I'd also check the needle. People frequently put them in backwards and then thread them wrongly as well which makes for a very balky machine.

Featherweights thread right to left. See - it could be something this simple. Other common things: Bobbin inserted wrong. Holding Case in left hand, bobbin thread should turn up & over in counterclockwise direction. Bobbin case inserted wrong. Someone explained this already in an above post.

Hope you go back & give it a second try. Sounds like a really sweet machine!

The needle may be in wrong also.

Try a new needle and a different spool of thread. Old thread breaks and a burr in the needle will break thread.

It sounds like a problem that stems from the bobbin. Take out the bobbin, make sure it is wound correctly, threaded correctly, and inserted into the bobbin case correctly. It has to click when inserted. Also, check that the bobbin winding disk on the right of the machine is not touching the belt. It should only be in this position while winding a bobbin. I find that most sewing machine problems originate with the bobbin.

If you send me your address I will make a copy of my book and send it to you
Daryl

Last thread guide is on the left, you MUST trhead the needle going into the RIGHT side and out the LEFT. I was not only told this verbally, but have an expensive book written all about Featherweights.

Usually a new needle will do the trick if everything else is in order!

also check to make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly. there is a little bar at the top of the bobbin ase that has to go into a slot. This happened to me at taking my FW to a class after cleaning etc. Wouldn't sew....embarassing but teacher was able to point out my error.

check underneath, if the bobbin case (where bobbin fits in) is just rotating round and round the needle plate was put back on wrong...it just will not sew if it is put back on wrong. check the manual, there is a picture on how to rotate under arm to fit in groove of top needle plate...check it out...