301 problem

Old 01-26-2013, 06:14 PM
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Default 301 problem

I have noticed a problem with my 301. I will be sewing along and suddenly my tension is bad. If I pull out the bobbin I see that the bobbin thread has come out of the tension spring in the bobbin case. This typically happens shortly after I have installed a newly filled bobbin in the bobbin case.

Could this mean that the bobbin is wound too full? If this is not a possible cause does anyone have any ideas?


I took the machine to the shop after I first got the machine because I had problems with the tension. The SMG said he rebuilt the upper tension. When I got it home the stitches 'looked' good but if you pulled on one of the threads it would just pull out. I started adjusting the bobbin tension until the stitches both 'looked' good AND wouldn't pull out.

Now if I can just get rid of this pesky problem. Any help would be appreciated.
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Old 01-26-2013, 06:44 PM
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I'd take it back to your SMG and have him show you that it has good tension. Or to fix it again. It could be many things and it's really hard to tell without having the machine in front of me and not knowing what the SMG guy did to the tension assembly.

Make sure you have the bobbin in it's case correctly and threaded properly-read the manual. That would be my first suggestion to you...
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Old 01-27-2013, 01:15 AM
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only adjust the tension with the presser foot down or the thread will just pull out freely - your manual is your best friend keep it near by and look at it frequently
There are lots of reasons the tension doesn't do what it is suppose to here is a trouble shooting list might help: http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t170748.html
It is an old one - you may have to cut and paste if the links don't go anyplace
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Old 01-27-2013, 01:19 PM
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It sounds like you need a new tension spring for your bobbin case or a replacement case. Singer221.com should have the part you need.
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Old 01-27-2013, 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Mitch's mom View Post
It sounds like you need a new tension spring for your bobbin case or a replacement case. Singer221.com should have the part you need.
Sometimes you have to remove those two tiny screws and remove the tension spring to clean behind it. I've had to do this several times. Sometimes rust forms or thread gets caught there...the tiniest little thing can make it impossible to adjust the tension on the bobbin case.
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Old 01-27-2013, 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Surfergirl View Post
Sometimes you have to remove those two tiny screws and remove the tension spring to clean behind it. I've had to do this several times. Sometimes rust forms or thread gets caught there...the tiniest little thing can make it impossible to adjust the tension on the bobbin case.
I do that usually but if you have never done it is can be a scary thing to do. You would want a copy of a service manual and a best friend to help. Keep things in order and don't lose any little parts.
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Old 01-27-2013, 01:55 PM
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Well now I know I'm not alone. My bobbin thread slips out of a freshly filled bobbin when I'm FMQ. My cure has been to not put on quit as much thread for that. It also helps to use my lone original bobbin, not the repos. Hmm, my second 301 came with several original bobbins. I think I need to 'borrow' a few bobbins from ErinRose for AnnieRose. I don't have a problem when piecing, just FMQ.
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Old 01-29-2013, 05:48 AM
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Well I pulled the bobbin case out of a featherweight i just bought and used it. Now I do not seem to have the problem. Guess I will be buying a new bobbin case - and adjusting how much thread winds on the bobbin.
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Old 01-29-2013, 07:20 AM
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Are you sure your bobbin case is adjusted properly? You can tighten it to see if that helps.
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Old 01-29-2013, 07:41 AM
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When I have trouble with a sewing machine tension I usually fight with it until I pull out the bobbin case, clean it, then adjust it the way it says in a number of places.
Basically I put a full or nearly full bobbin in the case and hold it by the thread. If the bobbin drops away of it's own weight, it's TOO LOOSE so I tighten it.
If it just hangs there and doesn't drop away I give the sting a sharp short snap. If the bobbin case does not drop away a little bit, it's TOO TIGHT, so I loosen it a bit and repeat the test.
When the bobbin case will drop a bit and stop then I put it back in and work on the top tension.

Invariably when I've done this I'm able to get the tension squared away. I just did exactly this last night on a Japanese 15 clone. Nice stitches now.

The vertical loading Singers can be set up the same.

Just remember that sometimes you have to completely remove the top and bottom tension assemblys, take them completely apart and clean them with something that will remove old gunked up oil. If the tension parts or disks look the least bit amber in color, they are really needing cleaned. That amber color is old oil. It will drag on the thread and mess up the tension.


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