Need advice ASAP please
#1
My Brother PE770 is acting up. As you can see by the photo the upper thread is bunching up in the bobbin area.
So far I have:
Changed the needle twice
Re-threaded the upper thread numerous times (the thread is Polystar 100% polyester thread. Never had an issue with this brand.)
Clean the bobbin area and the race throughly
Changed bobbins a few times
Used several different cotton fabric pieces and different weights of stabilizers
The results are the same each time, so I know I am missing something. Probably something easy to fix. I will try again in the morning when I am fresh.
The machine is cleaned at least once a month if I am not using it for extended periods of time, When in use it is cleaned after each project.
So far I have:
Changed the needle twice
Re-threaded the upper thread numerous times (the thread is Polystar 100% polyester thread. Never had an issue with this brand.)
Clean the bobbin area and the race throughly
Changed bobbins a few times
Used several different cotton fabric pieces and different weights of stabilizers
The results are the same each time, so I know I am missing something. Probably something easy to fix. I will try again in the morning when I am fresh.
The machine is cleaned at least once a month if I am not using it for extended periods of time, When in use it is cleaned after each project.
#2
Chasing Hawk, this is just a couple more things to check - I had a PE770. When you take the plate off, and clean, check to see if a tiny pc of thread is caught down under the little felt brush, you might have to stand up and look down..it can be tricky.. Another, when you take out the bobbin holder, there could be a miniscule burr on the casing. You may not be able to feel it, take a small emery board and lightly go around the metal casing. It's sort of like a burr on your fingernail, can't see but it's still there. Make sure your bobbins are correct ones, too. and not warped or even have a burr on them. Embroidery machines can be trickly.. Just play like a mechanic and check everything. Oh, if you have some dental floss, try doing it like you wud thread the machine and saw it back and forth, might be a tiny pc of thread caught in the mechanism.. I hope this helps, it always worked on mine. I have a PE800 now. Just the littlest thing can throw it off, but usually patience will win. Good luck.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,428
That happens on my FW if there is a small (and I mean small!) piece of thread is in the bobbin case somewhere. When I finally find it I am amazed it would even be noticed, let alone cause such problem.
#5
all the above, plus ...
remove the metal plate, too, and vacuum the entire area. tweezers, toothpicks and soft brush to get all the bits and bunnies.
swing a dead chicken over your head, counter-clockwise, while standing on your left foot only, and sticking your tongue out toward the right. this might not solve the problem but if somebody takes a picture you'll have something to laugh at while you continue your search or the solution. ;-)
remove the metal plate, too, and vacuum the entire area. tweezers, toothpicks and soft brush to get all the bits and bunnies.
swing a dead chicken over your head, counter-clockwise, while standing on your left foot only, and sticking your tongue out toward the right. this might not solve the problem but if somebody takes a picture you'll have something to laugh at while you continue your search or the solution. ;-)
__________________
- necessity is the mother of invention. lazy is the crazy aunt.

#6
Sometimes it is something simple like having the presser foot down when threading so that the thread isn't between the tension discs. I looked up the manual and support for your machine and found https://help.brother-usa.com/app/ans.../186541/p/6424 Although it sounds like you have done most of what is recommended.
#7
all the above, plus ...
remove the metal plate, too, and vacuum the entire area. tweezers, toothpicks and soft brush to get all the bits and bunnies.
swing a dead chicken over your head, counter-clockwise, while standing on your left foot only, and sticking your tongue out toward the right. this might not solve the problem but if somebody takes a picture you'll have something to laugh at while you continue your search or the solution. ;-)
remove the metal plate, too, and vacuum the entire area. tweezers, toothpicks and soft brush to get all the bits and bunnies.
swing a dead chicken over your head, counter-clockwise, while standing on your left foot only, and sticking your tongue out toward the right. this might not solve the problem but if somebody takes a picture you'll have something to laugh at while you continue your search or the solution. ;-)
#8
Thank you everyone for the helpful advice. As soon as I finish my morning coffee I will be in my sewing room having another go at my machine.
Bringing a dead chicken with me just in case.....LOL
Bringing a dead chicken with me just in case.....LOL
#9
OMG Patrice! Love that sense of humor. I will have to remember that one for when I have troubles. LOL!
Chasing Hawk it does sound like a lower tension problem. Is there a place where you can buy a bobbin near you? Once I had to do that. Thank goodness I had a store near me. My machine has a special gold bobbin I have to use while embroidering.
Can you try using another one?
Maybe somehow the tension got moved. Put the foot down on the machine and try changing it or cleaning the disks with dental floss.
Oh dear, I do so hope you can fix the problem.
Chasing Hawk it does sound like a lower tension problem. Is there a place where you can buy a bobbin near you? Once I had to do that. Thank goodness I had a store near me. My machine has a special gold bobbin I have to use while embroidering.
Can you try using another one?
Maybe somehow the tension got moved. Put the foot down on the machine and try changing it or cleaning the disks with dental floss.
Oh dear, I do so hope you can fix the problem.
#10
I think the timing maybe out of whack. I took this photo of where the needle is in relation to the hook. As you can see the eye of the needle is way below the hook.
How do I fix this?
How do I fix this?

