Have you had this problem?
 

Several months ago I bought an inexpensive Brother machine to replace my dying old Pfaff. It took me a while to like the new one at all, but it turned out the upper tension inside the machine is off, so compensating for that helped. The only problem I cannot seem to get over is the bobbin take-up.

A technician at my LQS showed me what the bobbin area should look like, how the thread end should cross over the inserted bobbin and then come up thru the plate. (Please forgive if these are not the right words.) When I need to insert a new bobbin I often have to take it back out and try over and over again, sometimes a dozen times, before it [the thread end] stays in the right place long enough to sew. And then it sometimes slips "out" in the middle of a seam, at which point it begins that looping nonsense on the underside.

Long, long story to this point, but the question is: Have you had this problem, and have you found a "cure"?

Where did you purchase the machine? If you got it from Walmart's, I'd say take it back and get a new one. Tell them that this one does not stitch correctly and the bobbin thread does not work properly. Do you have your receipt? Take it back to where ever you got it and exchange it for another. Sounds like you got a lemon!

Unfortunately, the inexpensive Brother/Singer machines that you can buy off the shelf at a store like Walmart are not designed to last long, nor will they tolerate what an avid quilter will ask of them. I've had two Brothers, both purchased from Walmart and neither lasted long - the most recent was a cs600i and it only took two years of sewing before it crashed with the repairs costing more than the original purchase price. The more expensive Brothers are said to be of better quality, I myself can't say as my current machine is a Janome 6600. I am not sure of the warranty, but try to take the machine back and get a refund. You will be much happier with a better quality machine.

I guess it depends on what you mean by inexpensive. I have never had this trouble with my Brothers. Is there a diagram showing you which way to load in the bobbin? That should be a two second job. Something doesn't sound right there. Just drop it in - let the 4" piece of thread lay aside... bring down your upper thread by rolling the hand wheel enough that it takes up the bobbin thread. Run your pencil, ripper, anything front to back through those threads and that should send both thread ends to the back of the machine. You should be ready to sew. Or maybe I just can't understand what the trouble is with the thread/bobbin. Can you take a picture of the problem and post that here?

I have a ULT Brother with the Disney caratures built in, a 9000 Janome and a SQ=9000 I got at Walmart. Have had no problems with any of them. The SQ-9000 I've had for 2 years and can't believe for the price how well it sews. I've made about 6 or 7 quilts with it and it sews like the bigger ones do. Guess it depends on if you get a good one or a lemon. With the price I paid for the SQ I could afford to buy another one if it gives out. It is lots easier to take to classes. That 's why I have it.

I got a pretty decent picture of the CORRECT way this should look, and hope I can upload it. This machine has a drop-in bobbin with a very primitive (simple) laying down of the tail. My issue seems to be when the needle & top thread come down to grab it, do they grab it right. (The Tech. at the store did say this was related to the top tension, so maybe I will have to spend the $ to get that fixed.) I was always taught to have both threads "up" before starting to sew, so I pull the wheel toward me to draw the bobbin thread up, before beginning.

I bought it reconditioned off the internet. It is one of those Project Runway machines with 80 built-in stitches. I haven't given up on it yet; it may still be one underlying problem in the machine and massive user ignorance.

try calling Brother directly, they have an 800 number, have had two brothers and loved them both....

Looking at your picture, the bobbin loads like mine. You do not have to pull the bobbin thread to the top. You just wrap it around the way the directions show, with the thread going the correct direction and cut it at the end with the built in cutter. I use a starter piece to eliminate the bunching of the thread when I begin sewing.

Well, I bought a Brothers NX-250 which I do not consider inexpensive. I too have had that problem. I have found that both times the looping on the back has happened, I had to take everything apart and there was something down inside that was making it act up. I love this machine and it sews nicely. This machine is two years old but I haven't used it very much and still trying to get used to it. Both times it acted up, I rethreaded, new needle, all the usual things. Nothing worked. Then when I took it apart I found either a piece of material or a piece of a pin somplace around the bobbin case. Once that was cleared out it worked fine.

I agree with Sananddaddy and MarLeClair -

One of my Brother machines threads exactly as yours does. As long as you lay the bobbin with the thread coming off correctly, and pull it through the end with the built-in cutter, it should work fine. I don't pull both threads up before sewing.

When I have had problems with the bobbin thread, it's because there's another piece of thread or lint or something in the bobbin area.

One thing I want to add - if you're having issues with the thread on TOP of your fabric, the problem is with the bobbin thread. If you're having issues with the thread on the BOTTOM of your fabric, the problem is with your needle thread. If you're getting loops on the bottom, you need to check that your TOP thread is threaded correctly and is not catching on anything.

My Daughter has a Brother machine she bought 6+ years ago from Wal Mart and she loves everything about it, except the small throat. She has a Brother 1500 with the 9" throat and really loves it because a queen sized quilt is much easier to quilt on. The first Brother cost about $170.00. She has gotten her moneys worth.

I love my brother from walmart, take it to class every week, the SQ-9050. Not to mention in my class my machine sewed more beautiful buttonholes than some of the expensive machines. Inexpensive brothers are just fine for quilting needs. As for the refurbished ones, you really have to make sure they work right when you get them. The first one I got of my xl-3500i was a lemon and wouldn't sew a thing, the company sent me a new one quick and six years later I still have it and it still sews beautifully and yes its another cheapie plastic brother. I packed it away for my daughter last fall. She loves sewing already and shes almost 3. I do have my expensive babylock thats made by brother but my little one can do most of the things my big one can and just as nice, the big one is just more heavy duty which will be good if I ever do sew for long hours more often. But as I always say for occassional quilters that do this as a hobby say weekends because they work and sewing is not their career to make money off of than the cheap machines are perfect for them.You only need an expensive one if you are sewing long hours every day causing more wear and tear on your machine.

The same here except my little machine is closer to 10 years old. I have no complaints other than the small throat and also have a Brother 1500. My little machine will sew anything --- even reflective tape on miner's bibs.

It sounds like there is just a problem with yours. Don't write off all the inexpensive Brothers because of one lemon.

Lee. I have 2 Project Runway Brothers. I thought I had killed my oldest brother so ran out and got another one...tried the old one a week later and it was working fine. The old one was showing wear (since I dropped it a few times and had to tape the cord on to keep it on). So I am glad I got the second one...if nothing else for cosmetic reasons when I take it to classes and quilt guild. I had the exact problem with the bobbin thread on the newest machine as you are describing. I read the manual to no avail and checked for foreign threads etc. I found if I didn't over load the bobbin and I ran the thread around the plate on the bottom (circular plate to cut the thread) when I pulled my thread up with the top thread it stayed in place over the bobbin and sews beautifully. These are my work horse machines. I have other machines but, really prefer the PR Brothers. Hope this helps

Also...listen for the little click it will make as you're pulling the thread through..it's very quiet..but you can hear it if you listen. What the other poster said about having lint under there can really mess them up, too is right on target.

Does yours have the funny little black brush in the bobbin area? I have to clean it every now and then with a pin, it fills up with lint. That can cause the thread to mess up. I also hold the thread when first starting a seam.

About 8 years ago, I purchased a Singer from Wal-Mart and it's been the best machine ever! My DH decided to purchase an older model machine in the cabinet, due to the price at a local auction. This machine doesn't like me at all...the bobbin is inserted from the bottom of the machine, and the tension will not stay where it's placed. I'm now using this one as a table. lol...but the cheaper Wal-Mart machine is still kicking out some awesome projects! There wasn't a book in the Wal-Mart box and I went back to ask for one which should have been included in the box. I was told to go out on a website and order a booklet. hah! I just couldn't part with such a great running machine!

I have an expensive machine on my quilting frame -for my everyday sewing I also use Brothers from Walmart-have had no trouble out of any-when they lock up I just buy another.

I bought my Brother's sewing machine from Hancock Fabric store for less than $100. I have been using it for over two years now and have sewn almost 20 quilts in the last 9 months. I use it every day and only have a couple of minor problems. I found that unless I use the automatic buttonholer for making my GD clothes that the zigzag does not work properly. I can sew a zigzag stich but not the fine one required for a buttonhole. The other problem I have is if I accidently bump the tension knob it will gather for hours even after I have moved it back to the orginal position. My bobbin drops into the foot plate and threads aroung the hook located in the front. I currently have a small burr on the metal plate that the top thread hangs on if I use heavier thread. I love my Brother and would buy another for the price I paid for it. If it dies or needs expensive repairs then I will get another similar. I would suggest that you try to stop winding the bobbin just before it is full. I found mine does better if the bobbin is not over full but I often forget and fill mine full. Have you thought about finding a shop that deals in Brother machines or call a tech that works with Brother. You might try to contact Brother Sewing machine Manufacturer at this number and address
7777 North Brother Blvd.
Bartlett, Tennessee 38133
1-877-BROTHER (877-276-8437)
901-379-1210 (fax)
M-F, 9:00am to 5:45pm Eastern Time

Good Luck.

I have the Disney Brother that does small embroideries, just because I love Mickey!! I have been using this $500 machine for 6 years to take to Fl in the winter. It still works pretty good. I have a Viking diamond and a couple of other Vikings, They are my true loves...but too big for me to travel with. I notice that when I clean my brother I sometimes have trouble making it stitch right. My problem has been that the hickey thing that holds the bobbin was not exactly in the right place. I have had this happen a couple of times. I just remove it and replace it correctly....sometimes a few times until it works again! I am going to feel real bad when she quits....she has lots of features in a very small body. Great for small spaces. Good luck with your machine. Carol

I agree! The pic shows the same as my machine.
You don't pull the thread up. You just follow the diagram and you're good to go.

[QUOTE=Buckeye Rose;5421743]Unfortunately, the inexpensive Brother/Singer machines that you can buy off the shelf at a store like Walmart are not designed to last long,

I have a Brothers Project Runway CE-5000PRW that I paid around $160 for and use it for piecing all my quilts. I purchased it because I needed something portable to take to classes as my Babylock Ellegante embroidery machine was tooooo heavy. This little machine is a work horse. I've had it about 2 yrs and sew just about every day. I doubt I'll ever buy another $7,000 embroidery machine (cheap by todays new machines), but I'd sure not hesitate to buy another Brothers off the shelf at Walmart. Just MHO.

Viv

I have a CS6000I and love it, never given me a problem. This is my third Brother machine. You should buy from a local dealer, so you warranty is good. Take it into a Brother dealer and see what they say.

I got really excited about this advice, but alas, it is not working for me. This photo shows what happens 90% of the time, no matter what I try to do to set it up correctly, and shows how the thread is drawing from the wrong "part" of the bobbin (i.e., not crossing over). I can haul it to a Brother store once again, tho they did not sell it to me. Don't know what else to do.

Call the customer service number. They are extremely nice and helpful. I have dealt with them a few times and they address your question and even address a couple others that many people call in about. Very pleasant experience!

I too bought a Brother cs6000i from Wal-Mart and after about 1 1/2 years the timing went out. Long story short it (according to Brother dealer) would continue to do this. Was too expensive to keep repairing so gave up on it. I did buy a new Brother from a different dealer and its exact same machine but have never had any problems with it yet. I still use my old trusty Singer for most of my sewing but like to switch off to the Brother and give "Betsy" a rest.

I have 3 Brothers and they all work fine. The oldest one is 17 years old and still runs fine. Maybe you just got a lemon.

The thread has to sort of 'click' into the tension guide in the bobbin. It isn't enough to just place it in right side up, you need to make sure it slips under the little 'finger looking' guide and has tension on it when you pull the thread. I'm not sure which Brother you are using but that's sort of a 'generic' explanation if that helps at all.

I too have a Brother/Laura Ashley NX2000 machine (which I don't consider inexpensive) and have had issues with the bobbin/bobbin case. I've had the machine 14 months and am on my third bobbin case (1st came with machine and somehow it got a broken hook - don't know how I did that; 2nd got burrs on the outer edge - probably from unnoticed bent needle since there were needle scars on the top of the case - says my tech.)
I used a walking foot to quilt a lap size with a cotton batting. The tech was quite convinced that I force-fed through the feed dogs.
Been sewing for 50 years with Singer/Viking/Elna and now Brother/Laura Ashley, Janome embroidery, and Elna serger so I'm not new to the rodeo but sure am new to replacing bobbin cases!

My tech has been near-militant about using Brother bobbins. Singer's look same but are slightly curved.

I just got back from taking my machine to a Brother technician at the LQS, and you are exactly right. My instructions do not say to HOLD THE BOBBIN DOWN WITH YOUR THUMB WHILE PULLING THE THREAD AROUND TOWARD THE CUTTER. I did not know there was a little hook hidden under there. I hopefully will now be able to settle down and sew, sew, sew. Thanks to all of you who sent suggestions.

Looks like mine as well - pull the thread to the left using the arch as a guide (should slip right in there so you don't see it anymore but are still holding the tail) until it is close to the front edge and the auto cutter will trim it perfectly.

My advise is take it back,sounds like it has something not right about the whole set up . Brothers are not usually that big or many problems.

I think you need to take that machine to a different tech. How can the upper tension be off without the lower being off? Makes no sense.
I bought my Brother embroidery machine at Walmart, also my Singer 2662. I have not had a problem with either one...other than I messed up the brother twice by not reading the instructions & using the proper bobbin thread.

On your brother machine (what model is it?)...is it a drop in bobbin? I have the SE270D (since replaced with a PE something)...The bobbin thread has to fit into a little groove before wraping and being cut to the left of the bobbin area. I put a finger on the bobbin then pull the thread through the little metal lip (it has to go all the way) and then I wrap through the left side and cutter.
If the needle picks up the thread, but the bobbin does not stay threaded...it's in time...if it were out of time, the needle will not pull up the thread.
Did your LQS offer a different machine? Sorry to be skeptical, but what you are saying does not compute to me. I've had dozens and dozens of machines over the years (we got them at auctions and sold them in our used merchandise store)...cleaned and timed them. If the LQS services a machine, that should include timing. Do check that the thread is the right weight also...I was using 50 wt & my bobbin is factory set at 60wt as the thickest it will take. You want a bobbin weight thread (brother makes a really strong one), or bottom line thread...but do make sure to get it all the way under that little metal lip.

See the drawing to the left? It shows the finer on the bobbin...the thread is running counter clockwise, and is brought back to the front and that is (3) where you need to hold the bobbin and make sure the thread "clicks" under that metal bit on the bobbin case..before you run it through the gray plastic cutter. Also, you need to not bypass that cutter...that gives the correct amount of thread needed for the needle to pull it up.
If when you tug...the thread breaks, you will have to try again, and possibly use a stronger (not thicker) thread. That is where you want a 60wt thread. My Brother threads the same way. And again...if the upper tension is off...then loosen the upper/or tighten the upper. Mine is never perfect either...on the tension, move the dial...or find a dealer who works on machines but does not sell the new ones.

If you got it on the internet...there is no warranty, unless you bought it from brother.
Have it cleaned and timed...and do make sure to read the manual.

I have Janome machines but the bobbins drop in the same way as your pic shows But they do need to be put in a certain way. I was taught when I got my first Janome to hold the bobbin up and the thread should come off so it looks like the letter"P". I know I put it in the wrong way once(don't know how) and ended up with spaghetti on the back of my work. Don't know if this will help but thought I'd mention it.

I have a brother too that loads like that. Never had an issue....you dont pull up the bobbin thread you just start sewing. I have made many quilts if your worried about not having a tail don't. Now mine doesn't bunch thread either at the beginning. Do not let people tell you you need an expensive machine. My first brother from Walmart is 15 years old and still works but I wanted more stitches and I'm a daily sewer. My second one I got 8 months ago and perfect still. It took me a minute to get used to the fact you dont have a tail when you first put the bobbin in. I just go slow. Happy Quilting

I don't know if I can explain this.Do you have the bobbin in with the thread comming off in the right direction?On my machines it should unwind clockwise.Is that true on your machine?It makes a huge difference.My old singers would still sew if it was wrong,but not for a real long time.When it starts acting up,flip the bobbin over and see if that makes a difference.