Sew What’s Up Presents
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: MaryW
Date: 04-15-2003, 07:16 PM (1 of 9)
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Does anyone know of someone who might be willing to post suggestions and help for people with machine problems. Tension, cleaning and such are so important. If someone has a good background in this field, or knows someone, please let me know. It would be so helpful to those of us on these boards. No pay, just our never ending gratitude. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: pennypins
Date: 04-16-2003, 11:29 AM (2 of 9)
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I've talked to Mary, and I'm going to try to help out with problems any of you might have with your machines. I'm not sure I'm a machine "wizard" but I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. My husband and I kind of collect vintage and older machines - would you believe we have about 20 or so machines around the house, I think I've lost count! The newest is from about 1990, and then 1970, and then earlier than that. We have had lots of fun playing with the machines. I have learned a fair amount about tensions; cleaning; adjustments; and where to go for help! I will likely not be able to help as much with computertized machines, as they are pretty sealed up due to the computer chip. But there still might be some things I could suggest - which may lead to thoughts that others might have too! So when you start making faces at your machine   and before you're ready to throw your machine or your project out the window; ask a question here and maybe I can help.Penny http://community.webshots.com/user/pennypins
was "plcp" at SWN since Jan/01 |
User: pennypins
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 39 |
From: kim bresee
Date: 05-02-2003, 02:01 PM (3 of 9)
Hi,I have an older pfaff 1199 (no IDF) that I bought at a garage sale last summer.My DD has been using it for 4-H and I needed to use it last week and the tension was way off.I tryed to tighten the bobbin case just a little but when I use the longest straight stitch it still puckers up really bad.Any help with this would be great.Thanks Kim
Kim
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User: kim bresee
Member since: 10-29-2002 Total posts: 19 |
From: wghmch
Date: 05-02-2003, 10:55 PM (4 of 9)
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Kim, Contrary to popular belief, it is rather unlikely that your tensions are causing the puckering. If your tensions are off, you will usually see thread loops on the opposite side of the material from where the thread is originating. You don't mention what you are sewing on, or what thread you are using. A very common cause of puckering is a combination of a lightweight fabric, a cheap polyester thread, and long stitches. When the machine feeds and draws up the stitch, it stretches out the thread. Then, when the fabric does not possess much ability to resist it, the thread contracts to its original length, puckering the fabric. Try experimenting with a sturdier fabric, better thread, (all cotton won't do this at all, bargain cotton wrapped polyesters are the worst) and a shorter stitch length. I suspect you will find a combination that will give you better results. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: kim bresee
Date: 05-05-2003, 12:25 PM (5 of 9)
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Hi Bill,thanks for the reply(I used to watch for your post on the old sew news boards because you always gave good advice)Anyway I went back and did as you said I used a heaver fabric a new 80 needle and good cotton thread I tryed a smaller stitch length and it was better but it was still puckering just not as bad.Anyother advice would be great oh I forgot to say that the 4-H teacher used the machine to show f M embroidery and thats why I thought it might be the problem .Again Thanks Kim
Kim
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User: kim bresee
Member since: 10-29-2002 Total posts: 19 |
From: wghmch
Date: 05-05-2003, 12:34 PM (6 of 9)
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"the 4-H teacher used the machine to show f M embroidery and thats why I thought it might be the problem." Kim, If she cranked the lower tension way up this could contribute toward some puckering. This should also show up with the top thread being pulled to the bottom. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: dmoses
Date: 05-05-2003, 01:25 PM (7 of 9)
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Hi Kim, Are the feed dogs all the way up? Maybe the feed dogs were lowered for the FME, and not returned fully...unless, of course, this is a machine that cannot have the feed dogs lowered... I have an older machine(not a Pfaff) that has a dial that is turned to lower/raise the feed dogs, and has to be turned completely. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: sewfrugal
Date: 06-10-2003, 10:20 PM (8 of 9)
| Try the wefixit group on Yahoo. |
User: sewfrugal
Member since: 11-27-2002 Total posts: 1 |
From: craftyboi
Date: 06-11-2003, 09:11 AM (9 of 9)
| also too.........check the bobbin case and see if the tension on that is correct..........you should be able to pull the thread without resistance.........and as always make sure the case itself is free of any threads,dust.........etc.........donny |
User: craftyboi
Member since: 10-04-2002 Total posts: 26 
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