Elna 6200 User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Your Elna 6200 sewing machine is designed and constructed for HOUSEHOLD use only. Read all instructions before using this machine.

DANGER– To reduce the risk of electric shock:

1.Your sewing machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.

2.Always unplug before replacing light bulb. Replace bulb with same type rated 12 Volts, 5 watts.

3.Do not reach for the machine if it has fallen into water. Unplug immediately.

4.Do not place or store machine where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or sink. Do not place it in or drop it into water or other liquid.

WARNING– To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electrical shock or injury:

1.Do not allow machine to be used as a toy. Supervision is necessary when this machine is used by or near children.

2.Use this sewing machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Only use attachments recommended by the manufacturer as described in this manual.

3.Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, is not working properly, has been dropped or damaged or dropped into water. Return the machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

4.This machine is equipped with a special connection cord which, if damaged, must be replaced by an identical cord. This can be obtained from your dealer.

5.Never operate the sewing machine with any air opening blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot control free from the accumulation of lint, dust and fibers.

6.Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

7.Do not use outdoors.

8.Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.

9.To disconnect, turn machine off and remove plug from outlet.

10.Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

11.Keep fingers away from all moving parts, especially the needle.

12.Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.

13.Do not use bent needles.

14.Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. This may deflect the needle causing it to break.

15.Switch the sewing machine off when making any adjustment in the needle area, such as threading needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, changing presser foot, etc.

16.Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating or making any other servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT

Be sure to keep machine away from static electricity, heat sources, humidity and direct sunlight.

USA only

Your machine comes equipped with a polarized plug (one prong wider than the other). A polarized plug reduces the risk of electrical shock. This plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.

Use only foot control model 21371 for sewing machine model 6200 (UL, CSA).

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I – Machine Parts and Functions

Part Names ....................................................	3
Standard Accessories ....................................	4
Presser Foot and Accessory Definitions....	5-6
Extension Table and Free Arm ......................	6
Circular Sewing Pivot Points .........................	7
Using the Fine Adjustment Screw..................	7
How to Drop the Feed Dog ............................	7
Foot Pressure Dial .........................................	8
Presser Foot Lever and Additional
Presser Foot Clearance ...........................	8
Attaching and Removing Presser Feet ..........	8
Attaching and Removing Shank ....................	9
Seam Allowance Lines...................................	9
Controlling Sewing Speed .............................	9
Adjusting Needle Thread Tension ................	10
SECTION II – Getting Ready to Sew
Connecting Machine to Power Supply.........	11
Selecting the Correct Needle and Thread ...12
Changing Needles .......................................	12
Needle Definitions........................................	13
Keys and LED Readout .........................	14-16
Winding a Bobbin...................................	17-18
Additional Spool Pin.....................................	18
Inserting the Bobbin .....................................	19
Threading the Machine ................................	20
Built-in Needle Threader ..............................	21
Drawing Up the Bobbin Thread ...................	22
SECTION III – Basic Sewing
Example of How to Read the Machine
Set-up Information ..................................	23
Straight Stitch ..............................................	23
Starting to Sew ............................................	23
Finishing Off a Seam ...................................	24
Cutting the Threads .....................................	24
Changing Sewing Direction .........................	24
Sewing Over Seams and on Heavy
Fabrics ...................................................	25
Gathering .....................................................	25
Zipper Insertion ......................................	26-27
Rolled Hem ..................................................	28
Twin Needle Sewing ....................................	29
Twin Needle Hem ........................................	29
Zigzag Stitch ................................................	30
Overcasting ..................................................	30
How to Sew on a Button ..............................	31
3-Step Zigzag...............................................	32
Mending a Tear ............................................	32
Apply 7 mm (1/4") Elastic ............................	32
Blind Hem Stitches ......................................	33
Shell Tuck ....................................................	34

Triple Seam..................................................	34
Stretch Seam ...............................................	34
Super Stretch Stitch .....................................	35
Double Overlock Stitch ................................	35
Buttonhole Variations .............................	36-39
Corded Buttonhole .......................................	40
Super Overlock Stitch ..................................	41
SECTION IV – Decorative Sewing
Single Design – Auto-Lock Key ...................	41
Complete Design – Auto-Lock Key ..............	41
Combining Designs......................................	42
Corded Trim .................................................	42
Single Cord For Gathering Heavy Fabric	....42
Satin Stitch Appliqué ....................................	43
Scallop Edges ..............................................	43
Circle Sewing ...............................................	43
Large Scallop Border ...................................	44
Twin Needle Decorative Designs.................	44
SECTION V – Heirloom
Pintucks .......................................................	45
Whip and Roll Hem ......................................	45
Bridging (Fagoting) ......................................	46
Hemstitches .................................................	46
Fringing ........................................................	47
Drawn Work .................................................	47
Smocking .....................................................	48
SECTION VI – Quilting
Piecing Fabrics Together .............................	49
Quilt Guide ...................................................	49
Patchwork ....................................................	50
Quilt Stitch....................................................	50
Buttonhole Appliqué .....................................	51
SECTION VII – Taking Care of Your
Machine
Cleaning the Bobbin Area ............................	52
Cleaning the Hook Area and
Feed Dog ..........................................	52-53
Replacing the Bobbin Case .........................	53
Changing the Light Bulb ..............................	53
STITCH CHART...........................................	54
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ........................	55
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................	56
INDEX ....................................................	57-58
NOTE: Information found in this instruction
manual is current at the time of printing. Elna
reserves the right to change and update
specifications and information as needed.

2

				SECTION I
				Machine Parts and Functions
				Part Names
				1.	Top cover (lift up and back)
	1			2.	Stitch chart
		2		3.	Top storage compartment
24	25		3	4.	Bobbin winder spindle
				5.	Bobbin winder stop
			4	6.	Selection keys
				7.	LED readout
			5	8.	Side storage compartment
				9.	Stitch length key
23			6	10.	Stitch width key
				11.	Speed control lever
			7	12.	Up/down needle key
				13.	Auto-lock key
22
			8	14.	Reverse key
				15.	Bobbin cover plate release button
21				16.	Bobbin cover plate
20				17.	Extension table (storage box)
				18.	Needle plate
				19.	Circular sewing pivot points
			9	20.	Needle threader
19			10	21.	Thread cutter
				22.	Face plate
			11	23.	Foot pressure dial
18			12	24.	Needle thread tension dial
			13	25.	Spool pin
	16 15			26.	Needle clamp screw
			14
17				27.	Needle
				28.	Presser foot
	26			29.	Shank
				30.	Thumbscrew
				31.	Carrying handle
	27			32.	Presser foot lever
				33.	Buttonhole lever
				34.	Free arm
	28			35.	Feed dog lever
				36.	Machine sockets
30
	31			37.	Power switch
29				38.	Flywheel (always turn towards you)
			32
38			33
			34

37	35

36

3

2 3

1

13

12

11	A C	D
10	E	F
	R	H
	G
9

14 15

17 18

20

4

5

6

7

8

16

19

Standard Accessories

Top Cover

(Lift up and back)

1.Seam ripper

2.Set of needles

3.Quilt guide

4.Bobbins (4 + 1 in machine = 5 total)

Side Cover

(Pull down Side Cover to open)

5.D: Hemmer foot

6.E: Zipper foot

7.F: Satin stitch foot

8.H: Multi-cord foot

9.G: Blind hem foot

10.R: Automatic buttonhole foot

11.C: Overlock foot

12.Circular sewing pivot pin

13.A: Standard metal foot (attached to machine)

Storage compartments can be tilted forward for easy access.

Extension Table (Storage Box)

Accessories are stored inside the extension table. Pull lid towards you to open the storage box.

14.Large screwdriver

15.Lint brush

16.Large spool holder

17.Small spool holder

18.Additional spool pin

19.Spool pin felt

20.Spool stand

4

Machine Box

21

22

23

21. Instruction book

22. Power supply cord

23. Foot control

24. Carrying bag

24

Presser Foot and Accessory Definitions

A: Standard Metal Foot

	A	This foot comes attached to your machine. It is mainly
		used for straight stitches and zigzag stitches longer than
		1.0. The button locks the foot in a horizontal position
		helping to sew over multiple layered seams.
		C: Overlock Foot
	C	Prevent fabric edges from raveling by finishing the edge
		with a zigzag stitch. The wires/brush on the foot help the
		stitch lie flatter and reduce puckering. Use with medium
		weight fabrics.
		D: Hemmer Foot
	D	Insert the fabric into the spiral on this foot. The spiral
		rolls the fabric, creating a rolled hem. An easy,
		professional way to sew hems.
		E: Zipper Foot
		Use when sewing zippers into place. The grooves on the
	E	underside ensure the foot glides over the zipper coil.
		Attach either to the left or right of the needle to sew each
		side of the zipper.
		F: Satin Stitch Foot
	F	The cutout on the underside of the foot is designed to
		accommodate dense stitch formation. Ideal when sewing
		satin and decorative stitches.

5

G	G: Blind Hem Foot
	The guide on the foot helps ensure that the needle
	catches only one or two fibers of the hem, resulting in an
	invisible hemline.

H	H: Multi-Cord Foot
	Design your own braids or trims. Place one to three
	cords in the foot and sew over cord(s) for a simple
	couching method. Or sew over one cord with a zigzag to
	gather heavier weight fabrics.
R
	R: Automatic Buttonhole Foot
	Place button in foot to determine the buttonhole size. The
	machine will automatically sew the corresponding
	buttonhole.
	Circular Sewing Pivot Pin
	The free arm has holes that are 1 cm apart from each
	other. Use this pivot pin to secure the fabric and sew
	perfect curves or circles or large scallops.
	Quilt Guide
	The quilt guide is helpful when sewing parallel, evenly
	spaced rows of stitching.
	Extension Table and Free Arm
	Extension Table
	The extension table provides more sewing space to
	make sewing easier. The extension table can be easily
	removed for free arm sewing.
	To Remove:
	Pull the end of the extension table away from the
	machine, as shown.
	To Attach:
	Push the table back into place to reattach the extension
	table.
	Free Arm
	Free arm sewing is good for circle areas like sleeves,
	waistbands and pant legs. If socks, knee or elbow areas
	need mending, the free arm will be best to use.

6

		Circular Sewing Pivot Points
q		The free arm has holes q that are 1 cm apart from each
		other. Use the holes to sew circles and scallops with the
		circular sewing pivot pin. See pages 43-44.

Using the Fine Adjustment Screw

Choice of fabrics and threads may affect the stitch formation. The fine adjustment screw can be used to either lengthen or shorten the stitch.

		q	Fine adjustment screw
		w	Standard mark
	q	e Setting mark
		To fine tune, use a screwdriver to move the setting mark.
		•	If stitches are too short r, correct by turning the
			screw in the direction of “+”.
w		•	If the stitches are too long t, correct by turning the
	e		screw in the direction of “–”.
r	t

(+)(–)

How To Drop the Feed Dog

			The feed dog can be dropped out of position for special
	w	q	sewing techniques: free motion embroidery, stippling,
			button sewing, etc.
			The feed dog must always be up for regular sewing.
			Locate the feed dog lever on the back of the free arm.
			Slide the lever either to the right (down) q or to the left
			(up) w. To bring up the feed dog, hand turn the flywheel
			after sliding lever to the left.

7

	Foot Pressure Dial
q	Align the foot pressure dial q with the setting mark w at
	“3” for regular sewing.
w	Reduce the pressure to “2” for appliqué, cutwork, drawn
	work, basting and embroidery.
	Velours and knits with a lot of stretch may require a “1”
	setting.

Presser Foot Lever and Additional Presser Foot

Clearance

Before sewing can occur, the presser foot must be lowered to close the tension discs.

Raise and lower the foot with this lever q.

You can raise the presser foot about 6.5 mm (1/4˝) higher than the normal up position for easy removal of the presser foot or to place heavy fabrics under the presser foot. Pull the presser foot lever up beyond the normal up

position.

q

			Attaching and Removing Presser Feet
			Press the “Up/Down Needle” key until the needle is in
			the raised position.
			Turn OFF the power switch. Raise the presser foot and
		e	press the red button q on back of the shank. The
	w		presser foot will drop off. Place the selected presser foot
	q		so the pin e on the foot lies just under the groove w of
			the shank. Lower the presser bar and attach the foot.

8

		Attaching and Removing Shank
	q	Turn OFF the power switch. Raise the presser bar. Turn
		the thumbscrew q counterclockwise with the screwdriver
		to remove the shank.
		To attach, match the hole in the shank w with the hole in
		the presser bar e. Put thumbscrew in hole and turn
		clockwise to tighten.

w

e

Seam Allowance Lines

qThe lines on the needle plate, machine bed and bobbin

w	cover plate help you measure seam width. The number
	indicates the distance between the center needle
	position (3.5) and the seam allowance line.
	q Center needle position
	w Edge of fabric
	e Guidelines
	r 90º pivot angle guideline for 5/8˝

e

r

Controlling Sewing Speed

Sewing speed can be varied with the foot control. The harder you press on the foot control, the faster the machine runs.

The maximum sewing speed can be varied by sliding the speed control lever. For a faster speed, slide it to the right; for a slower speed, slide it to the left.

9

Adjusting the Needle Thread Tension

Choosing the Correct Tension — Straight Stitch

q

The ideal straight stitch will have threads locked between

the two layers of fabric, as shown left (magnified to show

detail). Needle thread tension can range from 3 – 5 and

is normally set on 4. Align the 4 on the dial with the

setting mark q.

	If you look at the needle thread w (top thread) and
w	bobbin thread e (bottom thread), you will notice that
	there are no gaps. Each stitch is smooth and even.
	Occasionally the needle thread tension needs to be
	adjusted to a manual setting. Examples:
e	•	stiff or heavy fabric
	• sewing more than two layers of fabric
	•	type of stitch
	•	thread

When adjusting needle thread tension, the higher numbers tighten, the lower numbers loosen.

Tension is too tight

The bobbin thread shows through on the topside of the fabric and it will feel bumpy.

Turn the dial to a lower number to loosen the needle thread tension.

Tension is too loose

The needle thread shows through on the underside of the fabric and it will feel bumpy.

Turn the dial to a higher number to tighten the needle thread tension.

Adjusting Tension for Zigzag and Satin Stitches

The upper thread tension should be slightly looser when sewing a zigzag or a satin stitch. The upper thread should appear slightly on the underside of the fabric.

10

SECTION II

qGetting Ready to Sew

Connecting Machine To Power Supply

Before connecting the power cord, make sure the voltage and frequency shown on the machine are identical to your electrical power.

e

	To connect machine to power supply, turn off the power
	switch q. Insert the foot control plug w and machine
	plug e into the machine and the power supply plug r
w	into the wall socket.
	Your machine may come equipped with a polarized plug
	(one prong wider than the other). A polarized plug
	reduces the risk of electrical shock. This plug is intended
	to fit into a polarized outlet. If the plug does not fit fully
	into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
	contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet.

rDo not modify the plug in any way.

IMPORTANT: When using your sewing machine the first few times, place waste fabric under the presser foot and run the machine without thread for a few minutes. Wipe away excess oil.

NOTE: After turning off the machine, wait 5 seconds before turning it on again.

For Your Safety

Do not use extension cords or plug adapters. Do not touch plug with wet hands.

Always turn off the power/light switch first and then unplug from the electrical outlet. Examples:

•when leaving the machine unattended

•when cleaning the machine

Always turn off the power/light switch:

•when attaching or removing parts such as needle, presser foot, needle plate

•when threading needle or bobbin

Do not place anything on the foot control.

Do not place heavy items on cords. Do not subject cords to heat. Do not use damaged cords. Have the cord repaired immediately.

While the machine is in operation, always keep your eye on the sewing area and do not touch any moving parts such as the thread take-up lever, flywheel or needle.

11

Weight	Fabric	Needle Type	Needle
			Size
Very	Chiffon, Fine Lace,	Universal	9 (65)
Light	Organdy	Ball Point	9 (65)
Light	Batiste, Lawn, Crepe	Stretch	11	(75)
	de Chine, Challis,
	Handkerchief Linen,
	Crepe, Taffeta, Satin	Universal	11	(75)
			12	(80)
	Single Knits, Jersey,	Stretch	11	(75)
	Swimwear, Tricot	Ball Point	11	(75)
	Leather, Suede	Leather	11(75)
Medium	Flannel, Velour, Velvet,	Universal	14	(90)
	Velveteen, Corduroy,
	Linen, Gabardine,
	Wool, Terry, Burlap
	Double Knits, Stretch	Ball Point	14	(90)
	Velour, Stretch Terry,
	Sweater Knits
	Leather, Vinyl, Suede	Leather	14	(90)
Heavy	Denim, Sailcloth,	Denim	16	(100)
	Ticking
	Coating, Polar Fleece,	Universal	16	(100)
	Drapery, and
	Upholstery Fabrics
	Leather, Suede	Leather	16	(100)
Very	Canvas, Duck,	Universal	18	(110)
Heavy	Upholstery Fabrics
	Topstitching for	Topstitching	11	(75)
	Special Finish		14	(90)

Selecting the Correct Needle and Thread

There are many kinds of fabrics, threads and needles. It is important to use the correct ones together.

Always purchase good quality thread. It should be strong, smooth and even in thickness. Use the same thread for needle and bobbin. Always test thread and needle size on a scrap piece of fabric.

In general, fine threads (the larger the number, the finer the thread) and needles (the smaller the number, the finer the needle) are used for sewing lightweight fabrics and heavier threads and larger needles are used for sewing heavyweight fabrics. There are many specialty needles available from your sewing machine dealer.

Check your needles frequently for rough or blunt tips.

Snags and runs in knits, fine silks and silk-like fabrics are permanent and are often caused by damaged needles.

NOTE: A universal needle size 14/90 comes inserted in your machine.

1.	2.	Changing Needles
q		1. Turn ON the power switch. Press the “Up/Down
		Needle” key to raise the needle. Lower the presser
		foot. Turn OFF the power switch. Turn the needle
		clamp screw q counterclockwise to loosen. Remove
		the needle from the clamp.
w		2. Insert the new needle into needle clamp with the flat
		side to the back, pushing it up as far as it will go w.
		Tighten the clamp screw firmly.

3. To determine if the needle is defective, place the flat

3. side of the needle on something flat (a needle plate, piece of glass, etc.). The gap between the needle and the flat surface should be consistent.

Never use a bent or blunt needle, as it may cause skipped stitches or thread breakage. Defective needles can ruin the fabric. Always purchase good quality needles. Change needles often.

12

Needle Definitions

The illustration identifies the main parts of a sewing machine needle.

q

		q Body
		w Shaft
		e Long groove (round side of needle)
		r Short groove (flat side of needle)
		t Eye
		y Point
	w
		Universal – an all-purpose needle that handles most
		woven and knit fabrics.
		Ball point – the point spreads the fibers, preventing tears
	e	and is especially suited for loose knits and interlock knits.
		Not recommended for embroidery.
		Stretch – specially designed to prevent skipped stitches
	r	in synthetic suedes and elasticized knits (swimwear).
	t	Denim – the sharp point effectively pierces densely
		woven fabrics such as denim and canvas.
		Topstitching – the extra sharp point penetrates layers of
	y	fabrics; extra large eye and large groove accommodate
		heavyweight topstitching thread.
		Metallic – the large grooved shaft helps prevent delicate
		metallic threads from shredding. Another plus, a larger
		than average eye makes for easier threading.
		Self-Threading – the needle eye has a slit opening on
		the side to allow the thread to be easily inserted.
		Leather – the cutting point creates small holes in leather
		and suede. Holes remain after stitching is removed.
		Quilt – the tapered point easily penetrates through
		multiple layers and crossed seams.
		Wing/Hemstitch – wide flat edges (wings) extend
		outwards near the eye; they separate fibers and create
		holes for beautiful heirloom stitches.
		Twin/Double – 2 needles are joined on a crossbar and
		share a single shaft. Sews two parallel rows of stitching.
		Available in universal and ballpoint.

13

		Keys and LED Readout
		Turn ON the power switch. (Test
t y	u	lights run in LED readout.)

q

w r e

q Up/Down Needle Key

If the needle is up when you press this key, the

q needle will go down to its lowest position. The needle will continue to stop in the down position.

If the needle is down when you press this key, the needle will go up to its highest position. The needle will continue to stop in the up position.

w Auto-Lock Key

Press this key while sewing 01 (straight stitch), 02 w (zigzag stitch) or 03 (3-step zigzag stitch) and the machine will sew a few stitches in place and stop

automatically.

*Press this key while sewing utility or decorative stitches and the machine will complete the stitch, lockstitch and stop.

e Reverse Key

If you are sewing 01 (straight stitch), 02 (zigzag e stitch) or 03 (3-step zigzag stitch), press and hold

this key. The machine will sew in reverse until you release the key.

* If you are sewing any other stitches, utility or decorative, the machine will immediately stop and sew a lockstitch when you press this key.

14

r Indicator Lights and LED Readout

a

a When this light is lit, the readout displays the selected stitch.

b When this light is lit, the readout displays the selected stitch width/needle position.

	b	c When this light is lit, the readout displays the
		selected stitch length.

c

t Stitch Width and Needle Position Key

Press this key to display pre-programmed stitch width or needle position.

To decrease stitch width or move needle position to the left, press “–” side of key.

a

b

c

To increase stitch width or move needle position to the right, press “+” side of key.

Stitches 01, 07 and 23 allow you to move from center needle position (3.5) to left (0.0) or right (7.0). There are 15 needle positions.

a Left position b Center position c Right position

0.0

3.5

7.0

15

a b c

1.0 2.2 5.0

a b c d

y Stitch Length Key

Press this key to display pre-programmed stitch length.

Depending on the stitch selected, stitch length can be set between 0.0 and 5.0.

To decrease length, press “–” side of key.

To increase stitch length, press “+” side of key.

a 1.0 Stitch length b 2.2 Stitch length c 5.0 Stitch length

NOTE: Fine fabrics should have a stitch length between 1.5 and 2.4, medium fabrics between 2.0 and 3.0 and heavier fabrics between 3.0 and 4.0.

u Stitch Selection Keys

aPress this “–” key to change digit in the LED readout 10’s column between 0 and 5. Example: If the readout is 01 and this key is pressed, the readout will change to 51.

bPress this “+” key to change digit in the LED readout 10’s column between 0 and 5. Example: If the readout is 01 and this key is pressed, the readout will change to 11.

cPress this “–” key to change digit in the LED readout 1’s column between 0 and 9. Example: If the readout is 01 and this key is pressed, the readout will change to 60.

dPress this “+” key to change digit in the LED readout 1’s column between 0 and 9. Example: If the readout is 01 and this key is pressed, the readout will change to 02.

16

		Winding a Bobbin
	q	To remove bobbin, slide bobbin cover plate release
		button q to the right and lift away the bobbin cover
		plate w.
		Lift out the bobbin e.
		Turn ON the power switch.
		e

w

q Lift up the spool pin. Place the spool of thread on the

q		spool pin with the thread coming off the spool as
		shown. Attach the spool holder and press it firmly
		against the spool of thread.
		NOTE: Spool holder needs to be changed according to
	A	the type of thread spool.
		A. Large spool
		B. Small spool

B

		w Pull the thread towards the thread guides, under the
w	e	hook and wrap it around the guide as shown.
	r	e Pull the thread back around the bobbin winder thread
		guide.
		r Pass the thread through the hole in the bobbin from
		inside to the outside. Place the bobbin on the bobbin
		winder spindle.

q

17