ArchaicArcane

Some 15s thread right to left and some left to right. The easiest way to check which way it threads is to look at the last guide before the needle. Does it pull the thread to the left or the right? If to the left, it threads left to right. If to the right, it threads right to left. Alternatively, you can also look at the needlebar. The flat of the needle will always set against the flat side of the needlebar.

the King's kid

Turn your needle around. On my machine (401A Slant-A-Matic, 1950's) the flat side goes against the metal shank. In other words, toward the back of the machine. God bless. Hope this works for you. If not, change needles. If that still doesn't work, fix tension on bobbin.

manicmike

Tammi, there's a simpler way even than that.

Two rules for threading a model 15:
1. If it has reverse it threads right to left, if it doesn't have reverse it threads left to right.
2. The flat is always on the side the thread exits the needle.

In fact these rules apply to all of my Singers with one exception: Rule 1 doesn't with the swing needles (306/319/320) because they thread front to back. I think slant shank machines are like that too.

minibarn

Thank you for those rules Manicmike, they will help me remember in the future which way to put the needle. Being a 15-91 it has reverse. One pther thing that helps me remember which way to thread (left to right or right to left) is where the thread guide is by the foot. On mine it is on the right side.

minibarn

the King's kid- thank you I did turn it around and it works great now!

manicmike

Pleasure minibarn. I'm really useless at remembering very much so I just remember very simple rules.

Needle or thread in the wrong way is the most common cause of bobbin thread not being picked up on a straight stitch machine, particularly on models 15 because half of them have reverse.

These machines are extremely well designed and almost nothing ever goes wrong with them.

ArchaicArcane

The thing is, I often don't remember specifics to each model. The way I remember it works with every machine I've ever used regardless of model. I will try to remember this though for when I teach.

minibarn

I have to say I have been one happy lady since I got this needle turned around. I had been so unhappy that I almost totally lost interest in sewing! It was especially frustrating because everyone here raved about these machines, but mine sewed awfully! And all this time it was my fault not the machine. Now I'm ready to sew and quilt!

Thanks to everyone for the help.