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
Hannah Flack 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.
Regards Hannah Flack
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Treasurie says
Contact Janome – link in article. They are normally good at helping.
Treasurie says
For less common machines you usually have to pay for old manuals. Contact one of the ones like Relic. Links in the article.
Treasurie says
For less common machines you usually have to pay for old manuals. Contact one of the ones like Relic. Links in the article.
Carol Clark says
A friend of mine bought a Morse Model 1000 sewing machine at an estate sale. Is it possible to get a manual for this machine?
Annette Wasserman says
I was given a Rhein Gold sewing machine in a cabinet. I dont know how to thread it and have no clue about using the attachments. Can you help
kathleen ungerer says
I am looking for a manual for my Janome JFS 1821 S.