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Singer Sewing Machine Not Picking Up Bobbin Thread?

21 Questions

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July 31, 2015

I have a second hand Singer 478. The needle stem doesn't go down far enough, so it does not pick up the bobbin thread.


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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 168 Feedbacks
August 8, 20150 found this helpful

Maybe the sewing machine has incorrect size needle for its make/model. Do an online search first as to what size needle the machine uses or seek an expert's advice for their opinion as to why your machine's needle won't pick up bobbin thread if you cannot locate an answer from searching the web.

 
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February 23, 2015

closeup of dog's faceI see that some of these questions and answers here are quite old and I couldn't find an answer that I need so I am posting my issue.

I have a Singer Scholastic 5523 machine. It is very simple, very basic, and I have this because I don't sew enough to justify buying an expensive machine. I only use it for crafts.

The other day I was sewing a small piece of stretchy fabric and it got caught not only in the feed dog but down inside of the bobbin case. I removed the feed dog plate and cut off as much material as I could. I then unscrewed the two screws that hold the bobbin case holder on and removed the bobbin case. I was able to then take out the fabric and clean all of the threads and lint out.

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I put everything back together and tried to sew another piece of fabric, but nothing happened. The bobbin hook isn't grabbing the thread nor is the needle. I tried to troubleshoot this problem for hours even researching it online, but I can't figure it out. I re-threaded the machine a dozen times, put in new thread, made a new bobbin, put in a brand new needle the same size as the one that was there and still nothing.

I have the feed plate off so that I can watch the bobbin hook mechanism go around and the needle goes up and down, but the bobbin thread just sits there doing nothing. Nothing is grabbing the thread. I know I have the bobbin in correctly.

Even though I have had this machine for about three years I have hardly used it at all so it's like brand new. There shouldn't be an issue with it. The machine cost less than $100.00 and I know that if I take it to a repair shop I will be charged at least $80.00 just to have it looked at so having it repaired is silly. I know that this problem is something simple, but I can't figure it out.

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The little metal bobbin case holder with two screws lays on the bobbin case to prevent it from lifting out of the machine and I've even tried loosening the screws a bit thinking that it was too tight. It isn't. It only fits one way.

There is nothing on Youtube about this issue and I have even gone into other sewing forums looking for an answer, but there isn't one. If anyone knows what the problem could be please let me know. bobbin case

 

By Sandie J. from Orlando, FL

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Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
March 6, 20151 found this helpful

I do vintage Singer (and a very little bit of modern) repairs and from your photo it does look as though the case is back in the machine correctly. I looked at your manual online - on page 14 there is a diagram for the bobbin casing area and again, your placement looks right.

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On page 57 of your manual there is a troubleshooting guide, but again from checking that it seems to me you've tried everything.

Usually when a sewer has tried everything you have it is unfortunately time to take it to the shop - tbh the machines people bring me with this problem are either loaded with lint where the person can't reach (or has used one of those canned air bombs and thereby driven all the lint deeper into the machine), or has suffered a parts failure (often the bobbin gear).

Your machine might still be covered under a warranty because parts on a machine that 'new' and that well built shouldn't be failing so soon - it's a very good model and worth the cost of repair instead of replacing. For a modern inexpensive Singer machine, the Scholastic line was built very, very well and to get a comparable machine today would cost you closer to $250USD. For example, it's got drop feeds, one-step buttonholing, and a few other features not available on less expensive Singers on the market today.

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Here's a link to a free download of the manual in case yours is missing:

www.singerco.com/.../search?man_model_no=5523

 
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January 2, 2015

I have a Singer 252 (all parts metallic). It is a great machine. Yesterday my top thread stopped picking the bottom bobbin thread. Any idea how to fix it?

By LadyL

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Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
January 6, 20150 found this helpful

It's probably the bobbin gear if you're sure you've got the bobbin seated correctly and it's the proper class bobbin in metal.

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This model came out in the early 70s and the bobbin gear is made partly with silicone - it does wear out eventually and needs replacing, the symptom of the problem is the top thread not picking up the bobbin thread.

It MIGHT also be timing - not as hard to throw out as folks think. You're best served by taking your lovely vintage machine to a Singer repair tech for a look-over. He/she will be able to find a replacement bobbin gear to fit your machine - make sure you ask how old the replacement part is (a lot of techs have to use salvage parts as the parts aren't interchangeable, and a lot aren't being new-milled anymore).

Here's a link to a free download of your model user guide in case you've misplaced yours - there is a good trouble shooting guide on page 44 (loads very slowly, be patient:):

www.singerco.com/.../48ab11f2fb241a3b1ecdde734e65af8f4be9b237...

 
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October 26, 2014

I was clearing out a storage room recently and I found an old hand operated Singer sewing machine in excellent condition. The model no is EF765228. When I threaded the machine and wound the handle to pick up the bobbin thread, it did not catch. Can anyone advise me? Should there be a bobbin case cover for this machine or is there anything I might be doing wrong?

By Miriam

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 168 Feedbacks
October 27, 20140 found this helpful

If you haven't found the problem yet, check this site out and maybe post a question to hopefully resolve.

www.singerco.com/.../frequently-asked-questions

 
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October 17, 2014

I have my mother's vintage Singer and it was worked on by a professional tech within the past 2 years (lubed, timing fixed, etc.). It has not been used much since maintenance.

Tonight, at the start of a project it has stopped picking up the bobbin thread. The needle is new and bobbin is right size, and plastic. It is inserted correctly, and yes, the top switch is to the left for sewing and not bobbin-winding. :)

Is this likely a timing issue? Or am I looking at another trip to the tech?

By Red Queen

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
October 20, 20140 found this helpful

Sorry, but you're looking at a trip to the tech - what you're describing is a worn bobbin gear and it's just not a fix to try at home.

Be sure the tech uses a newly milled part (these are now available in the US and UK for Singer machines - all models including the Stylist models), and not a salvage part. Salvage parts are not reliable as the tech will usually have no idea how many sewing hours are on it, and what conditions the part laboured under.

 
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