not picking up bobbin thread
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1,102
not picking up bobbin thread
My machine decided it wasn't going to FMQ! When I move the fabric in any direction other than "away from me", it won't pick up the bobbin thread. I use the same kind of foot that Leah Day sells. The machine is a Janome that I didn't buy from a dealer.
I've done all the trouble shooting I can think of: new bobbin, new thread, new needle, made sure foot was down, feed dogs down (tried it up, too), stitch length, played with speed, cleaned bobbin area....
It sews just fine. It just won't let me do free-motion.
This is the only machine I've ever had that has the drop-in kind of bobbin. Is the bobbin case supposed to move? I can't hand-crank it in reverse. Well, I put a little felt circle under the basket and that solved that problem, but I don't want to do that if it's bad for the machine.
I can't afford to take it to the doctor, so I'm really counting on being able to fix this at home (or I just won't be able to FMQ on it!). Help!!
I've done all the trouble shooting I can think of: new bobbin, new thread, new needle, made sure foot was down, feed dogs down (tried it up, too), stitch length, played with speed, cleaned bobbin area....
It sews just fine. It just won't let me do free-motion.
This is the only machine I've ever had that has the drop-in kind of bobbin. Is the bobbin case supposed to move? I can't hand-crank it in reverse. Well, I put a little felt circle under the basket and that solved that problem, but I don't want to do that if it's bad for the machine.
I can't afford to take it to the doctor, so I'm really counting on being able to fix this at home (or I just won't be able to FMQ on it!). Help!!
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 10-04-2018 at 02:14 AM. Reason: shouting/all caps
#2
Are you having issues with your bobbins on all feet or just the FMQ foot?? I am not totally understanding what type of problem you are having. I have a 7700 if that is what you have I may be able to help you trouble shoot.
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1,102
Just when I am doing free motion. I use a darning foot. It works fine with a standard pressure foot. I have a Janome 3022. I am adding a picture showing what it is doing.
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 2,189
When you are moving the material the thread is 'flexing' away from the bobbin hook and that is why it won't pick up the thread. Try a larger sized needle, you may have less problems with a size 18. Also, move your hands slower and speed up the machine. That way when you move the sandwich the needle isn't in the fabric when you move the sandwich. The bottom line is that the timing is slightly off and really needs to be checked. Good luck!
#5
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1,102
When you are moving the material the thread is 'flexing' away from the bobbin hook and that is why it won't pick up the thread. Try a larger sized needle, you may have less problems with a size 18. Also, move your hands slower and speed up the machine. That way when you move the sandwich the needle isn't in the fabric when you move the sandwich. The bottom line is that the timing is slightly off and really needs to be checked. Good luck!
#7
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1,102
#9
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