when i try to sew the thread gets all bunched up in the bobbin housing.
please tell me there is an easy fix.
I can sew a straight line but that's about it. It's an older machine, and i've had this problem before with another old machine. So i'm guessing it's me.
Is there something i need to adjust?
very frustrated, the bobbin caseing keeps falling out i kept the door open and can see it. so this needs some major repair but for $75 I might as well invest in a brandnew machine.
I have another older machine that no one else in the family wanted i see why now, i might have managed to get that one limping along but realized that the cord that i couldn't figure out what it went to and didn't wantto just toss into the huge pile that DH has so miscellanious electronical stuff, was probably the cord to the old old sewing machine and is now in the landfill where i really out to pitch both of these peieces of junk, I"m really really mad at myself . why would i do soemthing that stupid!
Usually that's a thread tension issue. Try tightening the screw on the bobbin casing just a TINY bit. Good luck!
It could be several factors....
It could be how you are loading the bobbin..... I found with my M.'s old machine, that if I loaded the bobbin completely full, it gave more problems than if I only loaded it between 1/2 and 3/4 full.....
It could be something as simple as a thread tension adjustment....
What kind is it?
The gears under the bobbin may be wearing out...... or there may be lint under the bobbin housing.....
Depending on what kind it is, you can remove some of the top plates and brush out the lint with a fine brush, like a tiny artist's paint brush... or use one of the compressed air cans (for computers) to help blow out the lint and fuzz.....
I was having problems with my M.'s old Singer (purchased in 1993), and I was constantly having problems with the bobbin tension. I finally gave up and bought a new machine, and really love it!
If you can, google the model of the machine... sometimes you can find the manual online, and that can help you troubleshoot the problem.
Is your tension set at the correct level? Try making sure it's somewhere in the middle.
Also try holding the top and bottom threads when you start, making sure they're tightish.
And if necessary, make sure there is no lint or dust or anything in the bobbin area.
When my machine does that, it is sometimes because I haven't threaded the top thread correctly. Another thing I do is clean out the feed dog and around the bobbin housing. On my machine, I can pop out a few of the parts and then I use a 1/2 inch clean paintbrush to remove all the old bits of thread, dust and fabric. You can also use compressed air in a can to blow and clean the hard to reach spots. Then I put one drop of oil on the moving bobbin housing part before reassembling.
You might try to find an online manual for your machine at the manufacturers website. Or call them at their customer service number and ask for help in troubleshooting your problem before spending money at the repair shop.
I used to have a Kenmore that did the same thing. I took a sewing class with it and the teacher couldn't figure out the problem. I quit sewing for many years because of this.
I recently bought a used Bernina. It is the best machine I've ever had. It does not have this issue. So if you are in the position to buy a new machine, I highly recommend you check out a Bernina.
Use this rule of thumb, it is most times right on!
A problem on the bottom (of the fabric) usually indicates a problem on the top. ie. the top is threaded wrong, tension setting on the top is wrong
And a problem on the top (of the fabric) usually indicates a problem on the bottom. ie. the bobbin is threaded wrong, not in housing correctly, dirty housing.
Try re-threading the top, set your tension to 3 or 4 (or whatever is about midway.) Always make sure you complete your stitch at the end. In addition to these, do make sure your bobbin area is free of lint and pieces of string, and inserted correctly. Thread should spin clockwise in the bobbin housing when you look at it. Older machines also sometimes just need a bit of oil to get things running smoothly, so you can try that.
Good luck,
V.
It is the tension setting but without seeing the machine I couldn't tell you where that is.
Don't give up on the "tank" just get it serviced. Make sure the bobbin area is free of lint and if there is a latch on the bobbin make sure it snaps when put on the bobbin spindle. By pushing this closed it will keep the bobbin locked in place.
You didn't say what model and make of machine. The new plastic machines are all right if you are going to sew once in a while but if you truly intend to sew these metal babies are the ones you want. They will go through several thick layers of fabric, light leather and sew thin fabrics all you have to do is to adjust the pressure on the pressure foot (something new plastic machines don't have).
Check the thread tension dial and see if it is set between 4 and 5 on the dial. If it is not threaded properly it will cause the thread in the bobbin to bunch up. Do try to raise the number or lower the number until the thread straightens out.
Good luck to you and don't give up. This is just a small blip in the road to sewing trust me. I have been sewing for over 50 years and there are still things I learn using different machines including my industrial (i have a way to control the speed on it so it doesn't go flying away with my project).
The other S.
I had this problem once and it was because i was using a plastic bobbin. I bought metal ones and its fixed...for what its worth.
I would personally invest the money in the older machine, believe it or not. I was in a similar position lately. I wondered if I should get a new machine or get an old one serviced. I got a tune up on my mom's old White from the 1970's. Yes, it's heavy and not computerized, but it runs great and being made like a tank, it will last. The issue I have with the new machines (at least ones in my low end price range) is that most of the gearing inside is plastic. My machine, on the other hand, has metal gearing that will last! It has more than enough stiches for me, being a beginner at this. Yes, the bobbin was giving me fits too. I swore I was putting it in the right way (thread going left to right) but I had been putting it in backward. Also there was absolutely no tension on the bobbin. So I tightened that screw.
I know on line that many sites say to "never" adjust the bobbin tension screw, but I think you really have to know your machine. I spent hours trying to get my tension right by working on the upper tension, re-threading, etc. Finally, I decided to adjust the bobbin tension. It took me 3 times/turns, but I finally got it right.
Get a new bobbin and put new thread on it. Watch to make sure the thread is winding on pretty evenly. Then try it in the bobbin area. Sometimes the thread on the bobbin is just wound sloppy or too loose or too tight. If the new one does the same thing it could be the bobbin tension.
If this were my machine I would google the brand name and "how to" adjust everything on it if you don't already have the book that goes with it.
This way you will follow "their" ideas of what to do to fix the issue. They may have found an idiosyncrasy that takes a certain tweak to fix.
I had the same issue and could not self correct it. I tried all of the suggestions below with no luck. Eventually I ended up taking it to a repair shop and they gave a complete tune up for $75. After that, no more issues. This was for an OLD sewing machine that my mother had given me. One of those kids that fold up into the table. Good luck!
