How do I stop the threads jamming up on my sewing machine?

Question

I while ago I got hold of an old second-hand Vigorelli sewing machine. It did work a bit, but now I can't use it. The top thread gets chewed up, resulting in a mass in the bobbin area. I've tried adjusting the tension - the bottom thread seems not tense enough even with the bobbin screw turned fully to the right. I think this might be a common problem, because my parents used to have one that did the same thing. So hopefully someone can help. Thanks!

I should mention that I want to try to fix this myself. If I was going to use a repairman I wouldn't need to ask.

Answer 1

I'm not familiar with that particular sewing machine, but here are some general ideas.

To check your bobbin tension, load the thread into the bobbin case, then hold the tail of thread and let go of the case. It should not move when you just hold it. If you give a sharp flick of your wrist, the thread should unspool and the case should move down, then stop. If it's too loose, the case will continue to fall, or may not even require the flick to get it moving.

If the top thread is pulled down to the bottom side of the fabric (or into the bobbin area) when you sew, it means the needle tension is too loose or the bobbin tension is too tight. You might be making it worse by tightening the bobbin tension. Test this by loading two different colors of thread in the top and bobbin. This way you'll be able to tell which one is causing the problem.

Remove all of the thread - top and bobbin. Look inside the space where the bobbin case fits (in the machine). Get right down there - you're looking for threads that may be caught in the bobbin area. Remove the needle plate if possible and check from the top as well. The tiniest little 1/4" piece of thread caught in the bobbin area can cause a terrible mess. (Been there.)

Was the bobbin wound and inserted correctly? If the thread on the bobbin is squishy instead of firm, the bobbin wasn't wound properly. Make sure you insert the bobbin into the bobbin case so it unspools in the correct direction. Most machines with removable bobbin cases should unspool clockwise as you're looking at the lever side of the bobbin case.

Has it been oiled recently, or consistently? If it hasn't, try oiling it lightly in the designated spots.

Is the needle in right? I know it sounds silly, but if the needle is turned wrong, it won't sew properly. Look at the needle closely. There's a groove above the eye where the thread lays. The groove should be on the same side as the bobbin. If the bobbin loads on the front, the groove should be in the front. If it loads on the left, the groove should be on the left.

Is the needle the right size for the thread and fabric you're using? If the needle is too small for the thread, the thread will shred. Also make sure the needle is not dull. As someone in a group I belong to said, we'll go out and spend $8 a yard on fabric, and then complain about changing a $1 needle.

Was it threaded properly? Make sure the presser foot is UP when you thread it - this affects the top tension, and can cause looping on the bottom. Also make sure the thread is decent quality and not too old. Thread will dry out and become brittle. Cheap thread has slubs that can catch in the needle.

I assume you already checked the manual, if you have one. If you don't have one, try checking online - there are many places that sell manuals, and it's a good investment.

Answer 2

Vigorelli Sewing Machine

Answer 3

1) clean machine top to bottom of dirt, lint, etc...inside and outside...take case apart, oil and lube where necessary.
2) insert needle with groove facing bobbin. slowly turn hand wheel .... when the needle reaches the lowest point of its travel in the under part where the bobbin goes, look at the hook ( goes round in circles surrounding the bobbin, has a pointed "arm" on it..that pointed arm is the hook. the hook should be just next to the needle at this point (needle low point) and as the needle begins to pull up, the hook should pass the needle (here is where it grabs the upper thread and twists it around the bobbin thread. If it does this, the machine is timed. If it does not, then loosen the set screw on the shaft that holds the bobbin/hook ...causes the hook to rotate) , loosen and adjust hook to do as describe above...retighten and test. The hook should just touch the needle when it does this.
Now, examine the upper thread path....the thread MUST pass through the tensioner leaves or tension knob with plates in it...as you screw down the tension, the thread will become more taunt...usually a setting mid point is correct in the stitch tension range. Now, with the machine threaded on the upper part (and through the needle) pull thread..it should move very easily. NOW, lower presser foot and the thread should have become hard to pull (the tension leaves are working. IF it does NOT do this, the release on the pressure leaves is frozen up...oil with WD 40 and work until the tension leaves are free moving and apply tension to upper thread when foot is down.
(usually, a gnarled thread mess is from lack of tension on upper thread).
Wind bobbin, examine that it is even, lots of tread on it. Place in bobbin case so that thread passes (probably counter clock wise movement when thread is pulled off bobbin in its case...a few machines work in reverse..like Viking, but it is very rare. All Japanese and American heads rotate counter clockwise). Make sure the bobbin pressure leaf is free of lint under it, is smooth and allows thread to pass easily. Now adjust screw to place some tension on bobbin thread...doesn't take much. Lack of bobbin tension will give a lousy tread on the bottom of the sewing line, but will not result in gnarled thread. Adjust the tension so that sewing stitch twist ends up in middle of fabric being sewn, not on top or bottom. This is achieve by balancing top and bottom tension. The machine should work if you have done all this.
Check upper threading....from spool of thread, the thread should pass through some kind of guide, go down or through the thread tension plates (a dial perhaps, or leaves of metal), then through the eye of the upper thread looper (the part that goes up and down when the machine turns..this pulls the tread enough to allow the stitch to work..., through guides to the needle, through the needle on the groved side and then under the pressure plate. With bobbin in place and holding the needle thread, turn hand wheel on revolution , then pull thread and the bobbin thread should come up through throat plate. Place BOTH thread to the rear of the pressure plate. While you are at it, examine the plate the needle goes through that it is free of rough snaggers around the needle hole. If it has been damaged, sand and polish until there are no hang up places for thread or fabric to get caught. The plate can be damaged if the needle glances and hits the plate when the machine is used. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE PRESSURE FOOT IS DOWN BEFORE YOU START TO SEW...Otherwise, there will be no tension on the upper thread! good luck

Answer 4

remove the needle.unscrew the needle plateand brush out any fluff alternatively check that the machine is correctly
threaded and the fabric is far enough under the pressure foot when beginning needle might be blunt or not inserted correctly hope this helps

happy days

Answer 5

sounds like the bobbin workings need to be adjusted by a repairman.