The Sewing Room

trix-a-belle

omg those £45 hearts are really quite nasty
well the last of my christmas presents are sewn the fabric for the bridesmaids purses has not been dropped off so next job is my dress for the wedding
have a wonderful christmas everyone

Justamum

jpscloud wrote: »

I'm now wondering if the machine is a previously returned one that doesn't work properly - if it is, I'm in bother because I threw away the polystyrene packaging already and the bins went today

That's just the factory test before it goes out. It shows that it does work

jpscloud wrote: »

Anyhow before I really panic, I thought I'd ask for your collective wisdom.

The problem is that the upper thread is getting all caught up in the hook race (the mechanism around the outside of the bobbin case?)

It jams up immediately, and I have to dismantle the hook race to get the thread out.

Is there something obvious I've done wrong do you think? I cannot be 100% sure I've threaded the machine correctly but I followed the instructions as best I could.

Have you pulled the bobbin thread through to the top? If you have then the thread shouldn't catch.

valk_scot

jpscloud wrote: »

Help! I bought a sewing machine for my Christmas present and have tried to thread it up and use it for the first time today.

Before I start, I am a total beginner but I am trying to use the correct terms where I know them - please forgive me if I don't get something right.

I bought the machine from Argos and am just a little puzzled because it already had a bobbin wound and inserted in the bobbin case inside the machine. There was a small stitch sampler in the case too. I'm now wondering if the machine is a previously returned one that doesn't work properly - if it is, I'm in bother because I threw away the polystyrene packaging already and the bins went today

Anyhow before I really panic, I thought I'd ask for your collective wisdom.

The problem is that the upper thread is getting all caught up in the hook race (the mechanism around the outside of the bobbin case?)

It jams up immediately, and I have to dismantle the hook race to get the thread out.

Is there something obvious I've done wrong do you think? I cannot be 100% sure I've threaded the machine correctly but I followed the instructions as best I could.

The bobbin could be inserted the wrong way into the case...the instructions will show the correct way. Check.

Check you've threaded the needle the correct way...might be front to back, left to right or right to left. Depends on the machine. But it has to be right.

The bottom thread end needs lifted up through the hole in the bobbin plate and pulled out to the rear, alongside the upper thread, before you start sewing. Again the instructions will show you how to do this.

You must have a piece of fabric under the pressure foot when operating the machine, also you must put the pressure foot to the down position before starting to sew.

Check again that the machine is correctly threaded up top, especially that you've got the thread running between the two plates of the adjustable tensioning mech. Also, you may need to tighten this a smidgen.


Finally, if it's still snagging up, check for a lump of fluff or thread caught under the feed dogs, check the needle isn't bent, or the tip hasn't broken off. The vast majority of sewing machine problems can be solved with a clean-out, some oil and a fresh needle, assuming it has been threaded up correctly in the first place of course. So persevere.

Justamum

I think the reason people often have problems with new sewing machines is because of where they buy them from. If you buy them from a sewing machine dealer they will show you how it works, and you can always go back with any problems. The shops which sell them as just another item in their stock don't offer that, so it leaves people floundering a bit. It's a big shame really because the instruction books aren't always that clear, and have been badly translated into English by someone armed only with a dictionary!

jpscloud

Thank you all! I am sure the thread was pulled up from the bobbin case... it isn't the bobbin thread that is the problem, it's the upper thread that is being caught up in the hook race. I'll do a clean out and work on understanding the threading and tension, it's a very steep learning curve!

One other thing that's mystifying me a bit is how to wind the bobbin thread - on the machine it wants to wind it the wrong way, so then it won't go in the bobbin case correctly. I just know this is me being dim, but if anyone could shed some light I'd be very grateful! I used the bobbin (complete with thread) that was already in the case to try first sewing, so I think that one is correctly wound.

Florenceem

jpscloud wrote: »

Thank you all! I am sure the thread was pulled up from the bobbin case... it isn't the bobbin thread that is the problem, it's the upper thread that is being caught up in the hook race. I'll do a clean out and work on understanding the threading and tension, it's a very steep learning curve!

One other thing that's mystifying me a bit is how to wind the bobbin thread - on the machine it wants to wind it the wrong way, so then it won't go in the bobbin case correctly. I just know this is me being dim, but if anyone could shed some light I'd be very grateful! I used the bobbin (complete with thread) that was already in the case to try first sewing, so I think that one is correctly wound.

Is there a friend/relative who sews - probably could get you going properly? Where abouts are you? May be there is a MSE sewing member near you.

Florenceem

Definitely the last shoe stuffers of the year! I left them downstairs to photograph - lovely Rose smell when I came down in the morning.

Tamster150

jpscloud wrote: »

Thank you all! I am sure the thread was pulled up from the bobbin case... it isn't the bobbin thread that is the problem, it's the upper thread that is being caught up in the hook race. I'll do a clean out and work on understanding the threading and tension, it's a very steep learning curve!

One other thing that's mystifying me a bit is how to wind the bobbin thread - on the machine it wants to wind it the wrong way, so then it won't go in the bobbin case correctly. I just know this is me being dim, but if anyone could shed some light I'd be very grateful! I used the bobbin (complete with thread) that was already in the case to try first sewing, so I think that one is correctly wound.

My machine is ancient so I wouldnt know what you are doing wrong on a new machine, but maybe have a look on utube. there might not be a video for your exact model, but I am sure that there will be plenty of others, they wont vary all that much.

Tamster150

I have finished my boy backpacks but have wrapped them up before taking a photo oops!

Wishing all my lovely Sewing Room Buddies a Very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

hmo

just thoguth i would say hope you all had a good christmas day and show up one of the gift i received from my dd (9)

its all hand made and all hand sewn

printed onto silk type fabric, stuffed and sew



she made it at school and was helped by the teacher, she came out on tuesday with it all wrapped up and put it away as soon as she got home until yesterday so i had no idea at all what it was.