Naughty sewing machine............

LilacLillie

Last time I used my sewing machine I broke the needle. When I replaced it and tried to sew, it kept hitting the bobbin case.
My DH had a look (he's as handy as I know as much about sewing!) and told me it was fixed.
I know nothing about sewing, other than how to thread machine and sew a straight line.
Forgotten about last times mis-use. Got machine out today to sew some straight lines (curtains, voiles) and am getting MASSIVE gatherings of thread from the bobbin area. The top looks fine, untill I pull it and then the top unravells and the bottom had about 30 loops per top stitch.
What can I do?
There are no repair shops around here any more and I'd feel a fool if its only something simple like tightening or moving something around a bit.
Any idea's?
Help Please
LL

Alfietinker

Have a look in the instruction book - is there a trouble shooting guide? It may be something to do with the bobbin tension so it could be worth a look. If it's any consolation, I'm having trouble with my bobbin 'bird nesting' so I've got to have a look myself at some point. I'll let you know if I find out.

grimelda

Usually when that happens to me it's because I haven't threaded it correctly. Get the manual out and check. Sometimes even if I think I've done it right I still pull the thread out and do it again anyway in case the thread isn't sitting right in the tension dial. Check the bobbin is also sitting in the race correctly.

If that doesn't work, make sure you're using the correct size thread and needle for your project.

And if that STILL doesn't work, clean out your machine as per your manual, as there might be a small piece of broken thread stuck somewhere or a build up of lint.

Let us know how you get on.

gooismeid

Yep, it sounds like it's yer tension that's the problem. Either the thread from the bobbin has not "engaged" in the bobbin case (you usually have to run the bobbin thread through or under a bit of the case, if that makes sense), or the top thread tension settings need adjusting. On my sewing machine there's a metal button that you can adjust the height of, which adjusts the pressure of the sewing foot, which also affects the stitch tension. Especially as you're sewing voile, which is really thin, I'd suggest practising with a spare bit of fabric, adjusting the tension until you're happy with the stitching before you go for the real thing.

livinginhope

The problem is the timing,when you break a needle it puts the timing out and unless you get it sorted,it will continue to gather up and break needles.It's very difficult to put the timing right yourself and unfortunately a sewing machine repair shop is your best bet.Try looking in the local paper for a mobile repair man,I had one out last year to fix my timing,he charged me £8,not bad I thought.
LIH

mollyjak

Also make sure the needle is in the right way???
Does it thread from the front or the side??
Look at where tha last threading point and follow it down from there.

When sewing with voile or a thin material it also helps to run tissue (or toilet paper) under the materail. This gives something for the foot and feeder to hold onto. It tears away easily.
Reading through again are you sure the bobbin is threaded properly?
If not the cotton feeds through too easily and the loops occur.

LilacLillie

Spoke to a local guy and it sounds like my timing.
He said he can come out or I can take it to him, it'll cost......................£45 to look at it and any additional cost for parts!!!!
OMG!
Needless to say I am trying to find someone that 'tinker's' with them at home now. Trouble is I need to run these curtains up ASAP.
LL

livinginhope wrote: »

The problem is the timing,when you break a needle it puts the timing out and unless you get it sorted,it will continue to gather up and break needles.It's very difficult to put the timing right yourself and unfortunately a sewing machine repair shop is your best bet.Try looking in the local paper for a mobile repair man,I had one out last year to fix my timing,he charged me £8,not bad I thought.
LIH

Alfietinker

I don't know if it's any help, now that you've seen the sewing machine man, but my mum had a look at mine yesterday (it was hers originally). It turns out I was just not putting the bobbin in correctly - I wasn't pushing it in far enough so it was working it's way loose and snagging up.

Anyway, just thought I'd share for future reference.