Janome 525 problem with bobbin holder

AlwaysHappy

I have a new sewing machine - only had it a few months so still under guarantee if it is a problem. I am just learning to dress make and therefore not using it for industrial sewing iykwim, it goes fine for a while and then every few days the bobbin starts rattling in its case and then it stops. Luckily so far, I have managed to avoid any fabric damage, I have only been using cotton which is lucky. I then blow in it, (though nothing ever visible) and mess about and it seems to be ok again.
Does anyone else have this problem? I first of all thought it was because there wasn't much thread on the bobbin but even after filling it the problem eventually started again. I don't want to send it to be looked at if its a beginner error....... Many thanks.

emg

I'm not anywhere near an expert and hopefully someone better will be along later but in the meantime have you triple-checked that everything is threaded right (top and bottom), and the bobbin is inserted properly? Also, are you winding your bobbins properly, exactly how the manual tells you? The thing I have found with sewing machines is that it's so easy for one little hardly-noticeable mistake to cause a giant tangle of doom! There are a lot of youtube videos for Janome machines so you can probably find one to check your set up with. It might also be worth using a video guide/user manual to check how to do a bit more of an in-depth clean in case any fluff or debris has got under the bobbin case.

FairyPrincessk

I'm not an expert on this either--but these are all of the things I would check:

1. Machine threaded right
2. Bobbin wound correctly
3. Bobbin placed in case correctly (thread going right direction)/bobbin isn't scratched/bent depending on if plastic or metal.
4. Tension right (use scraps to check your tension and to play with it)
5. Dust/fluff/thread/etc. caught in the race or feed dog
6. Needle still sharp/correct for what you're sewing--if the needle is dull, has a burr or is the wrong type it may be catching ever so slightly on your fabric and messing up the timing which then may affect the tension and then in turn the bobbin.

Another thought is also to check what kind of thread you're using. Many machines are fairly particular about thread. If you're using cheap thread it is more likely to tangle or catch and may be unseating your bobbin slightly. Try buying different thread--one of the reputable brands like Gutterman, J&P Coats/Coats and Clark (can't remember which it is now), etc. Likewise if you've been using all cotton try a poly thread or if you've been using a poly thread try cotton. My mum had a machine for years that only liked a specific brand--it was otherwise a reliable and good machine.

purpleivy

To clean it out properly you need to unscrew the plate where the needle goes through and lift out the shuttle thing. THen you can see if there are any threads caught as well. Your manual should tell you how to do this.

What about taking it back to the shop where you got it from?

And there's nothing wrong with having a beginner error! Reputable shops will help you in the knowledge that you will go there for your next machine and other bits and pieces. They survive by reputation and like to have happy customers. Tell them you're a beginner.