ELNA eXperience 550 Instruction Manual
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ELNA eXperience 550 Instruction Manual

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  • Page 1 | Instruction Manual |...
  • Page 3 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following: This sewing machine is designed and manufactured for household use only. Read all instructions before using this sewing machine. DANGER — To reduce the risk of electric shock: 1.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS ESSENTIAL PARTS Variety of Overcasting Stitches ....... 28-29 Names of Parts ............... 3 Overcasting with Zigzag Stitch ........28 Standard Accessories ............ 4 Multiple Zigzag Stitch ..........28 Large Extension Table ........... 5 Overedge Stitch ............28 Stitch Reference Chart ...........

  • Page 5: Essential Parts Names Of Parts

    ESSENTIAL PARTS Names of Parts Upper thread guide Bobbin winding tension disk Spool holder (large) Spool pin Hole for extra spool pin Bobbin winder spindle Bobbin winder stopper LCD display Function keys Stitch reference chart Speed control slider Needle up/down button Auto-lock button Reverse button Start/stop button...

  • Page 6: Standard Accessories

    U.K. 830377008 22 Power cable* Australia 830314018 Continental Europe 830335004 *The power cable included may differ from the illustration. NOTE: A presentation video with quick-start information is available for this model and can be downloaded from our website at www.elna.com/support...

  • Page 7: Large Extension Table

    Large Extension Table Attaching the table Pull the table away from the machine. Spread the legs of large extension table. Holding the table with both hands and slide it gently to the right. Adjust the table height Turn setscrews of the table legs with a screwdriver. NOTE: A Phillips screwdriver is required for adjusting the extension table height.

  • Page 8: Getting Ready To Sew

    GETTING READY TO SEW Connecting the Power Supply Using the foot control Turn off the power switch. Insert the pin connector into the jack. Insert the machine plug into the power inlet. Insert the power supply plug into the wall outlet. Turn on the power switch.

  • Page 9: Controlling Sewing Speed

    Controlling Sewing Speed Speed control slider Sewing speed can be varied by the speed control slider according to your sewing needs. To increase sewing speed, move the slider to the right. To decrease sewing speed, move the slider to the left. Foot control Depress the foot control to start the machine.

  • Page 10: Machine Operating Buttons

    Machine Operating Buttons q Start/Stop button Press this button to start or stop the machine. The machine starts running slowly for the first few stitches, and it then runs at the speed set by the speed control slider. The machine runs slowly as long as this button is being pressed.

  • Page 11: Lcd Display

    LCD Display NOTE: Magnetic or electrostatic interference may cause the LCD display to flicker. Do not use the machine near appliances that generate a magnetic field or an electrostatic field such as microwave ovens. The LCD display shows following information when the machine is turned on.

  • Page 12: Presser Foot Lifter

    Presser Foot Lifter The presser foot lifter raises and lowers the presser foot. You can raise the foot about 1/4˝ (0.7 cm) higher than the normal up position for easy removal of the presser foot, or to help you place thick material under the foot. q Presser foot lifter w Normal up position e Highest position...

  • Page 13: Presser Foot Pressure Dial

    Presser Foot Pressure Dial Foot pressure can be adjusted by turning the presser foot pressure dial. Set the pressure between “3” and “6” for ordinary fabrics. Set the pressure between “1” and “3” for fine fabrics and applique sewing. Set the pressure between “5” and “6” for heavyweight fabrics.

  • Page 14: Zigzag Stitch Balanced Tension

    Zigzag stitch balanced tension For an ideal zigzag stitch, the bobbin thread does not show on the right side (top side) of the fabric, and the needle thread shows slightly on the wrong side (bottom side) of the fabric. See the illustrations for the correct appearance. To match this appearance, adjust the needle tension as necessary.

  • Page 15: Dropping Or Raising The Feed Dog

    Dropping or Raising the Feed Dog The drop feed lever is located underneath the free arm bed on the back of the machine. To drop the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of the arrow q. View from the rear To raise the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of the arrow w, as illustrated, and turn the handwheel toward you.

  • Page 16: Changing The Needle

    Changing the Needle CAUTION: Turn OFF the power switch before changing the needle. Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel counterclockwise, and lower the presser foot. A loose needle or a loose screw may cause machine malfunction or needle to break.

  • Page 17: Setting The Spool Of Thread

    Setting the Spool of Thread Horizontal spool pin Lift up the spool pin. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin. Attach the large spool holder, and press it firmly against the spool of thread so that the spool rests on the supporter.

  • Page 18: Winding The Bobbin

    Winding the bobbin NOTE: Set the speed control slider at its fastest position for bobbin winding. z Draw the thread from the spool and pass the thread around the bobbin winding tension disk. q Bobbin winding tension disk x Thread through the hole in the bobbin from the inside to the outside.

  • Page 19: Inserting The Bobbin

    Inserting the bobbin CAUTION: Turn OFF the power switch before inserting the bobbin and threading the bobbin holder. z Place a bobbin in the bobbin holder with the thread running off counterclockwise as shown on the hook cover plate. q End of thread w Bobbin holder e Hook cover plate x Hold the bobbin with your fingertip so it does not...

  • Page 20: Threading The Machine

    Threading the Machine Raise the presser foot. Press the needle up/down button q to raise the thread take-up lever to its highest position. q Needle up/down button CAUTION: Turn OFF the power switch before threading the machine. z Turn the power switch off. Draw the end of the thread around the upper thread guide.

  • Page 21: Needle Threader

    Needle Threader CAUTION: Turn off the power switch when using the needle threader. z Lower the presser foot. Press the needle up/down button q to raise the needle to its highest position. Turn the power switch off. Pull down the needle threader knob as far as it will go.

  • Page 22: Drawing Up The Bobbin Thread

    Drawing up the Bobbin Thread After using auto thread cutting or threading the bobbin holder, you can start sewing without drawing up the bobbin thread. However, you need to draw up the bobbin thread when sewing gathering stitches etc. z Raise the presser foot. Hold the needle thread lightly with your left hand.

  • Page 23: Setting Mode

    Setting Mode In the setting mode, you can set the following functions. To enter the setting mode, turn the power switch off. Press and hold the needle up/down button q and turn the power switch on until the setting mode screen appears.

  • Page 24: Basic Sewing Straight Stitch Sewing

    BASIC SEWING Straight Stitch Sewing q Stitch pattern: 00 or 03 w Needle thread tension: 2 to 6 e Presser foot: Zigzag foot A NOTE: When sewing with the satin stitch foot F or buttonhole foot R, pull the thread to the left to hold the thread. Starting to sew Raise presser foot and position the fabric next to a seam guide line on the needle plate.

  • Page 25: Sewing From The Edge Of Thick Fabric

    Sewing from the Edge of Thick Fabric The black button on the zigzag foot locks the foot in the horizontal position. This is helpful when starting sewing from the far edge of thick fabrics or sewing across a hem. Lower the needle into the fabric at the point where you wish to start sewing.

  • Page 26: Altering The Needle Drop Position

    Altering the Needle Drop Position The needle drop position can be altered for straight stitch patterns 00 to 04 and 36. Press the “–” sign on the stitch width adjusting key to move the needle to the left. Press the “+” sign on the stitch width adjusting key to move the needle to the right.

  • Page 27: Variety Of Straight Stitches

    Variety of Straight Stitches Lock-a-matic Stitch q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 2 to 6 e Presser foot: Zigzag foot A Use this stitch to secure the beginning and the end of a seam with backstitching. When you reach the end of the seam, press the reverse button once.

  • Page 28: Stretch Stitch

    Stretch Stitch q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 6 e Presser foot: Zigzag foot A This stitch is a narrow stretch stitch designed to eliminate puckering on knit fabrics and bias seams, while permitting the seam to be pressed completely open flat. Use this stitch for seaming fine fabrics.

  • Page 29: Zigzag Stitch

    Zigzag Stitch q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 7 e Presser foot: Zigzag foot A The zigzag stitch is one of the most useful and versatile stitches. It is used for overcasting, mending, appliqué, and also used as a decorative stitch. NOTE: Use interfacing when sewing on stretch fabrics such as knit, jersey or tricot.

  • Page 30: Variety Of Overcasting Stitches

    Variety of Overcasting Stitches Overcasting with Zigzag Stitch q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 7 e Presser foot: Overedge foot C Place the fabric edge next to the guide on the foot and sew while guiding the fabric along the guide. q Guide CAUTION: When using an overedge foot, make sure to set the...

  • Page 31: Knit Stitch

    Apply ribbing to knits and garment retains its shape. Elna invented this stitch in 1982. Place the fabric edges together under the presser foot next to the right side edge of the presser foot.

  • Page 32: Attaching Elastic

    Attaching Elastic q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 1 to 4 e Presser foot: Satin stitch foot F Mark the elastic into quarters. Match those to the center front, center back and side seams, and pin the elastic to the fabric.

  • Page 33: Buttonholes

    Buttonholes The following 3 types of buttonholes are available. q Square buttonhole This buttonhole is widely used on medium to heavy fabrics. q w e w Round-end buttonhole This buttonhole is used on fine to medium weight fabrics, especially for blouses and children’s clothes. e Keyhole buttonhole The keyhole buttonhole is widely used on medium to heavy fabrics.
  • Page 34 Square Buttonhole q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 1 to 4 e Presser foot: Automatic buttonhole foot R The size of a buttonhole is automatically set by placing a button in the rear of automatic buttonhole foot R. The button holder of the foot takes a button size of 1 cm (3/8˝) to 2.5 cm (1˝) in diameter.
  • Page 35 v Lower the presser foot and pull the buttonhole lever down as far as it will go. y Buttonhole lever NOTE: The reference lines on the buttonhole foot can be used as a positioning guide. Make sure there is no gap between the slider and stopper, otherwise the buttonhole will be out of position or there will be a sewing gap.

  • Page 36: Altering The Buttonhole Width

    n The buttonhole is sewn in the sequence as shown. When the buttonhole is finished, the machine will stop automatically with the needle in the up position. m Remove the fabric and place a pin just below the bartack to prevent accidentally cutting the stitches. Cut the opening with the seam ripper.

  • Page 37: Using The Stabilizer Plate

    Using the stabilizer plate The stabilizer plate holds and supports fabrics so it is helpful when sewing buttonholes over the hem of thick fabrics. z Attach the stabilizer holder to the buttonhole foot by inserting the foot into the channels of the holder. q Stabilizer plate holder w Buttonhole foot e Channel...

  • Page 38: Round-End Buttonhole

    Round-end Buttonhole q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 1 to 4 e Presser foot: Automatic buttonhole foot R Sewing procedure is the same as square buttonhole. The buttonhole width can be varied from 2.5 to 5.5. The stitch density can be varied from 0.2 to 0.8. Keyhole Buttonhole q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 1 to 4...

  • Page 39: Corded Buttonhole

    Corded Buttonhole q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 1 to 4 e Presser foot: Automatic buttonhole foot R z Use the same procedure as the square buttonhole sewing. Set the stitch width to match the thickness of the cord used. With the buttonhole foot raised, hook the filler cord on the spur at the back of the buttonhole foot.

  • Page 40: Darning Stitch

    Darning Stitch q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 6 e Presser foot: Automatic buttonhole foot R Starting to sew z Attach the automatic buttonhole foot R and pull the z x c v button holder q all the way out. Draw the needle thread to the left through the hole of foot.

  • Page 41: Tacking

    Tacking q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 6 e Presser foot: Satin stitch foot F Tacking is used to reinforce pockets, crotches and belt carriers where extra strength is needed. Start sewing Start the machine and sew until the machine stops automatically.

  • Page 42: Eyelet

    Eyelet q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 1 to 4 e Presser foot: Satin stitch foot F The eyelet is used for belt holes etc. Starting to sew Lower the needle at the starting point and lower the presser foot. Start the machine. The machine will stop automatically when completed.

  • Page 43: Zipper Sewing

    Zipper Sewing q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 1 to 4 e Presser foot: Zigzag foot A Zipper foot E Attaching the zipper foot Fit the pin on zipper foot E to the groove on the foot holder. q Groove w Pin (A): To sew the left side of the zipper, attach the zipper foot with the pin on the right-hand side.
  • Page 44 Start sewing z Fold back the left seam allowance. Turn the right seam allowance under to form a 0.2 to 0.3 cm (1/8˝) margin. Place the zipper teeth next to the fold and pin in place. Set the stitch length and thread tension back to the original setting.
  • Page 45 v Close the zipper and spread the fabric open flat with the right side facing up. Attach the Zigzag foot A. Adjust the stitch length to 5.0, stitch width to 3.5 (default value) and the thread tension dial to 1-3. Baste the opened fabric and zipper tape together.

  • Page 46: Blind Hemming

    Blind Hemming q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 6 e Presser foot: Blind hem foot G z Fold a hem with the wrong side of the fabric up to form a 0.5 cm (1/4˝) allowance. q Wrong side of fabric w 0.5 cm (1/4˝) (1) On heavyweight fabrics that tend to ravel, the raw edge should be overcast first.

  • Page 47: Button Sewing

    Button Sewing q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 7 e Presser foot: Satin stitch foot F r Feed dog: Lowered Lower the feed dog. Set the speed control slider at a slower speed. Match the holes of button to the horizontal slot of the presser foot and lower the foot to hold the button in place.

  • Page 48: Gathering

    Gathering q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 1 e Presser foot: Zigzag foot A z Loosen the thread tension to “1” and increase the stitch length to 5.0. Pull both threads 10 cm (4˝) under and behind the presser foot (refer to page 21). x Sew two rows of straight stitches 0.6 cm (1/4˝) apart.

  • Page 49: Decorative Stitches Patchwork

    DECORATIVE STITCHES Patchwork q Stitch pattern: 00 and 32 w Thread tension dial: 3 to 6 e Presser foot: 1/4˝ seam foot O Satin stitch foot F z Place the patchwork pieces right sides together. Select stitch pattern 00. Adjust the stitch length to 1.8. Sew while guiding the edge of the fabric along the guide on the foot to keep a precise 1/4˝...

  • Page 50: Lingerie Stitch

    Lingerie Stitch q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 2 to 8 e Presser foot: Satin stitch foot F Sew a fine seam in lingerie and lightweight knits. The small seam size stretches and is comfortable to wear. Place fabric edges so needle just clears edge when it swings off the fabric to the right.

  • Page 51: Pintucking

    Pintucking q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 6 e Presser foot: Blind hem foot G Fold the fabric with the wrong sides together. Place the folded fabric under the blind hem foot. Align the edge of the fold with the guide on the foot, and lower the foot.

  • Page 52: Drawn Work

    Drawn Work q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 1 to 4 e Presser foot: Satin stitch foot F Drawn work uses the same method as fringing. Choose a firm, woven fabric like linen where threads can be removed easily. z Carefully cut the fabric on the grain.

  • Page 53: Fagoting

    Fagoting q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 6 e Presser foot: Satin stitch foot F * The stitch patterns 30 and 38 can also be used. Use these stitches to join two pieces of fabric to create an open work appearance and add design interest.

  • Page 54: Smocking

    Smocking q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 6 e Presser foot: Satin stitch foot F * The stitch pattern 30 can also be used. Smocking is a delicate decorative treatment used on children’s clothes or women’s blouses. Use a soft and lightweight fabric such as batiste, gingham or challis.

  • Page 55: Decorative Stitches

    Decorative Stitches q Stitch pattern: w Thread tension dial: 3 to 6 e Presser foot: Satin stitch foot F * Stitch patterns 28 to 49 can also be used. For the best sewing results, carefully align and guide the fabric when you sew with decorative stitches. Use a tear-way backing if necessary.

  • Page 56: Care Of Your Machine Cleaning The Hook Race And Feed Dog

    CARE OF YOUR MACHINE Cleaning the Hook Race and Feed Dog WARNING: Turn the power switch off and unplug the machine before cleaning. Do not dismantle the machine other than as explained in this section. CAUTION: Do not store the machine in a high-humidity area, near a heat radiator, or in direct sunlight.

  • Page 57: Correcting Deformed Stitch Patterns

    Correcting Deformed Stitch Patterns The sewing results of stretch stitch patterns may vary depending on sewing conditions, such as sewing speed, fabric type, number of layers etc. If stretch stitch patterns are deformed, correct them by turning the feed balancing dial with the screwdriver. If the pattern is compressed, turn the dial in the direction of “+”.

  • Page 58: Problems And Warning Signals

    Problems and Warning Signals If a buzzer sounds and the LCD display shows a warning sign, follow the guidance below. Warning Sign Cause Try this 1. The start/stop button is pressed with the foot control Disconnect the foot control. connected. Contact the service center 2.

  • Page 59: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Condition Cause Reference The needle thread 1. The needle thread is not threaded properly. Page 18 breaks 2. The needle thread tension is too tight. Pages 11-12 3. The needle is bent or blunt. Page 14 4. The needle is incorrectly inserted. Page 14 5.

  • Page 60: Stitch Chart

    Stitch Chart...

  • Page 61: Ec Declaration Of Conformity

    This machine complies with the following regulations: EN 60335-1: 2012; A11 EN 60335-2-28: 2003; A1 EN 62233: 2008 EN 55014-1: 2006; A1; A2 EN 55014-2: 2015 EN 61000-3-2: 2014 EN 61000-3-3: 2013 Supplier: Elna International Corp. SA Address: Rue Veyrot 14 CH - 1217 Meyrin Switzerland...
  • Page 62 Version 1.01 11/10/2017...
  • Page 64 813-800-002 (EN)

This manual is also suitable for:

Experience 550exExperience 530Experience 570aExperience 570

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