Sewing machine problem--FIXED :)

[Frosting]

There is like a hook idea in the bobbin area. The part (hook thing) could be worn down. I have replaced mine many times. You would have to have a repair man fix that, if that is the problem.

Thank you for the info, I will keep it in mind.

This was my grandma's machine and I really don't want to have to replace it so it sounds like maybe a trip to the repair shop is in order.

 

[patandchickens]

It is quite possible it IS the needle, especially if this is a very fine-weave (high quality, high thread count) fabric. The needle can hit *on* a thread rather than poking *between* 'em, and sort of 'bounce' enough to drop the stitch. Try a thinner sharper needle and see if that helps.

Oh, it would also be worth trying adjusting the top AND BOTTOM tensions.

Sometimes though I've had the problem you describe, on fabrics that I'd sewn previously with no problem, and while I never did figure out exactly waht precisely the problem was, it was solved by doing a complete tune-up on my machine (disassemble, clean, appropriately lubricate, reassemble, and realign all user-serviceable parts). You can do this yourself, or the last time I had a repair guy work on the machine (cuz my own tune-up didn't fix the problem) I beleive it was like thirty bucks, which isn't too bad (mind you, this was like 10 yrs ago in W NY, no idea what current or nationwide rates are like)

Ldychef2k, have you disassembled yours to check that it is not just a snarl in the thread underneath the throat plate? That is nearly always what produces the jamming you describe. Unscrew the thumbscrew that holds the needle in; remove the needle from its socket (it will still be threaded onto the thread, which is fine), see if you can jiggle it loose by hand; if necessary, open up the access hatch to get to where the bobbin is, and remove the bobbin case and bobbin. Chances are very good that somewhere in all there, you will find a big mangle of thread snarled around that hook thingie and the needle and the bobbin. Cut it out, reassemble everything and rethread (don't forget to put the needle back in its socket) and you SHOULD be good to go.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[Frosting]

I've tried adjusting top and bottom threads. I'm down to an 11 needle and there was no difference.

I didn't disassemble this time when I cleaned it, maybe I need to give that a try.

 

[Frosting]

Disasembling it worked! Thank you Pat!

 

[Ldychef2k]

::Looks to the ground and twists her toe in the dust:: No. It's too late now. It needs real help. I have been sewing since I was 13, and never knew I was supposed to oil a sewing machine.

So. How does it feel to have an idjit amongst you?

Mine did the same thing and one day it completely froze. Can't move the needle up or down. I have a hunch it is a timing issues between the bobbin and the needle. Mine ultimately jammed. Can't afford a repair right now, so there she sits, along with my SIL's jammies that need altering !

Have you oiled it?

Frosting, have you cleaned and oiled yours? Just asking, because I had similiar problems and was sure it was the machines fault, then realized I hadn't oiled it LOL

Also, check your tension.

 

[Ldychef2k]

I am going to try that tonight, after I finish beating myself over the head with a brick bat. Hey...it feels good when you stop !

Thanks...I will definitely try that.

Kris

It is quite possible it IS the needle, especially if this is a very fine-weave (high quality, high thread count) fabric. The needle can hit *on* a thread rather than poking *between* 'em, and sort of 'bounce' enough to drop the stitch. Try a thinner sharper needle and see if that helps.

Oh, it would also be worth trying adjusting the top AND BOTTOM tensions.

Sometimes though I've had the problem you describe, on fabrics that I'd sewn previously with no problem, and while I never did figure out exactly waht precisely the problem was, it was solved by doing a complete tune-up on my machine (disassemble, clean, appropriately lubricate, reassemble, and realign all user-serviceable parts). You can do this yourself, or the last time I had a repair guy work on the machine (cuz my own tune-up didn't fix the problem) I beleive it was like thirty bucks, which isn't too bad (mind you, this was like 10 yrs ago in W NY, no idea what current or nationwide rates are like)

Ldychef2k, have you disassembled yours to check that it is not just a snarl in the thread underneath the throat plate? That is nearly always what produces the jamming you describe. Unscrew the thumbscrew that holds the needle in; remove the needle from its socket (it will still be threaded onto the thread, which is fine), see if you can jiggle it loose by hand; if necessary, open up the access hatch to get to where the bobbin is, and remove the bobbin case and bobbin. Chances are very good that somewhere in all there, you will find a big mangle of thread snarled around that hook thingie and the needle and the bobbin. Cut it out, reassemble everything and rethread (don't forget to put the needle back in its socket) and you SHOULD be good to go.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[big brown horse]

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

::Looks to the ground and twists her toe in the dust:: No. It's too late now. It needs real help. I have been sewing since I was 13, and never knew I was supposed to oil a sewing machine.

So. How does it feel to have an idjit amongst you?

Mine did the same thing and one day it completely froze. Can't move the needle up or down. I have a hunch it is a timing issues between the bobbin and the needle. Mine ultimately jammed. Can't afford a repair right now, so there she sits, along with my SIL's jammies that need altering !

Have you oiled it?

Frosting, have you cleaned and oiled yours? Just asking, because I had similiar problems and was sure it was the machines fault, then realized I hadn't oiled it LOL

Also, check your tension.

If it helps, my husband had to tell ME to oil mine *twists own toe in the dust*

 

[Frosting]

::Looks to the ground and twists her toe in the dust:: No. It's too late now. It needs real help. I have been sewing since I was 13, and never knew I was supposed to oil a sewing machine.

So. How does it feel to have an idjit amongst you?

I knew they needed cleaning and oiling but, I didn't know how often until my SIL filled me in. She informed me that with all the sewing I do once a year or once every couple years--basically whenever I thought of it--just isn't enough!

Oh well, live and learn!