I'm trying to sew pillow covers. Everything was going fine and then it started jamming up on the bobbin thread. It's a tangled mess everytime I try to sew. I don't know anything about sewing machines, which is why I have the cheapest one I could buy. It's worked fine till now. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do?
2006-06-29 05:30:16 · 6 answers · asked by Melanie 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
That's a hard one because it could be a number of things. It usually means the tension is off a little. If if your machine is a cheep one it probably came with a book. Read the book and then try adjusting the tension. There should be a tension adjustment on the top thread and the bottom thread.
Sometimes, it could simply be the quality of thread you are using, try changing to another spool of thread.
Sometimes, it's the type of fabric you are sewing on. Sheer fabrics may need to have a piece of thin butter paper fed thru with them to give the machine something to grab.
Sometimes, it's the needle. Be sure it is the correct needle and is inserted at the correct depth.
Sometimes it's just a build up of lent in the bobbin.
But most o the time it's the tension adjustments. Lot of luck, this is a screaming situation, so try to be calm. If all else fails call all your friends who sew and throw a party and invite them all over to help.
lyn
2006-06-29 05:40:02 · answer #1 · answered by betterhealth@flash.net 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Here are some of the things that can cause this problem. Try this first before messing with the tension. It doesn't matter how cheap the machine is, this happens to a lot of machines.
1. What thickness is the fabric ex. Muslin, cotton, or heavier like wool,or corduroy. If fabric is thick check the needle size for that fabric. All needle packages come with directions for the needle size to match the fabric thickness. 2. Are you using the same thread on the top of the machine as in the bobbin. If not this can cause bunching. Thread that has cut off can catch in the bobbin case, or dust forms. Remove the bobbin and see if there is dust in the shuttle clean with an old toothbrush. 3. Is the bobbin thread wound evenly, is it the same bobbin you started with when it was working fine. Last if any of the above does not solve the problem check the pressure on the presser foot. If the pressure is all the way down that is to much to have the material feed properly. Last your book should have a trouble shooting section. It usually says if this is happening this may be the problem. Hope that this helps. If the internal parts are plastic something may have broken off in that case take it back to the store.
2006-06-29 06:16:41 · answer #2 · answered by roeskats 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try taking out the bobbin, brush out any dust (some materials leave a mess in there) & re-thread. You may need to adjust the tension knob. Have you put a lot of sewing time on the machine? You may want to consider having it cleaned. An expert will clean & oil the parts and adjust the settings for you.
2006-06-29 05:40:30 · answer #3 · answered by bevthestar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be so many things...Maybe you need to change your needle. Make sure you have not missed any little loops or holes in the threading! That happens to me at times, and I don't always spot it right away. maybe it is tension, if your cloth is extra thick or unusual. Most likely, though, it's the machine. I don't know what causes it, but sometimes they just quit working right, especially if they are cheap, and you would be much better off with a good quality but simple machine.
I recently bought a bottom of the line Elna mechanical machine--not the cheapest, but it is wonderful! If you do like to sew, make the investment in a machine you can count on for all types of fabrics.
2006-06-29 05:37:34 · answer #4 · answered by surlygurl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of good answers! I agree-- tension is the last place to look/change. The first is threading route--- double check top and bottom threading. It is so easy to miss one little dohicky--but with nearly 60 years sewing-- it happens! Remember, it's really difficult to truly mess up a sewing machine-- keep your cool and change tension only as a last resort!
The bests of luck!
2006-06-29 06:23:54 · answer #5 · answered by omajust 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might check in the manual, and make sure you are threading it properly, and that you have the bobbin inserted correctly. maybe you know someone local that can come over and look at it?
2006-06-29 05:33:58 · answer #6 · answered by poppet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋