Threading diagram plus bobbin winding
 

I bought this annoying Necchi about a year ago:http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=492490&stc=1 I never could get the tension right. Finally gave up and sent it to the shop. I still don't think the stitches look very good:http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=492492&stc=1

I don't see that the stitches look that bad. What about the back of the piece? You know, some machines don't sew as pretty as others. This just may be one of them.

Ok, that's all the info the site would allow me to upload at one time. Don't know why we're all getting double copies of our photos.

This is branded as an Electra SX-4000 Super, and looks pretty similar to a Necchi model 543, so that's the manual I've been using. However, the threading diagram in the manual is not clear at all. First, should the thread come from the back or the front of the spool? I've been bringing it from the back. And how should I load the bobbin? Usually I hold the case in my left hand and insert the bobbin with the thread going away from me, but I know that isn't right for all bobbins. And does anyone know what that tiny spiral of wire on top of the bobbin case is for? It looks as though the thread should go through it, but it doesn't show at all in the manual.

Finally - the motor sounds very quiet but there is a loud clacking sound when it sews, which sounds like it's coming from the bobbin area. I asked the OSMG about the timing and he said that it was correct. I just don't like these stitches. The straight stitch looks fine, and the zig-zag is ok, but the serpentine stitch is really ugly and so is the feather stitch. I tried doing the swan and the tulip and they don't look anything like they should.

I've got about $100 tied up in this machine - should have thrown it in the trash, I suppose, but I didn't. If anyone has any clue about what I could try next, please let me know! And if this is just as good as it gets, I'll donate it to Linus or some other charity, because I just don't like it!

Thank you for your patience with me!

Margaret

I wish I had one of these machines. If I did, I would be out there trying to get some answers to your questions. I don't have any info for you, but like you said, maybe it's time to move on. I would be very concerned about clacking in any machine. When my Singer Golden Touch and Sew did that, it chewed up all the plastic gears inside that ran the little cams and would not do anything but straight stitch. I don't know what I was thinking, but I paid a pretty penny to get it back in running order and haven't used it since it was repaired in 2008. I really at least need to put some oil in it and let it know I still love her. She has a beautiful straight stitch. I've talked myself into doing it. lol BBL

Good for you, Barb! You're making your buddy very happy!

Have you tried with different thread weights, bobbin thread? Different needles? Paper under the fabric? Don't give up yet. Find someone in your area that works on old machines.

The pigtail on the bobbin case is typically used for buttonholes and sometimes embroidery stitches. It helps keep the bobbin thread to the back and the tension and stitching looks better. Try it and see if you like the stitch outs better.

The load clacking from the bobbin area sounds like you may not have the bobbin assembly in completely right. Do you hold the little arm out on the bobbin when you are inserting it? If not, it won't seat properly....will fall out of some machines. Look thru the whole bobbin area.

There is the hook timing and there is zz timing. If it is hook timing it won't pick up stitches at all. Usually when the zz timing is off it won't pick up stitches on one side or the other. So I would say it is not the timing. Is the cam stack cracked?

I have an older Necchi & the bobbin goes in opposite of what you discribed also the needle threads from left to right.
the model I have is from the 50s & made in Italy so they probably changed with the newer models.