I don't have any advice, but I did find where you can get a manual.
New Home 551 manual at Sewusa.com

Looking at the picture of the machine, I would be turning that knob on the top (#1), too, and looking for some kind of indicator in the stitch display (#19) to change.

Wish I could offer more information,
CMC

Here is a link that might be useful: New Home 551 manual at Sewusa.com

thanks for answering cmc. I finally got the knob to move but it still doesn't zig zag.........at least I have a good straight stitch. I think it hadn't been used in a long time, I oiled it and played around with it and it's working better. The book would cost more than I gave for the machine!!
Diane

I received a New Home sewing machine (2022)for free a few years ago. It hadn't been used in over 20 years and had no manual. I bought my manual at that site above. I would never have figured out the machine without the manual and I still use regularly. For example, the bobbin is loaded backwards from every other machine my mother or I have ever used. The other thing I had to do to get the machine into working order was have it overhauled at a sewing machine shop. This service did cost about $50 but my machine works perfectly now and I didn't have to spend $200-300 on a new machine.

On my New Home (which looks like a very different model), I have to switch the stitch selector to zigzag AND choose the width of my zigzags. There are 3 things to select for every stitch. The type of stitch (zigzag), the width, and the length. On my machine the width and length are in the same place, the inside and outside of a knob. The needle physically moves from left to right when I turn the width knob.

I hope this helps. Enjoy your machine.

I have a Model 609 New Home I bought used in the 1980's.I tried to get a manual from the web site above, but they didn't have mine. Apparently, it's a little confusing because Jenome has a model 609, but it doesn't look at all like mine.

I want to sew some 4-6 oz Dacron to make sails for my boat. Will it stand up to this? I am a noviece at sewing, but I have made boats for a long time and I am used to maintaining precision machinery.

Where is the model number located on the new home sewing machine mine looks like its from the 60's or 70's. Someone gave it to mme for cristmas . I need the model number to figure out how to work it.

Hello Chedester,
I have the same machine, but no manual, I can't seem to work it out. I spent weeks on the net to try and find some help. It seems that the NEW HOME 609 has never existed. Some of the feet it has fit but not perfectly, I'm not sure how to adjust settings right for what i need.
Well it makes me desperate!
Could someone HELP!! Please
Raff

I have a model XL-ll. it was giving to me by my g-ma who passed over 13yrs ago thru her will... i can NOT get the "ST" to engage. the dial turns to all of the other settings easily, but refuses to on the "ST".. help help help! i love this handy lil thing and want to pick up sewing again. Thanks 2any1 that can help me out! ��

Raise needle to top, set zig zag width to off and stretch lever to normal then adjust pattern select knob on the top. I just bought one that came with manual. Would not have figured it out without. Thought it was jammed up but actually works perfectly. Don't force anything.