Alex Sewing Machine Manual

The Alex Sewing Machine is a versatile household sewing device with multiple stitch patterns, adjustable speed control, built-in needle threader, automatic bobbin winding, free arm capability, LED lighting, and various presser feet attachments. Suitable for beginners and experienced sewers alike, this machine offers straight stitch, zigzag, decorative stitches, buttonhole functions, and reverse stitching. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection Guide 7. Maintenance & Cleaning 8. Accessories & Attachments 9. Safety Precautions 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing head with built-in LED light, Foot pedal, Power cord, Bobbins, Needles, Various presser feet, Instruction manual.

Feature	Description
Built-in needle threader	Automatically threads needle for easy setup
Automatic bobbin winding	Winds bobbin without removing from machine
Free arm capability	Allows sewing of sleeves and circular items
LED work light	Illuminates sewing area for better visibility
Stitch selection dial	Choose from multiple stitch patterns
Speed control lever	Adjust sewing speed from slow to fast
Reverse stitch button	Reinforces stitches at beginning and end
Buttonhole foot	Creates perfect buttonholes automatically
Thread tension dial	Adjusts thread tension for different fabrics
Presser foot pressure	Adjustable for different fabric thicknesses

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable, level surface.

Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet.
Install foot pedal: Connect to machine port and place on floor.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle.
Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder and thread through tension disc.
Insert bobbin: Place wound bobbin in bobbin case following direction arrows.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always unplug when not in use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to straight stitch symbol.
Practice on scrap fabric: Use medium-weight cotton for initial testing.
Adjust stitch length: Set to 2.5mm for general sewing.
Test reverse stitching: Hold reverse button to reinforce stitches.
Try different speeds: Use speed control to find comfortable pace.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area well-lit.

Specifications

Stitch Patterns: 12 built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, and decorative
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable 0-5mm for zigzag stitches
Buttonhole: 1-step automatic buttonhole
Speed: Up to 800 stitches per minute
Needle System: Standard 15x1 household needles
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Power Supply: 110V, 60Hz
Weight: 12 lbs (5.4 kg)
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length adjustment, Stitch width adjustment, Reverse stitch button, Bobbin winder.

Side Controls: Handwheel, Power switch, Foot pedal connector, Light switch.

Stitch Settings: Straight stitch (positions 1-4), Zigzag stitch (positions 5-8), Decorative stitches (positions 9-12). Tension: Adjust dial for different fabrics (lower for stretch, higher for woven). Presser Feet: Standard, Zipper, Buttonhole, Blind Hem, Button Sewing.

Stitch Selection Guide

Choose appropriate stitch for your project.

Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, seams, topstitching (length 2.0-2.5mm)
Zigzag Stitch: Finishing edges, stretch fabrics, appliqué (width 2-4mm)
Blind Hem Stitch: Nearly invisible hems on garments
Decorative Stitches: Embellishments and decorative seams
Buttonhole Stitch: Automatic one-step buttonholes
Stretch Stitch: For knit and stretch fabrics

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil
Monthly: Clean race hook and check needle plate
As needed: Replace needle after 8 hours of sewing
Storage: Cover machine when not in use

WARNING! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories & Attachments

Included accessories enhance sewing capabilities.

Accessory	Purpose
Standard Presser Foot	General sewing
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole Foot	Creating buttonholes
Blind Hem Foot	Nearly invisible hems
Button Sewing Foot	Attaching buttons
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint
Extra Bobbins	Additional thread colors
Needles	Replacement needles

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Keep fingers away from moving needle
Unplug when changing needles or cleaning
Do not pull fabric while sewing
Use proper lighting to see work area
Keep hair and loose clothing away from machine
Do not operate if cord is damaged
Supervise children when near machine

CAUTION! Needles are sharp. Handle with care and dispose of properly.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL safety standards for household sewing machines. FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. Copyright © 2025 Alex Sewing Machines; all rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.alexsewing.com or contact 1-800-555-SEWING. Made for household use only.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread machine; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/dull needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin insertion	Remove and reinsert bobbin; check threading direction
Machine not feeding fabric	Feed dogs lowered/dirty	Raise feed dogs; clean feed dog area
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread completely
Machine won't start	Power/pedal issues	Check power connection; ensure pedal is plugged in
Noisy operation	Lack of oil/lint buildup	Clean and oil machine; check for loose parts

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur.

Service: 1-800-555-SEWING; www.alexsewing.com