One of the best sources of information on how to operate and care for your sewing machine is the MANUAL.

As part of the sewing machine maintenance class I teach, I make sure each student has a copy of their sewing machine manual. A short survey is sent out prior to class asking about the machine they plan to bring to class. If a student indicates they don’t have a manual, I’ll search for one and send them a link where they can download a copy. (One advantage to having a librarian as your teacher!) During class, I emphasize the importance of saving a pdf copy to Google drive or somewhere online so that they can access it quickly if the original manual gets lost or left at home.

PDF downloads for most modern and many vintage models can be found online for FREE. Sometimes you have to try 2-3 different websites before you can locate the free pdf file, but those few extra minutes could save you $6-$20. If you prefer a printed or original copy of your manual, skip the free sources and head straight to the paid resources.

All I need is a FREE pdf download and I’ll print it myself:
1. Download directly from the sewing machine company’s website. Navigate to the site – Brother, Baby Lock, Bernina, Juki, Janome, Singer/Pfaff/Viking. You get the picture. Once there, look for a link to SUPPORT.
2. Try Pocono Sew & Vac. Search for your machine. Scroll down the sidebar to FREE digital manuals.
3. If you have a Kenmore, try searching Sears Parts Direct. Enter your model number. Ignore the graphic that doesn’t look anything like your sewing machine and click on Manual to retrieve. This link probably has the test link to my old Kenmore machine. Merely replace the model number with your own.
4. Try Manualslib.com. You may also be able to locate free service manuals here. Note that a watermark may appear on some of the files you download.

Vintage machine, but no luck with the above resources?
Try the ISMACS website and look to see if they have your manual.
Join an enthusiast group for your machine on Facebook and look under the FILES section.

Not available for free or I want a print copy:
1. Manualsoncd.com
2. Sewingpartsonline.com
2. Ebay
3. Etsy

Ebay is a great resource for original manuals for older sewing machines or enhanced reproduction copies of original vintage manuals. High quality reproduction manuals for popular vintage machines like the Singer Featherweight and Singer 301 can be found at many niche online retailers who specialize in these specific models.

My personal test:
Test machine #1: Elnita EC30 – Available on Elna USA site, Pocono Sew & Vac, plus I picked up a free service manual on Manualslib.

Test machine #2: Kenmore 30 stitch model 18830. Found on Sears Parts Direct for free. Found watermarked copy on manualslib for free. Found exact same pdf download from Sears Direct Site for sale at manualsoncd, and sewingpartsonline, plus at least one seller on Etsy. If I needed a print copy, I would buy from sewingpartsonline.com

I have purchased printed reproduction instruction and service manuals for my Singer Featherweights and 301. The large print version for the 301 I bought off Ebay is fabulous and well worth the money.

Tip: If you regularly take your machine to classes and retreats, print off a copy of your manual and stick it in a 3 ring pocket folder. Put a sticky note on the front cover that includes your preferred settings for 1/4″ seam, 1/8″ topstitch and any stitches commonly used for machine applique. Leave the pocket folder in your machine’s travel case.