Needle position.
 

Recently I was given a vintage Dressmaker ZigZag Machine. I am doing prertty well with it. My expensive Viking needs repair.
However, one thing really bothers me. The needle stays in the left position and that makes sewing difficult and often breaks a needle.
If I use the zigzag feature it works fine and the needle moves from left to right. But it stops and stays on the left side. I don’t want to take this in for repair. Maybe I can fix it. Sending a picture
Thank you for your help. [ATTACH=CONFIG]603673[/ATTACH]
I am new to this forum and really looking forward to it.

Is this what they call a left homing machine? All my zigzagger have the needle in center unless I move the needle left or right with a knob (..., lever or similar). Either way, the needle should not be prone to hit the throat plate or brake, something needs to be sorted out.

It can be a case of cleaning and oiling, making shure parts move freely. If there is a needle position option make sure all parts are oiled and move freely. Much the same for the zigzag swing arm. Take off all linds and covers, clean, detect all oil ponts, a drop or two of oil, run the machine and repeat. Move levers, knobs, settings to get every function back in action.

You have to give us a bit more info for detailed help, maybe a model number or a picture of the machine. If you are lucky someone here knows the model first hand.

Welcome.

Dressmaker is what is considered a badged machine and there were many different models. It does appear that you have a left homing needle position. Many of the Dressmaker machines are left homing and take a little getting used to.

One of manuals suggests that if the needle breaks, make sure needle is not bent and avoid pulling the material when stitching. Do you have a manual for your machine?

Some threads you may want to check out:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...e-t262728.html
https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...y-t265494.html
https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...n-t254100.html


Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

I was so surprised to learn that there even is such a thing as a left-homing machine.

I acquired one once - and was not happy with it.

Like others have said, it's the way that machine is suppose to work, to the only way to "fix" it is to get a machine that is not left homing.

If you are looking at a picture of a vintage zig-zag sewing machine, specifically look for a knob with LCR positioning. if it's got that, you get to decide where the needle is for straight stitching.


It does not make a big difference if you are sewing clothing with a 5/8" seam allowance.

I love the left needle position for garment or craft sewing; for quilt piecing, not so much. Here's a tip for 1/4" piecing with a left needle machine that I learned somewhere a long time ago - turn your work around so the bulk is under the arm of the machine to the right of the needle. That way both feed dogs are feeding the fabric and you don't have to fight the machine to keep it feeding straight. It feels a little weird at first but it works.

Cari

that’s what I do when piecing with my Kenmore or the Brother VX- But I still prefer my Brother PC420, White (both have moveable needle positions) or my Brother PQ1500s (straight stitch only) for piecing.

Rob

If you can, try cleaning and oiling the machine and see if that helps. However, it may be where the needle machine belongs, check the manual.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]603755[/ATTACH]Thank you all of you for your quick replies. I have never heard about a left homing machine. I have a hard time with 1/4” seams in quilting. And it’s rough to even learn to line up fabric. I think the model is C55A and I am sending a picture. Perhaps cleaning and oiling it will help but it seems like there should be a way to center the needle. I am planning to send for the manual. Thanks again.

Thanks for your help. I am going to send for a manual. Your right. It is hard to get used to the left homing position.