Why won't the bobbin thread come up right?

Question

My mother bought an extra sewing machine, a Shark. I'm 20 and never used one before so I took the machine and I'm trying to teach myself how to use it. The problem is....the bobbin thread.

I've done everything right so far but when I turn the handle and the needle goes down, it brings the thread up. The bobbin thread is a loose end and not a loop like it's supposed to be. Please help!

Also, I live in Detroit and I'm going to Youmacon this year. I really need a costume maker to make this:

http://arcade1175.hp.infoseek.co.jp/chara/arcadia/2007_3_2.jpg

It's such a cool outfit that I don't want to make it cheesy by sewing it myself. Rather have a pro do it.

Please help me with my sewing machine issue and costume issue!!!!

Answer 1

Is the latch of the bobbin parallel to the needle?

The thread needs to be facing upwards, turn the dial that moves the needle up and down around 3 times until it latches into the bobbin and grabs the thread.

You can then lease the thread from the bobbin using scissors, make sure all threads are towards the back of the sewing machine so you don't get it caught up with your garment.

You can have that outfit custom made, I'm guessing Detroit is in America? It isn't in England anyway, I don't think?

But look in your phone book / yellow pages and find out about custom clothes making. Or you can buy pattern pieces and easily make it yourself. (A skirt and top are very easy to make.)

Answer 2

The thread that comes up from the bobbin should be a single thread and once you begin to sew on fabric it will lock with the top thread.  Hope this helps.