Singer W6903 - English - User Manual

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As the new oi nor of a J( I’ennev Zig-Zag Sewing Machine, we hope
ou will take a few minutes to read through this booklet before using
your machine for the first time.
Become acquainted with the special features such as the rickrack stretci
stitch, the straight stretch stitch and the automatic bobbin winder.
As YOU go through this booklet, you will discover how these and many
other features will simplify your sewing. Additional advice on the
We believe our machine is simple and fun to use. We hope you will
have many many years of successful sewing.
JU Penney
It’s the one place to go
when you sew.
CONGRATULATIONS!
1’xperinient with the many stitches, See how easy it is to set the stitch
type, width, and lengt Ii.
operation and care of your machine is always available at your nearest
,JC Penney store,

TABLE OF CONTENTS
lt\l< I 1)I Ii 7t1 Xi 11151
kntiis the tat ts
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26
27
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28
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lint cr5, St t telt
Tettst.’,t ti lint t I tread
‘‘I I otter (tread
((itt king httisi tins
I ttsitt 0
I alit it I end
Setting I pitt
6
8
8
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9
10
II
11
12
13
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3 30
32
33
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3 i
17
38
39

29. light Switch
30. I r’esser Foot I ever
31. I )‘OSS)i’ Bar
32, Iresstr loot Thumb Screw
33, I resser loot
34. I ‘ullov leIt (over
35, ltoo ii I
PART I YOUR MACHINE
KNOW THE PARTS
FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW
6.
7
9
II
1. Upper Thread Guides
2. Take1jp Lever
3. Face Plate
4. Tension Knob
5. Tension Thread Guide
6. Thread Guide
7. Needle Bar
8. Needle Clamp Screw
9. Thread Guide
10. Needle
11. Slide l9ate
12. Fabric Feed
13. Needle Plate
14. Fabric Feed Buttons
15. Top Plate
16. Stitch Pattern Lever
17. Bobbin Winder
18. Stitch Width Lock
19. Front Plate
20. Stitch Length Knob
21. Reverse Button
22. Stitch Width Kflob
23. lliljtii ‘I Iiiad ( ,iiid
24. I land \\ loel
25. Stop I ot ion K 001)
26. ‘Ibread Spool I i ns
27. NIotor
28, Pi’essure I eul at
/ 2

The needle and thread you choose depends upon the fabric you are stitching.
Fabric
chiffon, fine silk. tn,coi, lingerie
fabrics, sheer lace, net, voile.
organdy
light weight knits and Jersey, silk
bat i Ste. taffeta. satin, I are, rrepe
double knits, linen, poplin. gnngham,
pique, seersucker, velveteen, I iglit
mci ght vvviol s, fine corduroy
• Always use a shai’p needle. A blunt point can cause skipped stitches tar sna
the fabric. Chemical finishes and tnan-rnade fibers blunt the needle faster.
Ball I’oint Needles are designed to sew knits and stretch fabrics.’l’he ball poin
tilt can slip between the fabric threads, while the point of an N’dinarv neeilk
may damage the filters. Available in size 9, 11, 14, and 16.
ACCESSOR I ES
NEEDLES AND THREADS
MACHINE
‘l’he correct needle size is important to avoid damaging the filters of light we
or tightly woven fabrics, atid to prevent needle breakage when stitching hc
or stiff fabrics.
(
it’ IlIlti \
0iE5
L3 Nl’i’l)l.FS
Size 14
211:1:1’ l’ADS
lot’ ‘l’ht’ead Spool I ‘i its
Needle
size
9
line
‘r bread
• polester
• cotton covered polyester
• fine mercerized cotton 70100)
• silk A
11
light
• polyester
• cot O,n cove red po I yes icr
• men-en red notion
•
(50—hO
silk A
l{l liliIlf
(QUILTER)
lll’.lNll’l l”U() I’
14
medi urni
• polyester
• cotton rot ered polytster
• merrerized cotton 50)
•slkA
C
Xl lnlil,lf l,’OOi Ill “I’ll )N 111)1 ,i: FOOT
B1’l’l’ON Sl:\vlNl;
F( )Ol’
16
hea cv
• pnnlyevter
• rot ti, n rove red polyester
• mmccci red cotton 40—SO)
• heavy duty morcenized ) 40)
• silk I) buttonhole twist for
topst itch) ng)
Use only No.15 x 1(705) needles in this machine.
heavy wools, cordurviy, felt,
te rryc I oth, canvas, uplon Ist err,
and drapery fatini cv
• Always use same type and size of thread in both needle and bobbin.
• Never use a bent needle.
Fl,O’l’ll (H’ll)i 2 SCREWI)RIVI”RS
• II v-our maclit tie is skipping stitches, replace the needle before looking fo
I t’ouble elsewhet’e.
3 4

WINDING BOBBIN
Place spoci of thread on spool pin
thread as slioivn in illust ration. He s
bread goes undei’ tension disc
liobbi n t bread guide.
liii thread through one ol the holes
empty bobbin from inside to outside.
I ‘ush liobbi n down Ii rin lv on I Id
spr idle iv tb slot iv
bobbin fitting into spring on bob[
sn idle. Push bobbin latch plate
clown.
Release sewing mechanism liv holdi
hand wheel and turning stop 1(101
knoli toward you. hold end (if t lire,
mind press down on foot cool si
o hen sew i rig. Ri-I ease era
1 ii t Ii rem
OS Still as ending starts. Run macliir
slow lv to ci rid Isbbi a evenly.
I toblo n iii nde r’ iv ill stop it sell a lo
bobbin is lull, Pull bobbin
liav’k to the I cit until a iii (‘Ii 5 na
I freak off thread and remove IiiII
‘l’ighten stop niotion knob.
CHANGING NEEDLE
THREADING MACHINE
Raise nei die to its highest position by
turning hand wheel toward you.
I .oosen needle clamp screw and re
move needle.
I
Flat Side
Insert new needle with its fiat side
facing right.Push up into needle clamp
as far as possible. Tighten screw wit Ii
a screwdriver.
Turn hand wheel toward you one corn
1dete rotation to be sure needle is
correctly p051 tinned.
CHANGING PRESSER FOOT
Loosen
Pb
Raise needle o its highest position by
u r iii rig hand iv heel toward you. Em Se
presser foot by lift i rig presser foot
levi r located on back of machine.
I ,00sen thumb Sc imw and remove foot,
I lace grooved side of selected presser
loot against presser bar.I’ighten scr’eiv
securely with screiv driver.
to not operate machine iv tb presser
foot lowered unless fabric is bet iveen
presser loot and fabric feed.
.5
6

REMOVING BOBBIN CASE
Raise needle to its highest positi
turning hand wheel toward you.
ide plate out to the left.
Lift open hinged latch of bobbin
and pull case toward the left and
of machine.
Bobbin will remain in case as lont
latch is open. ho remove bobbin,
bobbin case down, close tat ch
bobbin will fall out.
THREADING BOBBIN CASE
I hold bohd>i n as shoe ii in ill list Ta
so that thireail goes over top of ho
and an av from ou.
l’l at ‘ hobtln in in case in it rout tar
it around.
Slide thread nnito slot in edge of >
arid draw t hi rr’,i>l ninth>’ r t elision ‘pi
Pull out tlrrearl to clock that ho
turns t lock misc.
THREADING UPPER THREAD
Raise the needle to its highest posi
tion by turning hand wheel to>ard ou.
ft presser foot.
l’lace thread on spool pin at back of
m’ichi ne. Pass thread through slots el
two top thread guides, then do>> ri to
thread tension knob.
Place thread around bottom of thread
tension knob, being sure it stoles he.
ta een tension discs, hold thread
stationary e i th right hand and pull
thread up oith left hand until it slips
a round o ire spri rig and i rito loot>.
Place thread under am> of tension
thread guide, and up through hole in
take.up lever threading from right to
left.
U ri rig thread It>>> a and place behind arm
(if thread guide located of middle of
opening in face plate. I)raw thread
dow> through smaller thread guide at
hot t tim of open> ng in face plate and
hen through the needle clamp thread
guide attached to needle liar.
I .oe er presser foot.
1’ Ii read needle f roni Ic ft to r i gIrt.
7 g

INSERTING BOBBIN CASE
CONTROLS
Be sure that 5 to 6 inches of thread
C Xt C rids out of bobbin.
>n the front of the machine, von n ill find easv-touse knobs and the stitch
lever for different types of stitches, including stretch stitches.
II old bobbin case so I ong Ii nge I
case points up. open out latch.
Slip case over holder post in shuttle
and press in place until finger enters
notch. Release latch.
Normal Stretch
Close slide plate.
BRINGING UP LOWER THREAD
Raise presser foot. Hold needle thread
loosely with your left band. Turn band
wheel toward you until needle moves
down and then up again to its highest
position, catching bobbin thread a nl
bringing it up through bole in needle
plate.
To prevent thread from slipping out
of needle when you begin sewing, pull
both threads out about 6” aml place
tinder presser foot tow ard rear
in ac hi ne,
STITCH PATTERN LEVER
This lecr determines the type of stiti’h. Iress it (liwli and slide it liver to (Ii’s
stitch.
1 1
1 111111
I_ I
I llOll
Oegular stitcliesli’ft setting; is
straight at itch and zigzag Stitching.
Str’tcb stitchesright setting is I
at might at ret eli sti tcli and rickra
St retch sti tcli.
l)o not mo e stitch pattern lever while machine is running. Always be sure needle
at its liigh’st position before moiiig lever to preent tearing the fabric
hci’ul> ng tic
9
/0

TENSION OF UPPER THREAD
Tension on the upper thread car
easily adjustcd by turning dial on
of the tension discs.
‘tour machi n has been set at
factory for even thread tension a
normal” setting between 2 and 3
However, you may have to adj ust
tension when using different treads
sewing on fabrics of different thi
nesses. lo increase the tension. ti
the dial to the right. To loosen
tension, turn the dial to the (ft.
I ,00sen tension somei bat when .‘i g-z
stitching. Ihe wider the zig-zag,
less tension needed.
Correct tension:
needle and bobbin threads are
locked in center of seam.
Upper thread too loose:
increase tension by turning dial
toward right.
Upper thread too tight:
loosen tension bs turning dial
toward left.
Oi
11*.
I ii
‘I,.
Ii’,
ii:
II,.
1111
STITCH LENGTH
Stitch length knob regulates the length
of stitch from 6 to more than 30
stitches per inch.
The numbers around the knob are the
stitch length guide. The higher the
number, the shorter the stitch. In
general, short stitches are best for
lightweight fabrics, longer ones for
heavy fabrics.
Most normal sewing is done with stitch
length set at N-- which is about 12
stitches per inch. Basting stitch i
made by using the longest possible
stitch —-6 stitches per inch.
0
0 setting is used for embroidery and darn
i ng.
Stitch length can be adjusted while the
machine is running.
REVERSE STITCH
Press in center button of stitch length
knob and hold for reverse stitching.
fabric will immediately start feeding
backwards. Release button and machine
will i esume normal forward stitching.
Very useful for fastening ends of seams
and darts without having to tie threads.
11

turn
PRESSURE
Pressure on the presser loot must
regulated for different types of fabri
Proper pressure allows fabric to fe
smoothly and evenly with no skipp
stitches.
To adjust pressure, push down out
ring of pressure regulator until cent
button springs up. Then push cent
button down until the suitable ammo
of pressure is obtained.
As a rule,increase pressure when se
ing heavy fabric or multiple layers.
Reduce pressure when sewing lighte
weight fabrics. Release pressure cooi
pletely for embroidering, darning an(
sewing on buttons, so fabric can b
moved in any direction.
FABRIC FEED
Fabric feed or feed dog moves fabric
forward or backward under the presser
foot. It can be raised or lowered by
kind) located on the machine
\hen knoli is turned to left at E\V
position, sew jug is suitable for line
material as silk and flimsy om ;niy
fabric material. When knob is I urned
to right at “I1\RN t)osition sew ing
ill permit Von to feed the fabric
be hand as it darning nlollogmaninj ng
and eml,roiderv
TENSION OF LOWER THREAD
If you are unable to balance the stitch
by adjusting tension on the upper
thread, you may have to make a slight
adjustment in the bobbin tension.
Take out bobbin case, remove bobbin
and clean out any dust or lint which
has collected around the case.
Turn screw on bobbin case slightly in
either direction using the small screw
driver:
To increase tension —
slightly to the right.
screw
To decrease tension turn screw
slightly to the left.
If stitch is satisfactory but the seam is
puckered, it may be necessary to
loosen tension on both top and bottom
threads.
CHECKING TENSIONS
An easy test for checking tension
balance:
Fold fabric on the bias and stitch
(12 stitches/inch) 34” in from fold.
Grasp stitching and pull with a snap
to make threads break.
Fabric Feed up
•if both threads break (even
though not at the same place) -
tensions are balanced.
-
•jf upper thread breaks-- loosen
top tension.
• if lower thread breaks- -
top tension.
tighten
Fabuc feed down
/3,
/4?

Now you should he familiar with the different
parts of sour machiie and how to thread it.
lbs following pages explain the various stitches
your machine can make, along with special
Use the chart on the following page as a handy
reference guide for making any type of stitch.
So now oure ready to sew
SEWING LIGHT
The sewing light is located directly
over the needle so as to better illumi
nate the stitching area. Turn the light
on and off by turning the switch
located on the back of the machine.
To replace bulb, turn light off and
open face plate. Unscrew bulb as you
do a conventional light bulb. Place
new bulb in socket and screw in place.
PART II START SEWING
se ng t echniques.
‘5 /6

- •
Keeping Stitching Straight
Your machine has three aids to he
keep your stitching straight. ivhttl
stitching seanis or doing dec’oiatir
stitchi rig.
• Nunil,et’ed guidel i lies oil neiclle pl at
Numbers ndicate distance, in eight h
of an inch. from the needle. I”o
seam, line up your fabric wit
the numbered a guideline.
• Cloth guide attachment
Use for stitching seam widths that
are wider than markings on needk
plate, and for making wide hems.
Also use as a guide for blindstitchin
l”asten cloth guide to machine by
ilsi ring I hunili screw into hole in
lied of mac hi ni. Adj rot clot Ii guide
to des i red di st an cc I corn needle a id
tighten screw.
• Quilting attachment
I se for stitching parallel lines with
out marking fabric ii hen quilting.
sbirring, smocking, or making cows
of (lecorat ice stitches.
loosen presser loot thumb screw
oel oisert prongs of guide bt-tw i-in
ci- and presser foot. Slide end of
guide to the distance you wish to
space the rows of stitching. I owei,
presser foot and stitch first ow.
Move fabric over until guide tests on
first row of stitching aiid slit cli
second ron. (nt i line stitching ri
in same manner.
Pin Basting
I lace pins at right angles to pceser
foot with pins lust nipping into tahric
at stitching line. Never place pi n’ on
underside of fabric in contact with
fabric feed or so presser fit ril
over head of pin.
STITCHING TIPS
Whenever you start to sew —
Check that lever and knobs are set
correctly for the stitch you want —
stitch pattern, width, and length.
—
• Use proper needle and thread for
your fabric. Needle should he
straight. sharo, and inserted pro
perly. Change your needle frequent
I y.
• Test machine stitch on double
thickness of a scrap of the fabric
you plan to use. Adjust machine for
length of stitch, tension and
pressure if necessary.
• Place fabric under presser foot with
bulk of material to the left of
needle. Pull thread ends behind
presser foot.
• To prevent light weight fabrics from
being drawn into needle hole when
you begin stitching, start about
from edge of fabric.
• To reinforce ends of seams, begin
and end by backstitching about ‘
from edge of fabric.
• Regulate speed of machine by in
creasing or decreasing pressure on
foot control. Run machine at a
slow even speed.
• Allow fabric to feed forward with
the movement of the fabric feed.
l)on’t pull or hold fabric back as
needle may bend or break. Instead.
guide fabric gently with your hand
in front of presser foot.
• When finished stitching, turn hand
wheel toward you to raise needle to
its highest position before removing
fabric from under presser foot. Pull
threads over thread cutter located
at back of presser bar, and press
threads down to cut.
/7
‘a-

20
Basting
Machine basting is very useful for jo
ing seams for trial fittings, marki
constriction guide lines, and basti
pleats and hems.
Use longest stitch possible, setti
stitch length at 6. l.oosen tension
upper thread. Choose thread color
contrast with your fabric so it cart
easily seen.
Basting stitches can be removed eas
by clipping upper thread, then pulli
out lover thread.
Stay stitching
Stavstitching prevents stretching a
acts as a guideline for clipping a
joining curved edges. Stastitrh a
edge that might stretch (luring hanilli
before the final stitching.
Stavstitch on a single layer of fabr
always stitching in the directi in of
grain. l’lace stitches 1/8” an a’. fri
seamline in the seam allo’.’.anc’e. (‘
12 stitches per inch (N) for nil
fair
i
c s.
STRAIGHT STITCHING
I
M3chnitu Setting
This is the most usual type of stitching. Adjust Stitch length acrordng to
sour fabric. 12 stitches per inch is used for most fabrics.
for heasier fabrics, multiple la ers and thicker seams.
I
.engtiren stitch
-.--
Turning a Corner
Stop stitching with needle duo n in
fabric. Raise presser foot and turn
fabric using needle as a pivot. I,ower
presser foot a rid continue St it r hi rig in
new direction.
Reinforcing Ends of Seam
Reinforce the hegi rifling and end of
seams by backstrtchi rig to secure the
threads. Hegin 2’ from fabric edge
and St itch in re erse to edge, then see.
tore. aid to end of seam, then back-
St itch again about
12’.
Reinforce point
of fart in same manner.
/

Edge Finishing
Use to finish hem edges and faci
edges to prevent raveling and to clii
nate bulk of turned-in edges. For fii
fabrics, stitch along edge of hem
facing. For loosely woven or sc
fabrics, stitch about “ from ed&
then trim fabric close to stitching.
Interfacing Darts
[se to reduce bulk when stitching
di rt in interfacing fabrics. Cut doe
center of dart to point: overlap ci
edges matching dart lines. Zig-zl
along dart line fi-om n ide end of dar
through point. Trim both rai
close to stitching.
Barfacks
I se to reinforce points of strain soc
as roin,r, of pockets, belt loopr
/ iPlSi 1)1)1111 ngs. and 1 ngerie st rapt
-et at itch o It I knob at medi urn
zag or i dir and stitch length it vl\l’
Shell Sf ittIi Kdging
I se for a cleror,itir e edge treatment In
lingerie and s1t fabrics. Peld iimli
edge (if fabric. it stitrh length let n ee
11) and 15, 1 ight en upper thread tensior
s stitches u ill pull in fabric. fnrmint
a scalloped edge. lace edge f flde(
fabric under prease r foot from the righ
so fi,lileil edge is on the left. Sttcl
along folded edge.
Satin Stitch
loseR spaced zig-/ag stitcher— o Inch
form a smooth, satin-like surface are
called satin stitches. [se for mono
grams. appliques and embroider
pages 30-31
t-t sttrh length knob betir cen 15 air)
25. If too close to 25. nrarhine a ill
not 1,-ed but will runt i nm sen i rig iii
Ofli’ spot - I .,,or-en tension d upper tIrread
Ihe a ider the stitch, the looser the
1i-:r’-non.
Machine Setting
ZIG-ZAG STITCHING
sure to use zig-zag foot.
IVv\iWW
NM%M
You can make any number of combi
nations by adjusting stitch width and
stitch length. Both knobs can be
tukned while machine is running, but
the stitch width lock knob must be
loosened. However, if machine is not
running, raise needle to its highest
position before adjusting stitch width
knob.
Tension on upper thread usually needs
to be loosened. The wider the zig-zag,
the looser the tension. Stitches should
lie flat against the fabric without
causing any puckering.
Zig-zag stitching has many uses:
Seam Finishing
I
I
(I
1”
LrZZ
Z1 L
T
Use to “overcast” seam edges in fabrics
that fray to prevent raveling during
wear and washing. Press seam open
and stitch each side separately.
Adjust stitch width and length to Suit
fabric. Choose setting that will give the
most open stitch and still secure the
fabric edges. Avoid harsh, over-stitched
edges which become stiff and show a
ridge on right side of fabric.
Use one of two methods:
I
• Trim seam edge evenly and place
stitching over raw edge of fabric -
best for firmly woven fabrics.
• Place stitching near edge of seam
allowance and trim away excess
fabric after stitching - - best
-
for
fabrics which fray easily, light
weight fabrics, and knits which roll
,,
;-—. .,
,,“‘-- -/_‘
4i
* I Em,”
“'U,,,
21 22

Rickrack stitch is a triple zig-zag th
resembles rickrack trim, It is reve:
sible, looking the same on both th
right and wrong sides.
It can be used as a heavy-duty a
purpose stretch stitch. Each zig-za
stitch consists of three threads o
stitches, giving strength and permi
nence. Width of the zig-zag can b
adjusted from narrow to wide.
Use to overcast edges of seams, facing
and hems to prevent raveling and t
keep light weight knits from roiling.
Also suitable for overcasting heav:
fabrics such as woolens and terrycloth.
Use for attaching elastic. Mark elasti
and garment waistline in fourths.
Place elastic over fabric and pi
together at the markings. Take a fe
stitches to anchor elastic to fabric
then stretch elastic between pins as
you sew.
Can also he used for decorative stitchint
STRETCH STITCHING
RICKRACK STRETCH STITCH
V hen sewing knitted or stretch fabrics, use a stretch stitch which allows the
seam to stretch along with the fabric without break, ng the thread. Select
polyester or cotton covered polyester thread which has an extra amount of
Machine Setting
give and is designed for knits and stretch fabrics. Use a hail point needle,
especially on lightweight knits.
STRETCH STRAIGHT STITCH
Machine Setting
II,
III
Stretch straight stitch is a triple lock
stitch, combining stretchability and
strength.
Use for stitching regular seams in knits
and stretch fabrics.
in woven fabrics, use for stitching
seams that receive a lot of Strain when
worn such as side seams, crotch seams,
and armholes in sportswear and in
children’s clothes.
Also use for topstitching when you
want a heavier row of stitching with.
out using buttonhole twist thread.
Guide fabric gently, allowing machine
to make the back-and-forth stitches
that give stretch to the seam.
IMI’Olt’I’ANl’!
WHEN st;c’ijt; siiicit ‘At uip
FOR STRFIC1-t Sit iCIII-.S, tRESS IT DOWN
ANt) MOVE TO EXtREME I t:ti XIII. Ii
(1.1 CES INTO DOS] TI ON.
23

feet’
__ __
straight stitches before repeating design.
Stecte stitch cc icith knot, to extreme rcgtct t,,’f
e:n
tnob t; sidebatrk kstccc S
c1ceve’ stitch cc idth knob slowly from left to
tight. ‘I lien hut tip it back only halt cc av Ice Id
4M t$I
(cci’ secei al stitches, then alloec it to slide bccc’
tc let I completeR.
A great variety of decorative
rows of a stitch pattern or
decorative borders and trims,
DECORATIVE STITCHING
stitching can be created by using one or more
by combining different stitches-- top stitching,
monograms, appliques and embroidery,
tvlachii ie Set t tog
CREATIVE STITCHING
TOP STITCHING
You can accent lines of a garment with
one or more rows of topstitching along
collars, lapels, yokes, facing edges,
pockets, cuffs, seams and hems.
• Use straight
tailored look,
hole twist for
stitch for a more
sewing with buttonadded
emphasis.
ftc-foci are’ j ist a (ccc of the many patt ems you can create, for best result se 0
at mccclcrat e rate of speed. I eeecsen stitch ci tdth lock knob. \‘ar tiiettemns hi at \ lip
speed cciii cc hich con moce the stitch width knb. or by varYing nunchet ccl stit Ice’s
nice
cc II hcelcli V
it]
I
I
• Use stretch straight stitch for a
heavier row of stitching, even with
regular thread.
• Use satin stitch for wider row of
stitching, especially for borders.
Or use one of the stitches on following
page, varying the width for special
effects.
Moce stitch cc iilth knob icickl> to half cc ac cont V
t::c lk
Icohili up it, t lien mote quiu’kl to extreme li-f
Nlake patterns as alsece, then stitch 3 cli
st might stitches before’ repeating design.
I sc’ di rectoctus
gic’etc
...4’ttui stitch cc nhth knob more shceci l.
hi
II
first design, but nio C
Altei’iiat e (hi rccttons feet’ t ii’st md second designs.
Slide’ stitch cc celtIc knob to e\treme right before
iti
lcelea’e
pattern desired length,
4
At c’ en sceed, move st i tchi cc olth knof slcco Ic
from left to right. Uhen release knob loci bc,
alloci ing it to spring back. V
)JAU .LMWh_
Mccx, stitch cc ccttti knot, to extI’elne’ regtct cent
hotd ho ses cia xi ,trte,’S, ‘to-n attc,cx knot, icc
26

21
F’ree-motion embroidery allows you k
move the fabric in any direction undei
the needle in ot’der to c i’eate vow
design. Use ci titer a straight st itt Ii iii
a zig zag stitch.
Trace design on right side of fabri
For best results, place fabric in at
embroidery hoop.
Remove all pressure from fabric:
• press DOWN button all the wa
down to lower fabric feed
• press doss ii on outer ring of prtssuri
iegulat or to release pressure ci on
pletel y
Place boo
1) undei’ needle. Run maclow
at medium speed, guitli ng hoop cats
fully so needle moses along patteri
Ii ne s -
ise straight stitch foi’ outlining, am
zig-/ag stitch for filling in design.
\‘arv length of stitch simpis la inn ni
hoop faster or slower tinder needle
I gace stitches close together for
smoot Ii. sat nv surface. ( )verlig
stitches for an irregular surface.
MONOGRAMS
EMBROIDERY
I I_ — — — j
Many decoratis e stitches can be used
to add a personal touch b monogram.
ing a dress or blouse, writing a name
on childrens clothes, or initialing
houscltul d linens,
Machine setting
\er simple straight-him monograms
can he made a tb the stretch straight
St it c h.
Use the satin stitch for script or block
let t cr5.
If stitching on very soft fabric, use a
backing of tissue pa per or n t e rf acing
to eliminate puckering and to pre\ cut
ItobIti n t bread from showing In righz
side of fabric. Trim awa excess after
stitching.
APPLIQUES
App) iqiies are cut-out designs of one
fabric stitched to another.
a close zig-zag stitch or fine sat in
stitch, lloaeei’, don’t allots stitch to
hi’ too a ole.
Stitch a sample first to decide which
met hod is best for your fabric:
• Haste appligue design to fabric.
St itch at outs) entice edge if dcsign,
tin-n trim an a\ any excess fabric
around outer edge wit Ii embi’oider
scissors.
• Baste applitue design to fatii’ic.
St itch around enti ii design a it It
st raiglit stitching; trim edges close
to stitching. 1 hen ovi-i’stiti’h edge
of tli’sign aith appluiue stitch

I
• iI ark posit ion and length of butt
hole on fabrics. I ,engt h of tIre liolt
determined bn tIre width plus t hi
ness of the button. The finisl
buttonhole should be 1 8’ long
than thrs nreasur’emrrent to allon I
bar tacks at each end.
• Attach but torihol e foot,
• ‘A hen sewing buttonholes on kni
or’ loosely iv ni err fabric, use a pie
of i nter’fac irrg between fabr’rr’ ru
facr rig SO buttonhole in ill r’et rn n i
sha
• (;nude fabric am’efrjllv so lire’s
strtchrng will be straight antI cloy
oge t lie r’, but not t (rud hi rig.
• .‘\lways make a sarriple lint tonhol
using the same fabric before stitcl
i rig on your’ garmerrt .
‘l’i’v
sI i ppi n
the button you will use through tIn
but tonhrole to c’lreck tire cor’m’ec
length of titi’ role.
rn,i ai,titne Set t tog
HEMMER FOOT
Machine Setting
BUTTONHOLES
\ar’roa hems on mcdi urn and light
a right fabrics Can be turned and
stitched in a single operation without
pinning or basting by using the hemmer
foot, ‘lhe foot forms a hem a bout 1 ‘8”
a ide. t ‘se for shirt and blouse hems,
(‘rirtains. ruffle edges, and lingerie.
Attach hemmer foot, trirn and
straighten fabric edge. For eas iii’
sertion of fabric in hemmer foot, t i rst
cut off corner of fabric. ‘1 hen fold
edge of fabric over about I 8” , then
fold it oi er again for a length of 2”.
H
I nsei t fabric fold into spiral opening of
foot. Nloie fabric back and forth until
the fold forms a scrolled shape, I) raw
fabric toward you until begi rim ng of
Irern is underneath needle. I or, er foot.
H
Stitch slowly as ou guide fabric into
hemmer foot. ho not push or pull
fabric, If edge of material tends to
(,ranter
Errant
‘dole out of hemmer, guide it to tie
right. If too much material enter’s
hemmer, draw fabric to the left,
Flat Felled Seam
lye hemmer’ foot for’ making flat felled
seams on shirts and sportsrr ear’, I hr
t’pe of Seam is str’ong arid durable,
and pr’ovidr’s a finished appear’aro’i’ or
It r the right arid rong sides.
Bartacks
I ‘lace fabric right sides together’ a tb
edge of bottom tried’ extending about
1 8’ beond edge of top piece, St ti-h
fabric together’ rising Iir’mrrmei’ loot like
a regular’ presser’ fort, I ‘se i’ighir edge
f foot asagiiolr for’ 1t torn I rrhri’r
arid lit edge of lorru toe of fu,t is
9aiion
Opening
/ r
‘-
‘i “?
guide for’ top ibr’i i’.
)teii tort f,thtr’ir’ and j)o’r i’ig}’t ‘,i’lr’s
n, loll searri rl Ion air i’s or (‘r io
hr, left arid iii’-,” it ri c’rnrn’ r
sci oil. Sew is \n,u nnnnubi Feer irrr,rrr
hremnnring. As a guile, ‘liii first rein 1
ii initiate Rut ii
tviany rigs St t Ping
stitches along left cdg,’ of (org tei

-
Oil (‘an Si’ ii 10th t IV 0 and four’ Ii ol
butt oils IV i th your machine.
(‘hangi’ presser foot to the liuttoi
sewing loot and be sure to lower falirii
feed h’ pressing down DOWN button.
Place button under button sewint
foot. Turn stitch width knob until zig
zag stitch is same ii idth as the holes ii
the button. ‘1 urn hand n heel towari
you and test carefully that the needli
goes through the center of first mi
hole and then the other,
II Ii! both threads hehi nil p re sse i fooi
and sen 5 to 6 stitches.
Turn stitch width knob to straigh’
stitching and take about 3 stitches t
lock the thread,
l”or a four hole button, lift pressei
foot slightly and move fabric to permit
stiti’liirig the remaining two holes
I biks ii snais ‘an also b sin
llloi inc the same pcci’dum’i’.
Thread Sha itk
Sen -through liii tons on (‘oats ,iro
jackets should lr,ii’ a tlim-i’al shank t
niake t him st,nl ava from .i hi’ I aIm’
l’lac’e a straight pin or’ sen ing inaclini
io’elli’ in toj of button bit 0 tin i hi
holes, an! s’o oer the pin ii’ needle
Pull thread to hack of button am
wind around st iti’hes to form a Ii mit
shank. lii’ thread ends securely.
Stitchi rig Btittiiiiholt’
S I 1’. P 1 -
I .ooson stitch width lock knob, ‘[‘urn
stitch dth lock knob and set numbered
indicator at 2. Place fabric under
Machine Setting
BUTTONS
huttoiilii,h foot so needle enters fa!ir’
on mark at top on loft side. Set gauge
on buttonhole foot to (lesi rod length.
Stitch left solo of buttonhole aci-ord.
I ng to gauge set ti rig, Raise needle to
s highest Posit ion.
DL
!Dll
SI I.P 2-— [‘urn stitch width knoli .ini
1 bring
numli’it’d I nih c;i t oct 5. \\ bile holding
St tihi ii hth koih, it 5, mike si’i i’ral
st itches for first baitack. Raise
presser foot and needle to its highest
position. bringing needle doii n to
center f baitai’k. [‘urn fabric using
as a i\ ot. I .oiver presser foot.
SI II’ 3- \\ ith stitch iidth knob set at 2, stitch
second row of buttonhole, according
to desired length as set on gauge of
buttonhole foot. Raise needle to its
highest position.
Cll
S ll:P 4.. Turn stitch n idth knob and bring
numbered indicator to 5. While holding
stitch width knoli at 5, make the second
hartack, Release knob and make
several stitches to secureR fast en
stitches. (ut thrrail’, aiiii draw upper
t hirr’ail to unilersole,
S I l’ P 5-- (‘Ut buttonhole open using embroidery
scissors or seam ripper, being careful
not to cut stitching on either side.
Ilace a pin across each end of button
ill’ to protect end stitching.
3! 38

Tears and patches can be stitchi
easily and quickly with zigzag stite
lears
‘I rim ragged edges. Position teat timb
needle and stitch along teal’ catchii
both sides of material.
Vi hen me ncli ng a t Ii cc c-co me red tea
stitch from each end to center. V
large tears, place piece of fahi i c unb
tear for mci nforcemerit
Pate he s
St it cli patch into place around eilj.
of hole or worn area. 1 tim iaw eilgl_
close to st trIo rig.
Machine Setting
ZIPPERS
Machine Setting
MENDING
Zipper foot allows t,u to stitch right
rust ti a raised area such as z. tipper
Lttsd f needle
or cording Ilie foot is adjustable so it
carl lie irioi eti to the let t or right side
of the needle without haeing to turn
the I ahiri c.
liaise ii’tdlo to its highìest position.
i_Il tIlCIl /.iI)l)l’r foot_ and sot (out ols for
straight stitclti ng.
o adjust foot for left side of needle;
loosen screw at back of foot and shde
toot to the left so that needle asse
through notch on right side of lot.
or needle sI oo v to he sort’ it n
lot hit zipper foot, and tighten thumb
screw
-Th
hoc right side of needle. sl iihe foot to
the tight.
Zi pp”r tiiiek;i’ II (ont III ;in\ to
fellow inst root ions fir stitching.
R iqhts do i,t needle
( ordell e;llIl
( oiliiie is jo tissionil tiinsli to
.i
ci i iIio chilliiis clothes
nil ni_mi i
lii st iiiike n cIting liv coi ering iril
i_i ii it Ii Il as I aIr iiiil ‘.1 it hi
to tie tOil itli zitir ft.
itt stitin ii (Iiiii into SliTti iioig
/ I PeT

Machine Setting
DARNING
Presser Stitch Stitco Stitch Fabric
Foot Pattern Width Length Feed
FREE 4AND-S EWING
L1
W orn Spots on clothing and household
linens can be darned easily with your
in ac h lie.
Completely release
liv pushing down
by pressing down
pressure regulator
pops up.
For greater control, especially when
darning larger areas, place fabric in
embroidery hoop. For large holes.
baste a piece of mending material
underneath hole to use as a base for
stitching.
l’lace fabric under needle. Move fabric
back and forth vi ti an even motion to
cover darning area with closely spaced
rows of sti tchi 11g. Then turn fabric and
sew a second lover of stitching across
first layer of stitching.
pressure on fabric
DOWN button and
on outer ring of
until center button
(
The Freehaftci-equipreent ,is really an
important p€s. ,‘ / -/- j ,i
Now you. can do many jobs with your 3L. + L
,sewing machine, the jobs you.d
with yos hand ..•
Just take some ap hnlaJe examples
such as cuffs, sleeves, trimming,
border. You can easily sew the pocket
on, or close se.in of dress and coat.
those earlier problems, now becrne &
pleasure a
Zase4
ylothe, awyfrom the/ sl!frre at//Adfe
/‘to avi.dto be hang
THE/Extension plate
yflT cas——49i.4
et-, in a few minutes, change your
machine intc a flat-bed-machine with
the attached extension piate.
For this purpose, insert the extension
plate.1n the borehole to fix it-, and
to fastdnby—using a sce on the
sheave at right ed itQ the flap.
)he
(i/I
Ck -‘
frJJ
LI
,
1 s,r-’
ij b-’
,- S i
J 1(1 v-f
I
1. fJ
‘I f1 /‘l
/
,, I
35
36

3,
‘tour machine needs to be rib’
ever week if used f rertuent
tri’v day if mach, no is
use, if machint’ has riot heiri
a period if time the iii will htai
SO be sure to oil hi’foi’i’ ru
ace a drop of best tualit
machine oil at each of the
short n in the Ictrnes:
I mode Vace l>latr’ -
srwi
rig far
open antI ro I ill rot rig pit
I tic tori Pi rits.
[ruler 1’op Plate i’’ioo\ 0 top
Lirisci-ew tug too scions hr’:itr’rI
end if the tot) il au’ rith ri I
in top of machi tie luau.
I nderside tilt machi ire heat
anil oil points on unde rsitle.
It is important that u do or
the machi tie too much oil whit
only run out and spot your I tubi
After oiling machint’, FUll the ii
at high speed so that oil a ill
all moving parts. 1 hen sew a for
of stitches on a scrap of mate
be sure that machine seas cI
Also wipe If any escess nil ir
mac hi on’.
I )o not oil the motor as it un
to’i’maru’rit I I ulu’ic’niti’d at t hi’ I a
PART III CARING FOR YOUR MACHINE
r
OILING
CLEANING
‘toUr machine I always work well
you take a few moments to keep it
clean. If lint and bits of thread ac
cumulate under needle plate, around
fabric feed and in the shuttle, this will
interlere with the operation of your
machine, Check occasionally and clean
whenever necessary.
• Be fore cleaning, disconnect cord
from outlet.
Driver
C corer
pit
• Remove needle, presser foot, needle
plate and slide plate.
• To remove shuttle: raise needle bar
to its highest post ton and remove
bobbin case. Turn levers aivay from
shuttle and lift our retaining ring
and shut tie, by grasping center pin.
• Thoroughly c’l can under fabric feed
with a small brush. Remove lint arid
thread from all parts of shuttle and
wipe with a lightly oiled cloth.
• To reassemble, hold shuttle by
center pin and fit carefully hack
into shuttle race, forming perfect
circle with driver. Replace retaining
ring, polished side out, making sure
the bottom pin fits into notch.
I .ock retaining ring by turning
levers hack into position until they
snap over the two small posts.
Replac bobbin and case.
37

PROBLEMS AND PROBABLE CAUSES
Looser:
JO Penney Model 6903
1
SeriaINo[ I °i
When nrdering replacement parts
give model ito. and serial no.
ADJUSTING BELT
-l
he tIn-ion ot the motor belt can lu
alljiist il h m’ Tip the motor Iracklt
lint il On the right side of the
mai hi iii.
I
Se a scitoIrier to slight Iv loosen
the scroll securing the motor bracket.
Slide bracket ilotvn to tighten tension
but be careful not to tight en hilt
too tightl Slide bracket up to loosen
tens n
\ hen proper adjustment is attaiiid
tighten screw securely.
CATALOG NUMBER 868 0548
MODEL NUMBER 6903
\V hen von need se r’. cc or replacement
parts, please he sure to give the model
111(1
sen al numbers. The are show
on the moilel n1irnher plate mounted
oil tlit front side of the machine base.
ri
In most cases, poor sewing results are due to a damaged needle. Always cx.
needle first before checking other items.
I. SKIPPING STITCHES
• bent or blunt needle
• wrong size needle
• needle inserted incorrectly
• needle threaded incorrect
• upper thread tension too tight
• pressure on presser foot too light
2. UNEVEN STITCHES
• lient or blunt needle
• wrong size needle
• incorrect threading
• pulling fabric while sewing
• upper thread tension too loose
• pressure on presser foot too light
• loose presser foot
• fabric feed too low
• bobbin aound unevenly
• bobbin inserted incorr,±ctlv in case
3. NEEDLE BREAKS
• bent needle touches needle plate or presser foot
• needle inserted incorrectly
• pulling fabric while sewing
• loose presser foot touches needle
• needle too fine for fabric
• moving stitch pattern lever or stitch width
dial with needle in fabric
I
4. UPPER THREAD BREAKS
• bent or blunt needle
• incorrect threading
• upper tension too tight
• needle inserted incorrectly
• needle touches presser foot
• needle eye has sharp edges
• poor quality thread
• knots in thread
• starting to stitch too fast
• thread jammed in shuttle
39

N E H 0
5. LOW[R THREAD BREAKS
• hohi) ii case t breaded ncorrect k
• hotdii n case rise i• t eu i nco r roe t in in ac h no
• bOi)hi ii voijiii1 unIv enlV
• bobbin wound too full
• bobbin tinsioii too tight
• rough edge ri hole of needle plate
• bent I)))hl)i 0
• poor quiul it bead
6. FABRIC PUCKERS
• bnt or 1)1 unt reedl e
• tpr t bead tension too tight
• both upper aral lIner tensions too tight
• using two different kinds or sizes of thread
• Iabric too sheer or soft use lissue paper underla
7. MACHINE DOES NOT FEED FABRIC
• stitch length knob set at 0
• fabric feed on l)()\\ N
• pr,sr foot not don n completely
• t Iiriool knit ted under fabric
8. BUNCHING OF THREAD UNDER FABRIC
• upper and lower threads riot ulran n back under presser foot
• fabric feed un 1)1 )\\ N
9. BOBBIN DOES NOT WIND PROPERLY
• inc rreu t threading
• liobbi n under t bread gui lie riot positu oried correct lv
• bold,in not posi tioried correctly on spindle
• bobbin n i nder not engaged iv it h band iv heel
10. MACHINE RUNS SLUGGISHLY
• diii or lint between I cet Ii of fabric feed
• (Ii it or Ii nt in shuttle
• iriiuc hi ne rieL oh up
II. MACHINE WILL NOT SEW
• (((ill not plugged 1101 orit lot
• cord nut phuiggeul into duutor su,uket iii ciuluinet or ual,e
• stop in (0011 InuoI nut t gIlt )rie)l
• rnotoi bolt lou) loose on broken