Sew, What's Up

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The Sew What’s New Archive

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: Pudge99
Date: 02-22-2006, 09:35 PM (1 of 39)
Black Thread. I am on my third brand and still having issues. A design that stitches out beautifully with other colors becomes a loopy mess when stitched with black. If I adjust the tension then the thread breaks.

Bobbin Issues. I had all my bobbins that came with the machine filled with YLI bobbin fill. For some reason they shattered. They look like a crackle glaze on pottery. A minimal amount of pressure applied to the edge and the things just fall appart. This lead me to try some class 15's. After all nobody sells the obscure bobbins for this machine.

Next Bobbin Problem. I am stitching along with white thread and the YLI loaded class 15 bobbin. The machine goes wacko. I end up with a tornado looking thing attached to the bottom of my throat plate. The bobbin is in its spot all caliwampus and thread is coming out of it in all directions.

Next Problem. Which in a round about way was caused by my first problem. I was searching around last night to find a new design to use in place of the one with all the black. I clicked on a link for free designs and ended up on one of those "inappropriate" sites that just happened to be loaded with viruses. My computer spent the night with the Dr. (aka my hubby). It came back clean and healthy but is not allowed to accept cookies from strangers. OK, this one is really just a complaint but adds to the multiple issues.

Broken Needles. In my attempt to stitch out the heavy black designs I broke 4 needles. When stitching on heavy items (towels in this case) my needle comes down very close to the back of the foot, not in the center of the square. So when the stitching starts looping on the bottom it gets thicker and my needle slams down on the back of the foot. Is there an adjustment I should be making ot allow for thicker fabric?

Need New Needles. Since I broke all but two of my embroidery needles last night I spent the day driving around trying to find the right needles. Then I realized I don't know what the right needle is. I need suggestions for what type of needle to use. I really like Schmetz and plan to buy that brand. But as luck would have it the only embroidery needles I could find today were 75/11's which I know would be too small for the towels. Are there other needles out there that I can use besides embroidery needles? What do you all use when stitching on towels?

I am going crazy! This project was supposed to help me relax after stressing out over my crayola quilt. Tomorrow I think I will sew some basic PJ pants for my three year old. If something goes wrong with those I am going to give up sewing for a month :cry: .
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-23-2006, 01:26 AM (2 of 39)
Okay Pudge let me see if I can help you with your Futura issues. I have a ce-100 and have not had one problem with it besides the one Singer fixed with a new software upgrade (my machine would stop in the middle of a design with over XXXX number of stitches in it) but Singer fixed that problem with the new update. Anyway, here goes:

1. Your bobbins breaking is due to the fact that you are overloading them. That's easy enough to fix by adjusting the screw in the middle of the round guard next to the bobbin winder stem. Lossen the screw and move it so that the bobbin only looks like it is about 3/4 full when it stops. Anymore thread than that on those bobbins and they will explode. I did that to a couple of mine with monofilament.

2. I have no idea about the black thread as I've used black Coats & Clark, Anton Robinson and Sulky embroidery threads in my machine as well as C&C polyester sewing thread and didn't have any problems. I keep the tension set on my machine about halfway between the E and 4 and the machine seems happy with that so I leave it there. As far as the thread nests under the needle plate, that sounds like a threading issue. If you don't get the thread seated in those disks under the plastic cover plate on the top left, you'll have real thread problems or if there is a thread caught in there somewhere, it will also cause big thread issues with these machines.

3. As far as needles go, I've only used the Singer needles recommended for this machine since I have a Singer dealer close at hand. I also purchase my bobbins from them. I've never used anything but the 90/14 and I've embroidered cotton, fleece, knits, etc. I have no idea if other people have successfully used the Schmetz needles in this machine. I do know that a lot of people have tried different bobbins other than the ones recommended by Singer without much success.

4. If you foot is on properly, the needle should never touch any part of the square metal around it. My needle is centered in my foot, unless you've maybe somehow bent the foot itself taking a hoop off or putting a hoop on. Check to make sure that the foot is on tight and that the long arm on the foot is over the needle clamp screw.

I hope you didn't order your machine on line, because if you did, the only service you'll get on it is by boxing it up and shipping it back to where you bought it and hope they will fix it, if need be.

Unless you need the needles and bobbins like yesterday, I can always run by my dealer pick you up some and mail them to you. Let me know if I can help you out.

If you want, you can call me. My e-mail is <email address removed for privacy> E-mail me if you want to call and I'll give you my home and cell phone numbers.

There must be at least one Singer dealer in all of San Antonio? I have no idea where you're located in San Antonio, but I found this Singer dealer by googline -- Singer Northwest Sewing Center, 5315 Walzem Road, San Antonio (210) 656-6700.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: paroper
Date: 02-23-2006, 09:04 AM (3 of 39)
Wow, Patsy, glad you were there for her!
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: Tom Land
Date: 02-23-2006, 10:41 AM (4 of 39)
In addition to what Patsy said... Winding the bobbin too tight will also cause shattering. Wind the bobbin slower as winding too fast with a some threads will cause the thread to stretch as it winds making it squeeze the center of the bobbin. Even if the bobbin does not break it gets taller which will allow the thread to hang on it as it passes over it. Black thread tends to break more often. (Some manufactures tell us it is because of the dyes others say it is something to do with UV. I don't know which is correct but I do know we have a lot more trouble out of black than anything else. But, as Patsy pointed out... if you use the proper needle you should have much trouble. Singer recommends the Chromium. I have also found the Titanium and Schmetz embroidery or Top stitch needles work well too.
The other problems you describe could be related to the over wound/over tight bobbin or needle.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005
Total posts: 514
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-23-2006, 08:44 PM (5 of 39)
Tom you're right about the bobbin causing problems in the futuras if they are too full. They don't wind off at an even speed when they're overfilled because they hang up on the side of the bobbin case. There is very little clearance, if any in the bobbin cases in the futuras and an over filled bobbin will definitely cause thread tangles and eventually the breaking of the entire bobbin assembly. As for the problem with the needle hitting the foot, I am still looking at my futura and trying to figure out what would cause that to happen. The only thing I can think of is that the foot is not properly installed or the shaft on the foot has been bent. I've had my ce-100 about a year and a half now and haven't had any mechanical, threading, bobbin assembly or other problems with it. However, before I started using it, I did download and print out the manual and read it and I've also watched the DVD that came with it that talks about hooping and stabilizing. I think that is where a lot of people are getting into trouble with these machines. They're not taking the time to read the manual or look and listen to the CD and DVD that come with the machines.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-23-2006, 09:07 PM (6 of 39)
Well I took the whole day off sewing. It was beautiful outside, so I spent the day cleaning up the yard. Raked up about 9 lawn bags full and still have more to go.

So all of this could be related to the bobbins being wound either too full or too fast? So far I have wound all my bobbins in embroidery mode so I cannot control the speed. I never use it in sewing mode, so I put the gas pedal away somewhere. Guess I will have to spend my day tomorrow looking for it.

Is a 90/14 needle enough for towels? That is what I was using and untill all heck broke loose they seemed to be fine. How often would you suggest changing them?

Thread nest. I am 99% positive that I had the machine threaded correctly. My first thought when I saw what happened was that there was something wrong up top so I got out the screwdriver and opened her up and blew the lint out of her. I also gave her an oiling.

How can I tell if my foot is bent? With nothing in the machine and the presser foot down the needle goes down in the center of the square,but I have noticed as I said in the last post that with thick fabric it enters the fabric toward the rear of the square.

I did not buy my machine online, but almost as bad it came from Wal-mart. The only authorized service center here in San Antonio is the closet Singer dealer to my house. I hate doing business with them. When I first started looking into embroidery machines, I went there looking for an inexpensive machine and all they wanted to show me was the top of the line. They didn't even tell me about the Futura. Plus they are rude, impatient and all around very unhelpful. I would rather send my machine out in the mail than give it to them for repairs.
I'll have to see if I can find that Singer dealer on Walzem Rd. It says northwest which is the part of the city I live in so maybe it won't be too far. I would love to get some of the proper bobbins, needles would be nice too. If I can't find them here I may take you up on your offer Patsy. I will let you know.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-23-2006, 09:13 PM (7 of 39)
Patsy,


Just thought I'd let you know I read the manuals cover to cover before even plugging in the machine and have watched the DVD a few times and pull it out anytime I am going to try something new.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-23-2006, 09:25 PM (8 of 39)
Patsy,
The dealer located at that address is a Husqvarna dealer and is in the northeast not northwest. I am gonna keep looking.

What words did you google? I have been trying Singer dealer San Antonio and not getting a whole lot.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-23-2006, 09:47 PM (9 of 39)
Besides my favorite Hanncock fabrics there are only two authorized retailers in San Antonio. One being the one I don't want to do business with and the other being clear across town. An all day trip and one I won't make in the rain. I guess it will be next week before I get over there. Rain is forcasted for the whole weekend starting tonight.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-24-2006, 02:40 PM (10 of 39)
Pudge it sounds like all you need to do is go get some new Singer bobbins and needles and then adjust the set screw beside the bobbin spindle so your bobbins don't overfill and put the machine in sewing mode instead of embroidery and wind your bobbins with the foot pedal. Can't you just go into your "hated" Singer dealer and purchase bobbins and needles so you can use your machine this weekend? I don't think your machine needs to go in for repair. I think the bobbins being overfilled are the main problem.

The 90/14 chromium needles should be fine for towels and instead of hooping them, try hooping the stabilizer (either use sticky water soluble stabilizer or stabilizer and spray and adhesive) and stick the towel to it. I made several fairly heavy hooded terry cloth baby towels and didn't have a problem with the 90/14 needles. Be sure that your feed dogs are all the way down also. Oh, and one more thing, make sure that when you put a new bobbin in the machine that the thread is winding off the bobbin in a clockwise motion and that you get you the thread anchored good in the bobbin case slot. If that thread is not anchored securely in the bobbin case slot, it will definitely cause thread nests and cause your entire bobbin assembly to pop up. Also be sure that you don't have any burrs on the plastic bobbin case assembly that would cause your thread to snag.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-24-2006, 03:24 PM (11 of 39)
Well the rain has held off so I drove across town to a very nice Singer dealer and got some bobbins, they said just buy the Schmetz embroidery needles. So on the way home I passed a mall that has both Hobby Lobby and Joann. I had a 40% off coupon for both places and they both had the 90/14 needles. Things are starting to look up in the world of sewing. I also stopped off at the Pfaff dealer on the way home and they had some suggestions about my quilt puckering. They even said to bring it in if trying their suggestions doesn't work. Yippee! I hope my slump is over.
thanks for all your help! I will let you know how it all works out.

On a side note the dealer I don't like would have had to order the bobbins as they don't keep them in stock. This new dealer I found likes the Futura and even has a Ce-100 on the floor for people to try. I wish I would have known about them before buying the machine at Walmart. Oh well, they answered my questions without having to pay them $70 an hour (the price the other dealer charges people who don't buy from them).
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: paroper
Date: 02-24-2006, 03:38 PM (12 of 39)
Sounds like you found a couple of Keepers in the dealers for future purchases. In the long run this little "problem" may pay off for you. Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your machine!
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: plrlegal
Date: 02-24-2006, 04:54 PM (13 of 39)
Good for you Pudge! Let us know what happens with new bobbins and needles. I love my Futura and I'm so happy I haven't had any problems at all with it but if I do, I know that I have a dealer who is very good at taking care of the problems and they always have a good stock in their stock or they can get things for you within a couple of days. I'm so glad you've found a dealer that will help you out and provide you with the essentials for your machine. Hope you have many hours of fun with the machine.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 02-25-2006, 12:44 PM (14 of 39)
I have been watching this topic with great interest, and I'm glad to see that you are starting to get things worked out with your CE-100, Pudge! I was given its big brother, CE-200, for Christmas, and I have to admit it become very frustrating to use during the first week I had it. Obviously it was all beginner mistakes I was making, but thank goodness my Singer Dealer ladies (who close their shop for the week between Christmas & New Years) answer their email daily, and were able to guide me through some troubled times by email. I'm trying to get more confident with it, trying easy new designs when I have the time (long story for another day). I sincerely hope that the new dealer you found in your area will continue to encourage and assist you. I'll be keeping an eye here for your continued progress. Good Luck! :wink:
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!"
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005
Total posts: 198
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-26-2006, 06:31 PM (15 of 39)
Well the rain that was supposed to be here all weekend came early Saturday morning and then left, so I have been working in the yard all weekend. I will sit down with the new stuff tonight or at the latest tomorrow. I read my manuals cover to cover again last night just to make sure I was doing everything correctly. Turns out I was not threading the machine correctly for bobbin winding. I missed the picture showing that you wrap the thread around the tenion disk rather than just tucking it under like most machines. The directions say nothing about wrapping but if you look closely at the picture you can see it.
I will let you all know how it works out.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: swartzrn
Date: 02-26-2006, 11:22 PM (16 of 39)
HI I just purchased the CE-100 this weekend and am in the early stages of playing around with it. I did put my daughter's name on a hair ribbon and it frustrated me to no end. I'm a little unsure what kind of stabilizer to use with things like gross grain ribbon. I had a problem with an error message that a broken thread was detected although I could see NO broken thread. I think it was merely that I didn't have it threaded at the top right. Eventually I got it to work although by that time I was at wit's end. I don't think it was the machine but more the user! :nervous:
Anyway, I'm interested to hear more of your opinions about the machine. I'm new to embroidery but I want to learn. Julie Swartz
Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes."
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006
Total posts: 436
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-26-2006, 11:30 PM (17 of 39)
When you say manuals, are you referring to the paper manuals that came with the machine? One is for the sewing side and one is for embroidery, right? There is also a 95 page manual on the CD that uses Adobe Reader to open and it is a very comprehensive manual on these machines.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-26-2006, 11:38 PM (18 of 39)
Julie, these machines are very sensitive when it comes to threading. In fact, tonight I was stitching out an angel that I want to see what it looked like stitched out and because I wasn't taking my time to get the top thread properly seated in those disks under the clear plastic on the top left of the machine, I almost drove myself batty a couple of times during thread changes. You really do have to take your time and be sure that you've got everything threaded properly or you'll get that sill beep every time. Otherwise, I really like my machine, I just don't have enough time right now (still fully employed) but that will end in another 16-17 months when I finally retire. Take your time, watch the DVD that came with the machine. It's a whole thing about fabrics and stabilizing. Whenever I have a question about how to stabilize a fabric, I pull out the DVD. Also on the CD that has the actual software, there is a 95 page manual for the machine. You need Adobe reader as the manual is in PDF format. Come back with any questions that you have and we'll be glad to help you through it, if we can.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-27-2006, 10:55 AM (19 of 39)
Yes Patsy, the paper ones. It is a little hard to pick up the computer and carry it to bed so I didn't read the one on the CD. I keep that CD in my drive while working with the Futura so I can pop it up if I have a question. Well after I get done reading the posts here I am going to get some laundry going. Then hit the machines and see if I can get the towels done and while that is going try my hand at the quilt that has been giving me headaches.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-27-2006, 11:49 AM (20 of 39)
Pudge just scream real loud if you have any more problems and I'll hear you up here in Oklahoma!!! LOL :nah:

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-27-2006, 01:28 PM (21 of 39)
HaHaHaHa, Patsy! I bet you could hear me.
I got sidetracked watching my neighbor dig a hole for the new fence we are putting up between us. Then I had to go pick up my daughter from preschool. I am beginning to think I might be a little afraid to try again because I am always finding something else to do besides going back to the machine. Going to kick myself in the rear-end right now and do it.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: swartzrn
Date: 02-27-2006, 08:30 PM (22 of 39)
Hey, I had good intentions of playing around with my new machine today and unfortunately my dad ended up being admitted to the hospital so I've been with him all day.
I have noticed that it's extra sensitive with threading. Haven't had a chance to watch the DVD (another one of my good intentions) but I definately will-perhaps tomorrow when I get home from work.
Obviously it's been one of those days! It's sitting on the table over there calling my name as I type but I am just too tired to get started tonight :(

Hope you all have a had a nice day--it's not rainy here anymore but still a bit chilly..I'm ready for Spring!!!!

Julie
Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes."
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006
Total posts: 436
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-28-2006, 01:51 PM (23 of 39)
Well I did it. I tried the same design again with a new bobbin wound correctly this time. Tearaway in the hoop, towel, then wash away all pined together. I set my tension at 4 and still the black thread had major loops on the bottom. As I said before I have stiched this design out reversing the colors and wherever the black is I have looping, wherever the black is not it is beautiful.
I gave up on that design and went with something that doesn't have as much black. That one stiched out fine except the outline which was (yep you guessed it) black.
I am still having the problem with the needle entering the fabric near the back of the square. I have taken the foot off and examined it and there appears to be nowhere that it is bent. I also looked at the shaft it mounts on thinking that maybe I bent that but it appears to be straight.
Question. When you lower your presser foot with no fabric in the hoop how far off the "ground" is the foot? The reason I ask this is because mine is just about touching and on my Pfaff when I put the free motion/darning foot on it iis well off the "ground" when I lower the foot. Just for the heck of it I just turned the handwheel and the foot actually comes flat down with no space for the fabric at all. Is this normal?
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: paroper
Date: 02-28-2006, 02:06 PM (24 of 39)
I'll be the first to tell you that I don't know anything about your particular machine, but I'd bet that your machine needs to be calibrated. Even just adding a new firmware update will cause my calibration to be off and it needs to be "redone". I'm sure that I could calibrate mine, but I don't know anything about whether you could do it to your machine or not because I don't know if it accessible to you or not. Recalibration would put that needle right dead center in the middle of your hoop.
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: plrlegal
Date: 02-28-2006, 02:11 PM (25 of 39)
Pudge do you have the embroidery foot installed on your machine properly? When you lower the presser foot, it should not touch the fabric. There should be a long handle looking thing on the right side of the foot that fit up over the needle bar screw. If that is not in the place, the foot is not installed properly.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Ria
Date: 02-28-2006, 02:18 PM (26 of 39)
I have only one thing to submit here as I do not have this machine I have the brother 6500...the black thread problem is huge with me...it just keeps breaking...no other thread gives me this problem ..I have tried 4 different brands and finally I gave up and what I do is use a really really dark blue or green in place of black...these colors are so dark that when they are stitched out they look black...it works for me...I got tired of messing around with the black...if anyone ever finds a black embroidery thread that does not break please let us all know...... :bang: Ria
Ria


"Alas for those who never sing, but die
with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes)

Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic...
Embird......
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005
Total posts: 121
From: paroper
Date: 02-28-2006, 02:23 PM (27 of 39)
I"ve never had a problem with Isacord.
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: Pudge99
Date: 02-28-2006, 03:14 PM (28 of 39)
Patsy,

Yes my foot is attached correctly. On my Pfaff I have two levels for lowering my foot. Is there something like this that I am missing? All my Futura seems to have is down, up and really high up (I have to hold it in this position) so you can get the hoop through easier.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-28-2006, 07:36 PM (29 of 39)
Pudge, I'm sitting here looking at my machine and with the embroidery foot in the down position (no hoop on), there is a good 1/4" clearance between the feed dog plate and the bottom of my embroidery foot (needle is in up position). When I turn the hand wheel and put the needle in the down position, my foot sits down on the plate but when I raise the needle again, the foot comes up off the plate. I wish I could see your machine and I could probably tell you what's wrong with it. Do you have a digital to take a picture of the foot on the needle bar? Is the foot pushed all the way up on the needle bar under the screw that holds it on? In other words, when that foot is on and pushed all the way up on the needle bar,, the screw should fit at the bottom of the slot. Also when you're putting your hoop on, if you put it on from behind the needle, it will go under the foot easier and take your finger and tilt the foot forward (toward you and up) when you're sliding your hoop under the foot.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-28-2006, 10:29 PM (30 of 39)
Well Patsy, you'll be happy to know that my machine is now a stitching fool. I also belong to a Yahoo group that is just for futura owners and every question I asked here I also asked there. With the wisdom of two groups I now have her up and running. It is a temporary fix. I rolled up some of that rubbery shelf liner and stuck it under the presser foot lifter. It put the foot in the right position. There is also a more permanant fix that I am going to attept when I have all my wits about me. It requires tools and patience but I feel confident I can do it myself. It seems that some of these machines come out of the factory needing a little tweeking or sometimes it can slip and need a little adjusting.
Thank you for all you help, I really do appreciate it!!!!
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-28-2006, 11:38 PM (31 of 39)
Glad to hear that you finally found a solution. Please tell me what it is in case the same thing happens to my machine and what yahoo group do you belong to?

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-28-2006, 11:43 PM (32 of 39)
Patsy,
I am going to bed now. Had some more opperator errors. I'll explain it all in the morning and maybe even have some pictures to show you my temporary fix.
Goodnight and Thanks again!
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: paroper
Date: 03-01-2006, 05:06 AM (33 of 39)
Gina, don't kid yourself. Most machines that come out of the factories need some gentle tweeking after being jostled in shipping (if they were ever 100% in the beginning). Most good dealers will take your machine out of the box and give it a test spin before you ever touch it. That is one of the advantages of having a dealer. However, it isn't always possible to have a local dealer and not all dealers will do that (if you don't request it). That little five or ten minute test drive by the dealer can mean the difference between a customer who is in love with their machine for life and one that may never be happy.
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: Pudge99
Date: 03-01-2006, 11:30 AM (34 of 39)
Picture (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/<email address removed for privacy>/detail?.dir=/7f9d&.dnm=54d0scd.jpg&.src=ph) of my temporary fix. This works great for anyone who is having issues with sewing on thick items such as towels and diapers but has no problems with lighter fabrics.
There is a more permanent fix that requires opening up the machine loosening the screw that holds the bar the presser foot attaches to. Then you lower or raise the bar depending on your problem and tighten the screw. There is a little more to it than that but that is the jist of it. I am going to sew for a bit with the temporary fix but once I do the adjustment I will let you all know how it turns out.
The photo album also contains some pictures of my Crayola quilt and my first successful Autopunch design being stiched with the temporary fix in place. Plese feel free to take a look at my other stuff.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: Pudge99
Date: 03-01-2006, 11:41 AM (35 of 39)
Oops! I forgot to tell you all my operator problems last night were Autopunch related and mostly because I was tired. Nothing major thank goodness.
Patsy here is the Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FuturaEmbroidery/) I belong to. They are real characters and a VERY active board. I signed up for no mail because I would litterally have hundreds of e-mail from that board alone. I find it easier to just pop on and check once or twice a day.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: swartzrn
Date: 03-01-2006, 08:10 PM (36 of 39)
HI--your pictures are GREAT!I love the quilt! I so wish I had time right now to learn to quilt. My grandmother made a quilt for each of the grandkids (mine has apples b/c that's what I love to collect.)
thanks also for the info on the Yahoo group. I am gonna take a look at it myself. Maybe I can get some more good pointers about my new machine.
BTW, I did cut out the front and back of a new diaper bag I'm making for Sarah late last evening and put her name on it. I had to play around w/the tension and change the needle to a different size b/c the threading was loose and looked like crap! Finally though it came out. I'll try to get a picture on my yahoo photo album soon. My screen name on yahoo is "swartzrn."

Julie
Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes."
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006
Total posts: 436
From: Pudge99
Date: 03-07-2006, 02:00 PM (37 of 39)
Just thought I would let you know that I am still running with the temporary fix. I have only broken one needle and that was because the thread got wrapped around the spool pin. Things a going great between me and my Futura. I gave up on the black thread and have been using grey or a dark green/blue in it's place. I am even having quite a bit of success with Autopunch. Learning how to trick it into converting fonts and even change the direction of the fill stitch. I was getting tired of everything being on the diagonal.
Just wanted to add some good news so I don't scare people away from this wonderful machine.

P.S. Pictures of my successes will be coming soon.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: swartzrn
Date: 03-07-2006, 02:16 PM (38 of 39)
Gina--glad you're having more fun with your Futura. Can't wait for the pictures!! Julie
Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes."
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006
Total posts: 436
From: Pudge99
Date: 03-10-2006, 01:56 PM (39 of 39)
Pictures are up in the same link in my previous post.
OK now the link for the photos is in my signature.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
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