Oh my! Sewing machine won't stitch and my dress is needed for Friday! Please help!

angelpye

Ok, thank you. gosh, i hope someone can - i want to go homemade!

zippychick

angelpye wrote: »

Ok, thank you. gosh, i hope someone can - i want to go homemade!

If you're really stuck, would it be possible to sew it by hand? That would be the real OS way

Good luck, sounds like not threaded right but hopefully someone here can help you out with it

MrsFraggle

First thing I would do is unthread the entire machine, and remove the bobbin
Then hoover it all out, using the nozzle thing on the hoover. To get any bits of fluff out and so on.
Try a different bobbin, or rewind an empty one - just in case its that
Then, rethread whole machine again from scratch, ensure the thread isn't 'catching' on anything before it gets to the looper thingy (sorry, I'm not very technical)

I'm not a sewing expert but have used a fair few in my time

Oh, also, change the needle, it could be as simple as your needle being slightly bent or off centre

Ensure bobbin is loaded correctly, send me a photo (PM) me if you want me to check (to the best of my ability!). Make sure when you're loading the bobbin that you pull a little bit of thread up, then after threading needle, manually pull it up/down (using the wheel) to ensure the top thread 'catches' the bobbin thread.
Then pull both threads to appro 6" behind the machine before starting to sew

Hope that makes sense. I've been there and there's nothing mroe frustrating than a sewing machine not working!!

rockie4

angelpye wrote: »

Hi, thank you, but what does IYSWIM mean? Ok so maybe I need reminding which is the right way round for the bobbin?

if you see what I mean:D

I hope you get it sorted, they're very tempramental things :rolleyes:

Rikki

Have you slowly turned the sewing wheel so the needle goes down and picks up the bobbin thread and brings it to the top?
You need both threads on the top of the sewing table to start sewing.

sairy2005

Is it a drop in bobbin or does it go underneath. Either way you hold the bobbin in front of you in your left hand and it should make a letter p with the thread hanging down. Keep it in your left hand and insert it in the bobbincase. Then check that the top is threaded correctly and wind the wheel towards you once of twice to pick up the bobbin thread. In my experience (I used to sell sewing machines) the main reason why a machine wont sew is because the bobbin is in incorrectly. Also you must have the same type of thread on the bobbin and the needle.

Have you got the correct needle in for your type of machine. If it is not catching the bobbin thread it could be the needle is the wrong length.

If all else fails dont panic. You may not get your dress made but there will be other parties. Get the machine looked at by a reputable repairer.

angelpye

MrsFraggle wrote: »

I'm not a sewing expert but have used a fair few in my time

Oh, also, change the needle, it could be as simple as your needle being slightly bent or off centre


Hope that makes sense. I've been there and there's nothing mroe frustrating than a sewing machine not working!!

HiMrs Fraggle, hope all is well down at the rock :rotfl:

It was the needle! Ta Da! All is saved! Well I still have a bit of an issue with it missing stitches but for now it will get me through then I shall do battle! Many thanks for your advice!

angelpye

rockie4 wrote: »

if you see what I mean:D

I hope you get it sorted, they're very tempramental things :rolleyes:

Ha, I am obviously no longer down with the kids! I keep getting confused! LOL! (i know that one!):T

angelpye

Hi all, thank you so much for your help and advice, I was in such a panic yesterday and you helped me muddle through! I couldn't get logged in last night but finally found after another two hours of trying that it was the .... (drum roll) ...needle!
The bit that holds the needle in place ( no technical talk here!) was loose which meant it wobbled and moved - have to say didnt realise until it was practically off though.
Big sigh of relief!

Now, it isn't perfect as its dropping the occassional stitch but thinking either its the wrong needle for the work I am doing or maybe tension related. It will get me through this little project for now but will need to sort it out. Any suggestions? Also now thinking I will join a little class to get really in the know as yesterday was awful! I know its only a dress but I was so very excited about making something for me and very much looking forward to wearing it to the city for a gig! And now I can, yay!

Thank you guys!

Justamum

MrsFraggle wrote: »

Oh, also, change the needle, it could be as simple as your needle being slightly bent or off centre

You should use a new needle for every sewing project anyway, and they're cheap enough.