Sewing machine manuals give you information on the functions and stitches performed by your machine, how to clean and oil the machine and various troubleshooting tips. If you have lost your manual or picked up an amazing sewing machine second hand that didn’t come with a manual, you are going to need a replacement manual.
Sewing Machine Manuals
If you are an experienced sewer you can guess how to use some of the functions but you will only get maximum productivity from your machine by knowing what all the bells and whistles do. Sewing machine manuals contain all the instructions and maintenance tips you need to sew professionally and productively.
Where to find Sewing Machine Manuals
The good news is that most major manufacturers offer their manuals free on their website as a PDF download. There are also several excellent commercial sites where you can purchase old manuals for an average of $15-$25. Definitely worth the investment!
Places to check for manuals:
- Manufacturers (generally free)
- Sewing Machine Manual Resellers (on average under $25)
Check the Brand and Model
When looking for a new sewing machine manual, start by finding your machine’s model number. It may be on the back or underneath so have a good look before you go to the manufacturer’s site.
Shop Sewing Patterns by Treasurie |
If you are really stuck and can’t find a model number, try emailing a photo of the machine to the manufacturer for some help. Most reputable brands give great customer service and are happy to help.
FREE Sewing Machine Manuals to Download
These companies have free sewing machine manuals on their websites for you to download. This is a great time and money saver.
Click on your manufacturers link below and see if your sewing machine model is there.
BRAND | SEWING MACHINE MANUALS DOWNLOAD ADDRESS |
Babylock | www.babylock.com/downloads/manuals/ |
Bernina | www.bernina.com/en-US/Support-US |
Brother | http://support.brother.com/g/b/productseries.aspx?c=gb&lang=en&content=ml&pcatid=36#Series-147 |
Elna | www.elnausa.com/en-us/pages.php?page=107 |
Janome | www.janome.com/en/support/manuals/ |
Juki | www.jukihome.com/support/jukimanuals.html |
Kenmore | www.kenmore.com/customer-care |
Pffaf | www.pfaff.com/Support-and-Updates/Support |
Singer | www.singerco.com/support/instruction-manuals |
Viking Husqvarna | www.husqvarnaviking.com/Support |
Online Paid Sources of Sewing Machine Manuals
Unfortunately, if you have a very old or uncommon machine you may not be able to find a free manual. These companies below have an enormous selection of sewing machine manuals you can purchase relatively cheaply.
Most of the paid options will give you a hardcopy of the sewing machine manual which often has an advantage over PDF due to their ease of use. Relics advertises that they have more than 3700 different manuals.
Paid Sources of Sewing Machine Manuals:
- Sewing Parts Online
- Relics – Tias
- Sew USA
- eBay – There are many old manuals sold on eBay. Alternatively, you may find someone has a machine the same as yours for sale and the seller may be willing to make a copy of the manual for you. It never hurts to ask!
Sewing Machine Manuals – In Conclusion
Good luck finding the sewing machine manuals you need! Hopefully you can find a free manual but for older or rarer machines, you may need to source one from a commercial company.
Treasurie says
Hi Julie sorry I don’t know a place to call. Most of these manuals are online. Also, look for individual sellers on eBay.
Julie Vierra says
I’m trying to find a manual for a Penncrest 2601 sewing machine…some of the sites my computer will block and I don’t want to go on them in case they aren’t on the up and up…is there a place I can CALL? (imagine that…) to ask about the manual??
Thanks,
Julie
Treasurie says
You usually have to pay for manuals for the more unusual older machines. Try one of the companies mentioned in the article.
Julie says
Hello from SA.
I am unable to find a manual for my Rhein Gold Super Deluxe serial nr H 159811 please help