Sewing Machine- need some help!

[Sprinklecupcake]

Hi there! So a friend of mine has a friend at her other job who diccided not to sew anymore and was looking to give it away. My friend told her she had a friend (me) who has been wanting a sewing machine for a while and suprised me with it today. Its an older 90s looking Necchi model 511 which is different from anything I have used. Its not too old looking but it feels different than what I have used in home economics way back in middle school. I asked her if the machine worked and she replied, "yeah! I even got to see her use it this morning and it works!" So i took it home and sat it on the grou.d gently and started to inspect it. I notice immeditly there was no needle! My friend claims it must have fallen out. So I plugged the machine in and tested out the foot pedal. The needle area doesnt even go up and down!! I havnt messed with any of the setting on it, and after a while I messed around with the settings just to make sure it want me. I told my friend the 'needle' doesnt move up and down and she hasnt answered me back yet. It looks lightly used, I checked inside the machine to make surenothing was stuck or rusted.

Am I doing something wrong? xD I feel like Im not doing something right to make the machine work. I do not want to accuse my friend of lying, shes been a VERY good work friend to me for me since i was employed so 3 years. Soooo does anyone know how to use this? Here are pictures! Any help appreciated!

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EDIT: ok, so I suspect thing knobby thing has something to do with the needle moving up and down! I pressed it down and touched the foot pedal and the needle moved up and down! What is this doo-dad here? Lol

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[Elisto]

Can you look online for the manual? If it's available, that might be a good starting point.

[Skeen]

It looks like that knob may control the presser foot?  If the foot is up the needle won't move.   

[flyawayraven]

Can you look online for the manual? If it's available, that might be a good starting point.

I second this!

Unfortunately the only sewing machines I have a passing familiarity with are Singers, so I'm not much help.

[Sprinklecupcake]

^^ thank you guys for the help! The past few hours ive been trying to figure out the knob. I followed your instructions and also found out the bobbin threader was the problem! LOL! It does move up and down now, i learned how to thread it and everything. So now im trying to figure out how to keep the machine thread from jamming xD

[Elisto]

You might need to adjust the tension? Also, I would guess it needs to be oiled. Instructions would probably also be in the manual. (My machine is an old-ish Kenmore, so I don't know how yours works exactly either)

[Tilas]

I would Google for a manual, there's plenty of sites that sell copies of them for fairly cheap. Given the age and obvious wear of the machine, don't expect too much out of it.

Honestly if you really want to get into sewing, I would advise against starting with a used machine. They can have a host of hidden issues that will drive you batty. Something as simple as the bobbin tension being out by 1/32" can make the machine unusable, and you cannot repair such problems yourself.

I suggest just saving up to buy a new machine like a Pfaff Select 150, or if you have the money, a Pfaff Ambition 1.5. When it comes to sewing machines, Pfaff are top of their class. More expensive sure, but their high quality is worth it. I have both of these machines, I upgraded from the Select to the Ambition. The Select is perfect for a starter/beginner, but the Ambition just gives you so many more options to play with. Really, Pfaff is the only brand of sewing machine I would suggest. (for embroidery however, Brother is your machine!)

[SunPony]

I second (or third?) the quest for the original operating manual!  Sewing machines can be confusing.

Also, you might take it in for "servicing."  They will check it over and make sure everything is set up, oiled, and working correctly.  I have my mom's 1970's machine and it is still going strong, possibly due to being regularly serviced...possibly just because it is a beast.  They might be willing to look it over real quick first to see if it has any major issues before you shell out $$ for the servicing.  Or they might not :/

I wish you many happy days working on projects with your new machine!

Edit: the needle can be replaced easily, and depending on the fabric you are sewing, you will want a different type and size of needle. 

[kaoskat]

I have no idea about sewing machines but congrats on the great gift!