How to Adjust the Tracking on an Elgin Sewing Machine

The feed dog is found on all sewing machines.

The tracking on a sewing machine is the pull of the feed dog. The feed dog is the three raised sets of teeth coming up through the metal plate under the needle shaft and above the bobbin case. These teeth pop up through the three openings and pull the cloth away from you, and go back into the holes to pop up in the front again. The motion of the feed dog is very fast and may need maintenance just as any other part of the machine does.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Methylated cloth
• Sewing machine oil

Instructions

1. Raise the presser foot by pushing the presser foot lever up. On an Elgin sewing machine, the presser foot lever is found behind the needle shaft.

2. Remove the screws from the metal plate of the feed dog using the screwdriver.

3. Clean the dust and material from the feed dog teeth with a methylated cloth.

4. Oil the feed dog teeth with one drop of oil in the gear.

5. Replace the metal plate and screw it back into place using the screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the shuttle in the bobbin case while you are cleaning the feed dog tracking for the best results with an Elgin sewing machine.

• Always unplug the machine before working on its inner parts.

References

• Hammerwall; Elgin Model 1015 Instruction Manual