stillclock

but maybe someone here can help.

the stitch length regulator won't lock. as soon as i start sewing it bounces a bit, and then creeps upwards, making the stitches increasingly small.

any thoughts on how i might fix this?

i am also haveing trouble getting the tension right, but i suspect that has to do with the machine having been unused for so long, though tips for this are warmly welcome too. the whole stitch seems to be too tight, curling/puckering the fabric.

thank you!

aileen

Candace

Has it been de-gunked and oiled recently?

stillclock

it has. i took it about a year ago to an enthusiast. we pulled it apart, cleaned it up, replaced the brushes in the motor and generally got her looking like a real machine.

the problem with the locking stitch regulator wasn't recognizable until i really started using it. i hope there's an answer here!

aileen

miriam

The stitch regulator screws in backwards.
The tension may have to be taken apart and dried oil cleaned off - a lot of times the pin is sort of stuck in dried up oil. I remove it and clean everything with rubbing alcohol or some mild solvent or oxyclean. Make sure it is dry good and put it back together.

sew4nin

Someone posted a link about this recently. I have had this problem on a smaller scale with my 401. I actually went to the link and printed out the instructions on how to fix the stitch regulator. The site is oldsewingear.com. The title of the article is "Lever Alone...the wandering stitch-length regulator" If you can't find it, pm me.