Imperial Sewing Machine User Manual: Index

8 thoughts on “Imperial Sewing Machine User Manual: Index”

1. Dona Finke 2018/06/24 at 22:50

   Hello, I am looking for an owners manual for an Imperial model 919. Does anyone know if or where I can find one? Thanks in advance.

   [Don: Hi Dona,
   I do not have the Imperial 919 user manual, but the Imperial 562 might be close enough. The manual is free to download.

   http://dontai.com/wp/2013/12/16/imperial-sewing-machine-model-562-user-manual/

   If you do find the Imperial 919 I would be happy to host the manual for free download for you.

   Thanks, and Happy Sewing, Don]
2. mayra 2018/09/15 at 18:44

   Hi, I’m looking for an owners manual for an imperial HZL-907. If anyone have a copy of it or knows where i can find it. Thank you very much.

   [Don: Hi Mayra, I’m not familiar with your sewing machine model. Can you send me a photo from the front and the side, and I will recommend a manual?]
3. Kay 2020/09/29 at 22:06

   Any chance of finding a manual for an Imperial model 100? Or at least one with the tension discs on the side and upper-downy thing (technical term) on the back? I keep breaking my thread and figure I must be threading it wrong ?

   [Don: Hey Kay,
   I’m unfamiliar with your Imperial Model 100. Please send me a clear photo(s) of your sewing machine and I’ll recommend you one of my user manuals. I currently have 9, all free for non-commercial use download. Take a clear pic of the thread tensioner on the side, and I’ll tell you how it should be threaded. Most machines are very similar.

   I have a user manual with the thread tensioner on the side, and one article on how to thread on a very old Imperial model, which the thread tensioner is also on the side.

   http://dontai.com/wp/2020/09/28/imperial-sewing-machine-model-835-photos-and-user-manual/
   http://dontai.com/wp/2017/03/04/imperial-sewing-machine-model-703-threading-path/ (follow the blue arrows!)

   As for breaking your thread, there are a couple of possibilities:
   -thread is low quality: has happened to me, using $0.50 cheap thread
   -thread path incorrect (probable cause)
   -thread tension too high (turn the tension knob down)
   -tension of the bobbin too high
   -sewing machine needs oiling

   I hope these give you some ideas. I know, I’m a sewing machine geek.

   Happy sewing, Don]
4. Kim r. chicoine 2021/04/20 at 17:32

   OMG! I just found my Owner Manual for my Imperial Model 164!!! My sewing machine has been in storage since 2008 and I didn’t even remember that it CAME with an Owner Manual. I found your website because I forgot how to thread the damn thing and I finally want to use it again. (And yes, these old Imperials are made like tanks.) Do you need this one? Let me know. You can give it to anyone who wants it. If I hear that you need it, I’ll scan it in, but what format would you like it?
5. David Singh 2021/06/28 at 21:20

   Hi, I recently got my mom’s Imperial Model 164, and I would appreciate a copy of the manual.
   I have changed the tensioner, but still have problem withe the stitch, thread bunching up, skip stitch.
   I would very much like to get it in running order, in memory of my mom.
   Thank you.

   [Hey David,
   Thanks for finding my Imperial information. I don’t have an Imperial Model 164 manual, but a reader has volunteered to digitize it for me, after which I will post it for free download. In the meantime, there are other manuals you can download that can be helpful. it sounds like your threading path seems to not be proper. Please pay attention to how you thread your machine, because all those hooks and turns are designed to give the machine its proper tension. There is also the bobbin tension to consider.

   Try this Imperial 163M manual. https://dontai.com/wp/2018/03/02/imperial-sewing-machine-model-163m-user-manual/ It is very similar in function to your 164. In reality all sewing machines are very similar in their setup, but the fancy bits are different.

   I’ve attached someone’s Imperial 164 that is properly threaded, for your reference. If you can, take a photo of the thread path of your machine, as well as the thread bunching up, and I’ll see what I can recommend.

   Have a Happy Sewing Day!
   Don]
6. Brian Scott 2021/10/03 at 01:47

   A great site! I just got an Imperial model 164 and discovered that it didn’t come with a bobbin. Do you know what kind of bobbin I need for it?
7. Regan 2022/09/15 at 19:09

   I have an Imperial “Super Stretch” Model 386 and am trying to decide which manual you have would be closest. My almost 13 year old has claimed it as his own so I would like a manual for as he will need to clean and oil it and then will use it for trouble shooting if needed.

   Would love any help or advice that you can give!

   [Hey Regan,
   You have a nice machine. I’d recommend the Imperial 562 model user manual because it also has the zig zag
   https://dontai.com/wp/2013/12/16/imperial-sewing-machine-model-562-user-manual/

   I don’t have the exact user manual for your Imperial 610. These are 60 year old machines now, and most documentation has been lost to time!

   Good luck, and happy sewing!
   Don]
8. Breanna 2023/10/15 at 12:22

   Hello! I found an imperial model 501 and was wondering if anyone has a copy of the manual for it? Found a picture of one on this site but no manual to be found yet, thanks for reading regardless!