I am using a singer 403a. The manual recommends doing without a foot.
The feed dogs don't go down, but the throat plate goes up, so throat plate is up.

Even if I start by pulling the bobbin thread up, the needle does not consistently pull up the bobbin thread, it just punches through the fabric. I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong....

Is your bobbin wound and put in correct? I once couldn't figure out why the bottom of my FMQ was messed up, and after a lot of yelling at the machine, turns out I had threaded the top needle wrong :oops: So first then, check and rethread anything you can.

Is it possible that you need a new needle? Or perhaps the tension is off?

I'm not familiar with your machine... these are just things that I have done

I don't think you are doing anything wrong. I have seen before manuals suggesting removing the foot, but th eonly time it has worked for me was for beading with a high end Bernina. I tried with my singer and it didn't work. Is your Singer a low shank or a slanted needle? I am sure you can get a darning or embroidery foot for it. A darning foot for a slanted needle is harder to come around, but it does exist.

Maria

I did some research and found that it is slanted needle. If you have a Singer store nearby they can locate one for you.

Be sure you are putting the foot lever down and stitch length to 0. Not using a free motion foot is dangerous, you are very likely to put the needle through your finger. I don't know of any machine that will not accept a darning foot as they use to be called.

It is a slant shank machine...

Well, I found a plastic darning foot that I bought online. It doesn't even touch the fabric when the needle goes down? I am more successful at stitches to go without the darning foot. But I don't know how to get it consistently pull up the bobbin thread? I have searched and cannot find a metal darning foot for this machine...and I don't think there is a singer store anywhere nearby.

HMMM!

Your darning foot is not meant to touch the fabric. It just sits there on top without adding pressure, so you can move the fabric freely. The only one available for a slanted needle is the one you already have. I have never seen a metal one. Is the machine free if lint inside? Also, as already said, make sure the bobbin is put in correctly in the bobbin case.

Do the thread come up with no trouble for straight stitching?

Straight stitching is beautiful, and perfect. I will put the free motion foot on again, I suppose I see the purpose (as to not stab fingers). So maybe I will give it another go with the foot.

Maybe I will try a new needle. I haven't done that. I have these grand visions of beautiful quilting, but my machine is not complying!

Thanks for the help so far... any other suggestions are gladly received.

Have you tried switching thread? When I had a similar problem, it was the thread. I switched to a different brand, 50 wt. and it worked fine.

Alicia---when all else fails I rethread my sewing machine-both top thread and bobbin. It is amazing how often that will solve your problem.

Since you did not post today I am thinking maybe your problem is solved and you are busy quilting away!!