mom-6

I'm beginning to think I'm going to have to do this (remove bobbin area assembly) since that feels like where it's hanging up when it does it's thing and goes haywire. .

ArchaicArcane

Hey mom-6!

This link shows how to take that area apart.
http://thefeatherweight221factory.co...MachineJam.php

It's very common for thread to end up back there. It's one of the very few flaws that the featherweight and 301s have in my opinion. The link Caroline (Thanks Caroline!! ) gave you to my site will help you troubleshoot and if you follow the video (it's good to know how this works if you need it in the future) it's very easy to rebuild the tensioner. Just make sure you read the note I left on the video description about the smaller machines - the FW and the 301 - their tensioners are set a tiny bit differently close to the end of the assembly.

After you've looked after the top tension and possible threads caught in the bobbin area, I'd love to hear how your stitches look. Some of it is simply the thickness of the thread in relation to the fabric but if it's a new problem, let's see if we can get rid of it.

Pat M.

Check under the machine and see if the "finger" is in the correct position. Should be between the 2 notches on the bottom of the face plate.

mom-6

Took throat plate off, bobbin case out, turned it upside down and sideways and shook it, then recleaned and oiled everything,
Not sure which of these (or all together) was the key, but she's stitching beautifully now.

Thanks to all for both the helpful hints and the moral support!!!