I am having some trouble with my new (from second hand store) white brand sewing machine. The problem is that it is stuck on zig-zag stitch, no matter what levers I push or pull (ob the outside). Thank you so much in advance.

krystal, September 2007

I have sewn with the White 167 since 1972. Make sure that the zig-zag levers are clear to the left. Then...this is the tricky part--the knob you turn for embroidered stitches must be turned to "M" (clockwise), and then a wee bit the other way (counterclockwise) to lock it on "M". The needle should now revert to an inner position, and you're good to go. Make sure that the buttonholer levers are on M, as well.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Deb

Deb G., January 2008

Hi there,
I am having the same problem with my White 167. It hasn't been used in about 10 years, we just dug it out of the basement. It it is wonderful condition and would love to start using it, but it won't sew a straight stitch. I hope very much that it is not broken! Did oiling the machine solve the problem, Krystal?

Danielle, November 2007

Hello again Krystal,
Managed to get a picture of your model, where the zig zag lever is you have small thumb screw either side of the zig zag lever, make sure the left hand one is all the way to the left and make sure the lever is all the way to the left, you can take the top off your machine and I still think it will be lack of oil that is the problem.
Ken

drivewithken@blueyonder.co.uk, September 2007

Hello Krystal,
Sounds like your machine could do with a drop of oil, get some fine oil such as WD40, I don't have a picture of your model but if the top comes off the machine oil all moving parts and move the zig zag lever back and forth rapidly, if you can take the top off the machine have a good look to make sure nothing is broken near the zig zag mechanism, if the machine body is one piece then you should have oil holes in the top of the machine, don'tb flood the machine with oil, give each hole a squirt and then try the machine, unlikely anything is broken probably gone completely dry, let me know if you have any problems, e-mail me.
Ken

drivewithken@blueyonder.co,uk, September 2007