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new to me Singer 15-91 - need help getting thread tension right

new to me Singer 15-91 - need help getting thread tension right

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Old 01-25-2012, 08:11 PM
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Default new to me Singer 15-91 - need help getting thread tension right

I just became the proud owner of a Singer 15-91 tonight. This is my first vintage machine. Seemed to be in good order when I sewed on her before buying. Stitches looked right. Then tried FMQ, adjusted the tension, that seemed right. But since coming home and re-threading her, I can't get the tension right for anything. I have been sewing lines for the past couple of hours making the most minor adjustments, still can't get it right. And then when I try to go back where it was last good - it isn't good anymore.

I downloaded a manual online. I feel like I have it threaded property. I am attaching a couple of pictures of what it was doing earlier. Natural color thread on top, pink thread is the bobbin.

Since then, I went through a spell where the pink thread on the bobbin was just straight. Now back to where the pink bobbin thread looks better on the back, but the top isn't quite right. Not sure what to do next.

I think I am going to absolutely love her - just hoping I can get the kinks worked out.

Suggestions?
Attached Thumbnails front-fabric-natural-thread.jpg   back-fabric-pink-bobbin-thread.jpg  
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Old 01-25-2012, 09:57 PM
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Try your stitches with a double layer of fabric. It's hard to get centered lockstitches with a single layer... there's not enough "middle" for the lock to occur in.
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Old 01-26-2012, 06:37 AM
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Thank you Charlee! So simple (and I figured it would be). Never occurred to me. But of course, I never run just one piece of fabric through - otherwise, what would I be sewing?!

I am already in love with this machine. So pretty, so simple, so straightforward.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]306318[/ATTACH]
Attached Thumbnails imag0136.jpg  
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Old 01-26-2012, 06:45 AM
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Is this the one in the yellow/green cabnit that was on here the other day?
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Old 01-26-2012, 06:48 AM
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I am glad that you decided to get that machine I think that once you stop thinking complicated and think simple you will love that machine I do mine.
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Old 01-26-2012, 06:51 AM
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She's pretty Dawn!
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Old 01-26-2012, 06:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Becky Mc View Post
Is this the one in the yellow/green cabinet that was on here the other day?
Yes indeed! It is the one in the cabinet, which I love (though it matches nothing anywhere else in the house). And I already love her. So simple! I do need to replace the bobbin tire thingy (not sure of its name), but I know that is an inexpensive and easy fix. I am able to wind the bobbins on my other machine. Was surprised it worked to wind the bobbin on my other machine, but it did, for which I am glad - because I can keep sewing on her!

Already pieced one of my sections of my star on her. I will also be finishing the last 1-1/2 sides of my border on my oversized lap quilt on her (FMQ - stippling). Will be so nice having all of that space!!

I am already pondering how to rearrange my room to make her the centerpiece. Will keep my Janome out and threaded, but think she will largely be ignored in favor of this one. [ATTACH=CONFIG]306328[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]306329[/ATTACH]
Attached Thumbnails imag0137.jpg   delaware-star-pieced-singer-15-91.jpg  

Last edited by DawnFurlong; 01-26-2012 at 06:56 AM.
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Old 01-26-2012, 07:24 AM
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Very nice machine and the cabinet is so decorative also. The bobbin winder thingy is called a bobbin winder tire. They are readily available and cheap. Happy sewing and quilting.
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Old 01-26-2012, 08:45 AM
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What a beautiful machine......and cabinet----have fun!
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Old 01-26-2012, 01:11 PM
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Dawn, would you mind posting the link to the 15-91 manual. I thought I had it bookmarked but can't find it. Thanks so much!
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