STELLA AIR ELECTRONIC - Sewing machine ELNA - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL STELLA AIR ELECTRONIC ELNA

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Instruction manual

Your new Elna Stella TSP, class 57 Instruction manual

allows you to get acquainted with your Elna Stella, to familiarize yourself with its operation, handling, and some fundamental stitches. This is the first part of this brochure.

The sewing guide

constitutes the second part. Without claiming to be exhaustive, it nevertheless provides a wide range of practical and decorative sewing possibilities offered by your machine and its standard equipment or by acquiring one or more additional accessories.

Part I pages

Description and essential parts 1 to 11

Machine preparation 12 to 19

Settings and sewing 19 to 35

Part II

Sewing guide, pages

use of different automatic stitches 37 to 75

Special accessories 76 to 81

Maintenance 82 to 83

To remedy small disturbances 83 to 84

Alphabetical directory 85 to 86

Preparation

It is not necessary to take your Elna Stella out of a suitcase.

1 Open it by gently lifting the stops to release the protective covers.
Fold them in the order 2-4-3 to form a comfortable table.
You are already ready for any new common sewing:
5 The presser foot for usual straight and zigzag stitches.
6 A size 80 needle (medium thickness).
7 The thread tension set on a scale, marked between 4! 12 and 5! 12.

The foot pressure should no longer be adjusted. It is universal, factory balanced for both fine fabrics and thick ones.

Service. If you need additional information, do not hesitate to contact the Elna store. A qualified staff will be happy to assist you. Under the warranty validity conditions, they are also the only ones competent for any technical intervention on your Elna Stella.

Your Elna Stella is a convertible sewing machine

You can use it with the comfortable sewing table, leaving the covers deployed, or with the free arm.

You obtain a free arm by removing the 3 protective covers, namely:

1-2 Covers 1 and 2: lift the covers to a horizontal position (a), press them towards the red mark (I) and lift the other end (II). The covers will detach.
3 Cover 3: press the button (b) while lifting the cover and pulling upwards.
4 This way you obtain the free arm. It allows you to easily sew pant openings, skirt waists, aprons, pieces in pant bottoms, pockets, etc.

• To reattach the covers: turn the handwheel to bring the thread tensioner down. Then close the covers.

You replace them in reverse order, namely:

3 Start by reattaching cover 3 into the slot. Present it with the red mark “ ● ” facing outwards.

Push it all the way until it clicks into place.

2-1 Then, reattach covers 2 and 1 by presenting them horizontally. Insert the end marked red (I) into the hinge hole. Press the cover against the hinge and present the other end (II) into the hole.

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Your Elna Stella is easy to understand

Here are the other essential parts:

1 Stitch length button
2 Stitch width button
3 Stitch selector
4 Hook cover
5 Built-in light. Max power 15 W
6 Upper thread tension, universal.
7 Thread tensioner.
8 Bobbin winder.
9 Retractable spool pin.
10 Handwheel with clutch lever.
11 Electronic speed reducer.
12 Feature plate. Check that the voltage (volts) is the same as that of the electric bulbs in your apartment.

13 Electric cord.
14 Air pedal.
15 Light switch and motor switch. Each switch can be turned on or off independently.

Safety

In accordance with recommendations from authorities, it is necessary to disconnect the sewing machine from the power source by removing the plug from the wall socket, namely:

• when leaving the sewing machine or during maintenance or replacement of mechanical parts or accessories.

See also pages 82-83.

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The accessory box

located in your Elna Stella is a real display where each accessory has its place. There is no longer a separate box; it is an integral part of your Elna Stella.

1-2 Gently lift the stop and open the lid.
You will find in the case the accessories and removable soles for:
3 presser foot, already fixed on the machine
4 darning foot
5 zipper foot
6 blind stitch foot
7 buttonhole foot with slider
8 overcasting foot and plate 2 bobbins (plus one already in the hook) assortment of needles and needle threader brush, oil bottle, buttonhole knife and seam ripper, small screwdriver
9 If you need to change the needle, hold the needle, the flat side against your index finger and push it all the way into the clamp. Tighten the screw firmly (one turn is not necessary). Use needles system 130/705 H (15× 1)

10 If you need to change the presser foot

a) lift the foot. By pressing down with your fingers against the bottom of the presser foot, the sole will detach and can be removed freely.
b) place the other sole under the presser foot holder. Lower the foot, the sole will click into place by itself (press with your fingers on the holder if necessary).

11 If you are using a foot with a conventional attachment, it is possible to loosen the attachment screw of the holder. Remove the holder and attach the foot in its place. Tighten the attachment screw firmly.

For the overcasting foot (see pages 34/35)

IMPORTANT! The use of different feet and soles is explained as needed for sewing. However, since many Elna machines in service are still equipped with conventional feet, these are the feet that are most often illustrated. For customers who already have removable presser feet, it is simply necessary to change the sole instead of the foot when needed.

Operation

1 Pedal
The pedal is not electric. It is a pneumatic pedal. It controls an electronic device housed inside the machine, to adjust the speeds of the motor and sewing.
2 Plug the connector into the machine.
3 Plug in the electric cord.
4 Lamp, located in the head of the machine.
5 It can be turned on or off independently by pressing the light switch. Useful for changing the needle or bobbin, preparing a project, etc. The power of the lamp (15W maximum) is indicated on the machine.
6 The motor switch is a safety switch that cuts off the electric supply to the motor (without interrupting the power to the lamp). Turn on the switch to operate the machine; turn it off when you are not sewing.

7 Electronic speed reducer.

With this slider, it is possible to adjust, before or during sewing, the maximum desired speed by sliding the slider up or down in a position that can choose between the “hare” and the “tortoise” symbolizing fast and slow speeds.

A "winding" position also indicates the recommended speed for winding the bobbin.

The speed range is then controlled by pressing with your foot on the pedal. The more you press, the faster the speed increases, up to the maximum speed set by the reducer. Preferably press with the sole of your foot (and not with the tip of your foot).

Familiarize yourself with the speeds by making a few empty turns with the machine (without thread).

N.B. Thanks to the electronic control combined with the permanent magnet motor, the optimum peak power is maintained even when sewing stitch by stitch. Very useful for thick seams or delicate passages.

If you use your Elna Stella?

1 for the first time or if you haven't used it for some time, put a drop of oil in the point of the hook marked in red.

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Wind the bobbin

For regular sewing, you will benefit from wanting a medium thickness thread.

2 Raise the thread guide located under the accessory box lid that is used to wind and thread the upper thread (see also the next page). Close the lid.
3 Release the handwheel by loosening the clutch until it stops.
4 Slide the electronic speed reducer cursor to winding "I"

5 Place the bobbin on the winder with the hole side up.
6 Remove the spool pin and place the spool of thread.
7 Pass the thread through the thread guide that you raised earlier.
8 Manually wrap the end of the thread around the bobbin in the indicated direction and let the winder run to the right.
9 Wind by lightly braking the spool with a finger to keep the thread taut and achieve a well-filled bobbin. The replacement bobbin stops automatically.
10 Engage the handwheel by tightening the clutch in the opposite direction of the arrow. Cut the thread and remove the bobbin from the winder by pushing it to the left.

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Setting the bobbin and threading the lower thread

There is no bobbin case.

The bobbin is placed directly in the hook, as follows:

1 Open the hook cover by pushing it back until it stops. Drop the bobbin into the hook, hole side up.
2 Hold the bobbin with your left index finger. Engage the thread in the slot (a). Bring it forward, into the right angle (b).

3 Continue to hold the bobbin. By pulling the thread and pressing down with your index finger, it will snap into the tension.

4 Also check that the thread does not come out of the tension. By pulling it slightly upwards, it should not exit the slot (2-a). If it unexpectedly comes out, repeat as indicated in steps 2 and 3. Leave about 15 cm of thread hanging back.

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Thread the upper thread

Ensure that the thread tension and the foot are up.

1 Remove the spool pin. Place the spool. Hold it with your finger and pass the thread, in the following order: all passages are open, including the thread tension.
2 Thread guide.
3 Universal upper tension marked between 4! 12 - 5! 12.

Important for beautiful sewing:

Give a quick upward tug on the thread so that it snaps well into the tension (3).

Check: if you then pull the thread down, it should not come out of the tension (3).

4 Thread tension - pass the thread through the notch in the cover, from right to left, turning behind above the thread tension. The thread will slide into the opening of the thread tension.
5 Thread guide.
6 Needle clamp. Pull the thread well to the bottom of the clamp. (6a) the thread is not pulled all the way into the needle clamp. (6b) needle clamp well inflated.
7 Needle. It is threaded from front to back (if using the needle threader, it should be inserted into the eye of the needle from behind).
8 Leave about 15 cm of thread hanging in front.

Reminder of the lower thread

1 Leave about 15 cm of upper thread hanging in front and pinch it with your index finger on the edge of the needle plate.
2 Make one turn of the handwheel by hand (turning towards yourself) to
3 lower and raise the thread tension completely at the top - and the lower thread will rise - (4).
4 Manually release the loop of the thread.

5 Check that the thread has passed correctly over the hook and the bobbin. Close the hook cover.

6 Leave both threads hanging about 15 cm to the side, passing them under the presser foot.

It is now possible to sew under the best conditions.

Universal tension

7 It is marked by the frame surrounding the number 5.
It is suitable for sewing most projects.

For eventual adjustment:

Turn the tension knob between 5 and 9 to achieve a stronger tension.

Turn the tension knob between 5 and 1 to achieve a weaker tension.

The Sewing Guide provides more details on this topic – see part II, page 39.

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Selection and adjustment of stitches, according to the "Synchrocolor" system

The selection table (1), the selector (2), the adjustment buttons (3-4), and the stitch usage table (5) are marked with green and red color indicators. By turning the buttons to the corresponding colors, the most common basic settings are synchronized.

1 Stitch selection table

The Elna Stella-TSP includes 8 incorporated stitches, namely:

4 simple automatic stitches marked on a green background

straight stitch
zigzag stitch
- hidden elastic stitch and overlock stitch
special zigzag or overlock stitch

The stitches are therefore set, in principle, by turning the width and length buttons (3 and 4) to the green indicators.

4 double super-automatic stitches marked on a red background.

• triple stitch
  reinforced zigzag stitch
• decorative overlock stitch
  knit stitch

These stitches are therefore set, in principle, by turning the width and length buttons (3 and 4) to the red indicators.

Moreover, the most frequent uses of these stitches are illustrated on a stitch usage table (5)

located in the lid of the accessory box. It thus allows you to CHOOSE with certainty the stitch for sewing or embroidery that is least suitable for either of the uses shown on the table.

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Basic sewing

Make sure that the clutch is well tightened.

Use the sewing foot (see page 8).
- Only operate the threaded machine with the fabric properly placed under the foot and after lowering the foot.

Straight sewing forward

1 Leave the stitch width button on "0"
2 Turn the stitch length button between 1 and 4 according to the desired length (green zone up to 2).

To start sewing, pierce the needle into the fabric and hold the threads with your hand to sew the first two or three stitches.

3 You will then sew a straight stitch with stitches of 1 to 2 mm long (in the green zone), but also 2-4 mm by turning the button beyond the green zone, to the corresponding numbers - depending on the project and the fabric.

To sew

4 Guide only by accompanying the fabric with your fingers, along the foot without holding it (Do not pull the fabric behind). Observe the sewing carefully at the same time. This way, you control your sewing without the risk of accidentally pricking yourself.

Straight sewing backward

5 For a backstitch, turn the stitch length button to the symbolic stitches "----". It is possible to sew backstitches of different lengths.

Removing the work

6 To remove the work, first turn the handwheel by hand, towards yourself, to bring the thread tension all the way up. This is essential to finish the stitch. It is also important so that you can start the next sewing under good conditions. Raise the presser foot lever. Remove the work towards the back and cut the threads with the thread cutter of the presser foot.

Changing the bobbin

7 With the foot up, insert the "bobbin picker" (which is located just above the hook) into the central hole of the bobbin; by releasing it, the bobbin will come out automatically.

You can offset the straight stitch

8 With the stitch width button on "0", the straight stitch is centered (a).

By turning the stitch width button to "", the stitch is offset to the right (b).

By turning the stitch width button in the opposite direction to , the stitch is offset to the left (c).

Any other intermediate position is also possible.

Very practical for edging coils, cuffs, zippers, etc.

Note: For technical reasons, the lengths of the stitches for offset sewing are as follows:

• offset to the right - approx. 1, 2, 3, 4
• offset to the left - approx. 112, 212, 312, 4

If you wish to repress, consult pages 34-35, 74-75.

Sewing with zigzag stitch

Use the teflon sewing foot.

Leave the stitch width button on "0"

1-2 Slide the selector to zigzag " 念 " mode. Turn the stitch width button to 4 in the green zone.
3 Turn the stitch length button between 1-2 in the green zones.
4 This gives you the zigzag stitch

You can still adjust the width and length of your zigzag between 1 and 4 as desired.

Often used for overlocking, attaching pieces, elastics, edging garments and underwear in jersey, hidden seams in woolens, etc.

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Bourdon stitch

Use the bourdon foot.

To change the foot, see pages 8-9.

5 By choosing a stitch width between 1 and 4 and a stitch length 12 -14 you will create a beautiful bourdon. You will use it advantageously for sheets, pillows, tablecloths, cushions, etc.

Gradient bourdon

6 If you manually miss the stitch width button between 1-4-1, while your Elna Stella is operating quickly you will stitch a gradient bourdon according to your imagination.

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Overlock stitch or special zigzag

Use the Teflon sewing foot.

1-2 With the stitch width button on "0", slide the selector to special zigzag "≤", green.
1.2 Turn the stitch width button to "4", green zone.
3 Turn the stitch length button to 12 green zone.
4 This gives you the special zigzag.
You can still adjust the width and length of your special zigzag between "1" and "4".
Highly appreciated for its strength and elasticity, this zigzag is suitable for overlocking, applying elastics, sewing jersey and stretch fabrics, applying pieces in one operation, sewing edge to edge.

Hidden elastic stitch or border stitch

5 With the stitch width button on "0", slide the selector to border stitch " ", green zone.

• Turn the stitch width button to "4", green zone.
• Turn the stitch length button to "1 to 1½", green zone. This gives you the hidden stitch.
  6 You can also reduce the stitch length between 1/2 - 1/4 to give the border stitch the effect of a fantastic cord. Use the bourdon-buttonhole foot.

This stitch can be used for various purposes described in more detail in the second part of this brochure under "Sewing Guide", namely:

Border stitch:

to edge tablecloths, towels, inlay patterns, reinforce buttonholes.

Hidden stitch and hidden elastic stitch:

for woolens, stretch fabrics, etc.

Elastic rose stitch:

for underwear, in jersey for example.

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Triple elastic sewing

Use the bourdon-buttonhole foot or the Teflon sewing foot.

1-2 With the stitch width button on "0", slide the selector to triple stitch "■", red zone (same position as for triple zigzag).
3 Turn the stitch length button to "S", red zone.
4 You thus obtain a very strong triple elastic stitch for work and sports clothing, garden chairs, curtains, etc.

Triple elastic zigzag

Use the bourdon foot.

With the stitch width button on 四 _ 0 ^ 一 slide the selector to zigzag 三 _ 三 ^ 一, stitch red zone.

5 Turn the stitch width button to "4", red zone.

Turn the stitch length button to "S", red zone.

You thus obtain a triple elastic zigzag. This zigzag, which is as useful as it is pleasant, is suitable for reinforcing certain seams in clothing and can also have a very nice effect as a decorative stitch on jeans, skirts, etc.

N. B. You can obtain a narrower stitch by turning the stitch width button between 3-1.

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Elastic border stitch

Use the bourdon foot.

With the stitch width button on 一 0

1-2 Slide the selector to elastic border stitch "3", red zone.
2 Turn the stitch width button to "4", red zone.
3 Turn the stitch length button to "S", red zone.
4 You thus obtain an elastic border stitch that will be delightful on the edges of sleeves, to edge tablecloths, doilies, etc.

As a decorative stitch, it can also be combined, assembled with other stitches.

Knitting stitch

Use the sewing foot or bourdon depending on the fabric.

With the stitch width button on 己 _ 0 ^ 一 slide the selector to knitting stitch "8", red zone.

5 Turn the stitch width button to "4", red zone.

Turn the stitch length button to "S", red zone.

You will thus obtain a knitting stitch. This stitch allows you to sew and overlock in one operation, stretchable "stretch" fabrics, particularly jeans, knits, etc. It is also very decorative.

The stitches and their various uses are described in more detail in the second part of this brochure under "Sewing Guide"

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Do you want to make a beautiful automatic buttonhole?

By making this 4 mm wide buttonhole, it is not necessary to turn the work around the needle.

• Check that the stitch width button is on 0 and
  Slide the selector to zigzag ≈
  Turn the 2 buttons width and length of stitch on "buttonhole" marked blue.

1 Use the slide plate for buttonholes. Foot up, push the slide completely towards you (a).

Place one of the buttons intended for the garment (or a button of the same size) on the slide, in front of the foot, then push the stop (b) against the button and screw it. Remove the button. The slide will automatically retract when the length of the buttonhole is reached.

2 N.B.: You can also sew buttonholes or distribute them without placing a button in the slide. The user controls the length of the buttonhole and stops sewing at the moment they want.

In this case, mark the desired length on the fabric. Present the work under the foot, the mark being in the middle of the foot, the start below the needle. Lower the foot.

3 Sew the first lip. Stop sewing when the slide stops.
Lift the needle.
4 Turn the stitch width button to 2, blue.
Sew a few stitches. Lift the needle.
5 Turn the stitch width button to 3, blue. Sew the second lip. Stop sewing when the slide stops (height of the first lip). Lift the needle.
6 Turn the stitch width button to 4, blue.
Sew a few stitches. Lift the needle.
7 Turn the stitch width button to 气 blue. Make a few stitches while holding the fabric with your hand.
8 Open the buttonhole.

Other refinements:

Depending on the fabric, the length of the zigzag can be modified slightly with the stitch length button:

• by turning it towards "0", the zigzag tightens,
• by moving away from "0", the zigzag opens.

IMPORTANT: If you are sewing in a thick wool or a knit fabric, slide a paper underneath, between the feed dog and the fabric and the buttonhole will be sewn correctly. Tear the paper after sewing.

Darning

Use darning thread.

With a little practice, you will be able to darn easily and make household linen, underwear, work clothes, etc. last two to three times longer.

1 First place the darning plate (a) and then the darning foot.

The darning plate facilitates darning without a hoop by covering the openings of the needle plate and avoids a special mechanism for retractable feed dogs.

The darning foot does not have a removable sole.
Loosen the fixing screw (b) and raise the foot holder.

Attach the darning foot by presenting it from behind. The lever of the foot hits behind the pin (b) of the needle holder.

Turn both the stitch width and length buttons to 0

Do not forget to lower the foot before starting to darn and hold the threads well.

2 Insert the needle into the fabric, stretch the fabric well between your fingers and stitch a tight weave: movements from right to left and vice versa.

3 Keep your fingers as close as possible to the darning foot and secure the weave with forward-backward movements and vice versa. Stitch in parallel serpentine lines.

To reinforce a fabric, it is not necessary to stretch a weave.

Threading very slippery threads

Some very slippery threads (most often synthetic) may tend to fall in coils from the spool on the machine.

4 To avoid this, place the removable spool holder on the spool stop, as well as the spool. Raise the retractable spool holder and pass the thread through the hole (a). Then thread as usual.

Threading with twin needle

5 Place the removable spool holder on the spool stop as well as the spool. Place the second spool on the retractable spool holder after raising it. Hold the 2 threads in your left hand and thread them together as usual, up to the needle holder (see pages 16-17).

6 Then pass one thread from one side and the other thread from the other side of the needle holder. Thread both eyes of the needle. Raise the lower thread as usual but holding the 2 upper threads (pages 18-19).

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