Singer Threading Problem
 

I have an older Singer. It's very inconsistent. Half the time I can't get it threaded when I can figure that out (terrible manual) I still can't get it to catch the bobbin thread. It just stitches on the top then pulls right now. Maybe this is why it was at the thrift store.

Any ideas why?

if it's not catching the bobbin thread, one thought is that the needle is not inserted to the right depth, or is in backwards or skewed

Or you don't have the bobbin threaded correctly. Which model is it?

Or the "tail" on the bobbin thread is too long. That has been happening to me lately when I bring the bobbin thread to the top to start FMQ.

What model ?

If this is a vintage machine, post your question and picture of it on the "vintage machines" section. There are lots of people there who are very informed about specific models. I suggest that once you get the upper threading figured out, either mark your machine or make a drawing that YOU can understand for future reference.

Dayle

That's surprising, because most of the older manuals were much better written than the newer ones, IMHO. Let us know what type of machine you have and perhaps we can be more specific in our answers. I agree with the others that it's probably a problem with threading, needle, bobbin, etc.

It is model 5705. Here is a picture:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]378832[/ATTACH]

It's not a vintage machine.

Threading is very similar on all of these older machines, so shouldn't be difficult to figure out. The arrows tell you the thread path to follow. The only thing that might require some fiddling is figuring out that first tension guide (the plastic one on top), but it looks as if you figured that out. Here is a link to a Youtube video that shows the typical thread path: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DexrUyBQpA

Are you making sure that the presser foot is UP when you thread the machine? That is necessary in order to seat the threads correctly in the upper tension discs.

One thing I see is that the type of thread spool you are using should really be placed vertically on the spool pin, not horizontally. I don't have a machine with that type of holder, so maybe someone else can comment on this. I do know that American type spools should be upright; crosswound spools (mostly from European makers) are the ones that should be mounted horizontally like the one in your picture. The red thread does not look like a crosswound spool to me.

You cannot assume that the needle in the machine is the correct one for the machine or that it has been inserted properly. I agree with re-seating the needle, and would also replace the needle if you have one handy.

I cannot really tell from the picture, but it looks as if the upper tension knob is not at a realistic setting. Typically you want to start with it at 5 or so.

Have you tested the bobbin tension? Here is a link to a tutorial on tensions:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...nsion/page/all

If, after doing all this, the machine still does not bring the bobbin thread to the surface, chances are that the machine is out of time. This can happen when there is a bad thread jam, especially on less expensive machines like this (although it can happen on expensive machines too!). That becomes very technical, as it has to do with the timing interaction between the needle and the bobbin, and usually you take it to a technician for that fix.

If I had to start with just one thing, it would be making sure that the correct needle is in the machine and that it has been inserted correctly.

Prism99, I believe that's just a stock photo. I have a similar model, and on mine there is no option for a vertical spool pin.

Otherwise I think you're spot on.

Also, again with the bobbin "tail". That's caused me an untold number of issues.

Sheesh. Stock photo, yes. Didn't even think of that!

Although everything you said about it was correct. You'd think they might have had someone in the room who knew how to work a sewing machine with the photo was taken!

Any possibility that you have the wrong BOBBIN? I know I have purchased machines with needles inserted backwards, wrong bobbin (L when it required M) and it just would not stitch past 1 or 2 stitches. Then the ah ha moment and tried a different tack. Maybe?

Here is a picture I just took without the cover. When I turn the hand wheel towards me, and the top thread goes down, it gets stuck in the bobbin case.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]378879[/ATTACH]

It's possible that the bobbin case has a snag or is broken...I know the machine you have and it is a nice starter machine.
You can remove the bobbin case by sliding the little black arm in the upper left corner of the bobbin case toward the white...lift out the case and run a finger around all the outside edges...if everything is smooth...put the case back in by putting your finger into the hole and floating it in the bobbin area. I must sit even and float...if on an angle, try again. Slide the metal arm back into place and try to thread again.
Good Luck. BTW, Needle goes in with the flat side of needle to the back.

I agree also with checking the bobbin to make sure it's the right one for the machine. To be sure, you probably need to purchase new bobbins that specify they are for this model. It can be impossible to tell one type of plastic bobbin from another type, because the differences can be very subtle (to us, not to the machines!).

When you pull both ends of the red thread it isn't catching the yellow? It is just jamming in there?

No, it isn't catching the yellow. It's just getting all jumbled up. It's the right bobbin. I'm using ones that it came with, that have worked before. I recently had it serviced and it worked after that. Just quit working, all of the sudden.

I had that problem when I bought a old Kenmore, yup needle threaded side to side instead of front to back. Sews great now. Had to reinsert needle with flat side facing the right of machine instead of in the back. Just a thought.