 1. Be sure both the threads are drawn back under the presser foot. 2. Put the take up lever in the highest position and the threads under the foot to the back and hold them with your left hand. 3. Lower the presser foot, and press the speed controller gently, then start sewing slowly. Sew a few reverse stitches by pushing reverse button for rein forcing the end of seams. Raise the needle to its highest position before turning the pattern selector dial and stitch width dial. To remove fabric easily, stop sewing with the take up lever in the highest position. zigzag foot -22
Changing sewing Directions 1. Stop the machine, and turn the hand wheel toward you to bring the needle down into the fabric, Raise the presser foot. 2. Pivot the fabric around the needle to change direction as desired. 3. Lower the presser foot and continue the sewing. Fastening Seams 1. For fastening the ends of seams, press down the reverse button and sew several reverse stitches. 2. To remove the fabric, raise the presser foot and draw the fabric away from you. 3. Cut threads on thread cutter at the rear of presser bar or with a pair of scissors. Leave about 15 cm (6 inches) of thread through the needle. 23
TRIPLE STRETCH STITCH When sewing stretch fabrics, use this reinforcing stitch to avoid thread breakage. This is also very suitable for seams that need great strength, e.g. crotch seams or pocket seams. TRIPLE STRAIGHT STRETCH STITCH TRIPLE ZIGZAG STRETCH STITCH Presser foot zigzag foot Pattern selector ( Stitch length dial 4 Presser foot zigzag foot Pattern selector ( jcenth dial 4 Note: Use a BLUE TIPPED needle. The blue tipped needle prevents skipped stitches, on knit fabrics. 24
3 STEP ZIGZAG STiTCH SMOCKING STITCH This stitch is very suitable for darning tears. It can also be used for reinforcing stretch materials and overcasting seam allowances. With a narrow strip of fabric directly under the line of gathering, stitch over the gathers. The design will be a series of small diamonds. When smocking a garment, the stitching should be done before the piece is sewn into the garment. Presser foot zigzag foot Pattern selector ( Stitch length dial 0.5-4 Presser foot zigzag foot Pattern selector ( Lceth dial 4 Note: Use a BLUE TIPPED needle on knift fabric. The blue tipped needle prevents skipped stitches. 25
OVERLOCK STITCH With this seam it is possible to sew seams and over cast the edges in one step. Perfect for knits and ribbing. Presser foot zigzag foot Pattern selector ( Stitch length dial 4 Place the fabric under the presser foot so that the stitches are made at the seam line. Lower the presser foot and start sewing. Guide the material lightly. Sew on a piece of scrap fabric to check the machine setting. Trim away excess seam allowance close to stitching. Note: Use a BLUE TIPPED needle for knits. The blue tipped needle effectively prevents skipped stitches. 26
4 mm (1 /6 ) (Fig 2) SHELL STITCH Presser foot zigzag foot Pattern selector ( [ch length dial 1 to 2.5 When sewing this stitch, allow needle to just clear the right edge of the fabric when it zigzags. NOTE: For tricot and soft knits--you may need to increase your tension slightly to achieve the shell affect. BLIND HEM Presser foot zigzag foot Pattern selector ( Stitch length dial 3-4 Press hem in place Fold hem back to the right side as illustrated. Sew along edge of wrong side of hem so that zigzag stitch barely catches fold of fabric. 27
SEWING BUTTONHOLES The built-in buttonhole stitch makes it possible to sew buttonholes quickly and easily without turning the material. Presser foot buttonhole foot Pattern selector Li lii Stitch length dial 0.5 to 1 Raise the foot and the needle to its highest position. Snap on the buttonhole foot for sewing buttonholes. Mark the location and the desired length of buttonhole on the fabric using a pencil or tailor s chalk. U Note: To find the most suitable stitch length, it is better to sew a sample buttonhole on a piece of scrap fabric. When sewing very fine fabrics and synthetics, place a piece of stabilizer under the fabric to prevent distortion. Adjust the forward stitch lenght within the area of the LI mark on stitch length dial. 28
Place your fabric under the foot and put the needle down into the fabric. 2 Remove the button, put the top thread under the foot and to the rear, and lower the presser foot. Set the pattern selector at 11, and sew the left side until the red mark on the fixed part of the foot lines 3 up with the red line the button came to on the sliding part of the foot. 4 Raise the needle and set the pattern selectorto2 Sew 3 or 4 stitches to stitch the bar tack at the buttonhole end. Sew SEWiNG BUHONHOLES (continued) Always stitch a practice buttonhole on a scrap piece of your garment fabric then adjust stitch length as needed. Snap on the buttonhole foot with the red markings to the left. Pull the sliding portion all the way toward you so the red line on the fixed part of the foot lines up with the first red line on the sliding part. Place the button on top of the foot against the needle and make a note of the red line on the left that the button comes to. You will sew until the stitching reaches this line or in the case of thick buttons, to one line beyond the button to allow room to get the button through the buttonhole. Raise the needle and set the pattern selector to I. the right side of the buttonhole until the red line on the fixed part lines up with the first line on the left. (This is the end of the sliding of the foot.) Raise the needle Set the pattern selectorto24. Take 3 or 4 stitches to bartack the end of the buttonhole. Cut the buttonhole carefully with a seam ripper, taking care not to cut the stitching. Note: For heavier satin stitched buttonholes, stitch the buttonhole twice. 29
SEWING ZIPPERS Presser foot. zipper foot Pattern selector ) Lsthtch length dial Raise the foot and the needle to its highest position by turning the hand wheel towards you. Replace the foot with the zipper foot. 1. Pin or baste the zipper tape to the fabric and p ace it in position under the foot. Attach snap on zipper foot so that the needle is on the left side. When starting to sew, both needle and bobbin threads ends should be under the foot and toward the back. I 2. Sew on the right side of the zipper by guiding zipper teeth as close as possible to the needle. Before the foot reaches the slider on the zipper tape, raise the foot and open the zipper while keeping the needle in the fabric. Lower the foot and sew of the the rest of the seam. 3. To sew the left side of zipper change position of the foot to the left side of the needle. Sew in the same way as on the right side of zipper. Zipper foot Needle Zipper teeth Fabric Tape Zipper teeth 30 Fig.3
SEWING EMBROIDERY L_ Presser foot Pattern selector (jd ) zig zag Place the fabric in embroidery hoop. (Not included with the machine.) Place darning plate over needle plate (see below). Lower the presser foot lifter. Hold the embroidery hoop firmly with your hand. or While sewing the desired pattern, move the embroidery hoop slowly and do not allow your fingers to get near the needle. Set the needle thread tension a little looser so that the bobbin thread is not pulled through to the right side of fabric. (see page 15). 1t is recommended to mark the required embroidery pattern on the right side of the fabric with a pencil or tailor s chalk. DARNING PLATE There are a few times when you want to control the feeding of the fabric yourself. Raise needle to its highest position and raise presser foot, Place darning plate over needle plate aligning two pins of darning plate with holes of needle plate. You may then determine the movement of the fabric yourself. See above for embroidery. 31--
CLEANING THE FEED TEETH Unplug the machine from the power supply. It is important to keep the feed teeth clean for smooth sewing. Remove the needle and the presser foot. Unscrew the needle plate set screws with a screw driver to remove the needle plate from the machine. With a brush, clean out dust and lint clogged on the feed teeth. Replace the needle plate.
00 bobbin bobbin case CLEANING THE SHUTTLE RACE (Bobbin Area) Unplug the machine from the power supply. To remove shuttle: Raise needle to its highest position and remove bobbin case. Turn levers away from shuttle and lift out retaining ring and shuttle, by grasping center pin. Clean the under side of feed teeth with a small brush. Remove lint and thread from all parts of shuttle and wipe with a lightly oiled cloth. To reassemble. Hold shuttle by center pin and place carefully back into the shuttle race, forming perfect circle with shuttle driver. Replace retaining ring polished side out, making sure the bottom pin fits into notch. Lock retaining ring by turning levers back into position. Replace bobbin case with bobbin. shuttle driver lever lever shuttle retaining ring 33
TROUBLE SHOOTING: CAUSES AND REMEDIES NEEDLE THREAD BREAKS CAUSE REMEDY Needle not properly threaded Thread properly Thread tension too tight Loosen tension Something wrong with the needle Replace needle Thread is too heavy for needle Change Thread cneck spring is broicen Have a new spring fitted Needle not properly inserted Insert needle property Needle plate. shuttle or sewing foot damaged Replace BOBBiN THREAD BREAKS Bobbin thread tangled because of incorrectly wound bobbin Wind bobbin correctly Bobbin thread not under tension spring on bobbin case Thread bobbin case correctly SKIPPED STITCHES Needle not inserted property into needle bar Place needle property Needle bent or blunt Replace Needle worn Replace NEEDLE BREAKS Needle bent Replace Needle not properly inserted Insert needle property Fabric too heavy or too tightly woven Use larger size needle Pulling on The fabric Do not pull 34
TROUBLE SHOOTING: CAUSES AND REMEDIES THREAD FORMS LOOPS CAUSE REMEDY Thread tension not properly regulated Read instructions tor regulating needle-and bobbin thread tension Upper thread not properly threaded and/or bobbin thread Thread machine properly and/or wind bobbin thread correctly properly wound Thread size not suited to tabric See Size ot needle and thread Thread check spring not working properly Have spring replaced SHRINKING OR PUCKERING OF THE SEAM Tension too tight Read instructions for regulating needle-and bobbin thread tensions Fabric too lightweight to support stitch Place stabilizer under tacric IRREGULAR STITCHES Needle and bobbin threads ot poor quality Use top quaiity threads Bobbin thread unevenly wound Re-wind bobbin MACHINE DOES NOT RUN FREELY AND MAKES NOISE Machine needs oiling Please contact local dealer Dust and thread in shuttle Read instructions on how to clean shuttle race Drive belt tension too tight Contact local dealer - 35