Blackberry

I just got my Elna oiled and cleaned. Then threaded it and now it sews backward. It could have been doing that when we purchased it because it ran but I had no fabric to test it. Anyone have a clue as to why it is running backwards

meyert

I bought a second hand Elna and had the same issue... I gave up on it

barny

My dentist gave me a machine that runs backwards, but sews forward. I also have another I have named Godzilla, because it runs backwards, but sews forwards. they are brown with that funny outside. If I knew how to get a pic of them, I'd put it on here. I think they were Sears machines.

abc123xyz

I looked on the internet and it told me that your buttonhole may be partially engaged. Try adjusting some of the levers and see if that helps. If you had it to a shop to have it cleaned and oiled I would most certainly take it back and ask them about it. Look on the internet and you may find some things to try. Good luck with your machine. I have an Elna and love it.

OurWorkbench

I haven't had a problem like that, but have read that perhaps there is some dried oil somewhere holding it in reverse. I think the lever above the stitch length knob is for temporary reverse. The knob has red numbers and black numbers. The red numbers are for prolonged sewing in reverse.

I would take the top off (if possible - it looks like you could) and move the lever and/or the knob and see if either is stuck. Some of the European machines have 'tricks' to get the top off and some are just a couple of screws.

Maybe post in the Vintage forum?

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.