White Family Rotary Sewing Machine Manual

The White Family Rotary Sewing Machine is a classic mechanical sewing machine featuring a rotary hook system, built-in stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length and width, reverse stitching capability, built-in bobbin winder, free arm design for cylindrical sewing, and multiple presser feet for various sewing tasks. Powered by foot pedal with standard household electrical connection. 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 & Adjustment 7. Threading & Bobbin Winding 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories Included 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Rotary hook system, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch lever, Bobbin winder, Free arm, Presser foot lever, Thread tension dial.

FeatureDescription
Rotary hook systemSmooth bobbin mechanism for reliable stitching
Stitch length dialAdjustable from 0-4mm for different fabric types
Stitch width dialAdjustable zigzag width for decorative stitches
Reverse stitch leverReinforces seam beginnings and endings
Bobbin winderBuilt-in automatic bobbin winding system
Free arm designRemovable extension table for cylindrical sewing
Presser foot leverRaises and lowers presser foot
Thread tension dialAdjusts upper thread tension (0-9)
Built-in lightIlluminates sewing area
Foot pedal controlVariable speed control via foot pedal

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

  1. Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from carrying case.
  2. Position machine: Place on sturdy table with adequate workspace.
  3. Connect power: Plug foot pedal into machine, then plug into wall outlet.
  4. Install accessories: Attach standard presser foot and needle.
  5. Oil machine: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to designated points.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with both hands. Ensure stable surface to prevent tipping.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow threading diagram.

  1. Thread upper path: Follow numbered threading guide from spool to needle.
  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: Set stitch width to 0, length to 2.5mm.
  5. Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitching and tension.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle. Always lower presser foot before sewing.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse stitch lever, Bobbin winder stop.

Side Controls: Handwheel, Light switch, Presser foot lever, Thread tension dial.

Stitch Selection: Straight stitch (width 0), Zigzag (width 1-5mm), Decorative stitches. Tension Adjustment: Normal setting 4-5; adjust for different fabrics. Bobbin Winding: Automatic stop when full. Reverse Stitching: Hold lever for backstitching.

Stitch Selection & Adjustment

Multiple stitch patterns available for various sewing applications.

  1. Straight Stitch: Set width to 0, length 1.5-4mm for seams.
  2. Zigzag Stitch: Width 1-5mm for finishing edges and stretch fabrics.
  3. Blind Hem: Width 2-3mm, length 2-3mm for invisible hems.
  4. Decorative Stitches: Use width dial to create pattern variations.
  5. Buttonhole: 4-step process using zigzag settings.

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

Threading & Bobbin Winding

Proper threading ensures smooth operation and quality stitches.

  1. Upper Threading: Follow numbered path from spool pin to needle eye.
  2. Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, wrap around bobbin.
  3. Bobbin Insertion: Hold bobbin with thread clockwise, drop into case.
  4. Thread Drawing: Turn handwheel to bring bobbin thread up through throat plate.
  5. Tension Check: Test on scrap fabric; adjust tension dial if needed.

WARNING! Ensure needle is fully raised when threading. Always use same thread type in bobbin and needle.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
  2. Weekly: Oil designated points with sewing machine oil.
  3. Monthly: Remove throat plate and clean feed dog mechanism.
  4. As Needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

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

Accessories Included

AccessoryPurpose
Standard Presser FootGeneral sewing
Zipper FootInstalling zippers
Buttonhole FootCreating buttonholes
Blind Hem FootInvisible hemming
Class 15 Bobbins (4)Extra bobbins
Needles (5 assorted)Replacement needles
Seam RipperRemoving stitches
BrushCleaning lint
ScrewdriverAdjustments
Oil BottleMachine lubrication

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury and machine damage.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; reduce tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitchesWrong needle/damaged needleReplace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric.
Bobbin thread bunchingIncorrect bobbin insertionRemove and reinsert bobbin; check bobbin case for lint.
Machine won't runPower connection/thread jamCheck power cord; remove jammed thread from bobbin area.
Uneven stitchesTension imbalanceAdjust upper tension; ensure proper bobbin threading.
Noisy operationLack of oil/lint buildupClean and oil machine; check for loose parts.

Service: For technical support, contact White Sewing Company at 1-800-555-1234 or visit www.whitefamilysewing.com

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