When my thread looks like that it's always the bobbin thread has come out of the guide in the bobbin case. It happens more on my Featherweight and 301. Seems if I pull the thread toward me to cut after sewing it pulls the bobbin thread out of the little hole in the bobbin case. When I remember to pull the thread behind the needle it never happens.

Use good thread like Sulky. And also agree with all comments above.

I bought a vacuum attachment set that is made for vacuuming sewing machines, sergers, etc from my local sewing machine dealer. Works great for cleaning my machine. Much better than using an air hose or blowing on it. I think that just spreads the lint around.

I have one of those too. Never use it anymore; have to get that thing AND the vacuum out. Little brushes take up less room and time to put them away.

Was in a workshop that the instructor not only had us use the little brush, she said to put a few drops of sewing machine oil on the end of a Qtip and wipe that around in the bobbin case and areas that you can't reach with the brush. You'd be surprised how much that will pick up for you. Do NOT blow into the machine--it pushes all of that deeper inside where it can't be removed at home! Remember to clean the grooves on the feed dogs, too, especially if you've sewn nappy fabric like flannels or fleece.

Hi I had a similar problem recently and I changed thread and cleaned everything and rethreaded and it stopped. Change needle also. i was about to take mine in for work and it stopped. Good Luck

You might also check to make sure that your thread is coming off your spool the correct way and also that your bobbin is coming off the right direction. I have put a new bobbin in and realized later that I put it in the wrong way. Look at your manual if your not sure. Jan

I had a quilting instructor tell us never to blow into your machine but to either use a vacuum or a pipe cleaner to remove the dust and lint. The pipe cleaner works wonderful and it bends just enough to get down into the small areas. They are cheap and reuseable.

And never use the Air in a can !!!!!!


I have a Janome that lets me know when its not happy lol. I never had any problems until I started this quilt as you go quilt. Ya know ... the stitching is fine on the top but loops on the back. I will rethread everything and clean up and normally it will be fine. lol
Anyone have problems with the Coats and Clark threads?

I Agree with you.