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From: grammysherry
Date: 09-23-2006, 01:42 PM (1 of 5)
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Question-what do I set the needle position for to use the zigzag on this Singer Fashion Mate 257. I have never used a zigzag before (only ancient straight stitch ones). I know for straight stitch the needle should be in the center, but not sure if it is supposed to be set at L or R for zigzag. I posted this first in my last thread but I thought this would be noticed on a new post. Hope this is ok? |
User: grammysherry
Member since: 01-01-2006 Total posts: 20 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 09-23-2006, 02:20 PM (2 of 5)
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I'm sorry that your first post went unanswered. You can use your zig zag on all three needle positions with your zig zag foot. It is nice to have these positions just to redirect your needle closer to a seam line etc. You do not "need to" adjust from the center or middle M position which would have your needle position be in the center of your feed dogs. If using a straight stitch foot or straight stitch plate you will have to make sure your needle is positioned properly and do not use your zig zag stitch with the straight stitch needle plate or foot or you could break your needle. The different needle positions can also be used for making a buttonhole and doing different deco work and sewing on buttons. It is nice that your little machine has the 3 positons. Some machines have many needle postions and yet some of todays expensive models may only have a left or center postion and no right postion. I hope you enjoy your machine and that you learn to know all that it can do. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: grammysherry
Date: 09-23-2006, 05:00 PM (3 of 5)
| As I said, I have only used straight stitch. This will help me...so I won't be so nervous using a different machine. |
User: grammysherry
Member since: 01-01-2006 Total posts: 20 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 09-24-2006, 02:43 AM (4 of 5)
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Grammysherry I have a 257 also and I use the middle needle position to zig zag, then I just set the width lever for the zig zag stitches to the size zig zag I want. My 257 looks like it's brand new and sews like a dream. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 09-24-2006, 10:55 PM (5 of 5)
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Although center position is what the machine was designed for when straight stitching (the straight stitch foot and throat plate require this), when straight stitching on some fabrics while using the zig zag foot and plate you will find that the stitch quality is better if the needle is to one side or the other. This is because the fabric is then supported on three sides instead of just in the front and back. That model also had a tendency to skip stitches on some knit fabrics. Singer's yellowband needle is also very helpfull on those fabrics. That model proved to be a real workhorse even though it was low priced. Bill may correct me but it seems like it sold for $89 - $99 around 1972. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
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