Problems with my Singer 401A

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Old 01-17-2011, 12:04 PM
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Hello all, I have had this machine for years and love it, but it is pluckin my last nerve. Something has to be out of adjustment, as I sew the bobbin thread or bobbin area is jerking the top thread and balling up on the bottom of my material. I have noticed that it seems to work better if the thread tension is on 8 or 9. This seems to be pulling the bobin thread to the top so I tighten the bobbin tension. Then it starts again. Oh what an evil cycle. Help Pleassssssssssssssse. Thanks
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Old 01-17-2011, 12:05 PM
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Sounds like the bobbin thread is going in the wrong direction

OR

The needle isn't threaded the correct way.

I'll look for my instructions
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Old 01-17-2011, 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by quiltinghere
Sounds like the bobbin thread is going in the wrong direction

OR

The needle isn't threaded the correct way.

I'll look for my instructions
Needle threads from front to back, the bobbin thread comes from the left going counter clockwise.
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Old 01-17-2011, 01:32 PM
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Check to see if the needle is inserted correctly...
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Old 01-17-2011, 02:09 PM
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If it has been several years since this machine was serviced, I would take it to the re[airman.
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Old 01-17-2011, 02:29 PM
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Sounds like lint in the groove of the bobbin race. Do you know how to remove the bobbin case from the machine? If you can get the case out use a toothpick to clean out the groove. You'd be amazed at the amount of lint that can get packed in there.
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Old 01-17-2011, 05:24 PM
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Did you figure it out yet?
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Old 01-17-2011, 05:57 PM
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I did take the bobbin case out, but did not see any lint in the track. I sewed for a few hours and it seemed to work pretty well. Thanks.
SadieMae It has been years since it was serviced. There are no repair men local. So I purchased a technical repair manual for this machine. thanks
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Old 01-18-2011, 09:13 AM
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Glad you figured it out. Remember if it ain't broke don't fix it.
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Old 01-19-2011, 06:12 AM
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Love the sheperd in your avatar.. I have had sheperds all my life and yours looks like mine. LOL
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