MEDION MD 18205 Free-Arm Sewing Machine User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the MEDION MD 18205 Free-Arm Sewing Machine. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your sewing machine. Please read these instructions carefully before first use and keep them for future reference.

2. Important Safety Instructions

• Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
• Use the correct needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
• Do not use bent needles.
• Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. This may deflect the needle, causing it to break.
• Wear safety glasses.
• Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot controller free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
• Do not insert any objects into any openings.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.

3. Package Contents

Ensure all items listed below are present in your package:

• MEDION Free-Arm Sewing Machine MD 18205
• 1x Universal Presser Foot
• 1x Zipper Foot
• 1x Buttonhole Presser Foot
• 1x Edge/Quilting Guide
• 3x Needles (#14)
• 1x Twin Needle (2mm)
• 1x Darning Plate
• 3x Bobbins
• 2x Spool Pins
• 2x Felt Discs
• 1x Hem Ruler
• 1x Guide Aid
• 1x Seam Ripper with Brush
• 1x Dust Cover
• 1x Screwdriver
• 1x Oil Bottle
• 1x Foot Pedal

4. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the main components of your sewing machine.

Figure 4.1: Front view of the MEDION MD 18205 sewing machine. This image shows the machine's main body, stitch selection dials, and the sewing area.

Figure 4.2: Dimensions of the MEDION MD 18205 sewing machine. The machine measures 39 cm in length, 15.1 cm in width, and 29.5 cm in height.

Key Components:

• Stitch Selector Dial: Used to choose from 60 different stitch patterns.
• Thread Tension Dial: Adjusts the tension of the upper thread.
• Reverse Stitch Lever: For reinforcing seams.
• Needle Threader: Assists in threading the needle automatically.
• LED Sewing Light: Illuminates the sewing area for better visibility.
• Free Arm: Allows for easy sewing of cylindrical items like sleeves and pant hems.
• Snap-on Presser Foot System: Enables quick and easy changing of presser feet.

5. Setup

5.1 Power Connection

1. Place the machine on a stable, flat surface.
2. Ensure the power switch is in the "OFF" position.
3. Connect the foot pedal plug to the machine's power socket.
4. Plug the power cord into a suitable electrical outlet (230 Volts).

5.2 Winding the Bobbin

1. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin.
2. Guide the thread through the upper thread guide and around the bobbin winding tension disc.
3. Place an empty bobbin onto the bobbin winder spindle.
4. Wind the thread clockwise a few times around the bobbin.
5. Push the bobbin winder spindle to the right.
6. Press the foot pedal to start winding. Stop when the bobbin is full.
7. Cut the thread and push the bobbin winder spindle back to the left.

5.3 Threading the Upper Thread

1. Raise the presser foot lever.
2. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin.
3. Guide the thread through the upper thread guide.
4. Follow the numbered threading path down to the needle.
5. Use the automatic needle threader or manually thread the needle from front to back.

5.4 Inserting the Bobbin

1. Open the bobbin cover plate.
2. Insert the wound bobbin into the bobbin case, ensuring the thread unwinds in the correct direction (usually counter-clockwise).
3. Pull the bobbin thread through the tension spring and into the thread guide.
4. Close the bobbin cover plate.
5. Turn the handwheel towards you to bring the bobbin thread up through the needle plate.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 Selecting a Stitch

Turn the stitch selector dial to choose one of the 60 available stitch patterns. Refer to the stitch chart on the machine for visual guidance.

Figure 6.1: Close-up of the stitch selection dials on the MEDION MD 18205. This image highlights the various stitch patterns available and the corresponding dial settings.

6.2 Basic Sewing

1. Place the fabric under the presser foot.
2. Lower the presser foot lever.
3. Turn the handwheel to lower the needle into the fabric.
4. Press the foot pedal gently to start sewing. Control speed with pedal pressure.
5. To reinforce a seam, press the reverse stitch lever at the beginning and end of your seam.
6. When finished, raise the needle to its highest position, lift the presser foot, and pull the fabric away. Cut the threads.

Figure 6.2: Hands guiding fabric through the MEDION MD 18205 sewing machine. This illustrates the machine in active use, demonstrating how fabric is fed under the needle.

6.3 Automatic Buttonhole Function

The MD 18205 features a 4-step automatic buttonhole function.

1. Attach the buttonhole presser foot.
2. Mark the buttonhole position on your fabric.
3. Select the first buttonhole stitch setting on the dial.
4. Sew the first side, then follow the steps for the remaining three sides as indicated on the stitch selector dial.

Figure 6.3: Close-up of a finished buttonhole on denim fabric. This image demonstrates the precise stitching achieved by the automatic buttonhole function.

6.4 Quilting and Darning

To perform quilting or darning, lower the feed dogs using the darning plate. This allows you to freely move the fabric for creative stitching.

Figure 6.4: A stack of colorful fabric squares, commonly used for quilting projects. This image illustrates the type of material suitable for the machine's quilting function.

6.5 Changing Presser Feet

The snap-on presser foot system allows for quick changes:

1. Raise the needle and presser foot.
2. Press the release button at the back of the presser foot holder to detach the current foot.
3. Align the new presser foot with the holder and lower the presser foot lever until it snaps into place.

Figure 6.5: Close-up of a sewing machine presser foot. This image shows the detail of the foot that holds fabric in place during sewing.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your sewing machine.

7.1 Cleaning

• Always unplug the machine before cleaning.
• Remove the needle plate and bobbin case.
• Use the provided brush (or a small, soft brush) to remove lint and dust from the feed dogs and bobbin area.
• Wipe the exterior of the machine with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

7.2 Lubrication

• Apply a small drop of sewing machine oil (provided) to the moving metal parts in the bobbin area and other designated lubrication points as indicated in the full manual.
• Do not over-oil.

7.3 Needle Replacement

• Replace bent or dull needles immediately to prevent skipped stitches or fabric damage.
• Loosen the needle clamp screw, remove the old needle, and insert a new needle with the flat side facing the back of the machine. Tighten the screw securely.

8. Troubleshooting

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official MEDION website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

Manufacturer: MEDION

Customer Service: MEDION's customer service team is available 365 days a year. For contact details, please visit the official MEDION website or refer to your product's warranty card.