Bunching thread Help!

**Buffalo Skipper** · 10-02-2010, 15:27

I need some help here. I have a nearly new machine (12 years old but barely used, probably has run less than 10 yards of stitches). Here is the machine, and here is what is happening on the bottom.

Here is what I have done to try to fix the problem.
1) Replaced the Bobbin Case, which had been properly installed years ago an was broken.

2) Cleaned and oiled the machine

3) Replaced the needle, which was visably bent (once removed). None of this appeared to improve the situation, in fact, the "loops" on the bottom only appear to be larger than when I first tried this.

Any suggestions are welcome.

**Ramblinrev** · 10-02-2010, 15:40

The round dial under the threading diagram is the top thread tension adjustment. It sounds like it is too loose. Tighten the top tension to about the middle range and see what happens. Doo this before doing anything else. Take things one step at a time. Make sure the top thread is threaded properly. It has to snug up into that tension dial.

Did you deal with the new bobbin case or did you get it from a local shop? If the local shop played around with it then leave it alone. If on the other hand... you are the only person to have messed with it then this is one of those times it might make sense to adjust the bobbin tension. (don't freak people... the end times have not arrived.) The bobbin should dangle from the thread and just barely move when bounced dropped (not thrown) like a yoyo. If the local store fit it too the machine then they should have adjusted it. I would recommend you not change it.

If the tension adjustment does not solve the problem then something else is wrong which will take some additional tweaking.

**Buffalo Skipper** · 10-02-2010, 15:43

The thread tension is currently exactly in the middle. A friend of mine assisted with bobbin tension (easily adjusted if necessary). I will play with both and get back to everyone....

**Ramblinrev** · 10-02-2010, 15:46

Originally Posted by Buffalo Skipper

The thread tension is currently exactly in the middle. A friend of mine assisted with bobbin tension (easily adjusted if necessary). I will play with both and get back to everyone....

Take the thread completely out of the machine on both the top and bobbin. Then rethread the whole thing and try again.

**Buffalo Skipper** · 10-02-2010, 16:38

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

Take the thread completely out of the machine on both the top and bobbin. Then rethread the whole thing and try again.

All right. Did that. Adjusted the bobbin tension all the way up and all the way down (5 or 6 different attempts). No noticable difference in the result. Same large 3/4" loops on the bottom.

**Ramblinrev** · 10-02-2010, 17:19

Why did the machine stop being used? Is there someone you could ask? It is sounding to me like there ius a major problem with the tension parts. If the machine was doing that when it was put away, then it will still be doing it now. It might need a mechanic to check it out. Occasionally tension srings and tension plates break or warp or some such problem.

**Alan Burd** · 10-02-2010, 17:35

Two things to check and try.
1. are you sure that the thread is going thru the thread take up arm (in the vertical slot). I had similar problem and had missed getting the thread in the slot in the arm.

2. try a different weight of material to make sure it's a mechanical problem before taking it to the shop.

Alan

**Ramblinrev** · 10-02-2010, 19:22

Originally Posted by Alan Burd

Two things to check and try.
1. are you sure that the thread is going thru the thread take up arm (in the vertical slot). I had similar problem and had missed getting the thread in the slot in the arm. Alan

Good call on that. The take up arm is hidden beh9ind some kind of shield. Does that remove or lift up or something to show the arm? If not then you MUST pay particular attention to the position of the needle mount. It _must_ be in the extreme upright position before you thread the machine. Otherwise your chances of having the take up arm pick up the thread is distinctly reduced. Kind of a weird arrangement if you ask me. But then they didn't didn't when they designed it.

**Alan Burd** · 10-02-2010, 19:27

my machine is a singer of the approx same age and looks a lot like Buffalo skippers that how I knew how easy it is to miss the arm.

**Buffalo Skipper** · 10-02-2010, 19:38

Thanks Alan. I may call you tomorrow if that doesn't fix it. My ultimate goal here is to be able to machine stitch the loops in my webbing, and to convert an old sleeping bag into a usable underquilt.

The sleeping bag is currently rigged very crudly to the bottom of my hammock and I will be sleeping in the hammock for the first time tonight. Next weekend, I will hope to have a better arrangement.

More to follow on all counts tomorrow....

View from my hammock tonight at sunset: