Why won't my sewing machine pull the bobbin thread?

Question

I have a 1975 White Sewing machine, very good machine, never had problems before...now, for some reason, the needle is making a loop for the bobbin thread but not pulling the thread out. I have checked and re-checked the bobbin and checked & re-checked the threading of the needle, and everything looks fine...anybody out there have any suggestions?

Answer 1

Try a new needle, and make sure it's inserted correctly.  Also pull off the cover to the bobbin area (and maybe the needleplate) and watch it try to make a stitch (make sure you're turning the handwheel the correct direction -- watch the feeddogs to make sure!)

Most of the time, with an experienced operator, this is a slightly bent needle issue, ime.  If not, check the hook and around the hook and the bobbin case for dings and cracks and missing parts.

Answer 2

Since it's worked before and has just begun misbehaving, it's probably not a timing issue.  I'd strongly suspect that the needle isn't facing the right way -- try a new needle and follow your manual again to make sure you've got it in right.  If you can watch your bobbin while stitching, you might try turning the handwheel through a cycle to see if you can spot what's going on in the bobbin area.