I bought a featherweight on ebay and got it Friday. It sews beautiful but the top thread keeps getting caught in the bobbin case and when I stop the top thread is caught up in the bobbin case. I took off the throat plate and cleaned it out but it still does it. I haven't tried winding a bobbin yet and have just the bobbin provided with thread already on it. Do you think it is the difference in thread? I guess I need to wind a bobbin and try it with the same thread in the top as the bottom. What do you think?

I had trouble with mine until I remembered that the needle threads differently from my other machine. You probably already know that it threads from right to left. Anyway, that is what the instruction book on mine says.

Sorry you're having problems, but I also wanted to say LUCKY YOU, I can only hope to OWN one someday!!!

Aw, I just wanted to say LUCKY YOU, too!

Had the same problem with mine. Changed the thread in the bobbin to match the spool thread and re treaded both bobbin and top thread and it worked just fine.

How do your stitches look back and front? When you put your bobbin into the holder the thread shoukd be going in the opposite direction of the "tension hole". When I got my last one it was threaded all wrong and once I re-threaded it has been fine ever since, My upper tension on all 4 machines is
set between 3-4 using superior or aurafil thread. I use superfine pre-wound bobbins in the bottom. Hope this helps.

Did you get a book with the machine?
Mine does that sometimes as well, but you can fix it yourself. There is a way to "clean out" the bobbin carrier to get ALL the thread out and have it sew nice. There may be a burr there that is causing the problem.
There is a thread here on the board for vintage machines and lots of help there.

There's an on going thread about vintage machines. Tons of good info. Just use the search prompt at the top of the page. Hope this helps.

If you've taken off the throat plate, the bobbin case is left to rotate freely. When you put the throat plate back on, you need to make sure that the position "finger" of the bobbin case base enters the notch of the position plates attached to the underside of the throat plate.

I would also suggest changing or checking the needle. Make sure that the flat side is to the left and inserted as high as it will go. Even if the needle looks ok it may have a burr or be a little blunted and this will affect the quality of your stitches. Frequently poor stitches are caused by faulty needles and not by bad tensions or faulty threads. I'd also check to see that the bobbin is inserted correctly, the bobbin thread unwinding easily (make sure bobbin wasn't overfilled), and the bobbin case pushed all the way in. You could also have a burr or little nick in the throat plate hole and the thread is catching on the way down but it is more apt to be the needle. I hope one of these suggestions results in happy stitches.

Check and make sure you have the right size needle in your featherweight and the right size bobbin. one or both could be causing your problems.

Organ needles are best. You should be able to get them at any LQS.

try pm,ing lostin51,he repair,s them. he,s on this board just look for his board name.

[quote=Sunflower Girl]I bought a featherweight on ebay and got it Friday. It sews beautiful but the top thread keeps getting caught in the bobbin case and when I stop the top thread is caught up in the bobbin case.
Hi, If the machine sews well then it is threaded properly and the bobbin is in right, as yu pull the bobbin thread out the bobbin turns counterclockwise. Sounds to me like there is a thread behind the bobbin case holder that is keeping it from seating properly and that could be the reason for the thread hang up.
If you have a manual check it to see how to remove the bobbin case base to check for hidden threads behind it. If you do not, send me a P M and I will give you the instructions for doing this.
Let me know. Always glad to try to help. Love those Featherweights. Ruth

I don't know the proper position for the needle on your machine. I have a very old, industrial machine that I inherited. I know nothing about it other than it sews like a dream. I was making a bag and broke a needle. After that, I couldn't get the needle to bring the bobbin thread up. I was frustrated for months. Just yesterday I called the machanist that makes house calls in our area to make an appointment to come and fix it. He asked what the problem was. I told him and he said it sounded like the needle wasn't in properly. I didn't even know there was a right/wrong way to put it in this machine because the needles are round on the top. Anyway, I put the needle in as he told me and now my machine is working properly again. I just knew it was something major. I was very pleased that he talked me through my problem and I didn't even have to pay a consulting fee.
So check your needle.

I have a pdf copy of the owner's manual. If you want to PM me with your email address, I will be happy to email it to you.

My e-mail is [email protected]. Thank you for your help!

It's on it's way now!

Thank you, I'll set what I can do with it in the morning, when I'm freshly rested

You have no idea how much time you just saved me. Sending BIG HUGS of thanks from Texas!

You are so welcome! Enjoy your little sewing machine...