Good Housekeeper Model 215 Sewing Machine Manual

The Good Housekeeper Model 215 is a versatile household sewing machine featuring straight stitch, zigzag stitch, buttonhole function, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in needle threader, free arm capability, built-in light, reverse stitching, and multiple presser feet. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. 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. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing machine head, foot pedal, power cord, accessory box with presser feet, bobbins, needles, and seam ripper.

Feature	Description
Stitch Selection Dial	Selects straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches
Stitch Length Control	Adjusts stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjusts zigzag width from 0-5mm
Built-in Needle Threader	Assists with threading needle
Free Arm	Removable extension table for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Reverse Stitch Lever	Reinforces stitching at beginning and end
Built-in Light	Illuminates sewing area
Bobbin Winder	Automatically winds bobbin
Presser Foot Pressure	Adjustable for different fabric types
Power Switch	Turns machine on/off

Installation & Setup

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

Attach power cord: Plug into machine and wall outlet.
Install foot pedal: Connect to machine port and place on floor.
Attach extension table: Snap into place for flatbed sewing.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.
Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup procedure.

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
Select stitch: Turn dial to desired stitch pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitching.

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

Specifications

Model: Good Housekeeper 215
Stitch Types: Straight, zigzag, blind hem, stretch, decorative
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable
Buttonhole: 4-step automatic
Maximum Sewing Speed: 800 stitches per minute
Needle System: HA-1 standard domestic
Bobbin Type: Class 15 transparent
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
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 control, stitch width control, reverse stitch lever, built-in needle threader.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select pattern (straight, zigzag, decorative). Stitch Length: Adjust for fabric type (shorter for delicate, longer for heavy). Stitch Width: Controls zigzag width. Reverse: Hold lever for backstitching. Tension: Upper thread tension dial (4-6 for normal fabrics).

Stitch Selection

Available stitches and their applications:

Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, topstitching (length 2.0-2.5mm)
Zigzag Stitch: Seam finishing, appliqué (width 2.0-4.0mm)
Blind Hem: Nearly invisible hemming
Stretch Stitch: For knit fabrics
Decorative: Various patterns for embellishment
Buttonhole: 4-step process for perfect buttonholes

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

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

Upper Threading: Raise presser foot, follow numbered path, use built-in threader.
Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through tension disc, wind bobbin.
Bobbin Insertion: Remove extension table, insert bobbin with thread counterclockwise.
Bring Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you.

WARNING! Ensure machine is off when threading. Keep threads clean and untangled.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil (2-3 drops).
Monthly: Check needle for burrs, replace if damaged.
As needed: Clean exterior with soft, dry cloth.

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

Accessories

Included accessories and their uses:

Accessory	Use
All-purpose foot	General sewing
Zipper foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole foot	Making buttonholes
Blind hem foot	Hemming garments
Seam ripper	Removing stitches
Bobbins (4)	Holding lower thread
Needles (3)	Various fabric types
Brush	Cleaning lint

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for operation.

Always unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance
Keep fingers away from moving needle
Do not pull fabric while sewing - let feed dogs move it
Use proper needle for fabric type
Ensure adequate lighting in work area
Keep machine clean and free of dust
Store in dry location away from moisture

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread machine; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; ensure correct type for fabric.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper tension; reinsert bobbin.
Machine won't run	Power/pedal issues	Check power connection; ensure pedal is plugged in.
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin insertion	Remove and reinsert bobbin with thread counterclockwise.
Noise during operation	Lint buildup/needs oil	Clean bobbin area; oil moving parts.

Service: For technical support, contact Good Housekeeper Customer Service at 1-800-555-1212 or visit www.goodhousekeepersewing.com