Help getting the Needle back in to sew!
 

Help I think that I am going crazy. I broke a needle or was cleaning can't remember now but tried to replace the needle and it won't go up in its spot. I got frustrated and put her on the shelf for another day now she is back out and I really want to sew on her but I can't get the needle back in. What could I possible be doing wrong I have replaced thousands of needles. This one dosn't want to go back in so what am I doing wrong?

I'm not being cheeky, but is there a bit of the old needle left inside the shaft?

Actually no, I already thought of that and took the needle holder off now many times have been putting it back together and on but the needle still won't go up where it belongs!

Ok...does the needle have the flat side facing the right way (this is something I do wrong on a regular basis)?

Can you slide a thin mirror under the "throat" area to see what is happening as you try to put the needle in - or turn the machine on its side ? Do you have the needle turned the right way - the flat side in the right direction ?

What machine is this for ?

The machine is a 301 Singer and I have checked and rechecked the directions the flat part goes to the back of the machine on this model. I have tipped the machine on its side and couldn't see any thing. I will try the mirror though. I just can't believe I am having all this trouble when I never have before.

I don't know anything first hand about 301's, but I do know the 319 and 306 had an odd "bit" extra thing in the needle clamp that definitely has to go in the correct way, and can be very fussy to get just right, but those models have a set screw as well as the thumb screw..... I know there are a TON of 301 users out there though that should be able to say for certain.

Flat to the left or front of the machine

http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...ine-manual.pdf

If it was a broken needle, perhaps it created a burr in the slot that's hanging up the needle? Just a thought.

Joe