360 - Sewing machine PFAFF - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL 360 PFAFF

Black-and-white photograph of a vintage sewing machine with metal legs and buttons (no visible text or symbols)

PHAT

098

INSTRUCITION BOOK

PFAFF

360

INSTRUCTIONS

Foreword

Your dream has come true!

You are now the proud owner of a PFAFF 360 – the sewing machine with countless creative possibilities.

This instruction book will help you understand the machine and give you valuable tips to make sewing more fun for you.

Even if you are an experienced seamstress, you will find this book a valuable guide to easy sewing.

Follow these simple instructions and familiarize yourself with the exclusive automatic features of your machine. You will find sewing exciting on your easy-to-operate PFAFF 360.

If you have any sewing problems, please contact your PFAFF dealer. He will be glad to help you at any time.

G. M. PFAFF AG

Sewing Machine Factory

Kaiserslautern

PFAFF 580 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

R 8152

1 Thread take-up lever
2 Thread retainer stud
3 Zigzag finger-tip control
4 Bobbin winder
5 Stop motion knob
6 Stitch length dial

7 Reverse feed control
8 Light switch
9 Drop feed control
10 Needle plate
11 Free arm cover (enclosing transverse rotary sewing hook)

12 Needle
13. Automatic needle threader
14 Needle thread tension
15 Sewlight
16 Stitch width dial
17 Needle position lever

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 PFAFF 560

R 8137
18 Balance wheel
19 Collapsible spool pins
20 Top cover
21 Needle threader control
22 Presser bar lifter
23 Face cover
24 Sewing foot thumb screw
25 Sewing foot
26 Snap-out workplate
27 Free arm
28 Double receptacle for speed control and power cords
29 Free arm top cover
30 Needle set screw

Close-up of hands using a power plug to connect wires with a plug, labeled 1, 3, and 4 (no text or symbols on the diagram itself)

R8151

Electrical Information

Push plug 1 into receptacle 2, and plug 3 at other end of cord into the wall outlet. Cord 4 connects the foot control with the machine.

Place the foot control under the cabinet within easy reach of your foot. Rest the right foot on the speed control and press. The harder you press, the faster the machine will run. During pauses in stitching, completely remove your foot from the control – do not allow it to rest there.

R 7132

Illustration of a person's foot pressing a high leg on a foam roller, with a downward arrow indicating motion (no text or symbols present)

Fundamentals of Machine Operation

Make sure stop motion knob b is tightened before you begin sewing (clockwise as indicated by white arrow).

Whenever you have to turn balance wheel a, turn it toward you (counter-clockwise as shown by black arrow).

Never run a threaded machine unless you have fabric under the presser foot.

The machine will feed the material under the sewing foot automatically. All you have to do is guide the work. Never try to hasten feeding by pushing or pulling the fabric while stitching because the needle may bend or break.

Always turn the balance wheel toward you until take-up lever d is at its highest position before you begin and after you have completed a seam. Failure to observe this rule may cause the thread to slip out of the needle eye. Also, it is easier to remove the work with the take-up lever up.

R7506

a b d

R 6809

A B

R 8007A

Straight Stitching

Set: Dial A-0 Lever B-↓

Technical illustration of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric (no text or symbols)

G 1 0.5 0.45 1

Dial G regulates the stitch length (the higher the number on the dial, the longer the stitch). To back-tack the end of a seam, simply depress the finger-tip control.

R 7999

Zigzag Sewing

If you want to sew a few wide zigzag stitches while the machine is set for straight stitching (A on 0), merely press down the finger-tip control. When the lever is released, the machine resumes straight stitching automatically.

To sew longer zigzag seams, turn dial A to desired stitch width (indicated by numbers 1 to 4).

When dial A is set between 12 and 2, you can double the stitch width by depressing the finger-tip control (important for buttonholing and fancy stitching).

When you push the control up, the machine will sew straight, regardless of the stitch width set (ideal for tying off zigzag seams).

Lever B changes the position of the needle in the needle plate slot. Thus the stitching can be moved from the center to the left or right of the slot, as desired.

Close-up of a mechanical knob or dial with a pointed tip and scale markings (no visible text or symbols)

A B

The position of lever B (left, center, right) indicates the position of the needle in the needle plate slot.

7 R 7995

Dial G lengthens zigzag stitches or packs them more closely together (satin stitch).

Illustration of a hand using a sewing machine to measure a sleeve (no text or symbols visible)

R 8064

Winding the Bobbin

① Hold balance wheel a and turn stop motion knob b all the way to the left (counter-clockwise).
② Place spool of thread on right-hand spool pin. The bobbin thread should always be the same size as that used on the spool, or a little finer.
③ Pull thread from spool and lead it clockwise around thread retainer stud g, crossing the thread.

1

a b

R 6036

R7101
2

Black-and-white illustration of a hand holding a metallic object, possibly a mechanical component or tool, with no visible text or symbols.

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R7219

g

④ Pass end of thread through slot in bobbin, from inside. Set bobbin on bobbin winder spindle so that key at base of spindle enters slot in bobbin. Press in lever i.
⑤ Hold end of thread and slowly start machine. Having wound a few turns, break off end of thread and continue winding at a faster pace.
⑥ Bobbin winder will stop automatically when bobbin is full.
⑦ If you don't want a full bobbin, press out lever i when sufficient amount of thread has been wound.

You may continue sewing while you are winding bobbin without disconnecting balance wheel.

Close-up of a mechanical device with spherical components and wiring (no visible text or symbols)

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R7102

5

Close-up of a mechanical device with a rotating disc and base mount, no visible text or symbols

R 7067

R 7097
6

Illustration of a mechanical device with a spool and lever mechanism (no text or symbols)

R7099
7

Illustration of a mechanical device with a spool and handle, no visible text or symbols

Close-up of a sewing machine needle and handle assembly, showing mechanical components and a finger (no text or symbols visible)

R 8157

Inserting a Full Bobbin into Bobbin Case

① As shown in illustration 1, hold bobbin in left hand so that the thread end falls from the top down toward you, and insert bobbin into bobbin case.
② Hold the bobbin firmly in the bobbin case and pull the thread into the case slot.
③ Pull the thread under the tension spring until it emerges from the opening at the end of the spring. Leave about three inches of thread hanging from the bobbin case.
④ Hold the case by its open latch, so that the bobbin cannot fall out.

Removing the Bobbin Case

Raise needle to its highest point and open free arm cover. Lift latch k with your forefinger. Pull out bobbin case with bobbin by holding the latch. When you release latch_k, the empty bobbin drops out.

10

Two black-and-white images showing hands tying a string, labeled R 5867 and R 5869 (no text or symbols on the images themselves)

Inserting the Bobbin Case

Make sure the needle is still in its highest position.

With thumb and forefinger of left hand, lift latch k and turn bobbin case until slot at end of latch points up (see arrow). Then place it on center stud s of hook.

In replacing the bobbin case, it is best to hold the loose end of thread so that it will not get jammed between bobbin case and hook. Release latch k.

3
R 5870
4
R 5868

Close-up of hands using scissors to cut a metal ring (no text or symbols visible)

Black-and-white illustration of a hand holding a small cylindrical object with a string, against a dark background (no text or symbols)

R 8159

Technical diagram of a sewing machine with labeled parts including 'k' and 's'

Press against bobbin case until you hear it snap into place. An improperly inserted bobbin case will cause needle breakage.

Close free arm cover.

11

Types of Fabrics	Mercerized Cotton	Silk	Needle Size
Fine Fabrics such as georgette, chiffon, batiste, volle, lawn, silk.	80 to 100	0 to 000 twist	60 or 70
Lightweight Fabrics such as dress silks and cottons, sheer woolens, shirting, draperies.	70 to 80	A & B twist	80
Medium Fabrics such as lightweight woolens, madras, muslin, brocades, heavy silks and rayon, gabardine.	50 to 70	B & C twist	90
Heavy Fabrics such as coating, denim, corduroy, slipcover fabrics, bed tickings, lightweight canvas.	40 to 50	C & D twist	100
Very Heavy Fabrics such as heavy tickings, canvas, overcoating, sailcloth, up-holstery.	24 to 40	E twist	90 to 110
Synthetics, Rayon, Acetate including nylon, orlon, dacron, plastics, etc.	Determined by weight of fabric 40 to 50		Determined by thread size 60 to 80

Recommended Needle and Thread Sizes

The appearance of the finished seam is dependent on the correct relationship between needle, thread and fabric. Select the proper thread sizes and needles from this chart.

The same size threads should be used in the needle and on the bobbin. Some experienced seamstresses prefer a somewhat thinner bobbin thread. However, the bobbin thread never should be thicker than the needle thread.

Important Facts about Needles

On PFAFF 360 sewing machine, System 130 R, flat-shank needles are used for all ordinary sewing and embroidery work. The needle system is stamped on the needle plate. Genuine Pfaff needles, System 130 R, are available from every Pfaff dealer. Bent or blunt needles should not be used.

Changing the Needle

Bring needle bar to its highest point and lower sewing foot.

Loosen needle set screw o-half a turn ◄ and pull old needle out of needle clamp. Insert new needle into opening of needle clamp and push it up as far as it will go. Make sure that flat side of shank faces toward the back and long groove toward you. Tighten needle set screw o.

Close-up of hands operating a sewing machine with metal components and a small circular mark (no visible text or symbols)

R 6798

Upper Threading

Place spool of thread on spool pin 1 and lead thread end through both thread retainer openings 2 (see illustration opposite).

Lead thread clockwise around tension and pull it between any two of the tension discs 3.

Bring take-up lever 4 as high as it will go and pass thread from right to left through one of the holes at its end. Pull thread into slots at left of thread guides 5 and 6 and then into the slot at left of needle clamp 7.

Then thread needle, front to back. The automatic needle threader will do this for you easily and quickly.

Hand turning a knob on a dial (no text or symbols visible)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PFAFF 560

R 8136

15

Technical diagram showing a mechanical component with labeled parts 'd' and directional arrows indicating movement or force.

R 7068

Operating the Needle Threader

Before you begin, make sure that the needle is at its highest position, i.e. that the lower hole of the ascending take-up lever d is in line with the bottom edge of the top cover. Now lower the sewing foot and --

① With your left hand push needle threader control down until threader prong w (see opposite page) penetrates needle eye. Keep control in this position.
② Hold thread loosely and lead it from left around the small pin, then place it behind hook of threader prong.
③ Release control slightly until prong w reverses and pulls thread through needle eye.
④ Jerk control down again so the thread loop will fall off the prong. Pull thread through needle eye and release control.

R 8008 1 R 8013 2 R 8009 3 R 8010 4

When you have had sufficient needle threading practice, you may shorten the procedure as follows:

Push needle threader control down. Place thread behind hook of prong w so that its end is about 12 inch to the right of the prong. Slowly release control. Prong w now pulls end of the thread – instead of the loop – through needle eye.

Since take-up lever d is not at its highest point when you thread the needle, pull about four inches of thread through the needle eye before you begin sewing.

R 8158

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric, no visible text or symbols

Technical diagram showing a mechanical or electrical component with labeled part 'W'

Drawing Up the Bobbin Thread

Hold needle thread lightly in your left hand. Turn balance wheel toward you until the needle moves down and up again and take-up lever reaches its highest position. Lightly pull needle thread to draw bobbin thread up through needle plate slot. Place both threads back under sewing foot before you put fabric into machine.

Close-up of a hand using a sewing machine to create a patterned fabric (no visible text or symbols)

R 8150

Correct Tension Regulation

Balanced tensions are essential for sewing. If your tension is correct, you will have perfect seams as sketched below (III).

Sketch I - The threads interlock on the underside of the fabric.

Cause: Upper tension too loose or lower tension too tight.

Sketch II - The threads interlock on the surface of the fabric.

Cause: Upper tension too tight or lower tension too loose.

To check whether the tensions are correctly balanced, take a closely woven piece of fabric and sew a few straight and zigzag seams. If the straight stitches are tightly drawn in on both sides of the fabric (see seam sketch III), the tensions are correct. The surest way to double-check this is by examining a zigzag seam. If the zigzag seam is equally wide on surface and underside of the fabric, that is, if the threads are locked exactly at the zigs and zags of the seam, the tension adjustment is correct.

Regulating the Thread Tension

The bobbin thread tension rarely needs adjusting, except for embroidery when it should be a little tighter than for ordinary sewing. Adjustment is made by a small knurled screw on the bobbin case which can be turned with the thumb tip.

Turn it left ← for looser tension.

Turn it right >> for tighter tension.

Determine correct bobbin tension by holding the thread end between thumb and forefinger and letting the bobbin case hang freely. The tension should be strong enough to keep the bobbin case from being pulled down by its own weight. However, as you jerk your hand slightly, the bobbin case should gradually slide down.

Close-up of a hand operating a mechanical pulley or dial (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of hands holding a small mechanical component, possibly a tool or device, with no visible text or symbols.

Hand holding a small mechanical component with a connecting rod (no text or symbols visible)

R 8029

The final stitch appearance can be regulated by the upper tension dial, as follows:

Turn left ↕ for looser tension.

Turn right >> for tighter tension.

The upper tension is so designed that all grades of tension – loose to tight – can be covered with one complete turn of the tension dial. The numbers on the tension dial indicate different degrees of tension. The higher the number, the greater the tension. For ordinary sewing, the upper tension should be set between 3 and 5.

Your upper tension has a third tension disc for two-needle work.

Close-up of a hand holding a circular gauge or dial, with no visible text or symbols on the dial itself.

R 7996

Stitch Length Regulation

Turn dial G until the number indicating the desired stitch length is opposite the mark on the dial housing (see straight arrow). Or sew a few stitches and regulate stitch length as required.

To facilitate satin stitching, the 0–1 range on the scale is just as large as the 1–4 section. The setting depends on the type of fabric and thread size used. For normal satin stitching, set dial on 0.2.

Close-up of a hand using a tool to press or adjust a circular component, with no visible text or symbols.

Reverse Sewing

To backtrack the beginning or end of a seam, simply press the finger-tip control down. When the control is released, the machine resumes forward sewing automatically. This feature is ideal for darning rips with the ordinary sewing foot.

To do this, operate the control in rhythm and move the fabric slightly sideways. In this way, one seam is placed neatly beside the other.

The reverse stitches will be about the same length as forward stitches.

R 7998

20

Dropping the Machine Feed

The machine feed is dropped for darning, hoop embroidery and button sewing.

① To lower feed below the needle plate, turn drop feed control clockwise. Fabric will cease feeding.

Pure technical line drawing of two parallel strips mounted on a flat base, no text or symbols present

①

② When the control is turned to the right as far as it will go, feeding of the fabric resumes automatically when you start sewing.

Pure technical line drawing of two parallel strips with triangular ends, no text or symbols present

Close-up of a mechanical component with a circular hole and curved arrow indicating motion (no text or symbols)

R 8160
21

Mechanical device with attached gears and a lever, showing motion direction (no text or symbols)

R 7085

Close-up of mechanical components with no visible text or symbols

R 7086

Changing the Sewing Foot

Lift both needle and presser bars to their highest positions and turn the sewing foot thumb screw to the left. Tilt the foot sideways and pull it down. Slip on new foot and tighten the screw securely.

The Darning Foot

Remove the sewing foot. Attach darning foot from the rear. Hold spring clip n so that it is behind the needle set screw, and tighten screw c. Attach darning hook d as illustrated so that when you lower presser bar lifter e, the darning foot will stay in position. Remember to lower presser bar lifter e so that the upper tension is activated.

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R 8005
R 8147

Close-up of hands operating a sewing machine needle and measuring tool (no visible text or symbols)

Labeled photograph of a sewing machine needle with parts marked e, d, and c

Care and Maintenance

Longevity and smooth machine performance are dependent on regular and proper cleaning and oiling.

Use Pfaff sewing machine oil only. Never lubricate machine with animal or vegetable oils. Remove all lint before oiling.

All moving and rotating parts require regular lubrication. It is advisable to establish a pattern when oiling your machine. Begin by removing the needle plate and oiling the mechanism in the free arm. The principal oiling points are marked by arrows.

R 8143

Close-up of a mechanical device with internal components and a handle (no visible text or symbols)

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a sewing machine tool interacting with a car trunk (no text or labels visible)

R 8261

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The raceway in the sewing hook is the most important oiling point. Put one drop of oil into the raceway each day you sew. A dry raceway will cause rapid wear.

Don't forget to put a drop of oil into each of the two oil holes behind the sewing foot. This is essential to keep the hook shaft bearing oiled.

Close-up of hands operating a PFAFF industrial machine tool (no visible text or symbols)

R 8061

The oiling points in the machine arm can be reached easily by removing the top cover. Oil should be applied sparingly. Excessive quantities of oil may soil the work and cause machine sluggishness. One or two drops of oil usually will suffice.

To pull cover up, tilt it back and lift.

R 8142

Oiling points in the machine head

24

Cross-sectional diagram of a mechanical device showing internal components and housing (no text or labels)

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a motor and gear mechanism (no text or labels visible)

Regular Machine Care

Accumulations of lint packed between the tooth rows of the feed cause noisy operation of the machine. Therefore, from time to time, remove the needle plate and clean the feed with a toothpick or similar wooden object. The needle plate is held in place by a press stud and can be removed without a screwdriver. To do this, lift back end first and tilt out.

R 8237

Cross-sectional view of a mechanical device with internal gears and a tool (no visible text or symbols)

25

Open the free arm cover and take out bobbin case and bobbin. With a soft brush remove the lint which has accumulated in the vicinity of the sewing hook. Once in a while your PFAFF should be given a thorough checkup by your Pfaff dealer.
Open the free arm cover and take out bobbin case and bobbin. With a soft brush remove the lint which has accumulated in the vicinity of the sewing hook.
Once in a while your PFAFF should be given a thorough checkup by your Pfaff dealer.

Sewlight Facts

The 15-watt sewlight is recessed under the machine arm and can be swung out by pulling down the grille.

To change the light bulb:

Push bulb into socket, turn left, and pull out.

When inserting new PFAFF light bulb, be sure to slide bulb pins into bayonet socket slots.

Press bulb in and turn right. Close grille. Note voltage of electric circuit.

R 8066

PFAFF 360

R 8067

PFAFF 360

Press the button on the front of the machine base to switch the sewlight on and off.

26

R8160A

Close-up of a dark metal door handle with a knob and a white arrow pointing to the knob (no text or symbols visible)

The Snap-Out Workplate

Your PFAFF 360 has a snap-out workplate which can be raised to give you a full-size work area for flat sewing and embroidery. To raise workplate, pull it out to the left as far as it will go, then lift it until it is flush with the needle plate. Now let it snap into position.

When you want to use the free arm for darning, lower the workplate, proceeding in reverse order.

Larger articles may require a larger work surface. To further increase the sewing area, attach the workplate extension which is in the carrying case. Swing out the collapsible legs.

R 6085

R 6084

R 6063

Three-panel illustration showing a sewing machine in operation, with no visible text or symbols.

The electric motor requires no special often- tion, except that the brushes should be re- placed after 400 hours of service.

R 8149 X

When you tighten screw x, make sure the washer is in the correct position.

Idler r should be set Just for enough lett that it synchronizes with the belt clips and revolves eventy.

If the driving bell tension needs adjustment, take out the four scrays in cover 1 and remove. Loose server x and adjustilder r until correct tension is obtained.

Your PAF AF 360 is equipped with a 30-watt electric motor (Type PE 360), which is housed in the machine base and drives the motor shaft by means of a driving bell.

Adjusting the Motor Belt Section

Trouble Shooting

1. Machine Skips Stitches

Cause:

Needle incorrectly inserted.

Wrong needle.

Needle bent.

Machine threaded improperly.

Needle too fine or too thick for the thread.

Remedy:

Push needle up as far as it will go and be sure that the long groove faces toward you, and flat side of shank away from you.

The correct needle system is stamped on needle plate. (For ordinary sewing, use System 130R needles.)

Insert new needle.

Check and correct threading as instructed on pages 14 and 15.

Use correct needle and thread.

2. Needle Thread Breaks

Cause:

The above mentioned may cause thread breakage.

Thread tension too tight.

Poor or knotty thread used.

Remedy:

See remedies listed under 1. above.

Adjust tensions as instructed.

Use good quality threads only.

Hook raceway is jammed with thread or needs oiling.

Burrs or sharp edges on needle plate slot.

Clean and oil hook raceway.

Polish needle plate slot with fine emery cloth.

3. Needle Breaks

Cause:

Bent needle strikes point of sewing hook.

Needle too thin or thread too heavy.

Fabric pulls needle so it bends and strikes needle plate.

Bobbin case inserted incorrectly.

Remedy:

Replace needle at once to prevent further damage.

Use correct needle and thread sizes.

Don't force the feeding motion. Guide the material lightly.

Push bobbin case until you hear it snap into place.

4. Faulty Stitch Formation

Cause:

Improper tension.

Thread too heavy, knotty or hard.

Bobbin unevenly wound.

Pieces of thread between tension discs.

Remedy:

Adjust tensions as instructed.

Use only first-rate thread - the correct size for the needle and fabric.

Don't run thread over finger when winding the bobbin, but lead it around thread retainer stud on top cover and through thread guide.

Raise presser bar lifter and remove thread.

5. Machine Feeds Improperly

Cause:

Feed dog set too low, does not rise up enough above needle plate level.

Accumulations of lint packed between feed teeth.

Remedy:

Have your Pfaff dealer make the necessary adjustment.

Take off needle plate and remove lint with a stiff brush.

6. Machine Works Heavily

Cause:

Motor belt has shrunk and causes excessive pressure on bearings.

Hook raceway lacks oil or is obstructed by pieces of thread.

Mechanism clogged by inferior oil.

Bobbin winder working while sewing (when a bobbin is not being filled.)

Remedy:

Loosen motor belt by adjusting idler (see page 28).

Clean and oil hook raceway.

Use only Pfaff sewing machine oil – never salad oil or glycerine.

Stop bobbin winder.

Thread Jamming

The new PFAFF rotary hook will not normally jam, even if the motor is still being used. If thread should happen to jam in the raceway of the sewing hook, the power of the motor will be sufficient to over- some hard working of the mechanism.

Thread jamming can be avoided, however, by following the instructions on page 3.

Zipper Insertion

Machine Setting: A-0 . B->

Pin or baste closed zipper on wrong side of fabric. Position of zipper depends on whether or not you want the edge of the fabric to overlap the zipper. Turn fabric to right side. Run a straight seam close to left edge of zipper, stitch across end and up the other side in one continuous operation. Use right edge of foot as a guide. For other types of zipper insertion, follow directions in your zipper package.

R7423

Edge Stitching

Machine Setting: A-0 to 4 B-↓ Sew parallel rows of straight or zigzag stitches at various distances from the fabric edge by using adjustable seam guide No. 53077 and the edge stitcher (without quilting gauge). The seam guide is fastened to the machine bed with the long thumb screw. For wider marginal stitching, turn edge guide half a turn and use low end as a guide.

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric, with hand operating the work (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric, with hands operating it (no visible text or symbols)

R 8033

Quilting

Machine Setting: A-0 or 2 · B-↓ Edge stitcher No. 41350 used with the quilting gauge sews parallel rows of stitching over the entire surface of the fabric. Always guide the gauge finger along the preceding row of stitches.

Attractive tea cosies, slippers, seat pads and covers can be quilted.

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R 8032

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching a tiled floor (no text or symbols visible)

Close-up of a sewing machine needle and foot, showing mechanical components and fabric (no visible text or symbols)

R7171

Flat Felled Seams

Machine Setting: A - 0 or 2 (optional) B - ↓

Flat felled seams are used to durably join two pieces of fabric. They are made in two operations.

Flat felled seams usually are straight stitched. Narrow zigzag stitches are used for felling on elasticized fabrics only.

First Seam

Lay pieces together with the wrong sides facing and the bottom piece protruding 18 inch. Feed both pieces into felling foot, as illustrated, so that the bottom fabric is

folded over edge of top piece and stitched down. Make sure that protruding seam allowance is not folded twice.

Second Seam

Open the two pieces, place them under the needle right side up, insert seam ridge into felling foot opening, and stitch down to the left. Make sure that second seam is placed close to the edge but not beyond it.

The felling foot has a needle slot, rather than a needle hole, to permit zigzag felling.

Technical illustration of a sewing machine needle and screw mechanism (no text or symbols)

Rolled Hems

Machine Setting: A - 2 to 4 · B - ↓

Rolled hems are used to finish sheer or delicate fabrics. For a smooth, unpuckered hem, ease thread tension slightly and set dial A on 2 or 3. To hem tricot fabrics, increase the tension and use the widest zigzag stitch so the hem has a rolled shell effect.

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric, no visible text or symbols

R 7375

Hemming

Machine Setting: A - 0 or 2 to 4 . B - ↓

The hemmer foot is indispensable if you want to sew a uniform hem. You can hem with straight or zigzag stitches, depending on the type of fabric you are using. Clip off the corner of the fabric to facilitate insertion into the hemmer foot. Feed fabric so that the raw edge is in line with the left edge of the hemmer foot opening. If you feed less, the fabric will not be folded twice and the raw edge will show. Avoid ugly ends by slowing down feeding. To do this, press the fabric against the needle plate on the left side of the foot before you come to the end of the hem.

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R 6083

Close-up of hands operating a sewing machine needle, no visible text or symbols

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric (no visible text or symbols)

R 5915

Close-up of hands operating a sewing machine on fabric, no visible text or symbols

R 6070

Overcasting Edges

Machine Setting: A - 2 to 4 . B - ↓

Overcasting prevents frayed edges. Use a long, wide zigzag stitch and sew edge with the needle taking one stitch into the fabric and the other over its edge. You may overcast edges after fabric is cut and before the pieces are joined.

Butt Seaming

Machine Setting: A-3 or 4 · B-↓

Two similar pieces of fabric which do not ravel easily may be butted together and joined with zigzag stitches. Worn bed sheets may be mended this way. Cut out worn center strip. Place the selvaged edges of the remaining pieces of sheet under the sewing foot so that the abutted edges are centered under the needle. Join them with close, wide zigzag stitches. Hem raw edges of sheet.

R 7169

Close-up of a sewing machine needle and base mechanism (no visible text or symbols)

Attaching Lace

Machine Setting: A-1 to 3 . B-↓

You can attach lace edging in one simple operation. First fold fabric down 38 inch with the fabric grain. Press fold. Overlap lace on folded edge. Sew together with narrow zigzag stitches. Trim excess fabric on wrong side close to seam.

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric, no visible text or symbols

Inserting Lace

Machine Setting: A-1 to 3 . B-↓

This sewing job takes two operations. Place the lace over the desired area of the fabric and attach with a line of straight stitching along both edges of the lace. Turn the work over and slit the fabric about halfway between the two rows of stitching under the insertion. Fold edges of material back and press.

Turn work to right side, set machine for a narrow zigzag stitch of medium length, and overcast edges, making a firm, elastic seam. Trim away excess material as outlined in the preceding section.

R7170

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R7177

R7161

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric, no visible text or symbols

Close-up of a sewing machine stitching a patterned fabric (no visible text or symbols)

Illustration of a sewing machine stitching a piece of thread (no text or symbols present)

R 7156

Inserting Patches

Machine Setting: A-4 · B-↓

Large holes can be patched quickly. The following method may be used for jersey fabrics. Cut patch so that its grain will match the rest of the fabric. Place the patch over the damaged area. Sew it down with a wide zigzag stitch of medium length.

For additional strength stitch over corners twice. Turn over and trim close to seams.

37

R 7157

Close-up of hands using scissors to cut a piece of fabric (no text or symbols visible)

Single-Needle Cording

Machine Setting: A-2 · B-↓

Trace cording pattern on fabric and pull a filler thread through the groove in the sole of the sewing foot. Follow your pattern with a satin stitch and hold the filler thread lightly. The satin stitch is used for many sewing jobs. For added effects sew over embroidery with contrasting thread. Set stitch length between 12 and 1.

Close-up of a sewing machine stitching fabric with visible stitching lines (no text or symbols)

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Shirring

Machine Setting: A - 2 to 2^1/2 · B - ↓

Follow above directions for shirring, but place filler thread under rather than on top of the fabric. Fabric and filler thread both are guided in the groove of the foot. Width of zigzag depends on thickness of filler thread used.

When you have finished the zigzag seam, slide material along the filler thread to distribute fullness. Finish the shirring with a line of straight stitching.

Leave filler thread in the shirring or pull it out, piece by piece, as you straight-stitch, depending on the stress to which the shirring will be exposed.

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Black-and-white illustration of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric, showing two different stages of thread and stitching (no text or symbols)

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Black-and-white illustration of a sewing machine stitching a floral pattern, with no visible text or symbols.

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Applique Work

Machine Setting: A-1 ^1/2 to 2 . B-↓

Appliqueing is easy and modern.

Trace design on wrong side of fabric and baste a piece of contrasting material to right side. Outline design on wrong side with a narrow zigzag stitch -- and the motif will appear on the right side.

Trim excess material close to the seam and sew over edges of applique with a medium-wide satin stitch. If you want to give the design a plastic effect, satin-stitch over a filler thread.

Applique is very effective on buster suits, pinafores, bibs, frocks, covers, wall hangings, or wherever a gay note is desired.

Fill in small, but essential sections of the design with granite stitches.

Illustration of a girl in a dress standing next to a small house and pumpkins (no text or symbols)

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Openwork Embroidery

Machine Setting: A - 0 and 2^1/2 . B - ↓

There are hundreds of patterns excellent for openwork embroidery. Although similar in appearance to applique, openwork embroidery is much simpler. Let's embroider the 25-square box illustrated. First, sew over all traced lines twice, using short straight stitches. Then sew over straight-stitch lines with a medium-wide satin stitch. Make sure that your rows of satin stitching are even so the corners of your squares look neat.

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Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching a grid-patterned surface (no text or symbols visible)

Illustration of a sewing machine stitching a grid-patterned fabric (no text or symbols)

When you finish sewing, cut out every other square. Be careful that you don't injure the seams.

Flowers or free forms make very attractive designs.

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Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching a patterned fabric (no visible text or symbols)

Illustration of an elephant with a palm tree and traditional building in the background (no text or symbols)

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Making Stuffed Animals

Machine Setting: A-2 ^1 / _2 · B-↓

Stuffed animals are wonderful toys for the little folk and they are so easy to make. Some scraps of fabric or oilcloth and a piece of cardboard is all you need for this elephant, for instance.

Outline pattern on material and cut out pieces without a seam allowance. Insert some cotton wadding into the ears before you fold and close them with a zigzag seam. Attach ears and join pieces by overcasting edges with a medium-wide satin stitch, leaving openings for the tusks. Set in tusks, glue on eyes and tack on tail. Stuff elephant with cotton, inserting wadding through open soles and tip of trunk. Close openings with cardboard covered with oilcloth.

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Scrollwork

Machine Setting: A-4 · B-↓

Draw design on fabric. Clamp work into embroidery hoops. As you are following the scroll-work outline with a wide satin stitch, move hoops right, then left, alternating the rhythm and the direction of your movements. An exciting note may be added by using variegated thread.

Close-up of a sewing machine stitching intricate floral patterns on a circular object (no text or symbols visible)

Imitation Hemstitching

Machine Setting: A - 2 ^1/2 · B - ↓

Stitch Length: 1^1/2 . Increase Tension

Beautiful hemstitching effects on handkerchiefs, blouses, dresses, and so forth, can be made with Pfaff's System 130 (wing) needle available at Pfaff stores at extra cost. Loosely woven fabrics, such as batiste, organdy, georgette, etc., are well suited to hemstitching while woolly fabrics are not recommended because needle penetrations close up. Since the hemstitching needle has a slightly thicker shank, the needle set screw must be turned out far enough for insertion. The hemstitching needle cannot be threaded with the automatic needle threader.

Diagram illustrating a coiled spring mechanism with numbered steps and directional arrows

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric (no visible text or symbols)

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Hemstitching is very simple (see sketch).

1 Sew first row on the left of the area to be hemstitched.
2 Stop machine when needle is in fabric on the right.
3 Lift sewing foot, turn fabric in the direction of arrow, and lower foot again.
4 Sew second row, as shown in sketch, guiding material parallel to first row so that needle penetrates needle holes of previous zigzag stitches as it descends on the right.
5 If you are making more than two lines of hemstitching, alternately leave needle in fabric on the left and right at turning points, pivot fabric on needle, and proceed as directed above.

Black-and-white sketch of a folded garment with geometric patterns and floral motifs (no text or symbols)

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Close-up of a sewing machine stitching a textured fabric surface (no visible text or symbols)

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◀ Hemstitching

Hemstitching is successful on linen and twilled fabrics. For this type of work use an ordinary needle.

Draw several threads out of the fabric. Set machine for a medium-wide zigzag stitch and sew along both edges of the strip, making sure that "zigs" and "zags" in both rows are exactly opposite each other. Set stitch length according to thread bar width you desire. Draw threads from the edge until your fringe is the length you want. Zigzag along this line -- and you will have picot edging.

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric, no visible text or symbols

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Blindstitching

Machine Setting: B → · Stitch Length: Maximum

Hemming dresses and skirts by hand is a laborious task. You can do it easily on your PFAFF on medium and heavy fabrics. Use zigzag foot No. 51378 with blindstitch guide No. 46669, which you can buy at your Pfaff store. Attach the guide so that its vertical flange goes through the sewing foot slot. Use a No. 70 needle, a loose upper tension and thin thread in needle.

Next follow this procedure:

Turn fabric wrong side up. Fold selvaged material once (Fig. 1), unselvaged fabric twice (Fig. 2). It is advisable to press or baste hem. Guide work evenly, holding top hem edge against the vertical flange of the blindstitch guide. Set dial A so that needle takes left stitch in the folded edge and right stitch up to or over the hem edge. When hem is finished, stitches will not be visible on top side.

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Sewing Buttonholes

Machine Setting: A-1 ^1/2 · B- ← · Stitch Length: 0.2

Attach buttonhole foot No. 51016 and set slide on buttonhole gauge to buttonhole length desired. The buttonhole is the right length when beginning of first seam reaches red end of slide indicator (see arrow).

The basic machine settings need not be changed in sewing a buttonhole. All special settings are made by simply pushing lever F up (for tying off) or down (for bartacking).

F B

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Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric, showing no text or symbols

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If you prefer more prominent buttonholes, pull a filler cord through the hole in left toe of foot. To get the correct stitch length, sew on a piece

of scrap material. In making buttonholes in soft or loosely woven fabrics, it is advisable to place a piece of tissue paper under the material. To strengthen buttonholes in tricot and knit fabrics, insert a piece of firmly woven cotton material between the fabric layers.

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Direction of Sewing ① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦

Instructions for Buttonholing

1 Sew first side over a filler cord. When beginning of seam reaches slide indicator on buttonhole gauge, it is the right length. Leave needle in fabric on right side of its throw.
2 Lift foot, turn fabric around clockwise, using needle as a pivot. Lower foot, take one stitch to the left, pull filler cord taut and lay it parallel to completed line of stitching.
3 Press lever F down. Make 4 to 6 bartack stitches, slightly closing together buttonhole end to reduce length of bar.

4 Release lever F. Trim filler cord at end of first stitch row. Sew second row and stop about 4 to 6 stitches from end of first row.
5 Press lever F down. Make second tack, as instructed above.
6 Push lever F up and make 3 to 4 tying stitches.
7 Trim both the sewing and filler threads. Open the buttonhole with your seam ripper. Be careful not to injure the bartacks.

Illustration of a hand using a tool to draw or mark a patterned surface on a textured surface (no text or symbols)

Button Sewing

Don't be afraid to sew on buttons, hooks, eyes or rings with your PFAFF. Attach button sewing foot No. 46120 and drop machine feed.

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Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching circular components on a textured surface (no visible text or symbols)

Machine Setting: A-0 · B-

Place button under button sewing foot and align so that needle will enter left hole. Let needle stitch through hole and make one or two tying stitches. Raise needle. Turn dial A to the right, usually to 3, until needle on the right of its throw is centered over right hole. Start machine and sew as many zigzag stitches as you deem necessary to fasten button securely. Push lever F up and make two or three tying stitches.

When sewing on four-hole buttons, lift foot, reposition button and repeat the above process, stitching through the second pair of holes.

Hooks, eyes or rings are attached in the same manner.

Close-up of hands operating a sewing machine on a metal appliance (no visible text or symbols)

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Darning

You will really appreciate the free arm of your PFAFF 360 when you darn sleeves and socks.

Remove presser foot and drop machine feed. Use feed cover plate No. 60407 to increase tautness of fabric and permit free movement.

To fasten the feed cover plate to the machine, slip its spring into the slot in the front edge of the needle plate, as illustrated.

Attach darning foot as instructed on page 24, and suspend presser bar from the rear of the face cover with darning hook No. 46128. Even though the presser bar is suspended, the presser bar lifter must be lowered to activate the tension, or the upper tension will be released – and the thread will jam in the machine.

Machine Setting: A-3 · B- ↓

Use special darning foot No. 51050 (available at extra cost) for darning woolen socks, sweater sleeves and other woolen articles. Lace filler thread through the hole in the foot. Place thread back and forth across damaged spot (top picture) and anchor it in unworn area. Sew across filler thread with zigzag stitches (bottom picture).

Close-up of hands operating a sewing machine needle on fabric (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of hands sewing a knitted fabric with metal tools (no visible text or symbols)

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Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric (no visible text or symbols)

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Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching fabric (no visible text or symbols)

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Close-up of hands operating a sewing machine with a circular base (no visible text or symbols)

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Tubular Articles

Machine Setting: A - 0 · B - ↓

Drop feed.

You need no darning hoop to mend sleeves, trouser legs or socks on your PFAFF 360. Simply slip them over the free arm. Stitch back and forth across the hole, first length-wise, then crosswise.

Use a thin No. 70 needle.

Thin Spots

Remember that "a stitch in time saves nine" and reinforce spots that have worn thin with short stitches made lengthwise and across worn section. Clamp fabric into darning hoop and move it freely under the needle. Long rips may be darned with the normal sewing foot and without hoop. Raise machine feed and use forward-reverse stitch control.

Small Holes

Darn small and medium-size holes by trimming ragged edges with the fabric grain. First stitch back and forth across the hole from one side to the other with the machine running at high speed. Then turn the fabric at right angles and sew back and forth over preceding work with short stitches. This anchors threads in the unworn area around the hole.

Close-up of hands using a sewing machine to print or spread fabric in a circular frame (no visible text or symbols)

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Monogram Embroidery

Machine Setting: A - according to desired width . B - ↓

Script letters are best for monogram embroidery without a sewing foot. It requires a little practice. You will soon enjoy creative embroidery once you have learned to move the material at a uniform rate. The fabric should be held taut in the hoops, the presser bar suspended and the presser bar lifter lowered. Drop machine feed. Lower needle into fabric at the beginning of your design and draw bobbin thread up through the fabric. Hold both thread ends and sew over outline, moving hoops slowly and evenly. To give your monogram dimensional quality, embroider outline twice. Be sure stitches are closely spaced.

Sewing Monograms

Machine Setting: A - 2 ^1 / _2 to 3 . B - ↓

The procedure below is primarily used for block letters. Raise machine feed and set machine for satin stitch. Attach cord stitcher and sew outlines of monogram. Watch that seams do not overlap at joints of letters. To raise monogram, insert a filler thread.

Ask your Pfaff dealer to show you PFAFF's Ornamentograph, the ingeniously designed monogram and ornamental stitch attachment. You will marvel at its versatility and delight in the countless creative possibilities which it adds to your Automatic.

Close-up of a sewing machine needle stitching a circular component (no visible text or symbols)

Cording

To cord on your PFAFF Automatic, use Cording Kit No. 50177 which is available at extra cost.

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Black-and-white photo of a sewing machine stitching a printed bag with visible text and images, likely a vintage garment or textile.

Close-up of hands operating a mechanical clamp or tool on a metal workbench (no visible text or symbols)

The Cording Kit comprises:

4 double-needle holders for needle distances of ^1/16 , ^5/64 , ^3/32 and ^7/64 inch; 3 cording feet; 3 cording plates (2 with cord ducts and 1 with center claw); 1 package of System 130 B needles; and 1 screwdriver. Additional parts for heavier cording are available at extra cost.

The interchangeable double-needle holder is easy to attach.

Close-up of hands using a sewing machine to adjust or install a component (no visible text or symbols)

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Changing the Needle Holder

Bring take-up lever to highest point, loosen small set screw and change needle holders. Tighten set screw securely. The large needle set screw must always point toward the right.

Use System 130 B round-shank needles in 1/16 and 5/64 -inch double-needle holders, and System 130 R flat-shank needles in 3/32 and 7/64 -inch needle holders.

To attach cording plate, refer to instructions on page 47 for mounting feed cover plate.

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Close-up of a vintage sewing machine with two spools and metal clamps (no visible text or symbols)

Increase the bobbin thread tension slightly for cording. Pfaff recommends you fill your cording so it keeps its shape in the laundry. Filler cord thickness depends on cording size you want. To sew filled cording, use the two cording plates with cord ducts. Only very narrow tucks are made without filler cord.

Machine Setting: A-0 . B-↓

Additional Information on Cording

Ordinary cording in medium-heavy fabric is made with cording foot No. 41791 and cording plate No. 60417.

For thicker cording use foot No. 41790 with cording plate No. 60419.

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Cording foot No. 41792 and plate No. 60417 (with center claw, but without cord duct) serve to make narrow air tucks in lightweight material.

Pin tucks also are made with cording foot No. 41792, but without cording plate.

Cording plate No. 60415 with high center claw is used chiefly for cording in thick felt. Cording height and width are determined by the distance between the two needles, the cord diameter and the height of the ridge on the cording plate. Thread tensions also influence cording size. For uniform spacing of parallel tucks, attach an adjustable guide to the cording foot. When space between tucks is very narrow, place the preceding seam into one of the grooves of the foot and use it as a guide. This procedure insures uniform and parallel rows of cording.

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Close-up of a mechanical component with metallic parts and wiring, no visible text or symbols

Ornamental Sewing

You can make exciting fashion stitch designs by alternating straight and zigzag stitching, varying stitch length, stitch width or needle position. To do this, press control F down in rhythm.

Some of these designs are illustrated below.

Surely you will be pleased to know that your PFAFF 360 can be converted into a PFAFF 360-261 Automatic at any time. Just see your Pfaff dealer who will be glad to do this job for you. With the PFAFF Automatic you can sew an endless variety of beautiful decorative designs completely automatically and as simply as any plain seam.

Vintage sewing machine with a circular dial and control knobs (no visible text or symbols)

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Abstract pattern of wavy and zigzag lines with geometric shapes, no text or symbols present

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The PFAFF 360-261 Automatic

Operation of this versatile machine is surprisingly simple and does not require any special skill.

With the aid of the embroidery design dial (see above illustration) the machine can be set for any desired stitch in a matter of seconds.

Pictured on both sides of the dial are only the primary designs the machine can do. In addition, countless variations are possible by changing the length of the pattern or using one or two needles. The range of possible combinations is staggering even to imagine.

The Transverse Spool Holder

To ensure that the thread will unwind evenly from a cross-wound spool, use the transverse spool holder which is part of the standard equipment of your machine.

To attach the spool holder, slip position spring 1 over the vertical spool pin, the bent portion of the spring pointing toward you. Push the spool of thread on spool pin 2. Press the position spring together, and push pin 2 into the spring slot. With the spring pressed together, adjust its position on the vertical spool pin, as required. When you release the spring, the transverse pin will be held in place firmly. Pass the thread through eyelet 3, and thread the machine as instructed.

Technical diagram showing hands operating a mechanical component with numbered parts labeled 1, 2, and 3.

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Contents

	Page		Page
Foreword	1	Edge Stitching	32
Essential Parts of Machine	2	Quilting	32
Electrical Information	4	Flat Felled Seams	33
Fundamentals of Machine Operation	5	Rolled Hems	34
Straight Stitching	6	Hemming	34
Zigzag Sewing	7	Overcasting Edges	35
Winding the Bobbin	8	Butt Seaming	35
Inserting a Full Bobbin into Bobbin Case	10	Attaching Lace	36
Removing the Bobbin Case	10	Inserting Lace	36
Inserting the Bobbin Case	11	Inserting Patches	37
Recommended Needle and Thread Sizes	12	Single-Needle Cording	38
Important Facts about Needles	13	Shirring	38
Upper Threading	14	Applique Work	39
Operating the Needle Threader	16	Openwork Embroidery	40
Drawing Up the Bobbin Thread	17	Making Stuffed Animals	41
Correct Tension Regulation	18	Scrollwork	41
Regulating the Thread Tension	19	Imitation Hemstitching	42
Stitch Length Regulation	20	Hemstitching	43
Reverse Sewing	20	Blindstitching	43
Dropping the Machine Feed	21	Sewing Buttonholes	44
Changing the Sewing Foot	22	Button Sewing	46
The Darning Foot	22	Darning	47
Care and Maintenance	23	Monogram Embroidery	49
Regular Machine Care	25	Sewing Monograms	49
Sewlight Facts	26	Cording	50
The Snap-Out Workplate	27	Ornamental Sewing	52
Adjusting the Motor Belt Tension	28	The PFAFF 360-261 Automatic	52
Trouble Shooting	29	The Transverse Spool Holder	53
Zipper Insertion	32