maviskw

I found that if I have the needled threaded backwards, the machine will sew a few stitches and then stop making stitches. The reason for that is: the machine is using the thread end to make the stitches because that thread is on the correct side. After that little piece of thread runs out (very fast), no more stitches. I can now spot my error in seconds if there are a few stitches and then none.

tootsie00

I would tell him. He will want to know for future reference. I'm sure you both will have a laugh over it. I know I would.

sassysews2

I couldn't get the walking foot on my Bernina a short time ago, so, stupid me decided I could loosen the part on the needle bar that holds the foot and slide it a tad higher, a tiny odd shaped washer fell out and I couldn't figure out which direction it went back in. Had to take it all in for repair. Cost me $54 to have that washer put back in plus a 120 mile round trip. Needless to say I don't loosen anything anymore. Costly error.

Sewnoma

Isn't it amazing how such a small thing renders the entire machine "useless"?

When I was 19 I moved out and excitedly bought my very first machine of my own (basic 1994 Kenmore), I got it home and it would NOT sew. It broke thread immediately. I took it in to return or exchange it...turns out I was threading the needle the wrong way. D'oh! I was SO frustrated and upset at this "junk" machine and it was just operator error all along. I was so embarrassed to make such a rookie mistake, but lesson learned - double check the simple stuff that you're "sure" is right! (I still have that machine, by the way, and she still sews great despite neglect and many newbie sewing experiments.)

If I were your friend, I'd want to know what the solution was. It's not a bad reminder as obviously even experienced people forget to check the simple stuff, and personally I'd be a bit embarrassed to have missed it but I'd also find it pretty darn funny that it was something so simple after all.

Stitchit123

A friend of mine lugged her old Kenmore over for me to check out. Every needle she put in was hitting the bobbin casing and breaking - I thought she wasn't getting it all the way in. After 3 needles and a tear down on the bobbin casing I gave up-loaded her up and took her to my Guru of Older Ladies- At some point in time a needle had broke off and left a small snicket in the channel -A 40 minute drive to have it fixed in 4 minutes. Some times ya just need a 3rd set of eye's. We still laugh about this

MargeD

Things like this happen, don't let it discourage you. I remember a time when I was making something for my DD or myself that required buttonholes. Well, my machine has an attachment for that, but I could not get it to work, so I was ready to take it in to the repair shop. My DH looked at the instruction manual (which I also had done), then brought down a lever that I'd not pulled down. Boy did I feel stupid, although at least I didn't have to face the dealer, who probably would have laughed at my mistake. Stuff happens to all of us.

tessagin

Included in my tool box (yes I have a small one in my top drawer of my 401) is a small mirror and magnifying glass, manual. I can use these to look up into small crevices. Other day I couldn't figure out why my thread was curling so much. Wrong throat plate, needle, presser foot combo and thread size. 2 hours later much better.

rosiewell

I was gifted a 1950 sh Singer sewing machine in perfect condition, I cleaned it, oiled it and I was ready to test it but I couldn't find the switch to turn it on, I checked the manual, scrutinized every bit of it, still couldn't find it, then I pressed the pedal by mistake and it went on purring, it doesn't have a switch

Lori S

I always ask myself in these kinds of situations , if the roles where reversed .... would I want to know. I know I would want to know as it might be a tid bit of information to remind me in the future .

ArchaicArcane

Sometimes, even experienced people make assumptions and occasionally miss things. I know if I'm having an off day I can miss little things. FWs are funny in the way that they hold a needle and thread. It's counter intuitive and different from some other machines.

We spent several pages in the vintage area a year or so back trying to figure out why a Singer 201 was skipping a couple of stitches here and there. I even went through how to check timing with the original poster. Yup, it was a needle in backwards. I went in assuming that had already been checked. It's very possible that's what your friend did too. If it were me, I'd want to know what it was.