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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Zoe
Date: 04-29-2004, 05:20 PM (1 of 6)
Hi,

I haven't used a sewing machine since I was at school 15 years ago!! So apologies if this is a really dumb question!

I am trying to thread my lovely new machine and have followed the instructions to the letter but I just can't seem to get the needle to pick up the lower thread. I have put the bobbin in to the bobbin case as directed in the instructions and put it in to the machine. I have left about an inch of cotton coming out of the case (which doesn't seem to go anywhere?!). I then use the hand wheel and hold the upper thread but nothing gets picked up and the bobbin just seems to go back and forth.

Is the piece of cotton coming out of the bobbin supposed to be attached to something?

If anyone has any suggestions I would be greatly appreciative!!!

Many thanks

Zoe
User: Zoe
Member since: 04-29-2004
Total posts: 2
From: MaryW
Date: 04-29-2004, 06:17 PM (2 of 6)
When you turn the handwheel, hold onto the end of the top thread as it goes down into the hole. Also, pull more thread out of the bobbin. You should have 3"-4" or so. It should catch and come up when your needle comes back up.

This might help too so read carefully.
http://sew-whats-new.com/sewing/begsew01.shtml
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: DorothyL
Date: 04-30-2004, 07:49 AM (3 of 6)
An inch sounds awfully short for the bobbin thread. Pull it longer and try again.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: paroper
Date: 04-30-2004, 10:44 AM (4 of 6)
If your bobbin thread isn't in the right place it might not pick up...check and make sure the bobbin is in the case in the right direction...there is probably a slit or crack in the bobbin case to bring the thread up through...make sure that your thread goes into that slit and there might be even a special place at the top of the bobbin to hold the thread (not too terribly common). Also, make sure that your machine requires the thread to be brought up...I don't have to do that on my new machine...I just take the thread off to the side into a little cutter and the machine brings it up when it sews. You might make sure that your needle is in properly..with the flat portion to the back and all the way into the shank that holds it...if the needle eye doesn't come down in the right position, it won't pick up the thread. YOu should be able to sit in front of the machine and see straight through the eye of the needed (most models...a few have you put the flat portion to the right or left, depending on the brand).
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: wghmch
Date: 04-30-2004, 11:57 AM (5 of 6)
Which direction are you turning the hand wheel?

Bill Holman
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003
Total posts: 249
From: Zoe
Date: 05-01-2004, 04:39 AM (6 of 6)
Thank you all for the suggestions. The 4 inches of bobbin thread worked a treat. I just need to learn to sew now!!

Thanks

Zoe
User: Zoe
Member since: 04-29-2004
Total posts: 2
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