What is wrong with my sewing machine?

Question

just so you know, this problem started when i changed the needle, i have no idea if it has to do with the issue or not :P

ok, when i sew, the needle goes up and down but the thread doesn't get unwound and becomes un-threaded a lot of the time...

i think that the problem is it's not catching the bobbin thread but i really don't know

please help! i've been without my sewing machine for about two months now and i'm on my deathbed

thanks,

emma

Answer 1

You could have a couple of issues here.  Try these Quick Fix ideas before you do anything major!

Needle: check that you have this in the right way round, and fully inserted in the needle clamp.

Bobbin: check that this is the right way up, the thread is unwinding in the correct direction, and that the thread from the bobbin is threaded into the tension spring (a leaf spring on the side of the bobbin case).  If this is a front loading bobbin, make sure that it is fully inserted in the shuttle.

Make sure that you thread the upper thread from the spool correctly, going through ALL the guides!  

Make sure that the thread is properly down in between the tension disks: thread with the presser foot UP!

Ensure that the thread is in the Thread Take-Up lever - that nodding donkey thing that whacks your eyebrow if you get too close!

When you start to sew, make sure that the needle thread is at least a foot long out the back of the machine, and either hang on to the thread tails or trap them under the presser foot before you start to sew.

Make sure that you remember to put the presser foot down before sewing!  (This is the commonest error the kids I teach make, followed by not threading the take-up lever!)

Answer 2

either you are threading wrong, or some thing is really wrong. Try putting the cap on the thread  on looser

Answer 3

Emma

It sounds like you may have had a problem and had to change the needle.  If you did the problem may be harder to fix then this,  Try reinserting a new needle, then remove nad reinsert the bobbin, finally check your tensioner.  If the thread tension is too tight the thread will break and cause the thread not not unwind from the spool.  Frustrating.  Check the new needle against the old one to make sure it is the same type!  Good Luck!