I feel so lame!
 

We are in West Yellowstone for summer and while dh fishes I am sewing on my featherweight...or... I was. I got a small bit of thread caught in the bobbin area and took the plate off to get at it. Now folks I've cleaned in that area and removed the plate numerous times but this time I have a problem. I have tried everything to get the bobbin mechanism lined up with the plate as the book shows (and have done just like it should be) but when I put the plate on and turn the wheel to check....the needle stops partway. I'm embarrassed to say how much time I've spent trying to get my little FW working again. I was so frustrated that I went online and found another machine to use (that I could afford). But I want my featherweight back. Can any of you experts here help me solve what I did to my machine? Thanks!!

I don't have a Featherweight but will give you the standard advice- Step away from the machine , take several deep breaths , relax. Take everything out again then try reassembling :) Sometimes you get so frustrated that the simplest thing will cause you a headache

When the needle stops, where is the hook of the bobbin assembly? When the needle passes down into the bobbin assembly, the eye should end up just about 1/8" away from the point of the hook, if I remember correctly. Your machine may be out of time. There are timing marks behind the faceplate that you use to set it. Also, have you reinserted the needle to be sure it's in all the way?

Look very closely in the hook area. You may still have a piece of thread stuck somewhere.

I've not had your problem with my FWs so I'm really not much help. I would look at the needle and make sure it wasn't bent.

I do know that you need to make sure the take-up lever is in the highest position when you stop your stitching. I've been told that stopping in the right place will keep that problem from happening again.

FLQ,

Go here: http://thefeatherweight221factory.com/page10.php He has a lot of information about the thread jams on Feather Weights.

Joe

Uh, huh, right there with you. Same thing happened to my Little Bit! No matter what I do, I can't get it lined up properly. I have looked at the manual diagram even with a magnifying glass. Sadly, I just put Little Bit aside and started sewing on Pearl (the white FW). Little Bit is on vacation and it is an extended vacation right now. I may have to take her to my OSMG!!

If you are trying to time your fw, the timing mark is in the correct spot twice. When the needle is on its way down and again on its way back up. The first tries didn't work for me. I'm pretty sure it worked when it was on its way back up but I can't remember for sure. You may want to try both and see if one works.

I haven't ventured into the "timing" area yet but I think you're on to something. I'm going to review the link j miller posted and check everything mentioned...after our visitors leave :). I'll let you know how I did.

I can't tell from your description, but is the 'finger' on the bobbin case in the slot the bobbin case goes into. I had that problem and finally figured it out from the picture in the manual. Hope that helps