Centennial Sewing Machine Model 208 Manual

The Centennial Sewing Machine Model 208 is a versatile household sewing machine featuring straight stitch, zigzag stitch, buttonhole function, reverse stitching, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in light, free arm capability, drop feed for darning, and built-in thread cutter. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz with foot pedal control. 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 7. Threading & Bobbin 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing head with built-in stitches, Foot pedal, Power cord, Bobbin case, Presser feet set, Needle set, Instruction manual.

FeatureDescription
Stitch selection dialFor selecting straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches
Stitch length controlAdjusts stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch width controlAdjusts zigzag width from 0-5mm
Reverse stitch buttonFor reinforcing stitches at beginning and end
Built-in lightIlluminates sewing area
Free armFor sewing sleeves and cuffs
Drop feed dog leverFor darning and free-motion sewing
Bobbin winderFor winding bobbin directly on machine
Thread tension dialAdjusts upper thread tension
Presser foot leverRaises and lowers presser foot

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface at comfortable height.

  1. Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from carrying case.
  2. Position machine: Place on sturdy table with adequate workspace.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into 120V AC outlet.
  4. Attach foot pedal: Connect pedal to machine and place on floor.
  5. Install needle: Insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
  6. Wind bobbin: Follow threading diagram for bobbin winding.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

  1. Thread machine: Follow numbered threading path from spool to needle.
  2. Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
  3. Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selector to straight stitch position.
  4. Test sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, press pedal gently.
  5. Adjust tension: Test on scrap fabric; adjust tension dial if needed.
  6. Practice reverse: Use reverse button to reinforce stitches.

CAUTION! Always turn hand wheel toward you. Never force the machine.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length control, Stitch width control, Reverse stitch button, Bobbin winder, Hand wheel.

Stitch Selection: Straight (position 1), Zigzag (position 2-4), Buttonhole (position 5), Decorative (position 6-8). Stitch Length: 0-4mm (0 for darning, 4 for basting). Stitch Width: 0-5mm (0 for straight stitch, 5 for wide zigzag). Tension: 0-9 (4 for normal sewing, adjust for different fabrics).

Stitch Selection

Supports multiple stitch types for various sewing projects.

  1. Straight Stitch: Position 1 - for basic sewing, topstitching, gathering
  2. Zigzag Stitch: Position 2-4 - for finishing edges, appliqué, stretch fabrics
  3. 4-step Buttonhole: Position 5 - creates perfect buttonholes automatically
  4. Blind Hem: Position 6 - for nearly invisible hemming
  5. Decorative Stitches: Position 7-8 - for embellishment and decorative work
  6. Reverse Stitch: Reinforce beginning and end of seams

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

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading is essential for good stitch quality.

  1. Upper Threading: Follow numbered path - spool pin, thread guides, tension discs, take-up lever, needle.
  2. Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through bobbin winder tension, press pedal.
  3. Bobbin Insertion: Remove bobbin case, insert bobbin with thread clockwise, pull thread through slot.
  4. Needle Threading: Raise presser foot, thread needle from front to back.
  5. Bring Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel toward you until bobbin thread appears.

WARNING! Always raise needle to highest position before threading.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
  2. Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil (2-3 drops).
  3. Monthly: Clean tension discs with soft brush or dental floss.
  4. Needle Replacement: Change needle after every 8 hours of sewing.
  5. Light Bulb: Replace when dim or burned out (unplug first).

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only sewing machine oil.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for household use. Copyright © 2025 Centennial Sewing Machines; all rights reserved. Patents pending. For technical support, visit www.centennialsewing.com or contact 1-800-555-SEWING. Made for household use only. Not intended for commercial applications.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; reduce tension; check for burrs on needle.
Needle breakingBent needle/wrong sizeReplace needle; ensure correct size for fabric; don't pull fabric.
Uneven stitchesTension/timing issuesAdjust tension; clean feed dogs; check bobbin case.
Machine jamsThread buildupRemove bobbin case; clean all lint; rethread carefully.
No powerPower connectionCheck outlet; ensure pedal connected; check fuse.
Skip stitchesNeedle/blunt pointReplace needle; use correct needle type for fabric.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes if electronic controls malfunction.

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

Centennial Sewing Machine Model 208 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025