Setting the Hook Distance To or From Needle

Loosen the two hook shaft retaining screws (8) (fig. 9-41) and the two screws in the hook pinion gear (7), and slide the hook to the correct position. Retighten the hook shaft retaining screws. Set the gear in the proper place on the shaft-gear aligned with hook drive gear-and

Figure 9-40.-X-ray view of zigzag sewing machine.

Figure 9-41.-Adjustments in the bed of the machine.

retighten the two setscrews to hold the hook in position.

Raising or Lowering the Feed Dog

The feed dog should show a full tooth above the throat plate when at its highest position. To adjust the dog, remove the throat plate and make sure all lint, dirt, or other obstruction is removed, then replace the throat plate. Turn the balance wheel forward until the feed dog is at its highest position; then loosen the feed dog adjusting screw (2) (fig. 9-41), and raise or lower the feed dog as required. Retighten the adjusting screw to hold the feed dog in position.

To prevent the feed dog from striking either end of the slots in the throat plate, loosen the pinch screw (9) (fig. 9-41) and move the feed dogs forward or backward (as necessary) until the longest stitch can be taken without striking the throat plate.

Sewing Techniques

In this chapter we pointed out the need to let the machine feed the material being sewn, and other techniques to obtain a good seam. At first you will find it very difficult to turn comers when using a sewing machine. If you will follow these instructions you will find it very easy to make a turn and not lose your stitch.

Stop the machine while the needle is rising, but before it is out of the material, raise the presser foot and turn the work. This method uses the needle as a pivot. When the material lies in the new position, lower the foot and continue sewing.

Removing the Work

Raise the presser lifter and turn the machine by the balance wheel until the take-up lever is at its highest position. Draw the work out away from you. If the threads do not draw out easily, the take-up lever is not in the right position. If the machine is stopped as directed, the needle will not be unthreaded when you start to sew, even if only a short end is left through the eye of the needle.

Figure 9-42.-Consew 99R.