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
geoff says
I just got a Viking Husqvarna type 21. Don’t know the year probable 1960. Looking to get a users manual for it. Are they similar to 21-a, because that is all I can seem to find.
Thank you
Geoff
Treasurie says
Hi Geoff, I’m not sure about that particular model. I’d start by contacting Viking directly. Relics is also really knowledgeable. Their manuals aren’t free but I’d email them for advice too. Good luck. I hope you find it. Those old machines last forever.
DIONADIE ASONG says
Hi, do you have manual for sinterman bt-248t sewing machine? Thank you so much?
Treasurie says
Hi Dionadie, I hadn’t come across that one before but I found their website at http://sinterman.net/store/ . I would just contact them through email and see if they have a copy for you. Most companies are helpful in providing manuals as they want you to use their machines. Good luck!
June Jones says
Hi there do you have a manual for Ace-6600 Computerised Sewing Machine Homemaker Ace Pro Designer With Pedal thank you so much
Treasurie says
Sorry June, I have just put together this list of links to manufacturers and don’t have any actual manuals. I couldn’t find a manufacturer site for this one. Perhaps you can get a second hand manual on ebay. Also try Sewing Parts Online or Relics (links in my articles). They have large selections of manuals.
Dee Risk says
Hi, I’m looking for a manual for a Janome Model 641.
Treasurie says
Hi Dee, If these links don’t help or if yours is not listed on their site, try contacting Janome directly from their website at http://www.janome.com .
Charlene says
Looking for a sewing machine manual for a brother XR-31, can’t find one any where, do you have one?
Treasurie says
Hi Charlene, Try going to the brother site and emailing them with their contact form. Most of the big companies are good at helping or pointing you in the right direction. Also try emailing some of the manual shops I have listed in my article. You might have to pay a little but they are normally not too expensive.
Kat says
Hi. I have an old sewing machine from the 1970s. My sister borrowed the machine way back when and helpfully lost the manual! I have been searching for a manual ever since. My machine was made by the Standard Sewing Equipment Corp and the decal says it is a Universal Model 5510. It is a zig-zag machine that can handle two needle sewing. Can you help? Or point me in the right direction?
Thank you for any help at all!
Treasurie says
Hi Kat, I would email one of the paid manual providers as it seems unlikely you will find a free PDF version. Try Relics first. Also, try eBay where there are a surprising amount of old manuals for sale. Good luck with it.
B Doughart says
I have a viking Sewing Machine #6479 , Serial #404.
I would like to know how to fill the bobbin and make buttonholes.
Would it be possible to get a book or just information about these two things/
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank You.
B Doughart says
I would appreciate any help you could give me.
B Doughart says
I have never had this type of a machine , I am interested in learning about it.
THank you
Treasurie says
Hi B, I’d suggest you first contact Viking/Husquarna and if they can’t help then try Relics of Sewing Parts online. Links are in the article.