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From: emermuffin
Date: 07-29-2003, 11:30 AM (1 of 10)
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I love my Elna, it's a wonderful machine when it's working properly BUT... I am having major trouble with the bobbin tension adjustment. The bobbin thread is showing on the opposite side of the fabric (any fabric - calico, cotton lawn, heavyweight or light weight materials) and no matter how tight or loose the top thread tension is, that bobbin thread is just too loose and shows through. There is a screw to adjust the bobbin tension but no matter what I change it to, there is no improvement in the stitch (straight stitching and zig zag). I always keep my machine clean - vacuum out the lint often, oil when it makes any noise. I'm using good quality thread and changing needles with each project. (Elna machines are very picky about their needles!) I would really like to fix this problem myself as I simply can't afford $75 for repair. Any tips?  thanks! emermuffin emermuffin
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User: emermuffin
Member since: 03-29-2003 Total posts: 55 |
From: Sherri
Date: 07-29-2003, 12:18 PM (2 of 10)
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I had that problem with my Kenmore and it was the needle. I just switched to a different brand of needle and it started that so i switched back. Sherri My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: wghmch
Date: 07-29-2003, 06:32 PM (3 of 10)
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You should be able to feel the drag (tension) on your bobbin thread when you pull on it after it's threaded. If there's no resistance, you either have something caught under the spring, holding it off of the thread, or the spring is broken. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: emermuffin
Date: 07-30-2003, 12:11 AM (4 of 10)
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Thank you, Bill. That's a good tip. And you're right - there is no resistance on the bobbin thread. No drag - unwinds easy as you please. I'm not sure what to do about that. I've searched the internet for books on machine "anatomy" and repair. An elusive quest! Sherri, I have had so much trouble with needles that it's the first thing I check! I hadn't thought about changing brand of needles though. Another good tip. I think it's time to work on my hand applique until I can get my elna happy again. Thanks! emermuffin emermuffin
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User: emermuffin
Member since: 03-29-2003 Total posts: 55 |
From: Sherri
Date: 08-01-2003, 01:01 PM (5 of 10)
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On my new machine I ran into this problem when I tried to use the other machines bobbins in the new machine. I find a lot of time tension is so quirky it will just got out for any little change. Sherri My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: Debzy
Date: 08-02-2003, 11:10 AM (6 of 10)
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It sounds like it's probably your bobbin tension. If you're not confident altering it, why not just buy a new bobbin case? I'm sure that'd be cheaper than $75!! I've seen a lot of times where people alter their bobbin case tension to the point where it's a real job to get it back to normal. The thread on the little screw could have gone too... |
User: Debzy
Member since: 06-02-2003 Total posts: 71 |
From: emermuffin
Date: 08-18-2003, 11:58 PM (7 of 10)
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Thank you Debzy. I have been looking for information about maintenance of my machine. I haven't the first clue how I would replace the bobbin case. If you can refer me to any detailed machine info that would be helpful! I did drop my machine off today to be serviced. Keeping my fingers crossed that it won't be $75! (That's what I paid last time...  )
emermuffin
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User: emermuffin
Member since: 03-29-2003 Total posts: 55 |
From: MaryW
Date: 08-19-2003, 08:06 AM (8 of 10)
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How long do you think you will have to wait for it?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: emermuffin
Date: 09-22-2003, 12:06 AM (9 of 10)
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My machine was in the shop for two weeks and guess what the trouble was --- I WAS THREADING IT WRONG THROUGH THE BOBBIN TENSIONER. I was so embarassed! I'm sure I'm not the only new sewist to do that little number. Anyway, the upside is the shop did not charge me for checking it out. That was really excellent of them. That's McDougal's Sewing Center on Towne Park in Sugar Land, Texas for you locals. Very nice, helpful people (unlike the fabric stores-sheesh) and honest work. I've been cranking out Christmas gifts already since I've got my Elna home again! Joy. 
emermuffin
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User: emermuffin
Member since: 03-29-2003 Total posts: 55 |
From: Debzy
Date: 09-22-2003, 02:43 AM (10 of 10)
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wow what a relief!
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User: Debzy
Member since: 06-02-2003 Total posts: 71 |
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