National Rotary Sewing Machine Manual

The National Rotary Sewing Machine is a versatile mechanical sewing device featuring a rotary hook system, variable speed control, built-in stitch patterns, automatic bobbin winding, drop feed for free-motion sewing, built-in needle threader, and adjustable presser foot pressure. Suitable for various fabrics from delicate silks to heavy denim. 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: Rotary hook system, Stitch selection dial, Speed control slider, Bobbin winder, Presser foot lever, Reverse stitch button.

FeatureDescription
Rotary hook systemSmooth bobbin mechanism for consistent stitching
Stitch selection dialSelect from built-in stitch patterns
Speed control sliderAdjust sewing speed from slow to fast
Bobbin winderAutomatic bobbin winding with thread cutter
Presser foot leverRaises and lowers presser foot
Reverse stitch buttonReinforces seam beginnings and ends
Drop feed mechanismFor free-motion sewing and darning
Built-in needle threaderEasy needle threading assistance
Thread tension dialAdjustable upper thread tension
Foot pedal controlVariable speed foot controller

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

  1. Remove protective packaging: Remove all foam and tape from moving parts.
  2. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.
  3. Connect foot pedal: Plug foot controller into machine port.
  4. Power connection: Plug into standard electrical outlet.
  5. Oil points: Apply sewing machine oil to designated points if required.

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

First-Time Operation

Prepare machine for initial use with practice fabric.

  1. Thread upper path: Follow numbered threading guide on machine.
  2. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc.
  3. Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
  4. Select straight stitch: Turn stitch dial to straight stitch position.
  5. Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality and tension.
  6. Adjust tension: Fine-tune thread tension for balanced stitches.

CAUTION! Always raise needle to highest position before changing settings.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side panels.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch button.

Side Panel: Bobbin winder, Handwheel, Light switch.

Stitch Settings: Straight stitch (1-4mm), Zigzag stitch (width 0-5mm), Decorative stitches (3mm width). Tension: Adjust upper thread tension (1-9 scale). Feed Dogs: Raise/lower for normal or free-motion sewing. Needle Position: Center, left, right positions available.

Stitch Selection

Twelve built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

  1. Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, topstitching (position 1)
  2. Zigzag Stitch: Seam finishing, appliqué (position 2)
  3. Three-step Zigzag: Stretch fabrics, mending (position 3)
  4. Blind Hem: Nearly invisible hems (position 4)
  5. Elastic Stitch: Swimwear, activewear (position 5)
  6. Decorative Stitches: 7 decorative patterns (positions 6-12)

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

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

  1. Upper Threading: Raise presser foot, follow numbered path, use needle threader.
  2. Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, wind bobbin evenly.
  3. Bobbin Insertion: Open bobbin cover, drop in bobbin, pull thread through slot.
  4. Bring Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you.
  5. Thread Tension: Adjust dial until stitches appear balanced on both sides.

WARNING! Always use same thread type in bobbin and needle.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
  2. Weekly: Oil rotary hook and moving parts with sewing machine oil.
  3. Monthly: Clean motor ventilation slots, check electrical cord.
  4. Needle Replacement: Change needle after 8 hours of sewing or for new project.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories

Included accessories for various sewing tasks.

AccessoryUse
Standard Presser FootGeneral sewing
Zipper FootInstalling zippers
Buttonhole FootMaking buttonholes
Darning FootFree-motion sewing
Seam RipperRemoving stitches
BrushCleaning lint
Extra BobbinsThread storage
NeedlesVarious sizes included

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for electrical safety standards. FCC Compliance: Meets electromagnetic interference requirements. Copyright © 2025 National Sewing Products; all rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.nationalsewing.com or contact 1-800-555-SEWING.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; reduce tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skipped stitchesWrong needle/damaged needleReplace needle; ensure correct needle for fabric type.
Uneven stitchesTension imbalanceAdjust upper tension; reinsert bobbin; clean tension discs.
Machine jamsThread buildupRemove bobbin case; clean lint; rethread carefully.
Noise during operationLack of lubricationOil designated points; check for loose parts.
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dogs; clean feed dog area; check presser foot pressure.

Reset: Turn handwheel manually if machine is stuck.

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

National Rotary Sewing Machine Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025