Dressmaker Sewing Machine H-50 Model 497 Manual

The Dressmaker H-50 Model 497 is a versatile household sewing machine featuring 50 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in buttonhole function, free arm capability, drop feed for darning and quilting, LED lighting, and variable speed control. Powered by 120V AC, this mechanical sewing machine is designed for beginners and experienced sewers alike. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection and Functions 7. Maintenance and Cleaning 8. Accessories 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, built-in stitch patterns, automatic needle threader, free arm, accessory compartment, foot pedal, power cord.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	50 stitch patterns including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches
Automatic needle threader	Easy threading with push-button mechanism
Stitch length control	Adjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width control	Adjustable from 0-5mm
Free arm capability	For sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other tubular items
Built-in buttonhole	One-step automatic buttonhole function
Drop feed dog	For darning, quilting, and free-motion sewing
LED work light	Bright illumination of sewing area
Variable speed control	Foot pedal controls sewing speed
Reverse stitch lever	For reinforcing stitches at beginning and end

Unpacking and Setup

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

Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by base, not by handwheel or accessories.
Install foot pedal: Connect to machine port, place on floor in comfortable position.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet (120V AC).
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions in manual.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always turn off and unplug for maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup procedure.

Thread machine: Follow threading path indicated on machine; use automatic needle threader.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality and tension.
Adjust tension: Use tension dial if stitches are too loose or too tight.

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

Specifications

Model: H-50 Model 497
Stitch Patterns: 50 built-in stitches
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable
Max Sewing Speed: 800 stitches per minute
Needle System: HA-1 standard domestic needles
Presser Feet: Standard snap-on system
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent
Lighting: LED work light
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Machine Weight: 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg)

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever, bobbin winder.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 50 built-in patterns (straight, zigzag, stretch, decorative). Stitch Length: Adjust for fabric thickness (0-4mm). Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag and decorative stitches (0-5mm). Reverse: Hold lever for backstitching. Tension Control: Adjust thread tension (1-9, 4.5 normal).

Stitch Selection and Functions

50 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, topstitching (patterns 1-3)
Zigzag Stitch: Seam finishing, appliqué (patterns 4-8)
Stretch Stitches: Knits and stretch fabrics (patterns 9-15)
Decorative Stitches: Embellishment and creative sewing (patterns 16-40)
Buttonhole: One-step automatic (pattern 41)
Blind Hem: Nearly invisible hemming (pattern 42)
Overcast: Seam finishing to prevent fraying (patterns 43-45)
Quilting: Straight and decorative quilting stitches (patterns 46-50)

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

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil
Monthly: Clean and oil hook race mechanism
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing
Storage: Cover machine when not in use

WARNING! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only sewing machine oil.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with machine.

Accessory	Function
All-purpose foot	General sewing
Zipper foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole foot	Automatic buttonholes
Blind hem foot	Nearly invisible hems
Button sewing foot	Attaching buttons
Seam ripper	Removing stitches
Needles (assorted)	Different fabric types
Bobbins (4)	Thread holding
Screwdriver	Needle and foot changes
Dust cover	Machine protection

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for safety standards. FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Copyright © 2025 Dressmaker Sewing Company. All rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.dressmakersewing.com or contact 1-800-555-SEWING.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't start	Power connection	Check power cord; ensure foot pedal connected; verify outlet working
Thread breaking	Tension/needle issues	Re-thread machine; check needle for damage; adjust tension
Uneven stitches	Threading/tension	Re-thread top and bobbin; clean lint; check needle position
Fabric not feeding	Feed dog position	Ensure feed dogs raised; clean feed dogs; check presser foot pressure
Needle hitting plate	Needle/bobbin issues	Replace bent needle; ensure bobbin inserted correctly; check timing
Machine jams	Thread buildup	Remove fabric; cut threads; clean bobbin area; re-thread
Poor buttonholes	Stabilizer/fabric	Use stabilizer; test on scrap fabric; adjust stitch width

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