Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Singer Threading Problem >

Singer Threading Problem

Singer Threading Problem

Old 11-27-2012, 07:02 AM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
MommaDorian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Sully, Iowa
Posts: 2,390
Default Singer Threading Problem

I have an older Singer. It's very inconsistent. Half the time I can't get it threaded when I can figure that out (terrible manual) I still can't get it to catch the bobbin thread. It just stitches on the top then pulls right now. Maybe this is why it was at the thrift store.

Any ideas why?
MommaDorian is offline  
Old 11-27-2012, 07:13 AM
  #2  
Power Poster
 
QuiltnNan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: western NY formerly MN, FL, NC, SC
Posts: 51,433
Default

if it's not catching the bobbin thread, one thought is that the needle is not inserted to the right depth, or is in backwards or skewed
QuiltnNan is offline  
Old 11-27-2012, 07:15 AM
  #3  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Tennessee, UC area
Posts: 1,582
Default

Or you don't have the bobbin threaded correctly. Which model is it?
mermaid is offline  
Old 11-27-2012, 07:28 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
JulieR's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Emmitsburg, MD
Posts: 1,599
Default

Or the "tail" on the bobbin thread is too long. That has been happening to me lately when I bring the bobbin thread to the top to start FMQ.
JulieR is offline  
Old 11-27-2012, 07:59 AM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
Posts: 3,992
Default

Your sewing machine may be "out of time" also.
Caroline S is offline  
Old 11-27-2012, 08:03 AM
  #6  
Power Poster
 
BellaBoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Front row
Posts: 14,646
Default

What model ?
BellaBoo is offline  
Old 11-27-2012, 08:19 AM
  #7  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: West Texas
Posts: 2,073
Default

If this is a vintage machine, post your question and picture of it on the "vintage machines" section. There are lots of people there who are very informed about specific models. I suggest that once you get the upper threading figured out, either mark your machine or make a drawing that YOU can understand for future reference.

Dayle
Daylesewblessed is offline  
Old 11-27-2012, 09:05 AM
  #8  
Power Poster
 
dunster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Posts: 15,133
Default

That's surprising, because most of the older manuals were much better written than the newer ones, IMHO. Let us know what type of machine you have and perhaps we can be more specific in our answers. I agree with the others that it's probably a problem with threading, needle, bobbin, etc.
dunster is offline  
Old 11-27-2012, 09:43 AM
  #9  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
MommaDorian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Sully, Iowa
Posts: 2,390
Default

It is model 5705. Here is a picture:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]378832[/ATTACH]
Attached Thumbnails singer-flatbed_school_model-5705.jpg  
MommaDorian is offline  
Old 11-27-2012, 10:04 AM
  #10  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Default

It's not a vintage machine.

Threading is very similar on all of these older machines, so shouldn't be difficult to figure out. The arrows tell you the thread path to follow. The only thing that might require some fiddling is figuring out that first tension guide (the plastic one on top), but it looks as if you figured that out. Here is a link to a Youtube video that shows the typical thread path: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DexrUyBQpA

Are you making sure that the presser foot is UP when you thread the machine? That is necessary in order to seat the threads correctly in the upper tension discs.

One thing I see is that the type of thread spool you are using should really be placed vertically on the spool pin, not horizontally. I don't have a machine with that type of holder, so maybe someone else can comment on this. I do know that American type spools should be upright; crosswound spools (mostly from European makers) are the ones that should be mounted horizontally like the one in your picture. The red thread does not look like a crosswound spool to me.

You cannot assume that the needle in the machine is the correct one for the machine or that it has been inserted properly. I agree with re-seating the needle, and would also replace the needle if you have one handy.

I cannot really tell from the picture, but it looks as if the upper tension knob is not at a realistic setting. Typically you want to start with it at 5 or so.

Have you tested the bobbin tension? Here is a link to a tutorial on tensions:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...nsion/page/all

If, after doing all this, the machine still does not bring the bobbin thread to the surface, chances are that the machine is out of time. This can happen when there is a bad thread jam, especially on less expensive machines like this (although it can happen on expensive machines too!). That becomes very technical, as it has to do with the timing interaction between the needle and the bobbin, and usually you take it to a technician for that fix.

If I had to start with just one thing, it would be making sure that the correct needle is in the machine and that it has been inserted correctly.
Prism99 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
thrums
Main
35
09-12-2016 05:02 PM
SuzzyQ
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
7
05-17-2014 10:25 AM
Blackberry
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
2
07-16-2012 02:18 PM
babyquiltlady
Main
11
07-20-2011 05:32 AM
Char
Main
0
12-02-2010 11:18 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter