4 Threads

**dgmyrs** · 01-12-2009, 20:27

Hi, all these gear making videos are getting me in the mood to try my hand at making some gear again.

One thing the was frustrating my last project was an issue I was running into at the end of a stitch. This didn't happen all the time, but I would say at least 50% of the time. When I finished the stitch, released the foot, and then removed the fabric, I would have 4 lines of thread instead of the two I normally had. Also it was a lot harder to pull the fabric away, as there was a lot of tension holding it back. Once I got it away, and would cut all four, I would find that two of them were actually one string I could just pull out.

Has anyone had this happen to them? Or does anyone have any ideas as to what I am doing wrong, and how I might fix it?

Thanks.

**Darby** · 01-12-2009, 20:38

After you lift the presser foot and see the 4 threads, turn the hand wheel towards you just a little. you will feel the threads "unlock". This happens when you stop in the "middle" of a stitch.

**warbonnetguy** · 01-12-2009, 20:49

i think that's what's happening too, just because the needle is up, it doesn't mean the stitch is finished, the leaver that yanks the thread up and down (above the needle) has to be all the way up along with the needle.

**gunn parker** · 01-12-2009, 21:00

Yes thats what is happing, you just turn the handle one turn and the thread will come of the hook thats near the bobbin under the presser foot.

There is a little hook in here.

**dgmyrs** · 01-13-2009, 14:07

Wow! You guys are awesome!

That is exactly what was happening, and I have followed your advice on a bunch of test runs, and it hasn't happened since.

I asked several non gear-making sewers, and none of them had any idea. So here's to the gear-makers!

I am guessing this is probably a basic thing you learn in sewing 101, but since I am teaching myself, I sometimes miss the basics.

Once again, thanks

**Youngblood** · 01-13-2009, 14:14

Originally Posted by dgmyrs

Wow! You guys are awesome!

That is exactly what was happening, and I have followed your advice on a bunch of test runs, and it hasn't happened since.

I asked several non gear-making sewers, and none of them had any idea. So here's to the gear-makers!

I am guessing this is probably a basic thing you learn in sewing 101, but since I am teaching myself, I sometimes miss the basics.

Once again, thanks

With the (newer) computerized sewing machines that is a non-issue, so the sewers you asked may not run into that problem (any more). Computerized machines can be programmed to always stop with the needle at the very bottom or the very top of the stitch cycle. Whichever way you program them, they always stop right there... every time. That makes it so easy even I can do it.