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From: SCFEMALE
Date: 04-30-2006, 11:40 PM (1 of 4)
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Hi, I was given a Crofton machine and it works fine except for one problem,the top thread gets caught or tangled under the throat plate and around the bobbin case. I tried everything I know to fix it . Any suggestions will be great. Thanks, Kim |
User: SCFEMALE
Member since: 02-24-2004 Total posts: 4 |
From: bunzino
Date: 05-01-2006, 12:04 AM (2 of 4)
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Kim, If it's the top thread, make sure you bring it up to the top before starting and hold it to the back as you start. That should do it. If all else fails, re-thread the machine -- it's easy to skip a step and not realize it. nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-01-2006, 12:39 AM (3 of 4)
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Is the thread unusually heavy? Some of the heavier cotton threads don't do very well as top thread. THose threads need to be used in the bobbin only. You might also try to thread with the presser foot up. That is not commonly a problem I have when sewing because I don't often change threads and unless this only happens when you first thread the machine and immediately after, it is probably not the cause. You could also have a compatability problem between the thread and the machine needle. You wouldn't use a light weight needle if the thread was heavier weight. It needs to be matched to the thread and the type of fabric..rather an art when it comes down to certain conditions. You may want to not only bring the bobbin thread up but remove the thread to the back left of the presser foot when you sew, you may need to hold the thread for the first few stitches. A coarser thread (not necessarily heavier, but different texture) may have a tendency to creep back toward the needle more than a "regular" sewing thread. It is also often helpful to start the machine with the hand wheel for the first 3-4 stitches (an old trick). All of this being said, I'm sure that you've rethreaded your machine, top and bottom, including removing the bobbin from the case and putting it totally back in? Since you've had a problem with this thread, you may have some stray threads that will cause problems if you get it right. This would be a wonderful time to remove your feed dog plate, and clean under the plate, clean well around the bobbin and oil the machine to make sure that you don't have a new secondary problem. Sometimes a the problems compound and when you solve the initial source you don't realize it because of threads and lint. Also, take a second and make sure that there are no stray end pieces of thread coming from the bobbin from the bobbin winding. Even the slightest piece of thread can lock the machine up royally. 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: paroper
Date: 05-01-2006, 12:53 AM (4 of 4)
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I misread the post in the first place. A couple more things to do. Make sure that you haven't missed any guides. Look for little loops and guides. Make sure that the thread wraps correctly around the tension disks. Everything should thread from right to left (or front to back), top to bottom, bottom to top, etc until it reaches the needle. Even the simplest guide can do you in. Make sure that your bobbin is in the machine correctly...refer to your machine's manual if you can find it. If not, you may need to do some trial and error. The clockwise or couter clockwise bobbin can vary by machine brand. You may need to make some adjustments to the machine's tension. The top tension varies often from fabric to fabric but the bobbin and the machine thread should be balanced so that they both meet half-way between the layers of fabric. Whenever possible, make tension adjustments to the top tension only. Bottom tensions are usually factory set and should be changed only as a last result. If you have an old spool of cheap thread, you can "pop" the seam. If the threads are balanced, they should either not break or they should break at about the same rate. If they are not, the tighter tension will break. The better threads are harder to test this way...something to do with worthless thread. You never know how this machine was treated by the first (or second..or fourth owner), but hopefuilly they didn't mess up the tensions too much. (I've seen band instruments totally messed up by well-intentioned people tightening all the screws that are delicately set to the perfect amount...same with sewing machines). If your thread wraps around the spool like your bobbin thread does, it should stand up on the spindle. If it crosses itself in X fashion, it should lay down. Most machines have second spindles in the box of accessories. They will fit in a little hole or groove in the top right or back right of the machine (usually) sometimes they fit in a little slit that looks like something that looks like a place you would expect to lift the top off the 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 |
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