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whats wrong with this elna ?
anae Beginner NY USA Member since 2003 Posts: 135	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/31/12 4:36 PM I took the Elna 6003 (6005 maybe?) out of its box because I stupidly messed up the machine with IDT. Now I remember why the thing got put in the box to begin with. It just refuses to sew anything that isnt a stiff denim or cotton. It somehow drags the fabric into the plate and makes a neat and compact little thread ball around it before you know it--like a spider thats caught its prey. This makes it difficult to get the fabric free again--and if you dont get to it fast enough you have to take off the plate to do it. Sometimes you can hear the bobbin jump around just as this happens, but not always. And sometimes the needle thread with get so taut it breaks, but not always. "Taut sewing" doesnt help at all. The only thing that works is to sew only stiff material or use a stiff backing. But I shouldnt have to use a backing on everything I sew. No one does. Its not like Im working on charmeuse or velvet or lycra or something. So.......WHAT is going on here? It doesnt matter what thread or needle I use. The bobbin is wound correctly and inserted correctly. The machine is threaded correctly. I double checked all this last night with the manual. The machine does a little lockstich at the beginning--that works fine. Its an inch or two later that the problem is noticeable. This machine sews so smooth and quiet and beautiful when it likes the fabric. This is exactly why I ended up getting the Pfaff with IDT. Its killing me. I finally have time to hem two pairs of pants AND I CANT. ARRRRRRRRR!
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 2005 Posts: 1945	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/31/12 5:15 PM Do you thread the machine with the presser foot up? Run some floss through the tension disks, you may have lint collected in there. Someone here said they pulled out a long thread that was causing the problem! You never know....
Skye   Intermediate NEW ZEALAND Member since 2002 Posts: 1456	Login to reply to this post In reply to anae Like this post Date: 1/31/12 5:54 PM For lighter fabrics have you adjusted the foot pressure? I have a 6005 that I take to classes etc and I have sewn all sorts of fabric on it and have used it for piecing and FM quilting Correct needle, feed dogs up Try holding the threads back for the first couple of sttiches that might help. Cant think of anythig else at the moment. Contact Elna USA or your SM tech and see if they can suggest a solution ------ Wellington, NZ
Soolip Advanced CA USA Member since 2008 Posts: 1658	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/31/12 5:55 PM Sounds like link between the tension discs to me.
crankyoldlady Intermediate Member since 2008 Posts: 116	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/31/12 11:55 PM Floss might make it worse. Use a dollar bill to clean between tension disks.
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 2005 Posts: 1945	Login to reply to this post In reply to crankyoldlady Like this post Date: 1/31/12 11:58 PM I wish we had a "like" button...that is a much better idea
crankyoldlady Intermediate Member since 2008 Posts: 116	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 0:17 AM Take a look at how you have your spool of thread posted. If the thread gets caught on the edge of the spool or winds around the spool post you will have these symptoms.
crankyoldlady Intermediate Member since 2008 Posts: 116	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 0:26 AM Wait, is this a drop in bobbin? These will tolerate absolutely NO fuzz. Take the bobbin race apart. Clean and vacuum everything. Look for stray threads caught or wound in odd places. Vertical bobbin systems are very forgiving. Drop ins get cranky easily.
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 2006 Posts: 3186	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 1:12 PM Sounds like you know how to maintain the sewing machine as well as operate it. I would call the dealer and ask for an appointment. Show him what is happening and perhaps he can make the adjustment while you wait and save you making 2 round trips for dropping off and picking up.
anae Beginner NY USA Member since 2003 Posts: 135	Login to reply to this post In reply to PattiAnnJ Like this post Date: 2/5/12 9:59 AM I want to say THANKS to everybody. And I now have a new trick to use - the dollar bill trick. But nothing helped. Funny. I suspect we got a lemon all those years ago and just didnt know any better (because the dime store machine we had used before was soooo much worse than the Elna.) I am so sad. Its easier to get a car to the shop than it is to get a machien to the dealer. The cost wont be that much different though.

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