Dropped Stitches
 

I have a Minnesota S treadle and broke a needle sewing. I special ordered more needles thinking it would be an easy fix. At first I couldn't pick up the bobbin thread at all so I slid the needle down and that helped but I'm still dropping random stitches. I will get a run of about 5-6 good stitches then nothing then magically have another run of good stitches. Any suggestions?

Sounds like my machine troubles last nite. Joe mentioned making sure the needle was in facing the right way. So I tried all directions and a long needle. And that did the trick! Good luck.

I have a Davis made Minnesota S the same as in your picture that uses a "Davis long" needle which measures a little under 2". New old stock Boye 10 or MTx190 commercial needle will both work. 15x1 or Universal needle is too short to make up difference in length by cheating.

Jon

http://www.sil.si.edu/DigitalCollect...f/sil10-37.pdf
similar manual for your "S"

Thank you so much for the manual. I am using 20x1 needles but I will order some Boye 10s. Hopefully they will make a difference.

Van I tried that too, without any success.

The 20x1's are long enough where they will work but have to be cheated like you were doing. I like to remove the front slide plate and watch the needle, thread, and shuttle with a flashlight and tilting machine. If you figure 1-15/16" Davis long length minus the length of your 20x1 will give you a rough figure you need to lower needle. No cheating with Boye 10 but there costly per needle.

Jon

Jon