My machine was sewing fine (missing some threads, but I think that is another story!), then it makes a noise and jams a little and the needle stops going up and down. So I take out the fabric, re-thread the machine and bobbin and try again, but the needle isn't going up and down. It isn't a jam, as you can sew manually using the reel on the end of the machine.
By Kaela
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I sew primarily on Singers (modern and vintage) but the trouble you are describing is universal to most vintage electric sewing machines - sadly, you are describing a broken (or worn) bobbin gear. A Brother trained and qualified repair tech is the best person to fix your machine, in the US it will cost you around $35, in the UK around £25-30.
But when you take it in, be sure to ask the repair tech to:
A-identify the model name and number so that you can find your user guide/owner manual on the Brother website (usually a free download). Download and print it out so that you will always have it to hand when sewing.
B-give you an estimate on doing a servicing that includes not only the part and repair, but a thorough going over and clean/oiling. Yes, this will bump up the price to something like $100USD or £100GBP but is well worth it especially on a vintage electric machine like yours. An annual servicing will keep your machine running longer and find/replace parts near breaking before actual breakage and you are stopped mid project.
C-save and give you the part he/she replaces, and tell you if the replacement part is newly milled (very much preferred for longevity) or salvage (not so good, who knows the number of sewing hours on that part, and the conditions it was asked to perform under prior to salvage?!).
I used to do a lot of vintage electric Singer repair and refurbishment for my sewing students (I teach total newbies who arrive to my workshop unable to thread a needle to resew a button) but because newly milled parts for a lot of the vintage machines are so hard to come by I have given up completely on repairing and recommending them.
I still repair and refurbish non-electric machines because there is no plastic on them - parts are steel and cast iron and easy to source or refurbish if salvaged. The electric machines (all brands) went with silicone and plastic parts in the mid-60s and do not have the reliability of the metal parts.
Planned obsolence, gotta hate it!
When one of my new sewers needs a new sewing machine (usually because the vintage machine they've brought down from Mum's loft has finally sewn its last) I always urge them to buy an inexpensive but feature packed Singer, Brother, or Janome with the nearly jam-proof top-drop in bobbin system, the one-step buttonhole, and most importantly, a warranty.
Easy to use, easy to repair - important features in sewing with an electric machine. An inexpensive machine with plenty of features to keep you sewing runs from $150-200USD or £140-200GBP.
As you can see, the cost of a new machine is close enough to the cost of repairing the vintage machine to make the thought of having more features and that wonderful warranty a very good idea.
Try a new needle...be sure it is not in backwards. Hope this helps.
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