Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
  • The hook area of my 301 is stuck >
  • The hook area of my 301 is stuck

  • The hook area of my 301 is stuck

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 03-05-2026, 09:53 AM
      #1  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Mar 2016
    Posts: 3,015
    Default The hook area of my 301 is stuck

    I don't know how it happened, but somehow, the bobbin holder (not the bobbin case) got stuck. I'm not sure how to get it unstuck. It's stuck so that it blocks the needle from clearing.

    My first idea was to get a small hammer and another tool and "kind of force it". Then I chickened out.

    Any ideas?

    bkay
    bkay is offline  
    Old 03-05-2026, 05:45 PM
      #2  
    Member
     
    Joe Ayres's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Nov 2021
    Location: Yellow Springs, Ohio
    Posts: 66
    Default Thread Jam Removal tool

    Originally Posted by bkay
    I don't know how it happened, but somehow, the bobbin holder (not the bobbin case) got stuck. I'm not sure how to get it unstuck. It's stuck so that it blocks the needle from clearing.

    My first idea was to get a small hammer and another tool and "kind of force it". Then I chickened out.

    Any ideas?

    bkay
    The Featherweight Shop sells a tool for removing the bobbin holder. Common size for 221,222 & 301.
    I was thinking of buying one, a bit pricey at over $40. There maybe other vendors for this tool as well. From what I read, thread gets behind the bobbin holder and jams it. This tool takes the holder off.
    Maybe someone else already has one, and you can borrow it?
    Joe Ayres is offline  
    Old 03-05-2026, 06:25 PM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    OurWorkbench's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2015
    Location: Denver, CO
    Posts: 4,651
    Default

    Originally Posted by Joe Ayres
    The Featherweight Shop sells a tool for removing the bobbin holder. Common size for 221,222 & 301.
    I was thinking of buying one, a bit pricey at over $40. There maybe other vendors for this tool as well. From what I read, thread gets behind the bobbin holder and jams it. This tool takes the holder off.
    Maybe someone else already has one, and you can borrow it?
    They also did a video of removal before the tool was available. It can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3-qEvw_V0w
    Andy Tube did some videos about the 301 hook the first on that I saw was https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhBOhfKusHw I think there are a couple more.

    I feel badly that you are having trouble with a 301.
    OurWorkbench is online now  
    Old 03-06-2026, 07:20 AM
      #4  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Jul 2013
    Location: Houston, TX
    Posts: 10,670
    Default

    Originally Posted by Joe Ayres
    The Featherweight Shop sells a tool for removing the bobbin holder. Common size for 221,222 & 301.
    I was thinking of buying one, a bit pricey at over $40. There maybe other vendors for this tool as well. From what I read, thread gets behind the bobbin holder and jams it. This tool takes the holder off.
    Maybe someone else already has one, and you can borrow it?
    I bought one of those. I haven't had to use it yet, but after getting a thread stuck behind the casing in my FW and having to take it in to be removed because I couldn't get the bobbin holder out, I decided the tool would be worth it. I have 4 machines with the same set up.
    cashs_mom is offline  
    Old 03-07-2026, 08:40 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Mar 2016
    Posts: 3,015
    Default

    Thanks everyone.

    I'll start on this chore as soon as I find my Chapman screwdriver and report back.

    bkay
    bkay is offline  
    Old 03-08-2026, 11:22 AM
      #6  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Mar 2016
    Posts: 3,015
    Default

    Well, I was able to do the "thread removal", but it did not fix the problem. There was a tiny little bit of thread (maybe 1/4 in.) there.

    I don't think I realized how dirty the machine is. I started using it when my 401 was in the shop for months without doing anything to it.

    For anyone who uses these instructions, the screwdriver for the tiny screw in the "jib" takes a 1/8th inch screwdriver, which I did not have. Now I do!

    I'm not sure what I need to fix the problem, but it is not that. It's still not handling the bobbin thread correctly.

    I guess it's time to do a full rehab on this one.

    Thanks for your support.

    bkay
    bkay is offline  

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is Off
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter