Is there an online guide to sewing machine repair and problems?

Question

We have 2 Singer sewing machines that have bobbin problems and are quirky at times. I would like to diagnose the problems and fix them at home. Anyone have any ideas or links that might help? Thanks!

Answer 1

My first suggestion is a good, thorough cleaning and oiling.  Use a vacuum, not canned air, to get dust out, and pull the needleplate to get good access to the bobbin area.  Oil per the manual's recommendations using genuine sewing machine oil, not 3-in-1 type household oils nor WD-40 (it's a solvent, not a lubricant.)  If these machines are modern (last 10-20 years)non-mechanicals, and they have not had a COA (clean-oil-adjust), they're probably more than overdue.  

If they're mechanical machines, you can learn a lot about doing a basic COA by joining the yahoo group "wefixit".  Electronic and computerized machines probably need to go to the sewing machine mechanic for a COA.

At any rate, first try the cleaning and oiling regimen found in the owners manual, and then put in a new needle and rethread with manual in hand.  Make sure you're using the right bobbin -- visually, there's not much difference between a class 15 and a class 66 bobbin, but the machine will pitch a fit with the wrong bobbin.  Many user problems are directly traceable to misthreading, poor quality thread and worn or damaged needles.  Give yourself a break when troubleshooting and start with good quality replaceables and the full instructions.

Fault tracing:

http://sewandserge.com/tshoot.asp

http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachine...

http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Rep...

http://cahe.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/c-202.html

http://www.singerco.com

Most of the problems I talk people through are traceable to misthreading (especially threading with the presser foot down), bad needle, crummy thread and bobbin in backwards.  Next most common problem is filthy machine that also needs oiling.  Timing is almost never an issue unless you've broken a needle or had loud noises just before the machine quit.

Suggested reading, probably available at your library: John Giordano's Sewing Machine Book and Gale Grigg Hazen's Owners Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting Machines.  Hazen's section on bad sewing habits is excellent, btw.