Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
My sewing machine is not catching the bobbin thread when I'm trying to sew stretch fabric. It works fine on regular cotton, but doesn't pick up the stitch when I put in the jersey fabric.
You need a ball-point needle to sew jersey fabrics. A regular needle will cause skipped stitches.
My machine is new, but when I go to sew, the bobbin thread doesn't come up and the needle thread is hooking all over the bobbin. Why?
By Atinus from Kusunti, Nepal
Check your manual. and then take it back to the dealer. I am sure it is one of those simple things that drive us nutz sometimes.
Marty is spot-on - check your user guide and if that doesn't solve the problem take the machine back to the seller.
Try the following if you can't return the machine for some reason:
Be sure you're loading the bobbin case correctly with the thread coming out anti-clockwise (counter-clockwise), and that you have the upper thread path correctly threaded. New machines have the tension discs inside so you can't see if you're getting that upper thread through the discs correctly but careful following of the diagrammed path (usually on the machine and always in the user guide) usually ensures correct threading.
Be sure the feed dogs are in the correct position, and ALWAYS be sure to wind-load-thread upper path with the presser foot in the UP position. You'd be surprised at how many 'problems' are solved this way:) And you'd be glad to know how many of us 'experienced' sewers forget sometimes to lift the presser foot - I teach sewing and sometimes forget!
Good luck, I hope your issue is resolved soon and you enjoy many happy sewing hours!
hi Frugal Sunnie, I've been reading your posts and wondered if you might share a few tips on a vintage singer 99k.
I purchased one this week, I've been trying to find a suitable machine for freehand embroidery. I've cleaned the machine as per you tube tutoials, the machine was ready to go... or so i thought! but there's just something not right with the threads! when I try to sew the top thread goes down with the needle but comes back up without engaging with the bobbin thread. I have adjusted the tension on the bobbin to no avail, I'm pulling my hair out! I don't know hwat to do with it now.... any suggestions welcome, please! :o)
My sewing machine needle keeps hitting something and my bobbin will not loop at the bottom.
By blazing from OKC, OK
The needle may not be in correctly.
Check your presser foot that it is in correctly.
Hand roll the machine so you can see where it is hitting. It might be the dogs have moved.
Ria
The timing gear is out of "whack", take it to a repair shop, there is no quick fix I can think of. Good luck.
I'd certainly change the needle, you may not be able to tell whilst in position but even very slight bend on it will stop it picking up and probably hit either the plate or bobbin case. Another thing to check is that the bobbin thread is not tangled or too tightly wound.
The thread is not coming out from the bobbin under the presser foot. What should I do?
I have a Kenmore sewing machine. It seemed to be working great until I changed the thread to top stitch thread and I put it in the bobbin too. Now it won't pick up the bobbin thread when using this thread. I changed the needle to a top stitch needle, but it did not help.
My New Home machine was working fine. Then it stopped picking up the bobbin thread. Why?
My sewing machine needle will not pull the thread from the bobbin.
By Joe
I've borrowed a sewing machine for a small project and although I've tried and retried, the bobbin thread is just not catching in the needle. The bobbin doesn't even move! I've no idea what to try next. Any ideas?
By Laura B
Have you snapped the bobbin winding spool back to sewing mode (or however it's done to restore the machine to sewing mode)?
Are you following the step-by-step instructions in the user manual to properly seat the bobbin?
Are you following the proper thread path?
Have you reinstated the bobbin area cover?
If you've tried all of that, and can't find any help on the troubleshooting pages of the user manual, it's time to telephone the person you borrowed the machine from and plead for help/forgiveness.
**If this is an older machine you may not have caused the problem - instead you simply may be the unluckily timed user when an aging part failed. Offer to go parts in the cost of having the machine repaired and insist on knowing what happened - again, this may have been a part waiting to fail, something that happens regularly on older machines. Offering to help with the repair cost is good manners considering the machine owner was willing to lend it to you, even if it does turn out you didn't cause the breakdown.
Bobbins come in different sizes. Make sure you have the right one for the machine. It is easy to get them mixed up.
My Sew Gem, model 215, won't pull up the thread from bobbin. Any advice?
By Roshawn from WA
Had you just filled a bobbin and maybe forgot to reset the machine to sewing mode?
Is the bobbin case area completely clean of lint and fluff? Is the shuttle firmly seated in the case? Did you thread with the presser foot down? When was the last time you flossed the tension discs?
Is your Sew Gem a vibrating shuttle hand crank or treadle or is your Sew Gem one of the later, electrified ones?
You may need to find someone in your area qualified to work on these if none of the above questions help you solve your problem - your search term might include 'Gellman Mfg Sew Gem vintage electric sewing machine repair' (omit my punctuation) if electrified, use the words hand crank or treadle if not.
The average local sewing machine tech probably won't be able to handle this unless he/she has a fondness for these. Made by Gellman Manufacturing, these are very rare and had some different inner workings than the Singer it so closely resembles.
The company had several patents on their rotary hook mechanisms to improve on the Singer ones and not many repair techs will have the experience to recognise the differences. I'm a self-taught Singer repair tech and if you brought me this machine I wouldn't feel comfortable trying to fix it.
I have read all the possible solutions for my top thread not catching the bobbin thread. I have checked the bobbin timing and it is fine. I have checked my tension (and tried it at several different settings). I have the same thread in both the bobbin and top thread, I've changed the needles (flat side to back) and the thread is good quality. It's just not catching. It was working fine, now nothing I do helps. I'm in the middle of a time sensitive project and can't afford a new machine. Please help!
By Cindy T
After reading your list of things you've tried, there are only two other things that could be causing the top thread to not be catching the bobbin thread:
1 Had you just wound a bobbin and have forgot to switch the machine back to sewing mode?
2 A worn or broken bobbin gear inside the machine.
How old is your machine? If it's more than 10-15 years old, your machine is considered 'old' or even 'vintage' by some manufacturers. The older your machine is the more chance the problem is the bobbin gear, and not all those gears are being 'newly milled' anymore - the repair may mean using a salvage part that will not have the same reliability as a newly milled part.
In the USA just the repair to a vintage machine including the part should cost you under $50, possibly less if the machine is one of the common brands and the repair tech has a part in his/her workshop. The tech may try to upsell you on a complete servicing which will bump your total closer to $100 (repair+part+cleaning+oiling+checking machine over for other potential problems) - let him/her know how much you can afford to spend because this will also prevent him/her from trying to 'upgrade' you to a new or well-serviced sewing machine.
Generally, most techs will work with you because they love sewing and want to get you back behind the needle of your beloved machine. Er, some aren't that nice, so be sure to be clear with the tech about your budget.
The tech may have to special order the part if the machine is a model with a lot of features, or is a computerised machine. More features means more moving parts inside the machine which makes it harder for the tech to get to the bobbin gear. A computerised machine may make the repair more complicated too. Any complications like that will raise the price of the repair.
Is there someone you can borrow a machine from while yours is being repaired?
I've found that my machine won't sew properly if I use cheap thread. Once I switch to a good thread, it works just fine. I've been sewing for almost 50 years and have just started having this problem, but I remember people talking about it 30 years ago. You may want to check.
I bought 2 Brother sewing machines. One is with my mother-in-law and the other is here in my home. Both sewing machines are having the same problem. You can not thread them from the bobbin. I would say this is a manufacturing problem. So my question is, How do I get 2 new ones without having to pay out the nose again?
By Debbra M
I don't understand when you say "I can't thread them from the bobbin". What does that mean? If you can't figure them out, go to a Brother dealer (not Walmart or one that sells them with no education on it) and show them what you mean.
You didn't have how long you've had them. If you can't return them to the place you bought them I'd go up the ladder (President, CEO, Etc) withing the company and I'd complain big time until I got a replacement.
Help! My machine was working fine till I had to refill a bobbin. Now my top thread makes loops around the bottom thread, but the bottom thread just stays straight. When I stop sewing I can pull the bottom thread straight out of my stitches. How do I fix this?
By Stephanie
The top thread is the upper thread that comes from the spool atop your machine.
The bottom thread is the bobbin thread.
The problem you are describing is solved by an adjustment to the tension discs-consult your owner's manual (user guide) for instructions on making the right adjustment on your model machine.
The upper tension discs adjustment knob or wheel is usually located as a knob (dial) somewhere on the front of the machine near the part of the machine just before the upper thread goes down to be threaded through the machine needle, but some machines have a 'wheel' with a number display.
Usually when the upper thread loops badly the way you describe, and the bobbin thread isn't being pulled into the middle of the fabric to form the lock-stitch in combination with the upper thread (hence the upper thread loops over the bobbin thread), it usually means the upper tension is too loose-you need to tighten the tension.
To tighten, move the knob or wheel setting to a higher number. Test on a fair sized piece of scrap of the fabric you are sewing, and write down the correct tension for that material so that you can re-set if needed.
Now, here's where it gets a little more difficult-sometimes (very rarely but it does happen) the act of removing and reseating the bobbin causes the BOBBIN case tension to be changed. If you have a removable, side or front load bobbin, you may be able to tighten the bobbin tension using a screwdriver in that tiny little screw you'll see when you look for it on the removable case. Then run a test seam line to be sure you've got the right setting.
If you have a sewing machine that is a 'top drop-in' bobbin, there may be lint caught in the under plate area. Take your machine lint brush and kind of swish around under the throat plate, and then try running a seam line.
If none-of-the-above helps, it's time to take your machine to a professional:)
There is a slot that the thread has to go through, make sure the thread is in there. This slot holds the thread, if it is not in the slot the bobbin will sometime hop around. Also try using the same thread in top & bottom.
I currently own a vintage Athena 2000 electronic sewing machine. I need help. The issue I have is that whenever the thread on the needle of the machine tries to grab for the bobbin thread every time I give it a full rotation the thread on the needle constantly stops halfway and does not make the full rotation to the bobbin thread.
Sometimes it works and other times it does not. I was wondering if anyone can give me an insight into what could be wrong.
My mini sewing machine V201 is working, but not stitching clothes because the bobbin thread is not working with the reel thread. So I want to know why the bobbin thread is not working and how to fix?
I have a Singer 201k which I have had for years and never had any problems with. I use it a lot and it has always worked beautifully, however the bobbin/bobbin case got jammed therefore the needle wouldn't move.
I was sewing fine with my machine and while doing so, my garment got caught. I removed it and tried to sew again, but somehow now it's not catching the bobbin tread.
What can I do to fix this problem. I need help now please!I've had this happen numerous times through years of sewing, Tomeegurl. The most efficient solution, I finally found, was to remove everything: all fabric which might be caught in sewing machine teeth or bobbin, all threads, the needle (in case the jammed fabric displaced it) the bobbin holder ... everything. Make sure no scraps of fabric remain anywhere (really). Run the machine without sewing threads just to make sure all the gears are operating smoothly then re-thread from top to bottom. Replace the needle. These steps should do the trick.
I have a Shark Intel Euro Pro X and I can't get the bobbin thread to come up. The neddle hits the bottom of the bobbin case.
I have the right needle in and it is threaded right. This happened before and they tuned it. How do I do that?Sadly, you can't fix this at home - the timing is off and getting a sewing machine of any make/model properly retimed is a job best left to the qualified repair tech.
I do repair and refurb here in Scotland for my Sewing 101 students - many bring in a vintage sewing machine they've got from a gran or a jumble sale and those machines haven't seen a servicing in decades - checking the timing is part of the servicing I do on these machines. If/when a student brings the machine I've already done a retiming on and tells me the timing is off again, it's time for me to talk with the student regarding good habits that keep a sewing machine in good timing. Your repair tech needs to work with you to discover why your machine needs frequent retiming - something as simple as turning the hand wheel the wrong direction (most machine hand wheels should be turned towards you and NEVER away) to using the wrong type bobbin (metal where plastic is required).
Re the bobbin - a lot of modern machines now use a magnetic timing system and using metal bobbins (even if they fit fine and you manage one or two sewing sessions with it in) interferes with the magnetics.
Talk to your repair tech and find out what you're doing to throw off the machine timing:)
The needle is threaded and whenever I turn the needle the thread in the needle looks like it's getting pulled by the bobbin case, maybe? The thread in the bobbin doesn't get picked up.
By Danielle F.
If you've:
*checked your user guide to be sure you're inserting the bobbin case correctly
*Made sure you've returned the machine to sewing mode after winding the bobbin
*made sure the presser foot is in the UP position BEFORE inserting the bobbin case and BEFORE threading the upper path
*made sure the stitch width-length-type-feed dogs are set correctly
*made a visual inspection to the bobbin area inside the machine for lint, thread fluff (**Do. Not. Clean. With. Canned. Air. Ever.**)
And everything is the way it should be, the next step is to take this machine to a qualified repair tech - it sounds as though your bobbin gear has failed.
You don't mention the age or model of machine but I'm assuming it's a vintage machine (older than 10 years out of factory) and what you're describing is almost always what happens when the bobbin gear fails. If I'm wrong that it's a vintage machine, your warranty should cover the cost of the repair/part replacement.
When you contact the repair tech to get an estimate on the parts replacement, be sure to ask two things - the additional cost of giving your machine a complete servicing (cleaning, oiling, and check over for developing problems AND if he/she will be sure to tell you if the replacement part is salvage (unreliable because no tech can know for sure how many sewing hours are on that part and what conditions that part sewed under before you!) or newly-milled (preferable because this would be a new part).
How can I get the needle to pick up the bobbin thread on a Touch and Sew special zig zag, app. 1968 model.
By Joann
Sorry, but if you're having trouble picking up on the bobbin thread on a vintage Singer (and 1968 is definitely vintage!), it usually means the silicone part of the bobbin gear has worn and it wants replacing.
This is a job ONLY a qualified repair tech can do - he/she will have the proper tools and training needed, and the resources to find parts. Be sure to ask the tech if he/she used a 'newly milled' replacement or a salvaged part - a new part is preferable because you should get several years of sewing from it.
A salvage part comes from (usually) an unknown machine picked up at a jumble sale - who knows what conditions that part worked under (dust, excessive lint, improper sewing techniques like racing the motor, etc), and how old it is - regardless of what you've heard, silicone (the material used to form the gear teeth) DOES crumble over time.
I have a Kenmore 385-12714090 sewing machine. When the threaded needle goes down to capture the bobbin thread, the bobbin case circles around, but the needle does not capture the bobbin thread and pull it upwards. I have followed the directions and made sure the needle is inserted correctly, the bobbin is inserted into the case correctly and the case inserted into the machine correctly. What else can I do?
By Jan
Jan, I'm sorry, but because you've tried all the right things to no avail, it's clear your bobbin gear is worn and wants replacing. Take the machine to a Sears Repair centre - they're factory trained to repair all Kenmore sewing machines, even vintage ones.
They also have access to newly milled replacement parts - if you take your machine to the nice man at the vacuum centre he won't always have the same access to parts that the genuine Kenmore guys at Sears will.
I have the Sears Kenmore 158.140. It's old. It it's not making any stitches and the needle won't pick up the bobbin thread. Please help.
By Melissa
It's probably the bobbin gear - no matter the maker, bobbin gears from about the late 50s forward were more and more made with rubber, plastic, and silicone teeth, and those do wear out eventually!
Best to take your machine to the Sears repair shop - their techs are factory trained even for the oldest of their sewing machines, and will have you sewing again fairly quickly. I live in the UK now and it's been several years since I priced Kenmore and Sears sewing machine repairs (I do repair work on my sewing student machines) but it shouldn't cost you more than $100 for parts, labour, and possibly a servicing as well (cleaning, oiling, general check-over).
Be sure to ask, though, if the servicing will be included in any quote - they used to do this routinely but I understand they've stopped doing it that way, now you have to specifically state you want a quote to include servicing as well as the actual repair.
