Elina 40 Questions & Answers (page 2 of 4)

Hi Peta, sorry, this is a mechanic job

some more thoughts.
Depends which thread you're using, the type of fabric, and is the needle the correct size for the fabric? EG, you need a smaller needle for thinner fabric, size 11 or so for fine fabric. Size 16 for denim.
The one thing I did find is that good results were only possible with good thread. It always went better on Guttermanns. Naturally. My worst experience, when the machine basically wouldn't work properly at all, was using the mega cheap three pack of Spotlight thread. Good luck. Let me know how you go.

sorry, cant help with this one. Ive given my machine awauy

Hi Eda, simply put, no. See your local dealer, she/he may have one (for a price)

yes, happened all the time to me. Took it back to Spotlight (Elna aren't interested in dealing directly), they tested it and found no faults. Naturally it never happened with them although they promised they ran it for a long time. Good luck.

As far as I know there is no dial for this. In the past, using another machine, I've used a special gathering attachment, but don't know if there is on for the Elina 40. I just used a long stitch length, sewed two rows and pulled the threads to gather. The old fashioned way.

if you go down the numbers on the right hand display, youll see that the needle moved with certain stitch styles. EG it moves right or left with the buttonhole, and with other stitch styles as well. Sorry to be vague, Ive given mine away. In disgust.

yes, all machines need oiling occasionally, there are directions where to oil in your manual or online.

Thanks for that Rhonda. You’d hope it would be in the manual but as there’s no mention of it in the manual, I guess online will be my next step. Thanks

The machine also runs noisily if it needs cleaning. Particularly under the feed plate. It's all in the manual.

Youtube has some videos showing how to oil your machine. Much better than me trying to explain where and how. Also the manual should tell you where.

Hi, As I mostly sew the same type of fabrics, I don't bother with changing the pressure foor but now that you mentioned it, I have looked in my manual and cannot find any mention of how to change it. Tried online and did find a website that talks about changing the tension and all I can come up with is the following:
Locate your presser foot tension regulator
If your regulator is dial, spin it towards the plus sign to tighten the pressure or towards the minus to loosen it.
If you have a pin, pressing down the pin will make it pop up and will create a light pressure, needed for heavy fabric. Press down on the pin again to create heavy pressure if you are sewing light fabric.
If you have a knob, it usually comes with an indicator next to it. Pressing up or down the indicator will increase or reduce pressure on your presser foot.
If your machine has a screw, use the screwdriver to turn the screw and change the presser foot tension. Turning the screw clockwise or towards a plus sign will create heavy pressure and turning it counterclockwise or towards the minus sign will give you light pressure.
Hope this helps. If you are sewing light material, I find if you put some tissue or lunch paper or even toilet paper behind the material it will feed much more smoothly and the paper just puts off and any that is left on will wash off. On the occasion I get a thick bit I just help the machine by pulling gently from the back to make the machine feed it through. Not a very professional answer but all I have. Sorry about this.

Sorry, I haven't tried using the buttonhole attachment. If I get a chance will try it out and see what happens with mine

NO - not if you are a beginner! I suggest you DON'T buy a computerised machine first up, just get an ordinary one with dials etc - this means your stitches will stay set. With the Elna 40 every time you switch it off you lose your settings & have to start again! I'm a fairly experienced sewer & it frustrates the hell out me having to reset stitches every time!

I think it's worth buying. I don't get why "frustrated" thinks your stiches won't stay set, it's suppose to reset everytime. You don;t need to set up much anyways, it's just 3 buttons with the type (#) width and tension! It's pretty good in my opinion and if you'll be using it for a long time why get a cheaper one when this is good?

I think it's worth buying. I don't get why "frustrated" thinks your stiches won't stay set, it's suppose to reset everytime. You don;t need to set up much anyways, it's just 3 buttons with the type (#) width and tension! It's pretty good in my opinion and if you'll be using it for a long time why get a cheaper one when this is good?

According to page 35 of the manual E1 = "the machine is malfunctioning due to a problem in the electronic components." "Contact the service centre of the store from where the machine was purchased." (to me the E1 was buying this machine in the first place!). Have you tried switching it off then on again after a minute or 2? Maybe like a lot of computer stuff If you could try unplugging all its bits & leave for 24 hours then try again. If still the same E1 - then I guess you need to take it in for repair.

Thanks, I did switch it off and on a few times. I will try it again tomorrow and see what happens

If there are no lights etc - something big is wrong - you need to take it to a repairer. Are the power plugs etc plugged in correctly (power on?). It should make a beeping noise when you first plug both cords in & switch on the power (at the wall) & also the switch on the machine. If you are not getting that - repair man needed!

To use without the foot control you simply don't connect the foot at all. Then push the start/stop button on the front of the machine. For memory it is the last button in the row on the machine front. Use the slide bar to control the speed. Other buttons work as usual.

Thank you will try this

Hi Debbie,

I have the same problem... it's like a ghost is operating the machine! Even after I finish sewing, it begins all by itself & even changes speed. Like you, the only thing I can do to stop it, is to switch off the power. Unfortunately, when I turn it back on, it continues to sew. At first it would display the error signal & then return to enable the settings. However, now I can't even begin the process by myself! So, I have had to admit defeat. I am looking into buying a new foot pedal, but fear it will only happen again as I think it may be a common fault with these machines, as I have read that other users have complained of the same problem :(.

To adjust the stitch length on the Elina 40 you need to select the stitch length function.
By pressing the function button next to the + and -, the stitch length is the third option from memory. When you are in the stitch length functions the length is displayed as a numerical value in mm, once you have the desired length, you can return to pattern selection by pressing the function button again.

Sorry, I ain't sure.

thaiwan

Taiwan.

You can buy a digital copy here:
https://www.janomesewingcentre.com.au/shop/instruction-manuals/instruction-manual-elna-elina-40-digital-copy/

It's a shame they don't offer them as a free download like other machines I've used.

I was going to ask the same questions. I have had an Elna Air Electronic for 38 years and they supplied a Manual and a Book on the different stitches.
This was the reason I bought the Elina 40 as I have had such longevity before.
Not very happy this time as the Elina is computerised and I am lost with anything to do with IT. I am nearly 72 years old and I am not a happy person.

I'd try your local sewing machine repair shop - they often keep spares /2nd hand of these kinds of parts

Fc.. The power is turned on with the foot control not connected ..or ..foot control is disconnected.. solution: Connect the foot control and restart machine.. Note you can use machine without foot control..