This is a new machine and I threaded it and filled the bobbin right. This happened lots of times. I filled a new bobbin and it's not happening as much but this is rouining my projects! Please help if you can.
Don't let the location of the thread fool you. Loops on the bottom mean your upper tension is lose or not working at all. If the bobbin tension was lose, it would pull up through the fabric and be seen on top. Most common is the thread is not actually in the upper tension unit. Pull the thread out and re-thread your machine. After you re-thread put the your pressure foot down (the tension unit is disengaged when the foot is up) and lightly pull on the upper thread. You should feel resistance, if not start over. If all this fails then you need to increase your upper tension until the loops no longer appear. As you add more layers, more tension is necessary. Bobbin tension should rarely need adjustment. When you thread your bobbin, hang onto the thread and lightly "bounce" the bobbin. It should just start to release thread. If you have to bounce with any force, it's too tight, if it spins out freely, too lose.
+JohnnyRydel I thought it was the bobbin as well. I have been using this machine only a week. I have a very old one of my grandmothers. I am going to take it in and get it serviced. Plastic is easy to move but it sucks! LOL thanks!
+JohnnyRydel YES! YES! YES! Never used a sewing machine in my life an I was having HUGE problems with "loops" on the bottom....more like a damn rats nest. Rethreaded the top thread and I'm back in business. Thanks!
Great post, I can't believe how many people are confused by this. Only add that the bobbin should unwind clockwise (opposite of drop in bobbins). My machine jammed a bit in reverse so I followed the singer video on bobbin tension and it works great now. It was a little too tight from the factory. Also something to think about is thread weight, you may need to adjust your tension if you switch weights. The Schmetz website has some good info also.
I arrived on this site because I was having exactly the same problem as many seem to be - the threads all bunching around the bobbin and completely jamming the machine. However, something I read in one or two other posts made me think - having spent hours making sure that the bobbin was threaded perfectly and tensioned correctly! - and I went back to the machine, pulled out the TOP thread and re-threaded the machine, checking when done that there was sensible tension on the top thread. Result? Perfect sewing! So it seems that it may be nothing to do with the bobbin after all, but more a problem of top thread tension. Someone else made the point that you need to have the needle in the right position in order for the thread to be correctly gripped by the tensioners, and maybe that's what I was doing wrong. However, since then, no problems. Give it a try! Phil
Could you do a video showing how exactly you managed to reduce the problem? I do not understand how you check the sensible tension. My top thread has no tension at all, it keeps popping out of the hooks.
45 years sewing experience here... A few tips: If the sewn threads on the top of your fabric are not right, the problem is either the tension settings or the upper thread is not threaded correctly. If the threads on the bottom of your fabric are not right, then the problem is either the tension settings or the bobbin thread is not threaded correctly. From what I can see (thread nest on bottom of fabric)and HEAR (clackety clack noise coming from bobbin area) either you are using the wrong size of bobbin for your machine, or your thread is coming off the bobbin in the wrong direction before you put it in the removable case. Hope this makes sense.
I was having the same problem. thank you for showing it. mine did it on all fabrics. oiled the machine and followed Phil's advice and so far it is working beautifully. I may actually start enjoy sewing.
I am very surprised so many of us are having the same problem!! I have the Singer 5400, and that evil noise always scares the crap out of me! I am actually selling mine and getting a new one very soon. A brother! A local sewing store said they recommend Brother, not only because they're better, but because there are more Brother repair men than Singer. I am more than done with this sewing machine. Sometimes fixing the tension will help the problem for a short period of time, but eventually this happens on ALL my projects. Good luck to you all!
Rebecca Colunga I'm here looking at this BECAUSE I am having trouble with my Brother sewing machine. Then again - I ALSO happened on the Singer. Is it ME? Maybe it is. Is it that I buy less expensive machines? Maybe it is. But it is SO frustrating - because I WANT to sew and I want to LOVE sewing!! And then this...gets me so mad I want to throw the machine out the window!!
Oh no!! I purchased the Brother SE400 almost a year ago, and haven't had any problems yet! I haven't had many projects, and won't lie, the Singer scarred me, so I definitely take it slow. I tend to think it's me too! 😣
Rebecca - I hear you. i was just sewing a VERY VERY easy project this morning - and I started crying. I don't GET it!!! I try EVERYTHING they tell you - and it's always the same. I WANT to love this hobby - but... it must be ME.
Might want to check the timing. Once a machine has been run, especially with fuzzy fabrics, the timing (when the needle goes down and when the bobbin catches the top thread underneath), can get knocked out of adjustment. Some machines have a set screw that can be adjusted, others might need to go in for a cleaning. It's important to keep your machine free of too much fuzz. Hope that helps.
I've been a Sewing Machine Mechanic for 35 years and the first thing to check is that your needle is inserted all the way in to the stop, it's straight and tight. Use the proper needle for your material. Set your top tension to 3 or 4 to start with. Make sure you put your bobbin in the correct way, when you pull the thread under the spring tension, make sure it's all the way through and when you pull the thread the bobbin spins in the opposite direction. If not working, it's out of timing.
1. Make sure you oil it (referring to the shuttle assembly or the bobbin area) everyday if you sew for hours and every week if you just sew rips and tears on your garment or making some quick sewing since that kind of bobbin placement and shuttle is commonly known in cheap Singer models. 2. You better double check your threading to avoid the thread from slipping out from the tension discs and try a simple test by pulling thread from the spool with the presser foot up first then down. You should feel the resistance when you pull the thread. 3. Leave the tension as it is for general fabrics and use the upper tension to make minor adjustments to get the balanced tension, not the bobbin tension. If so, try to jerk the bobbin case with the bobbin in it. It should pull an inch or two, showing that you correctly set the tension.4. Use a correct needle and appropriate thread you're using for the fabric and change it regularly, preferrably every 8 hours as it might get dull from sewing.5. Clean up lint and dirt on your machine everytime you do big projects or doing hours of sewing so that it lasts for a long time.6. Lastly, refer to your manual for futher information about your problems BEFORE you bring it to the service center for repairs. I hole these might help. I use my Singer Simple 3232 and it is perfectly fine with good maintenance.
Well, the best $85 we spent on our Singer was to have it professionally cleaned and adjusted. It was used so little and had contiguous bobbin jamb problems. A little sewing shop with lots of fancy embroidery machines did the work and it works flawlessly now. No more cursing and swearing at it. It just works as it should. Good luck and find a local shop that can clean and adjust your machine.
When you thread the machine, be sure you have the presser foot UP. If you don't, the thread can't lock into the tension plates properly. Sometimes the machine will correct itself, and sometimes not. When the foot is down, the thread will not advance enough to allow the thread to lock in.If this isn't it, it's probably the UPPER tension.
I have been sewing on just about every model singer machine made since 1960,my first tip Change the needle and make sure it is seated correctly all the way up,Tip 2 adjust your tension (not the bobbin but top tension) different fabrics require different tensions Tip 3 Oil machine frequently then run a scrap thru to remove excess oil Tip4 make sure all screws that hold bobbin shuttle and hook are tight. If that doesnt help you may need to have the machine re-timed (if you dont know how) just dont give up on the machine,I have 20 or more singer machines and wont use any other brand.
Thank you! I was looking for a solution, not another complaint! ;) I just started out too and I know it can't be the machine. I'm looking at other videos too and someone talked about the tension setting, that it has to be changed for different fabrics. I'm pretty sure it was 1. the tension # vs. fabric type, 2. I bought all purpose thread and it keeps tearing off at the needle too and maybe because it's too thin it doesn't feed through the dog either (?) so I think I have to buy a stronger thread.
good grief.... your lucky it performed at all with that fabric. The fuzzy fabric is being pushed into the bobbin cavity, and of course your thread will jam, your going to have timing problem shortly. Before you abandon your nice machine, use a tear away stabilzer on the underside. freezer paper, paper ,paper... anything to help,it glide through. It may be all out of balance by the time you see this, but you need to clean it thoroughly now clear machine of all threads that are probably behind the hook assembly. YOu need tobrush up on proper methods, needle sizes to use, what changes to make when using different fabrics. Once you do, you'll have better sewing days! good luck and thanks for your video.
1) Start simple: Regular fabrics, w/o pile or batting that may be pulling into the lower area. 2) Make sure top and bottom threads are correctly fed, especially thru the top tension plates. 3) After sewing a few feet of test layers w/o any problems, ask a local sewing store about proper use of this pile batting - it may require a backing layer, etc. 4) Stop once a jam occurs - needles will bend, or strike and create burrs on the plate which will constantly snag, fray, or cut the threads.
I feel your pain! I almIn addition to adjusting both the bobbin tension and the thread tension, these things called bobbin washers also help TREMENDOUSLY. I feel your pain
AWESOME counter-clockwise tip totally works! I think the problem is that the manual really makes it look like you should be winding clockwise. Great advice Rami. yay RU-vid.
Mine was doing this, even after I had it serviced. I spoke to a seamstress. She recommended checking the bobbin case tension, I was afraid of messing with it and not getting it back to where it was so I bought a new bobbin case also. I compared them and noticed the tension portion was bent and out of whack. I have been using the new case ($20 from a singer service provider) and it hasn't messed up.
Thanks for the video. My mother purchased a Singer as a replacement for her old machine that was falling apart (literally). The exact same problem, after returning the machine for a replacement one I was testing it for about 10 minutes and guess what, the exact same problem again. Reading about the issues so many seem to have with this machine and others where the bobbin is loaded on the side or front I will try to replace it with a "bobbin on top" type. Seems like a design problem if you ask me.
Hi there, take the bobbin case out of the machine and look at the opening where the thread comes out. The thread goes between the casing and a tension plate. On that plate there is a tiny flat head screw. Now hold the case in your left hand, bobbin is looking to the right side. Turning the srew to the right now will put more tension on the thread. Turning it to the left will ease it. Turn max 10 degree and test the thread tension with your finger. A little drag is what you want. Hope that helps.
When threading top thread through the tension pulley be sure you hear the clicks to know you have the thread to the core. It will produce a neater line.
I had a similar problem. A friend told me to clean the machine with oils and qtips. This worked. However I noticed it kept happening again. I happened to mention it to someone who works at Joann fabrics. I also mentioned I had been using invisible thread. She said it was a common problem caused by using invisible thread. I stopped using it, cleaned it once more and haven't had a problem since..
I reckon it is a manufacturing defect. I bought a brand new Singer it works beautifully on straight stitches but as soon as the zigzag stitches are adjusted and sewn the needle sticks. I have to remove the whole bobbin casing and all to disengage the project. It is returned and refunded from the shop where I bought it. Glad they were very gracious about it all.
It is not as simple as setting your top tension to 4 and keeping it there for every project. Your top tension has to be in sync with your bobbin tension. There are many tutorials on youtube that help you learn how to set your bobbin/lower tension so that both threads pull out using the same amount of force. My guess is that the bobbin tension screw needs adjusting here, then the top tension tweaked to match. Every different material and different thread will need readjusted every time. Unfortunately, we can't just set our tensions somewhere in the middle and leave them there for every project. :)
The reason the bobbin is doing this is because when you finish sewing, move the needle to the very highest postion and then a touch more so that it just starts to move downwards - and when I say JUST STARTS, I mean just that, JUST starts to move downwards. Lift the foot and pull the material out carefully, cut thread. When you start to sew the next piece, the needle will be in the exact correct position. I had all this trouble many of you are talking about, but discovered the solution was as I have just explained. If you do not have the needle in the correct position, the next time you come to sew, the bobbin will tangle up and cause the problem. Singer machines are excellent, you just need to overcome this one little glitch, once you know how to solve it, you will all love your machines and no, I do not work, nor have anything to do with Singer companies.
Had the problem thread bunching up underneath, put the bobbin tension on a higher #. Could not find any answers on how to oil so I unscrewed underneath and was able to oil this way. Works fine now . Singer 2263.
lisa swierk below is correct. I have found that if you use the plastic bobbins that come with some machines, you won't have a problem. But if you use the metal bobbins, you have to push the bobbin in HARD. It will snap into place. If it doesn't, pull it out and push it in until it snaps. I've even had the bobbins fly out of the bottom of the machine.
Needle type, threading, tension on both upper and lower, thread/bobbin/case quality, thread, stitch length, presser foot/pressure - all play a part in getting great stitches. I have pfaff, brother, janome; got same problem if I don't co-ordinate the adjustments properly. Always test stitching before sewing on any projects. Backup vintage sewing machine is helpful. I use my precious vintage Singer 66 handcrank (fm thrift store) for backup most, especially when I send my machines for repair.
This happened to me yesterday for the 1st time ever. I have a 1995 White machine. I had to tighten the tension on the upper thread and tightened my tension on the presser foot, too. Then finally just loaded a new bobbin with thread. Also, when this happens, pull out the bobbin first, snip the the threads, and THEN remove the needle. It will come out much easier.
I find it happens when the dogs don't feed the fabric through fully, and a loose underside loop or tow are pulled and tangled. Try setting the presser foot "tension" or spring to the lightest, less compressive setting and tighten your bobbin case slightly. That helped me with doing Kevlar and ultra thick denim. For normal every day sewing and bottom weight I haven't had that problem. But I also tend to use my serger more.
Mine did the same thing over and over again. I called Singer. Singer stated that the machine was out of timing so I paid to have it fixed. Singer also stated that if I pulled on that bunched up thread that it would cause my machine to go out of timing EVERY time. Tried to sew again, the same problem still happened! So out of $80 for repair, new machine used or tried to use 4 times. I am not willing to do it again. Got a whole different machine.
Make sure you are threading the machine with the pressure foot up. I just watched a RU-vid video on this because I was having the same problem and it was driving me crazy!
My 1960's machine does exactly the same thing - when it does its generally 1 of 2 issues, that the top thread isn't threaded correctly (even if it started out that way sometimes it jumps out in places), or the upper tension is set wrong, When you've got your work stuck in the machine after that happens - if you pull the 2 vertical leavers each side of the bobbin away from the bobbin - the while mechanism falls out and then you can detach your work and clean all the bits out before fixing the problem and trying again!
i bought the singer 1120 and i had the same bobbin problem!! i just fixed it!!! ok the problem was that i wasn't doing the bobbin threading properly. i did follow the instructions though. anyway the thread doesn't just go into the hole as shown in the instructions manual. its sewing perfectly now. its had to explain with words. its easier to show you. i ll try to make a video if you want.
I just got a Singer 2200, and everything looks great except I'm having this same issue with some practice runs on an old t-shirt. I read some of the comments here and adjusted the tension at the top of the machine. I changed it from 4 to 3, and the problem seems to have gone away.
gday I have had the same problem with a fairly new machine. My problem was due to overuse. Cheaper machines are not made to do mass sewing, nor are they made to do heavy duty sewing. The problem with your machine is the timing. Both the machine timing and the dog feed are out of sink. You can remove the throte plate and clean away lint, then oil the bobin chase which will help a little. To fix this prob there is no avoiding it. Take it to a sewing centre and have the timing reset.
It's not just Singers, I had a brother side loader that did the exact same thing.Note that most machines are designed the same way. The manual just said "check your threading". This is a common problem with side/front bobbin loading machines, I've owned two top loaders since and they don't do this. It's related to the thread size and needle compatibility. It does look like she's using too thick of a thread. Most machines can't handle anything thicker than your standard coats and clark general use thread. Quilting and upholstery duty, forget it. Go to a lighter thread and see if that fixes your problem.
Whole different machine same problem. I have a Empisal Supremantic. Haven't been working for a while so I would think it needs a clean and some oil. Will see tonight since I need to make a Rind Bearer for my wedding in two weeks. Keep well.
Mine fixed by changing needle. I guess I was using incompatible ones and after changing to singer brand it works very fine and smooth. Mind also to not use the needle back forward.
its a tensioning problem. take out the bobbin case and insert a new bobbin allowing the bobbin thread to be drawn out counter clockwise..make sure the little spring on the bobbin case is not bent or deformed.sometime a little oil on the spindle on the bobbin case helps .the thread should pull through the bobbin case with a very slight degree of drag.you can alter this by slackening the larger screw on the spring.then check the check top tension.gradually tighten .sew on 2 thin plies of cloth.
It can be lots of problem, ur bobbin is threaded wrong, your needle is on wrong, your tension is wrong, or you thread your top thread wrong... I experienced all this and now I learn and not have any problem anymore, I'm pretty u fixed it but this is for others that watches this
There is a litle tension screw on the bobbin case. Turn it sligthly clockwise some degrees to tighten the spring up. Fixed it when i had the same problem.
Sorry to say, but Singer machines are JUNK! Especially the new ones. They're built with the quality of a child's toy. "The string gets all goopied up in there." You are so cute! I hope you got it all figured out by now.
It doesn't matter if your bobbin looks okay, the question is, is the TENSION okay? There is a little screw on that bobbin cup, turn to adjust the tension. From the looks of this, it appears that the tension on your bobbin has loosed up over time and needs to be re-adjusted THAT or the tensioner screw has too much end play causing the tension to become erratic and fail. Front loader bobbins are a head ache!
I am a troubleshooter nut, and can usually fix about everything. I cleaned checked tensions, changed bobbins, changed bar timeing, rethreaded a hundred times, oiled the crap out of it, checked needle height, and on and on and on. threaded while up. changed dials while up. etc etc etc. still tangles underneath...........I want to throw it in the street, but I am poor and can't afford another one. Only 2 years old. AUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For those having the same problem, It appears intermittently the thread hangs up leaving a loop in the hook area. When the next loop is formed it interferes with the stitch and creates a knot. There are many possible causes such as a bad needle, burr on hook, clearance in hook area or lint. Trying to diagnose this without seeing it is like trying to thread a needle with your eyes closed. Take it to an expert. Next time to help remove the thread jam remove the hook.
I'm not an expect, but I have had the same problem- and fixing the Tension on the top dial fixed the problem seveal times. Hou have to use different tension for different thicknesses of material.
I bought mine 4 years ago, and the same problem began instantly. I work all of the time and do not have time to take it back. After reading everyone's comments, it is the thing to do! Return them everyone! It is junk. No wonder they are cheaper...agghh
Oh my goodness. Boom u really showed it how it's all screwed up. I just got my machine and it did that right instantly. Is it a defect? How did you solve this problem because I'm at my wits end. Oh and how I was so trilled with my new project. I guess that it is a defect? what did you do please let me know because it is a mess and I don't get any sewing going on.
Rethread the top. It's all to do with the tension from the top! I had this problem too. So just start over by rethreading the needle. It had nothing to do with the lower bobbin. Hope this helps
First, make sure the machine is threaded properly. Next, never, turn the wheel in reverse position to loosen the thread if caught, snip the threads from inside the bobbin to release the strings. third, use the correct needle ( instructor says, most problems are caused by using the incorrect needle.) Fourth, clean and oil machine. I had a similar problem; machine was threaded incorrectly. Follow the manual and if it still catchs, take it in.
That's the beginner's problem in using the machine. Make sure they have parental or professional supervision and consult the manual provided in the machine. They also need to change the needle every 8 hours of sewing.
No problem ^^ Just keep in mind about it and please read your instruction manual and make it as your "best friend" when you have problems on your machine and how to troubleshoot it.
This problem is usually caused by the UPPER thread slipping out of the tension disks. To confirm this, use two different contrasting threads, one in the bottom bobbin, and a dfferent one in the upper. When the problem happens again, you'll be able to tell which thread is the offender and address the problem accordingly. Also note that when you raise the presser foot, it opens the upper tension disks, this may be when the thread slips out. Good luck, I hope this helps.
did you sort it, i found that bobbin tension is as important as thread tension get it wrong and you end up with big loops of bobbin thread, and or breaking the main thread. to adjust the bobbin thread you just need to turn the tension screw on the bobbin there will be 2, 1 will be a securing screw and the other the tensioner. also check that the needle isn't bent Regards Mr B
Been sewing for a long time. Very likely a slightly bent needle. There are new cheap needles out there that are not stiff like they should be. Had the same problem for a while, and then my other machine started doing it. Same batch of needles.
This happens with my machine every time I try to sew through more than just a few pieces of materials. Definitely does it every time I sew through batting. Makes me sad. Seeing all these complaints, I think it might be time for a new machine. Last night I had to carefully rip out about 18 inches of quilting on a table runner. Guess I am going to have to hand quilt...makes it more special, right?
This bobin type is a pain, The shuttle type is better but its common problem. If the needle slightly bends it pulls out of alignment and bangs the hook around the bobin. That effectively skips a stitch and jams up the thread. Try different needles and be very carefull not to pull the fablic so that it would case the needle to bend. Some of the needles that are used for denim are more sturdy. You could try that and make sure tension is set right as that can tug the thread and pull the needle too
I had exactly the same problem and I adjusted the tension on top thread and got it fixed. I don't think the bobbin going which way matters. The weird thing is that I have to adjust tension dial to 9, the highest rate to get it right. I think somewhere there is a problem but since I can use it now I am happy. I was too cheap to spend $55 or $85 to service the machine I spent $85 for. If it's not fixable I guess I will just buy another one for $89 at Walmart or Target.
Thanks so much I was having the exact same problem after I tried to sew some weird fabric but all the advice in the comments helped and my machine is working perfectly again :D thanks guys!
My new singer had the same problem, I solved it after a few hours of trying different things. The top thread was not in the right place. As soon as i re thread properly, the problem solved.
Seems like your bobbin case is not fully inserted. You need to make sure that it clicks firmly in place. Also be sure that your top thread is between the tension discs and that the tension is set correctly. The bobbin case tension needs to be set such that when you hold it by the thread after threading the case, it will slide about an inch when you give a gentle jerk. Most importantly, make sure there is no burr in your bobbin area or bobbin case, that can drag the thread out of the bobbin.
I had a brother before about ready to part with my singer 1234 every time I want to see have to work on it. Ssssooooo done with it. Never had to work on old one til 20 yrs later. Only had this machine since Christmas was a gift. Not happy at all, this issue needs fixed
Items that may be causing this problem are poor upper tension, burr on the hook, bad needle, lint or thread in the race area, bad timing. It is a little difficult to trouble shoot without seeing the entire machine in person. A simple test for the upper tension is to install a size 80 needle lower the presser foot and pull the thread at an angle towards the rear left of the machine. At normal tension the needle should deflect between an 1/8 and 1/4 inch. I would suggest professional help.
I have the same machine and the SAME problem! Next time, I'll buy a German machine...but it will cost twice as much. Just remember the old saying, "You get what you pay for".
Have you checked your bobbin tension? My singer machine did this too, until I read somewhere in a "Brother" sewing manual that if the tension isn't proper the thread coming from underneath will bunch up in the bobbin area. I wasn't able to use my singer machine for years, because it wouldn't stitch at all- I ended up on the brother site accidentally. The brother manual is a lot better than the singer manual.
I'm currently fighting with Viking to refund my money for my Singer Starlet that I've used four times. It is doing this same thing. This is a design flaw. Who's willing to join me in a class action lawsuit? This is pure bullshit.
@Discernaoftruth I don't think the problem is Singer. The problem is the bobbin design--it is cheap and old fashioned. Singer also has top loading bobbins that are held in place magnetically, designed NOT to jam. Unfortunately, this design is only in their expensive machines ($200 plus).
lots of thread on underneath of fabric means top thread is not threaded right or wrong needle. apply some 3-1 oil. it is noisy worse thing would be timing is off.
i have also same problem with my Singer 1507. Its indifferent if i put oil, clean it inside, change needle...it works and later makes the same. I really think that its a machine problem.i know a good seamstress and confirm that its not usual. And more pople has same model and happens the same.After 5 years fighting with it i decide to buy new one.
When the needle goes down it leaves a loop and the hook picks the loop up to make the stitch. if the hook is damaged it wont do it properly or the feed plate could be damaged, they might need sanding down or replacing. Take the bobbin and hook out and put a drop of oil down bottom and moving parts but not too much as pick up grime and damage machine. watch the secret life of sewing machines tim hunkin it gives very good insight.
I would try putting tissue paper underneath the fuzzy part between the fabric and the table. This might help minimize any potential of the thread becoming bound or interrupted in the mechanism. PEACE!
Have you watched the DVD that came with it? My dvd said that when the bobbin thread bunches up underneath, it is actually an indicator that your upper thread is not threaded correctly. I've been threading sewing machines for years. However, when I watched the video and made sure I had the spool on *top* of the machine feeding in the correct direction *AND* when I had the spool holder (a little cap that keeps the spool of thread from moving around) on, everything suddenly worked perfectly.
I was having the exact same problem and plus the needle was jamming inside and or breaking the needle..I finally took it in to a repair shop and they fixed the problem in less than 15 minutes..$55.00 later it was fixed and the man said the timing was off..
I'm having this same problem. I can watch the bobbin area while sewing and I can see the thread from the needle getting caught around the metal pieces that hold the bobbin in place. After reading the comments and seeing this Im thinking its the machine instead of me. I'm going to contact Singer and see what they say. I don't know enough about it to take it apart and fix it like others have suggested. Maybe singer will tell me what to do.
I flipped my bobbin feed clockwise and counter clockwise. Same problem she's having. Brand new machine just out of the box. I've messed with the "bobbin tension screw" and the tension up top.
@samewish I did save up my money and spent $400 on my Janome, but Hancock Fabrics has some that are $200. It doesn't rattle, and it runs so smooth. Even my daughters Sew Mini which I paid $40 for runs smoother and better than the Singer I had which broke on me. I can't afford the Cadillacs of the sewing machines (Vikings or Bernina), but I'm good with my Honda (Janome). Brother is good as well, but be careful of the cheaper ones. They are loud and rattle A LOT.
Omg, I'm working with fleece right now and THIS just began to happen to me too!! I can't seem to get it to work properly. I've dusted and cleaned it all but nothing. Maybe it's the oil, I need to buy some and try oiling up the bobbin holder and all the lil gadgets in there. Ugh!! What worked for you, did u fix yours?
Did you ever get it fixed? I just bought a Singer a week ago and have been having problems with it every single time I sit down to sew.. I'm just starting quilting and it's very frustrating, as you said, as a beginner. My machine will go for a little bit and then randomy the bobbin will get all tangled up and there will be a TON of strings on the fabric and around the bobbin's hole.
Had the same problem and it was the set screw on the back of the bobbin cage shaft that holds the gear on the shaft, it loosens itself and allows the shaft to slip and throw it out of time, simple fix just put some loc-tite on the set screw and tighten it down but big pain in the butt to get the machine apart to access the gear and shop wants $150.00 to do it.
I think I have the same machine (1409 promise?) I had the same prob at first but I found out I didnt push the bobbin in completely to where it clicked in. Make sure the little tip of it at the TOP is in the upside down "u" where the bobbin is. Also clean any thread thats down there cause they'll hide in the hole where the thread from the bobbin is.
OMFG I have the same problem. My Singer 5400 is fairly new.. its not even a year old and I've only used it about 4 or 5 times. For some reason the thread gets all tangled up on the bottom or it gives me ridiculously long stitches. I have changed the needle several times, changed the bobin several times, I've played around with the settings, and I still have problems. Its not getting tangled anymore at the bottom but I am still getting big long stiches, even after adjusting the settings. The automatic threader doesn't even work anymore. Someone help... =(
I had a new Singer Prelude and it started doing this SAME THING! I paid $79 to ""adjust the thread tension" and the same thing happened again, immediately. Now I see that this adjustment was a simple quick rask and I was cheated.
I bought a Singer 5500 about a year ago. The first small project I did, I had no problem. But, I am having the same issue you are with the rats nest from the bobbin. Now I can't even get the bobbin to feed thread through the foot plate. My old Singer lasted 30 years. This one is about to get thrown into the trash. . .It's a disappointing piece of junk!
I have a similar problem except mine will only go a little ways before it tangles all up in the bottom. My Dad said it was the tension, but I've fiddled with the tension knob and this problem won't go away. I asked my friends grandma and she said that I must not be threading right. But I looked it up and I am threading right. My machine is an older model, from like the late 80's -- early 90's
This is a year too late,but the first thing I noticed was that there is too much play or rocking with the bobbin case.I compared it with my machine and mine doesnt move at all when sewing. Is the bobbin case inserted properly? You should hear a "click" when you push it in. If you hold the thread before you bring it up to the top and pull on it, the case shouldn't fall out. I think it might in your case.
I suspect it's not caching at the bottom at random times due to out of alignment/timing and then going back into alignment...thus leaves no clue. You can rotate the bottom wheel back to its proper timing by hand and the problem should disappear at low speeds as a test. Problem is there is no timing mark so you'll have to pay someone. I like to help people find the timing on a variety of brands so they don't pay someone else. This problem was discovered when I was stuck with nothing to do but a broken machine. I had time to pull it apart. Mistake in engineering I noticed could be solved with super glue, possibly? If you can follow directions, you could fix yours.
Nevermind figured it out : read the comments and tried using two different threads to see which one was the problem ( main or bobbin color) and I too extra care when threading the needle...... that was the only issue it somehow wasnt threaded right, after that works perfectly! - hope this helps
I have a brother and it does the same thing one i do a three step ziz zag there is no going back. Any other stitching after that will all get jammed skip stitches and i am using poly thread. Tention at 4-5. Even if i just try to hand wind it, i can see that it is getting stuck on everything. It is getting stuck on the boobin hook on the boobin casing, all together its just a mess.
I have a Singer Fashion Mate and I get the exact same problem! Barely got the machine like 4 months ago. I am a new sewer but threading isn't something hard to learn. It started to do it on my service dog's gear (heavy duty cordura and nylon), and it's now doing it on the thinner material. It has broken a few needles and keeps getting unthreaded and breaks the thread. I try different settings for a simple straight stitch. How do I fix this problem?
I've just set up a brand new Singer Promise which was a gift, and even with one piece of muslin practising a straight line, it jams up immediately. Loads of top thread getting stuck in the bobbin area. I'm so disappointed. I can't get it going at all. I've got the tension setting on 4 as recommended, and I'm watching loads of tutorials to see if I'm doing something wrong (i'm sure I'm not). Just don't know what to do.
