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From: nomad
Date: 04-15-2006, 03:55 PM (1 of 27)
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Hi! I've been working on a few small projects, teaching myself how to quilt & having a great time! (still on the piecing step though) I'm using a machine that was given to me by my grandmother, but is only 5 years old (& rarely used in that time -- she liked her old one better). I've had a couple of problems with the top thread breaking or bunching up even though the tension seems to be right according to how the stitch looks. I re-thread it & it's fine for a while, until it happens again (i'd guess every 1-2 hours of sewing time). BUT i think i may have found the root of the problem today. I had to thread a new bobbin and it was a disaster. It was lumpy and not smooth at all (several times using various thread just to make sure) & I noticed that the thread spool seems to be wobbling a lot. I wondered if that is normal, and what i can do about it? I'm thinking that i may have to bring it in to a repair shop, but hate the thought of being without it just when i'm really starting to figure things out (& my husband will be away in the next couple of weeks, so i have extra time to sew)! Any advice/opinions would be appreciated. Thanks! |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 04-15-2006, 04:14 PM (2 of 27)
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Is there a round thing among your accessories with a hole in the middle that will slide on top of the thread spool and hold the spool tighter and hold the thread out a bit? If you aren't using that thing it could be your problem. Your thread could be breaking because it get tied around the spool peg if you are not using the holder thing. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: swartzrn
Date: 04-15-2006, 04:31 PM (3 of 27)
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The best thing I can say is to double check the threading like Dorothy said. I had the same problem when I first got my embroidery machine and it was simply I didn't have it threaded right. I missed one little place. I rethreaded and rethreaded and had to start from the beginning and follow along in the book again and there it was.
Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
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From: nomad
Date: 04-15-2006, 05:08 PM (4 of 27)
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Is there a round thing among your accessories with a hole in the middle that will slide on top of the thread spool and hold the spool tighter and hold the thread out a bit? If you aren't using that thing it could be your problem. Your thread could be breaking because it get tied around the spool peg if you are not using the holder thing. Dorothy there is a felt pad with a hole in the middle, but i think you're talking about something else. The pad doesn't make a difference at all. The thread spool is actually taller than the spool pin, so i can't imagine how i might put something on top of it (unless you meant the peg that is holding the bobbin when i thread it) |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 04-15-2006, 05:28 PM (5 of 27)
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What kind of machine is it? Maybe someone familiar with that make and model can help. All the machines I've used have a longer peg for the thread and just a little one for the bobbin. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: nomad
Date: 04-15-2006, 06:59 PM (6 of 27)
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What kind of machine is it? Maybe someone familiar with that make and model can help. All the machines I've used have a longer peg for the thread and just a little one for the bobbin. Dorothy thank you for your help, Dorothy! The peg for the thread is about 1.5 inches tall and the peg for the bobbin is about 1/2 inch tall, so there is a difference. Just that the spools of thread are taller than the peg for the thread. It appears to be all the way up though. I have a Simplicity machine (if i bought my own, i'd get something else, but it's really not that old & it was free, so i hope i can figure it out). |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: Sancin
Date: 04-15-2006, 07:06 PM (7 of 27)
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Hi Nomad I have had thread that wobbled on the spool pin and it did not make any difference in sewing or in filling the bobbin. One thing I do find is if I gun my machine when filling the bobbin it continues to wind when I shop the machine, making for uneven filling or winding around the bobbin pin. Even that does not usually make thread break when later sewing. I would check that you are threading the bobbin correctly (there was a discussion several weeks ago on this) and ensure it is going through the take up ? correctly. Also try to retread the top thread again. Taking all thread out of the machine and starting over, usually solves any problems I have, even if I never figure out what the problem was.  If it sews for awhile and then breaks are you using poor thread or more likely an incorrect needle size? Is the thread catching on something on it's spool, like the nick to hold the thread on. Sometimes, just reversing the way the thread comes off the spool helps. A discussion some time ago indicated that long thread spools are wound differently and should leave the spool in a horizontal manner, while the shorter round spools need to be in a vertical position. Perhaps someone here can remember the thread titles and tell you how to search. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: paroper
Date: 04-15-2006, 08:38 PM (8 of 27)
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My bet is that you are incorrectly threading the bobbin. there should be a guide. on machines where the bobbin threading spindle is on top, there is a guide on the left hand side of the machine. it sits up like a hat box and has a groove around the top. You take your thread around that guide from the front to the back in an open figure 8 pattern leading from the thread (spool) spindle to the bobbin (filler). Different brand bobbins are configured differently. You will have a hole or holes in your bobbin. Some have the same size holes all the way around...anwhere from 5 to maybe 10. some have long slits around. Some just have 1 or 2 holes. Take your thread from the inside of the bobbin through one of the holes closest to the center. (Some have a smaller hole close to the center. Push your bobbin into place and HOLD THE THREAD UNTIL IT BREAKS OFF COMPLETELY. DO NOT LET GO. If you let go too soon you may have stray thread to catch when you are sewing. The thread should break cleanly. If it does not, you'll need to clip it smooth with the bobbin when you are through. If you have done this correctly, your bobin should feed smoothly and cleanly. As for the other type of threading. There is usually a hook, most often it is on the machine base. You take the thread through that hook backwards. I haven't threaded one of these in a long time but if there is a second thread guide directly between the thread spindle and this hook, you would use it too...I can't remember. It sounds like you know how to move the bobbin, the bobbin holder and loosen the hand wheel if you need to do so. If you don't have a good smooth, tight bobbin, you are sunk before you start. 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: nomad
Date: 04-15-2006, 09:56 PM (9 of 27)
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My bet is that you are incorrectly threading the bobbin. there should be a guide. on machines where the bobbin threading spindle is on top, there is a guide on the left hand side of the machine. Take your thread from the inside of the bobbin through one of the holes closest to the center. (Some have a smaller hole close to the center. Push your bobbin into place and HOLD THE THREAD UNTIL IT BREAKS OFF COMPLETELY. DO NOT LET GO. If you let go too soon you may have stray thread to catch when you are sewing. The thread should break cleanly. Ah! My instructions didn't mention holding onto the thread until it breaks. So i tried that (& picking a hole closest to the groove in the bobbin) & it did feed smoothly. The only wierd thing is that the bottom of the bobbin has at least 1/3 as much thread as the top half of the bobbin. But it's smooth, so i guess i'll try it & see if/how it works. The regular threading seems to be as you described -- again, we'll see how it works. Thank you all! I learn so much around here! I'm sure i'll be back as i go. (and i still think i should probably bring the machine in when i get a chance, but it will be wonderful if i can keep it working while i have the extra time this week). |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 04-15-2006, 10:17 PM (10 of 27)
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The only wierd thing is that the bottom of the bobbin has at least 1/3 as much thread as the top half of the bobbin. But it's smooth, so i guess i'll try it & see if/how it works. On my machine I have to gently guide the thread with my finger or it does the same thing. I just gently hold it down a tiny bit to even it out. It takes just a bit of practice to get the knack of winding it smoothly but it works. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-15-2006, 10:52 PM (11 of 27)
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Don't pull up on the bobbin. Just hold the thread. I'm trying to remember if that is what causes the bobbin to do that. I know that it will do it sometimes if you don't wrap from front to back around the tension but the little door thing that holds the bobbin in place causes it to feed evenly. I think that either you are pulling up on the bobbin or that it isn't quite seated properly, or once again, it isn't quite right around the bobbin tension at the left side of the machine. Tom, Bill, Where are you guys when we need you????
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: bluebirdie
Date: 04-15-2006, 11:54 PM (12 of 27)
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Hi Nomad, I have a Simplicity Spirit and haven't had a problem. But thread spools do wobble a little on the stands on Simplicity. Which model do you have? Which tension number you have on the needle thread when this problem occured? While starting new bobbins, like Pam said I always loop through the hole. And I tie a small knot inside the bobbin. When winding, sometimes I use something smooth to guide the thread like Dorothy does. Once you tried a few, they should go smoothly. And you may want to rewind the uneven ones as they'll definitely cause problems for you. - Robin
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User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 139 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 04-16-2006, 12:31 AM (13 of 27)
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Ok Pam you woke me up. I hope this is important. Nomad, some spool wobble is normal. The red felt should be under the spool to help control this and backlash. It sounds like you've already remedied the bobbin winding problem except for making it fill evenly (everyone has given such good information. Pretty smart for girls).The small round chrome colored part that you run the thread around when winding the bobbin should be adjustable up or down (ussually there is a screw coming in from the back you must loosen). Adjust it to make your bobbin wind evenly. BEFORE DOING THIS MAKE SURE YOU ARE PUSHING THE BOBBIN ALL THE WAY DOWN WHEN WINDING. Back to the wobble. Make sure the felt is in place, make sure you are threaded properly and tension set around 4-4 1/2. Use good thread and make sure your needle is good. Avoid sudden take-offs or sudden stops from high speed. This can cause a backlash with the thread winding up on the spool pin underneath the spool. (This is the primary reason they started putting a horizontal spool pin on mst machines.). When winding a bobbin never run the machine too fast or your spool may fly off the pin. The most common causes of thread breakge are misthreading or abad needle. I don't think I said anything someone else hadn't already said. this forum has some very informed members.(Just kidding about "smart for girls". My mother was a girl and she was kinda smart) Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: nomad
Date: 04-16-2006, 01:00 AM (14 of 27)
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Thank you all for the helpful tips & information! I didn't plan to be up at this hour, so i can't try them all today, but i will in the next couple of days. A few more things after reading though: * I'm having trouble visualizing what you mean by guiding/holding down the thread as it winds -- in terms of where you hold it down & how that will help the uneven fill problem, but i suppose i'll figure it out if i play around enough (i'm determined LOL!) * I have a Simplicity Celebrity. I don't think they were around very long -- only a couple of years. It's not fancy, but i don't really need it to be at this point (just need to figure out all of the little quirks!) * Tom ~ i wonder if i can post photos here? I don't see any obvious means of adjusting the height of the little knob that the thread goes around. It seems that it is movable in some way, but i don't see how i can adjust it in a fixed position. I did see that it is attached to the machine with a screw that is visible when i open the side cover (where i also see the light, threading & tension mechanisms, etc.). Not sure if that makes sense. I wish i knew all the technical terms, but i don't even know technical terms for things i use everyday. It looks to me like the bobbin was/is all the way down, but i will be sure to double-check in the future. I *really* do appreciate all of your help! I hope i get good enough at all of this that i can return the favor to another beginner someday. 
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User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: esrun3
Date: 04-16-2006, 01:09 AM (15 of 27)
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One more thing about your spool wobbling, if you have a removable pin that the spool sits on, be sure it is in properly and screwed in tight. Drove me nuts one time trying to figure out why things were wobbly and that was the problem! So often it's something very simple that you would never think of. Good luck.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-16-2006, 01:14 PM (16 of 27)
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Tom, I now see you as Grandfather Clock (Captain Kangaroo). Thank you for adding your considerable wisdom. (You can go back to sleep now, if you want). 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: bluebirdie
Date: 04-16-2006, 03:12 PM (17 of 27)
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Hi Nomad, Guess everyone has their own ways winding bobbins. I don't use the little guiding knob but instead use a screwdriver or pen to guide the thread manually instead. For now, you probably just want to use the bobbin thread guide with a pen light touching the thread to help even out the winding. I posted a picture on yahoo from my Simplicity. It will look diferent from yours but it is on the right of my machine: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bluebirdie_ca/album?.dir=/f964 The short metal thing bobbins go on for winding (on the lower left of the pic) is called the bibbin winding spindle. You can find mentioning of this on your manual. On most newer Simplicity models, there is a bobbin winding threading guide next to the spindle (on the lower right, plastic thing with a screw in the middle). Normally we wind by: 1. loop lead thread through bobbin holes & knot inside the bobbin 2. pushed bobbin all the way down on the spindle 3. push the bobbin spindle towards the guiding knob until secured. This will ensure the winding is even. 4. loop thread through the guide on the machine (or whatever mechanism you're comfortable with) 5. Once your bobbin is full, it will stop turning automatically. If you did not push the winding spindle towards the winding guide, the threads may be uneven and it would not stop winding when bobbin is full. I'm not very good at explaining things. But hope this helps a little. - Robin
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User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 139 |
From: nomad
Date: 04-16-2006, 03:22 PM (18 of 27)
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thank you robin! That is actually exactly what the top right of my machine looks like. Maybe i didn't push the bobbin holder far enough to the right, though it sounded like it snapped into place. I will double check though. I feel bad taking up so much space with my one question that has now turned into several, but I appreciate all of your help -- & maybe someone else will have the same problem at some point. |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: Sancin
Date: 04-16-2006, 05:14 PM (19 of 27)
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Nomad, Don't worry about taking up to much space to develop or give information. We all find it interesting, whether we know the answers or not - but LOL there is nothing other that putting the thread through a hole in bobbin that I have understood about this discussion!!  I do help the thread wind evenly onto the bobbin with a light touch up or down on my thread if it seems to be winding unevenly.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: nomad
Date: 05-12-2006, 08:53 PM (20 of 27)
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just thought i'd give you all an update. (& let you know i'm bookmarking this for future info -- thank you!). i finally decided to just send it in for a tune-up and they found nothing else wrong. The tension & timing needed adjustment, but nothing unusual. Got it home today & it worked wonderfully with the bit of thread they left in. It just feels like it's working better in the stitching, which is good... the bad news is that i absolutely must be doing something wrong in the threading. :( My thread is no longer actually breaking, but it is 'springing' up and out of the needle & last thread guide. Not every time i sew, but after a few minutes. I made sure to look carefully at the tension disc threading when i brought it back today, so i know that part is right. But i can't for the life of me figure it out. I'm also using all cotton thread & wonder if that is affecting it in some way. So maddening. It looks right & i've re-reread the manual/diagrams over & over again. So it's either the thread or (i'm guessing) something with how i'm threading it through the 'finger' in the take-up lever. |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-13-2006, 02:37 AM (21 of 27)
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Most newer machines stop so that the thread will not "unthread". However, in some machines and in older machines, you need to advance the hand wheel so that the thread take up lever is just past the highest point before you cut off your project. If you do not, when you take a stitch, the thread will come undone. If you do this long enough you'll automatically stop the machine there. The other thing you can do is either always hold the end of the thread when you start to sew a (first) stitch or just leave the thread very long. The unthreading is a natural thing.
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: nomad
Date: 05-13-2006, 11:26 AM (22 of 27)
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Most newer machines stop so that the thread will not "unthread". However, in some machines and in older machines, you need to advance the hand wheel so that the thread take up lever is just past the highest point before you cut off your project. If you do not, when you take a stitch, the thread will come undone. If you do this long enough you'll automatically stop the machine there. The other thing you can do is either always hold the end of the thread when you start to sew a (first) stitch or just leave the thread very long. The unthreading is a natural thing. Thanks Pam! That could be exactly what is happening when i have to slow down/stop stitching in the middle of the project. I'll watch the next time (probably tonight or tomorrow) and see if that's it. |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: bluebirdie
Date: 05-14-2006, 11:00 AM (23 of 27)
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I use cotton threads on my Simplicity all the time and have not had any problem. If after you try what Pam suggested and still have problems, let us know. I can take a picture of threading on my simplicity for you. I know their manual is not the best, but neither is my photography skill. We can see who's the lesser evil then. - Robin
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User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 139 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-16-2006, 11:36 AM (24 of 27)
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This proves you are NEVER too old to learn.. When Pam said newer machines stop with everything in the correct place was the first I knew that it was automatic on mine.. I learned to sew so many years ago, and was taught to always check the position before starting a new seam, so that I would not un-thread the needle... I have been checking this all my years of sewing.. It had crossed my mind that I never had the problem any more, but -- duhhh- I never got any furthur with that thought.. Thanks, Pam... I have been doing this 12 years when I didn't need to.. LOL
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: paroper
Date: 05-16-2006, 12:03 PM (25 of 27)
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Old habits die hard. The hardest thing I have had to re-learn is to raise the presser foot when I thread for embroidery. It is not that I don't do it when I sew but when I sew I always raise the presser foot when I finish a seam. So, when I need to thread the machine (which, of course you don't do often), the foot is up. When I finish a color in embroidery the foot is down. I've had to really concentrate on doing that. I still start a machine with the hand wheel...it is just a long-standing habit! 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: MaryW
Date: 05-17-2006, 08:44 AM (26 of 27)
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I always overcompensate with thread tails. When I first began to sew, I cannot tell you how many times my needle became unthreaded because my thread tail was too short. It was so maddening that even now, 37 yrs. later I have these long ends.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 05-17-2006, 10:12 AM (27 of 27)
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I, also, have long tails hanging off the end of each seam -- that's if they don't get tangled in the seam. I clip both ends of the seam as soon as I take it off the machine to keep the finished project from having threads hanging all over it. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
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