Queenbarbiej

I was cleaning the lint from bobbin area of my Free Westinghouse sewing machine. I oiled all the spots that needed to be oiled and I removed the feed dogs to get the lint from under them. Once I put everything back together it won't stitch properly. I can pull up the bobbin thread but will not grab the bobbin thread when sewing? I believe my timing is off but I don't know who to fix it. I don't have a manual. Here's the link to a picture of my sewing machine. Free Westinghouse sewing machine

juliasb

There are a few things that I am not confident in trying to fix myself. Timing is one of those things. I personally would take it into a sewing machine repair shop for this one only because not only will the timing, if that is the problem, will be fixed but your machine will have a full once over. The nice thing about many vintage machines it that all the metal parts make it easier for repairs than many of the newer machine. I spent my best $65 for a tune up here recently on a vintage machine and it was the best spent money. I have another one I am getting ready to take in only because I want to make sure things are absolutely perfect. I fix the majority of my machines myself with ease. Not being familiar with this machine. I cannot advise. Maybe someone else here has the solution at hand so you can fix it at home.

leonf

I doubt that the timing is off. I keep reading about that, but rarely see it. Did it sew before you took out the feed dogs.? Could something else be in wrong?

Queenbarbiej

Yes it did sew before I remove the feed dogs. I'll try removing them again and reinsert them to see if that is the problem.

osewme

If it worked before you cleaned it I don't think it's the timing. Maybe re-walk your steps when cleaning & see if there's something you might have put back together wrong/backwards/missed.

I found this manual online but it says "on hold" so not sure if it's available for sale. You could contact them and ask. There's a link under the picture of the sewing machine that says "ask a question". It might be worth a try.

https://www.tias.com/173/PictPage/3923202480.html

Mickey2

It's probably not timing then.

Things to check

Needle in the correct way, correct type needle.

Clean behind the needle clamp, dust can gather and push the needle out of alignment (common on 201s). If oil reaches the area, any dust can expand. Poke around with a tooth pick.

Do some more cleaning under the throat plate, feed dog and bobbin area. When you cleaned you might have left a thread or piece of lint some where. Some times felted lint can move around and turn up unexpectedly.

Double check the feed dogs, are they in the same spot they used to be? All screws perfectly in place?

NJ Quilter

I was going to suggest needle inserted incorrectly. Has happened to me.

mjhaess

Sounds like a bent hook. that was the problem with one of mine.

themadpatter

Is it really as green as it looks in the pictures? That is amazing!! I would check the needle, as having it in wrong is the most common reason, in my experience, for not picking up the thread.