White Rotary Sewing Machine Model 77 Manual

The White Rotary Sewing Machine Model 77 is a classic vintage sewing machine featuring a rotary hook system, built-in bobbin winder, adjustable stitch length, reverse stitching capability, built-in light, and various presser feet attachments. This manual covers operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and care instructions for optimal performance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Machine Setup 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Threading Instructions 7. Stitch Selection 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Rotary hook system, built-in bobbin winder, stitch length dial, reverse lever, tension control, presser foot lifter, built-in work light.

FeatureDescription
Rotary hook systemSmooth, quiet operation with reliable stitch formation
Built-in bobbin winderAutomatic bobbin winding without unthreading machine
Stitch length dialAdjustable from 0-4mm for various fabric types
Reverse stitch leverReinforce seam beginnings and endings
Tension control dialAdjust upper thread tension for perfect stitches
Presser foot lifterRaise and lower presser foot for fabric placement
Built-in work lightIlluminates sewing area for better visibility
Power switchTurns machine on/off
Foot pedal controlVariable speed control for sewing pace
Hand wheelManual control for precise needle positioning

Machine Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

  1. Position machine: Ensure stable surface with adequate workspace.
  2. Connect power: Plug foot pedal into machine, then plug into wall outlet.
  3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten.
  4. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc.
  5. Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.

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

Basic Operation

Power on machine; test functions before sewing.

  1. Thread machine: Follow numbered threading path from spool to needle.
  2. Set stitch length: Turn dial to desired setting (2.5mm for general sewing).
  3. Adjust tension: Start with setting 4, adjust based on fabric and thread.
  4. Begin sewing: Lower presser foot, gently press foot pedal to start.
  5. Reverse stitching: Hold reverse lever to reinforce seams.

CAUTION! Always turn hand wheel toward you. Never force the machine.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on machine body. Stitch length dial, reverse lever, tension control, presser foot lever.

Stitch Length Dial: 0 (basting) to 4 (long stitches). Reverse Lever: Hold down for backstitching. Tension Control: 0-9 settings (4 recommended for medium fabrics). Presser Foot Pressure: Fixed setting for general sewing.

Bobbin Winder: Push bobbin to right to engage winder. Light Switch: Separate switch for work light. Hand Wheel: Manual control, always turn toward user.

Threading Instructions

Proper threading is essential for good stitch quality.

  1. Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
  2. Place thread spool on spindle at top of machine.
  3. Follow numbered threading path: Through first thread guide, around tension discs, through take-up lever, down to needle.
  4. Thread needle from front to back.
  5. Pull up bobbin thread by holding needle thread and turning hand wheel.

Tip: Always thread with presser foot raised to open tension discs.

Stitch Selection

Model 77 performs straight stitch only with adjustable length.

  1. Standard sewing: 2.5mm stitch length for most fabrics.
  2. Basting: 4mm or maximum length for temporary stitches.
  3. Reinforcing: 1.5-2mm for strong seams on heavy fabrics.
  4. Fine fabrics: 1.5mm for delicate materials.
  5. Reverse stitching: Use reverse lever at beginning and end of seams.

WARNING! Do not change stitch length while needle is in fabric.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  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 folded fabric strip.
  4. As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.
  5. Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil. Never use household oils.

Accessories

Standard accessories included: Zipper foot, buttonhole foot, hemming foot, seam ripper, needles, bobbins, screwdriver, dust cover.

AccessoryUse
Zipper footInstalling zippers and cording
Buttonhole footCreating manual buttonholes
Hemming footRolled hems on lightweight fabrics
Seam ripperRemoving stitches and opening seams
Additional bobbinsExtra bobbins for thread colors

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury and machine damage.

EMERGENCY: To stop immediately, lift foot off pedal and turn hand wheel to raise needle.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRe-thread completely; reduce tension; check for burrs on needle
Skipped stitchesWrong needle/bent needleReplace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric
Uneven stitchesTension imbalanceAdjust upper tension; check bobbin threading
Machine jamsThread buildup in bobbinRemove bobbin case and clean out tangled thread
Noise during operationLack of lubrication/lintClean and oil machine; check for loose parts
Fabric not feedingPresser foot pressure/feed dogsClean feed dogs; check presser foot is lowered

Professional Service: For electrical issues or major repairs, contact authorized White sewing machine service center.

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