So I’ve finished cleaning up the Elna, and have begun the process of learning its “originalities” as a sewing machine.  Naturally, I pulled up a copy of the user’s manual, and within 6 pages, I’ve learned something.  Not so much about the machine, but about thread.  So I thought I’d detail some of the neat things I find as I go and a few things I’m remembering as a result of this reading, mostly from the OSMG (Old Sewing Machine Guy).

1. When thread is too dry, it becomes brittle; it regains its strength when placed near an open window overnight.
2. Wind a bobbin while pressing lightly on the top of the spool.  (This is also backed up by an OSMG.  He said that the machines often wind a loose bobbin, which causes a tension problem when sewing.  You can combat it by doing what’s mentioned here.)
3. Bobbin thread should always unwind in a counter clock wise direction.  Doesn’t matter which sewing machine manufacturer you sew with. (From the OSMG)