Davis Sewing Machine Manual

The Davis Sewing Machine is a classic mechanical sewing device featuring various stitch patterns, adjustable tension control, built-in bobbin winding system, multiple presser feet options, free arm capability, and manual stitch selection. Designed for home sewing projects with durable metal construction and precision engineering. 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. Accessories 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, Stitch pattern selector, Tension dial, Bobbin winder, Presser foot lever, Hand wheel, Reverse stitch button.

FeatureDescription
Stitch pattern selectorFor selecting straight stitch, zigzag, and decorative patterns
Tension dialAdjusts upper thread tension for different fabrics
Bobbin winderAutomatically winds bobbin with thread
Presser foot leverRaises and lowers presser foot
Hand wheelManual control of needle position
Reverse stitch buttonFor reinforcing stitches at beginning and end
Free armRemovable extension for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Stitch length dialAdjusts stitch length from 0-4mm
Needle positionLeft, center, and right needle positions
Built-in lightIlluminates sewing area

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

  1. Remove protective packaging and foam inserts
  2. Attach power cord to machine and electrical outlet
  3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back
  4. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc
  5. Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case following directional arrows

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow threading diagram.

  1. Upper threading: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle
  2. Lower threading: Pull bobbin thread up through throat plate
  3. Test stitches: Use scrap fabric to adjust tension and stitch length
  4. Select stitch pattern: Turn dial to desired stitch setting
  5. Begin sewing: Lower presser foot, gently press foot control

CAUTION! Always use proper needle for fabric type. Replace bent or dull needles immediately.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access all functions via front control panel. Main dials: Stitch pattern selector, Stitch length, Stitch width.

Basic Controls: Power switch, Foot control, Reverse stitch lever, Presser foot lifter, Hand wheel.

Tension: Adjust dial (1-9) for different fabrics. Stitch Length: 0-4mm for fine to basting stitches. Stitch Width: 0-5mm for zigzag and decorative stitches. Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable for different fabric thicknesses.

Stitch Selection

Supports straight stitch, zigzag, blind hem, stretch stitches, and decorative patterns.

  1. Straight Stitch: Dial position 1 - for basic sewing and seams
  2. Zigzag Stitch: Dial position 2 - for finishing edges and appliqué
  3. Blind Hem: Dial position 3 - for nearly invisible hemming
  4. Stretch Stitch: Dial position 4 - for knit fabrics
  5. Decorative Stitches: Dial positions 5-12 - for decorative effects
  6. Buttonhole: Dial position 13 - automatic 4-step buttonhole

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before starting project.

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading is essential for quality stitching.

  1. Upper Threading: Follow numbered guides from spool pin to needle
  2. Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through tension disc, wind evenly
  3. Bobbin Insertion: Drop in with thread following directional arrow
  4. Thread Drawing: Turn hand wheel to bring up bobbin thread
  5. Tension Check: Test on scrap fabric, adjust if loops form

WARNING! Never force thread through guides. Rethread completely if thread breaks.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
  2. Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil
  3. Monthly: Clean tension discs with soft brush
  4. As Needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing

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

Accessories

Included accessories: Zipper foot, Buttonhole foot, Blind hem foot, Seam ripper, Brush, Screwdrivers, Extra bobbins, Spool caps.

AccessoryUse
Zipper FootInstalling zippers and piping
Buttonhole FootCreating perfect buttonholes
Blind Hem FootNearly invisible hemming
Seam RipperRemoving stitches and opening buttonholes
Additional NeedlesVarious types for different fabrics

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for electrical safety. CSA Approved: Meets Canadian safety standards. Copyright © Davis Sewing Machines; all rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.davissewing.com or contact 1-800-555-SEWING. Made with precision engineering for reliable performance.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; reduce tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitchesWrong needle/damaged needleReplace needle; ensure correct needle for fabric type.
Uneven stitchesTension imbalanceAdjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread both.
Machine jamsThread buildup/lintRemove bobbin case; clean area; rethread carefully.
No powerPower connection/fuseCheck power cord; ensure foot control connected; check household fuse.
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dogs; clean feed dog area; check presser foot pressure.

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

Davis Sewing Machine Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025