Sewing issues

[BanjoPicker]

Definitely lube the machine before messing with tension (if you have not already). Excess friction could mimic tension problems.

[TZBrown]

Even though you know it is threaded correctly, I would start over from scratch.

Make sure the needle is new, straight and installed correctly, bobbin threaded correctly, not inserted in reverse.

Thread the complete machine.

Take your thread tension knob, turn to left, loosen fully, turn to right fully, tighten, find the center point and start there, you should end up on light nylon about 1/4 turn to loose after your test sew on a scrap.

[Monkeyboy42]

What everyone says is great. Also definitely pull up the bottom thread with the needle before sewing as the directions say. I normal spin the wheel by hand.

I had the same thing happen last night. On the third try I discovered a different color thread tangled into the bottom. It was a color I hadn't used in months. God knows where it was hiding down there. I'd cleaned and lubed the machine before this starting project.

[foxrun]

re-thread the machine. After you thread the needle, are you turning the wheel to lower the needle so it grabs the lower thread? If not, this is your issue. Once the lower thread is grabbed by the needle, return the needle to the top position and use something to slide under the needle and pull out the bottom thread all of the way. Take both threads and pull out about 6" towards the back. You should be good to go from there. If this is not the issue, hold onto both threads when you start sewing, then adjust the tension if that doesn't work... my $.02

[Grapenut]

And...when you are threading the machine, make sure the presser foot is "up." This lets the thread slip between the disks that regulate the top tension. When you lower the foot to start sewing, the disks then squeeze together to create the tension for sewing. If you don't do this, the thread may not get positioned between the disks properly. Hope this helps. G-Nut

[Datahiker]

I tried tightening the top tension and was able to run about a foot of nice stitches in some test fabric, then I stopped. I wanted to make sure I could duplicate it, but when I went to pull the bottom thread through for the next attempt, it never came out - the needle would just go up and down without ever grabbing the bottom thread. Is it too tight now? The presser foot doesn't have to be down for that, does it?

Thanks for all your patience!

[FLScouthanger]

I tried tightening the top tension and was able to run about a foot of nice stitches in some test fabric, then I stopped. I wanted to make sure I could duplicate it, but when I went to pull the bottom thread through for the next attempt, it never came out - the needle would just go up and down without ever grabbing the bottom thread. Is it too tight now? The presser foot doesn't have to be down for that, does it?

Thanks for all your patience!

No, the presser foot does not need to be down for the top thread to loop the bobbin thread. Try this--remove the needle plate or whatever plate is above your bobbin. Slowly turn hand wheel and observe the needle and thread going down thru the plate and the hook that catches it near the bobbin. If this is not happening, then the machine timing might be a bit off. Again, just slowly turn the handwheel and observe what is happening down in the bobbin area. Report back with what you observe. This will help us to be better informed and able to advise you on a path forward.

[FLScouthanger]

No, the presser foot does not need to be down for the top thread to loop the bobbin thread. Try this--remove the needle plate or whatever plate is above your bobbin. Slowly turn hand wheel and observe the needle and thread going down thru the plate and the hook that catches it near the bobbin. If this is not happening, then the machine timing might be a bit off. Again, just slowly turn the handwheel and observe what is happening down in the bobbin area. Report back with what you observe. This will help us to be better informed and able to advise you on a path forward.

On a related note, the presser foot DOES need to be down to engage the tension discs for the UPPER THREAD (not the bobbin thread). If you raise and lower the presser foot and watch the tension discs while doing it you might be able to see pressure applied/relieved on them as you actuate the presser foot. Just wanted to make sure it was clear and you understand...

[Ramblinrev]

Check 2 things related to the bobbin. Make sure it is installed properly and make sure there is a reasonable tail sticking out loose. 4 - 6" is easily enough. Not much more than that though. If you have changed the needle make sure that is installed properly. Your latest issue is NOT a tension issue so don't go messing with any of that.

[FLScouthanger]

Here is a link to the 99K's threading instructions. I know it has been mentioned before, but you might to try re-threading and go step-by-step per the instructions. That might help narrow the scope on where the problem may lie.

http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diag...ng_diagram.htm