Some older machines, the thread goes into the needle from the right, some from the left, if it isn't correct, that might stop the thread from being picked up.

Have you tried changing how the bobbin goes into the holder? Spinning clock wise/counter clockwise? :D:D:D

I could be wrong about this, but......

On that type of bobbin, the pointy piece goes up, doesn't it? Then I would think that the thread is supposed to be caught in that little "nick" to the left of the point, so the thread comes out and towards your left hand.

If you're using better needles (Schmetz, etc.) try Singer needles - they are just a little longer and may be all you need to change.

is it threaded correctly? I have one singer that threads from left to right, one that threads from front to back and my FW thread right to left. Reverse how you have it threads and see if it works.

What is the model number of the machine? The following website has free threading diagrams for older machines. Not sure if this is the model you have:
http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diag...ng_diagram.htm

The bobbin case looks like yours, so I'm thinking the bobbin directions should be the same. If your machine is a different model, you can probably find the exact threading diagram for it on the sewusa website.

WOW! Thank you. ;) I just figured that you should know what you are opening up. It is irritating to me (not to mention time consuming) when I open a post to find out that it's no where near what I thought it was and I wind up just clicking out of it.

I so appreciate your help. I will try these things after church tomorrow. This is the first time that I have actually sat down to see how it sews and then was frustrated because it never would pick up the thread.

At the moment it was threading from left to right in the needle. I will check and see if it helps to turn the needle around. Also, yes, I have the pointy part of the metal bobbin case pointed up. I will try to change the way the thread will unwind and see if that helps.

Thank you all so much for your ideas, help and the link. I just love this place! ;)

Quilty Hugs!

One of my vintage machines was giving me the same problem. Happened to have the original manual & looked at it.
The needle was one that was seated with the eye on the side. Then had to be threaded from left to right.
Did that. Wahala! Sewed like a dream and such an easy fix.

Most important: check the manual for threading and needle insertion instructions! If you don't have one, try the vintage machine sites for help. Your picture looks like there's a part of the threading mechanism missing on the front, but I've never seen a machine like that, so who knows...

Anyway:
1. Insert the needle with the flat side in the proper place. I sometimes have trouble with it twisting as I insert it, so it's always a good thing to check to see if the thread channel in the needle (you can feel it with your fingernail) is opposite the flat side so you'll know if it's correct.

2. Make sure the bobbin case is firmly seated in place.

3. Make sure the bobbin is inserted properly in the case, with the thread coming off the proper side and up through the slot and hole

4. Thread the machine, with the needle raised to the highest position and the foot raised.

5. Slowly turn the wheel toward you as you hold the top thread in your hand and lower the needle into the bobbin case. This should bring the bobbin thread to the top. Bingo! you're good to go. Now make that pretty baby sing! Good Luck!

I have a 1949 singer and a 1962 wards, they both have bobbins with a sinilar "pointy" piece. Both bobbins fit into a kind of slot and the thread then is naturally coming from the top of the bobbin case. Sometimes I have to jiggle the bobbin case to get it to set right in its place. Also, the needles on both of these machines have a flat side that goes against the lifter bar.
Don't know if this helps but good luck getting it working.

Did you notice that the lever in front is in reverse??