Old Singer Sewing machine question re bobbin....?

Question

Hi, I've picked up a great old 50s black singer sewing machine for $30, table and all, it's quite lovely actually.

Everything on it seems to work just fine but it's just not sewing. The thread seems to break out of the needle but remains in the fabric but it's not stitching at all....maybe a stitch or two is catching.

Could this be as simple as the wrong bobbin or wrong needle or what? I mean it appears in order.

I can't find a manual from the Singer site either on it. It's an AL model frm the 50s but no manual. Everything seems to be there in order so I just don't know.

I suppose I'll have it looked at and cleaned but I just wondered if it's something really simple before I get someone to look at it.

Answer 1

1.  Don't buy cheap thread,  you get what you pay for when it comes to thread!!!

#2.  Tension may need adjusting.

#3.  Not threaded properly.

#4.  Not the proper needle for the thread and/ or fabric your sewing.

P.S.  What a great find!!!

Answer 2

AL is the start of the serial number, not the model.  If you call Singer, they can tell you what the model is from the serial number (1-800-4-singer).  Once you have the model number, you can find the owners manual, quite possibly the repair manual, and perhaps part number lists.  I'm guessing you haven't got it threaded quite correctly, your thread is ancient and breaking, or there's a sharp spot along the thread path.

Upper tension setting, btw, is normally 4.  

I'd also suggest you want to ask your library for Gale Grigg Hazen's Owners' Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting Machines, and John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book.  Both will have good info on DIY cleaning and basic maintenance that will go a long way towards helping you.  You might also consider joining the yahoo group "wefixit", with lots of experienced people who enjoy getting vintage machines up and running again.

Answer 3

I'm guessing here - is there any way to adjust the tension on it?  I have a Singer from the early '60's and that's what it sounds like to me.

Could also be that it's not threaded correctly, or the needle is too dull.

Hope this helps.  If you get it going, keep it.  They're wonderful machines, aren't they?  

Answer 4

It could be the tension. I'd give the bobbin case a good clean too and a smidge of oil. I would also check the needle. If you haven't put a new one in, do that. I wonder if the flat side of the needle is supposed to face a different way than you're used to. I have a 50s Singer and the needle goes with the flat side to the right so the hole in the needle doesn't face you, unlike some more modern machines. Once you get it working, though---the one I have can sew such incredibly small even stitches, and it's my machine of choice for sewing stuff like sheers. My newer machine doesn't do that anywhere near as well.