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.
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.
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!
2 places to check for manuals
- Manufacturers (generally free)
- Sewing Machine Manual Resellers (on average under $25)
Check the Brand and Model
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. 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.
| 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.
Good luck finding the sewing machine manuals you need!
READ MORE IN MY TROUBLESHOOTING SERIES
- Help my sewing needle keeps breaking
- How to clean a sewing machine
- Sewing Machine Thread Keeps Breaking – Top 10 TIPS
- Sewing Machine Skipping Stitches
- Seam Puckering when Sewing
- Sewing Machine Manuals– Replacement manuals
Treasurie says
Hi Myrna, try one of the companies listed in the article. You will normally have to pay for older machine manuals. Also look at eBay.
Brenda Banks says
I have bought a alna 2300 machine secondhand. I have since found out that the bobbin is not winding on, as soon as I push it to connect. it stops. What could be the possible cause? Thank you in advance.
Myrna Morales says
Hi, I’m trying to look for instruction manual for Elgin Deluxe sewing machine built zigzag. Hope you can help me find one. Thanks
Alyssa says
https://www.StatewideSewing.com also has manuals for many machines.
Treasurie says
Hi Faith, I would email Simplicity directly. I’m not sure if they make those ones anymore but I’d imagine they would point you in the right direction at least.
faith Ruley says
I have a Simplicity 850 easy lock serger, i am lookimg for a free manual. Any help would be appreciated. I have see them for sale , I don’t want to put money into right now until I figure out if it works after I oil it up..
Treasurie says
Hi, I would contact Relics or Sewing Online (links in article). They have more comprehensive catalogs than most of the other companies.
Kathy F says
Hi there,
I have a sewing machine manufactured by Domestic Sewing Machine Co. Inc. There are small numbers on top right of back plate 95-225. I have the original manual and a couple boxes with the original parts. I am looking for more detailed diagram on how to thread it properly. It sews pretty well but I can’t seem to get the tension just perfect so wondering if I am missing something. I would be happy to send pictures. Thanks.
Treasurie says
Hi Louisa, for older machines you normally need to pay for a manual. There are links to a couple of shops in my article. You may also find one on eBay or someone selling your same machine who would be willing to copy the manual for you.
Louisa Viljoen says
Good day team
I Inherited my moms Rhein Gold Toyota Sewing Machine but i can’t figure it out and am looking for the manual.
Kind regards
Louisa Viljoen