Need sewing machine help

[rapmarks]

I opened my Singer stylist sewing machine today for the first time in many years. I finished one throw pillow and was on the second seam on the second pillow when the bobbin thread stopped feeding into the fabric. there was still more thread on the bobbin but no matter what I did I could not get the bobbin thread to raise through the needle hole in the throat plate. I followed all directions, I tried a new, different bobbin, a new spool of thread, and a new needle in the machine .

Has anyone any suggestions for me to get my machine working again?

 

[Moosie]

Since you put in a new bobbin, you did check to see if any thread was in that area inside?

Sorry, don't mean to insult here, but sometimes I have found that just a bit of thread there keeps the needle from grasping the bobbin thread.

Of course on more than one occassion I have put the bobbin in the wrong way. Like it has to move clockwise.

 

[Cat]

Pat, have you tried disassembling the bobbin mechanism and doing a full, comprehensive cleaning? One possible solution is that a lot of fuzz has accumulated in the assembly and is impeding proper feed. If you are using one of the most common brands of thread, Coats and Clark, you'll need to do a complete cleaning every 8 hours of sewing time. It's a very "linty" thread. I now use only Signature 100% combed cotton thread. It's more pricey, but worth it in the long run for the sake of your machine. Anyway...

I find the best tool for this job is a small, natural bristle paintbrush, the 1-1/2" size. Take the hook race assembly out and use a flashlight to check for fuzzballs. You might need a pair of tweezers to get to them, if you find them there.

Another would be the tension wasn't quite right at that point in the wind. However, your having said that you used another bobbin would seem to preclude that.

 

[Cat]

Just happened to think of another ridiculously simple explanation for why this sometimes happens. Are you sure you've threaded the top thread through the needle correctly? Sometimes, the sewing gods, in their infinite wisdom, cause the thread to come out of the needle. Then, you lower and raise the needle countless times, but it just refuses to catch the bobbin. You look for every possible explanation, and it hits you about an hour later - the needle has become unthreaded.

Since you make reference to changing the top thread and the needle, this probably isn't the cause. However, if it happened at first, then you threaded the needle with the new thread in the wrong direction (most machines are front-to-back) it would continue the problem.

If that's not the problem, be sure you have put the bobbin in properly, so that it feeds the way it needs to. Moosie cited this, so by now you've probably checked. The direction varies from machine to machine. My Bernina has to be fed so the thread comes off clockwise. However, my Memory Craft Janome models have to be counter clockwise. Check your manual to be certain.

Also, once you place your bobbin in the assembly, there is usually a point that the thread must go through and "lock". In all 3 of my machines, you definitely feel it click into place. Again, your manual will tell you where this point is. In many machines, you'll find a red dot on the assembly. Be sure to have the thread locked in place within the bobbin assembly.

Just wracking my brain to think of anything I can for your problem...I'm sure it's something simple that we're overlooking. I'll keep thinking about this one. Let us know if any of these measures brings success. It'll drive me nuts until you do!!!

 

[rapmarks]

I thought cleaning might do the trick and I am going to work on that today. Is the hook race assembly the entire mechanism under the plates?
I used to sew a lot, but I am sure I have not used my machine for 20 years, so i am sure there is stuff in there I can't see..

It seems to me that something isn't mving the thread over in the bobbin part of the mechanism. I do think I have everything connected correctly, and I did double check everything in the manual, but it is so weird how it all came back to me and the steps were automatic.

 

[rapmarks]

tried removing the part to clean it, and don't have proper tools to get it out. I don't believe the cylinder under the bobbin is moving at all when the machne is on, so that is probably the problem.

 

[Cat]

Pat, that sounds like it. Yes, the hook race is the entire assembly for holding the bobbin. Once you get it out, you'll probably be amazed at the amount of lint there is under there. That can completely impede the motion. No doubt you'll need a small regular screw driver in order to release it. At that point, have something long and slender, like an ice pick (be sure the machine is off and unplugged before you do this!!!) to move the lint. Then, long handled tweezers will help retrieve the junk.

I always do this task every 6-8 hours of sewing time. It sounds tedious, but I have done it so often that it's a pretty fast task. Mechanical, I'm definitely NOT, but it's rote for me because of the frequency with which I do it. The first time you do it, be sure to keep the diagram of the hook race in front of you, within easy sight.

Let us know if the cleaning works. If not, sounds like an overhaul at a reputable sewing machine repair shop is in order.

 

[rapmarks]

cat, can you come over and do this for me? Christmas Mountain is very popular this time of year.

 

[Cat]

LOL, Pat! I'd love to show you how to do it, if only we were closer. So you leave FL for the summer?