Elna Contessa 310 Sewing Machine Manual

The Elna Contessa 310 is a versatile electronic sewing machine with advanced features including 30 built-in stitches, one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, drop feed for free-motion sewing, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in needle plate thread cutter, and LED lighting. Powered by standard household electricity with variable speed 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 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electronic control panel, built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, drop feed mechanism, LED work light, free arm capability.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	30 pre-programmed stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch
One-Step Buttonhole	Automatic buttonhole creation with precise sizing
Automatic Needle Threader	Easy threading with built-in threading system
Drop Feed	Lower feed dogs for free-motion sewing and quilting
LED Work Light	Bright illumination of sewing area
Free Arm	Removable extension table for cylindrical sewing
Variable Speed Control	Adjustable sewing speed with foot control
Stitch Length/Width	Adjustable stitch parameters for customization
Needle Up/Down	Programmable needle position
Built-in Thread Cutter	Convenient thread cutting on needle plate

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

Remove packaging materials and protective covers from machine.
Attach power cord to machine and plug into standard household outlet.
Install foot control pedal and position for comfortable access.
Attach extension table for flat sewing surface.
Install needle following proper orientation and tightening.

WARNING! Ensure machine is unplugged during needle installation to prevent accidental starting.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup procedure.

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder and thread through tension disc.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Select basic straight stitch for initial testing.
Practice on scrap fabric to adjust tension and stitch quality.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position and presser foot lowered.

Specifications

Stitches: 30 built-in stitches including 6 basic, 8 decorative, 8 stretch, 8 quilting
Buttonholes: One-step automatic buttonhole
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable 0-5mm
Needle Positions: Left, center, right
Presser Feet: Includes zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing feet
Bobbin: Front loading, class 15 transparent
Power Supply: Standard household 110-120V, 60Hz
Machine Dimensions: 15.4" x 7.1" x 11.8"
Weight: 12.1 lbs

Controls and Settings

Access functions via electronic control panel and mechanical dials.

Control Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch button, needle up/down button.

Basic Settings: Stitch pattern selection, stitch length adjustment (0-4mm), stitch width adjustment (0-5mm), reverse stitching, needle position. Advanced Features: Drop feed lever for free-motion work, automatic needle threader, built-in thread cutter, variable speed control via foot pedal.

Stitch Selection

30 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

Turn stitch selection dial to desired stitch pattern number.
Adjust stitch length dial for shorter/longer stitches.
Adjust stitch width dial for narrower/wider stitches.
For buttonholes: Select buttonhole stitch and follow automatic sequence.
For decorative stitches: Use appropriate presser foot and stabilizer.

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

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading ensures optimal stitch quality.

Upper Threading: Raise presser foot and needle to highest position. Follow numbered path from spool pin to needle.
Automatic Needle Threader: Lower threader lever, hook thread through hook, return lever to position.
Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through tension disc, wind bobbin until full.
Bobbin Insertion: Open bobbin cover, insert bobbin with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Bring Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel toward you to catch bobbin thread.

WARNING! Ensure machine is turned off during threading procedures.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

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

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

Regulatory Information

CE certified for European safety standards. Complies with international electrical safety requirements. Copyright © Elna International; all rights reserved. For technical support and service, contact authorized Elna dealers or visit www.elna.com. Manufactured to meet quality and safety standards for household sewing machines.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Re-thread completely; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skipped stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric.
Uneven stitches	Improper tension/bobbin	Clean bobbin area; adjust upper and lower tension.
Machine not running	Power/pedal issues	Check power connection; ensure foot pedal is plugged in properly.
Bobbin thread bunching	Bobbin threading	Re-thread bobbin ensuring correct direction; check bobbin case.

Reset: Turn machine off and unplug for 30 seconds to reset electronics.

Service: Contact authorized Elna service center; visit www.elna.com for dealer locations.