Free Empisal Sewing Machine Manual

The Empisal sewing machine is a versatile household sewing device featuring multiple stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in needle threader, free arm capability, built-in LED light, automatic bobbin winding, reverse stitching function, and adjustable presser foot pressure. Suitable for various fabrics from lightweight to medium-weight materials. 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. Basic Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories Included 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main sewing unit, foot pedal, power cord, accessory box with presser feet, bobbins, needles, and seam ripper.

FeatureDescription
Stitch Patterns12 built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, and decorative
Stitch Length ControlAdjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch Width ControlAdjustable from 0-5mm for zigzag stitches
Free ArmRemovable extension table for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Built-in Needle ThreaderEasy threading mechanism
LED Work LightBuilt-in illumination for sewing area
Reverse StitchButton for reinforcing stitches
Bobbin WindingAutomatic bobbin winding system
Presser Foot PressureAdjustable for different fabric types
Power Requirements110-120V AC, 60Hz

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Attach power cord: Connect to machine and wall outlet.
  2. Install foot pedal: Place on floor in comfortable position.
  3. Thread machine: Follow threading diagram on machine.
  4. Wind bobbin: Use automatic bobbin winding system.
  5. Insert needle: Ensure flat side faces back, tighten screw.

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

First-Time Operation

Plug in machine and test basic functions.

  1. Power on: Connect to electrical outlet.
  2. Test foot pedal: Press gently to start sewing slowly.
  3. Select straight stitch: Use stitch selector dial.
  4. Practice on scrap fabric: Use medium-weight cotton.
  5. Adjust tension: Start with setting 4, adjust as needed.
  6. Test reverse stitch: Hold reverse button while sewing.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area clean and organized.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main control panel located on front of machine.

Stitch Selector: Dial for choosing stitch patterns (1-12). Stitch Length Dial: Controls stitch length (0-4mm). Stitch Width Dial: Controls zigzag width (0-5mm). Reverse Button: For backstitching. Bobbin Winder: Automatic bobbin winding spindle.

Tension Control: Adjust thread tension (0-9). Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot. Hand Wheel: Manual control of needle position. Foot Pedal: Variable speed control.

Stitch Selection Guide

Choose appropriate stitch for your project:

  1. Straight Stitch (1): General sewing, seams
  2. Zigzag Stitch (2): Finishing edges, stretch fabrics
  3. Three-Step Zigzag (3): Elastic application, mending
  4. Blind Hem Stitch (4): Nearly invisible hems
  5. Stretch Stitch (5): Knits and stretch fabrics
  6. Decorative Stitches (6-12): Embellishments, topstitching

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

Basic Sewing Techniques

Fundamental sewing operations:

  1. Straight Seam: Use straight stitch, guide fabric edge along seam guide.
  2. Zigzag Finish: Sew along raw edge to prevent fraying.
  3. Buttonhole: Use 4-step buttonhole foot and stitch pattern 4.
  4. Zipper Installation: Use zipper foot for invisible or regular zippers.
  5. Gathering: Use longest straight stitch, pull bobbin thread to gather.
  6. Topstitching: Use decorative stitches or double needle for professional finish.

WARNING! Never pull fabric through machine - let feed dogs move fabric.

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.
  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

Standard accessory package:

AccessoryQuantityPurpose
Zigzag Foot1General sewing
Zipper Foot1Zipper installation
Buttonhole Foot1Automatic buttonholes
Button Sewing Foot1Sewing on buttons
Needles5Various sizes (80/12, 90/14)
Bobbins4Class 15 transparent
Seam Ripper1Removing stitches
Brush1Cleaning lint
Screwdriver1Needle replacement

Safety Information

Important safety precautions:

WARNING! Serious injury may occur if safety guidelines are not followed.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; reduce tension
Needle breakingBent needle/wrong sizeReplace needle; ensure correct size for fabric
Skipped stitchesDull needle/incorrect needleReplace needle; use ballpoint for knits
Bird nestingIncorrect bobbin threadingRethread bobbin; check bobbin case
Machine not runningPower connection/foot pedalCheck power cord; ensure foot pedal plugged in
Uneven stitchesTension issuesAdjust upper and bobbin tension
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dogs; clean feed dog area

Service: For technical support, contact Empisal customer service at 1-800-555-EMPI or visit www.empisalsewing.com

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