Old Sewing Machines are Hidden Treasures!

Step 7 The Three Most Common Problems

There are three things that cause the most problems in sewing. The first is that the machine is not threaded correctly (top thread or bobbin). It's really important to thread the machine the right way. Use the owner's manual for the machine if you have it, or search the internet for instructions for your machine.

The second is the tension. The tension on the top thread and the bobbin can *and SHOULD* be adjusted when you change threads. Your top thread should pull easily through the needle when the presser foot is UP and the bobbin should drop slightly when shaken to test the bobbin tension (if you have a vertical bobbin). Here are some good links to videos about bobbin tension. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bXrK457ENU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MaOWct81Fw

The last thing is stray threads. A clean machine is important, free of lint, dust and loose threads in the bobbin area. When sewing you should hold both threads back away from the machine as you begin to sew and bringing up the bobbin thread to the top of your project is a good habit to get into.

Most problems with sewing can be solved by cleaning and oiling the machine, taking all the thread off and the bobbin out and re-threading the entire machine. Sometimes a thread has jumped a guide or there is the tiniest bit of lint holding things up and that gets cleared out when you re-thread the machine.

Comments

[Allan Wells]

Thanks Marguerita for this instructable. This may sound like a dumb question but what is the technique for bringing the bobbin thread up to the top of what you're sewing? This would save me having to backstitch as I could then just tye off the threads with a reef knot.

[MargueritaM]

Hi Allan, I have a video about bringing up the bobbin thread on YouTube here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDERq4I7l-Q I hope it helps :)

[Allan Wells]

Thanks Marguerita, You are a really good teacher. Very concise and clear. I'll give this a go sewing my bushwalking gear. Regards, Allan

[ddlearns]

Another common problem is that the needle is inserted into the machine backwards. Be sure the flat side of the needle shank is facing the correct way for your machine,

[RavingMadStudios]

Remember, kids: The pointed end goes DOWN. ;-)

[MargueritaM]

Thank you so much for that tip!