Featherweight bobbins
 

I have 3 or 4 bobbins that came with my Featherweight. I have purchased some more bobbins from two places, both reputable and the newer purchased ones are slightly 'shorter' than the ones that came with my FW. I remember reading somewhere that original bobbins sit slightly taller than the bobbin case itself and the 4 I got with my machine do this. The newer ones sit more flush with the top of the bobbin case. Is this the way the newer reproductions work? If so, are there tension issues common with the newer, shorter bobbins?

Thanks,
Michelle

i haven't had any problems with my reproduction bobbins, i use them in 221 and 301 machine

Several people have mentioned having problems with various replacement bobbins in their FWs. My SIL asked me to adjust her machine for her because the tension wasn't right. The tension was fine. It was the bobbin that her FW didn't like. I don't remember now where she purchased them.... one of the box stores. So, I guess you could try your replacements and see if your FW likes them or not. I know that others on QB have said the bobbins from sew-classic have worked for them. There are other places where you can order replacements that work well.... someone will mention them as well.

Thanks Nana up north, I've read this, especially about those bought on card backed packages. I bought 5 from a well respected sewing machine repair shop that does FWs and some online. They seem to be working, but I can see they all sit a tiny bit lower in the bobbin case than the original bobbins do. I will just remember to check my bobbin if I run into any stitch quality issues.

michelle

I have a featherweight and I took it to the shop and when I got it back the tension was set on "6" to make the stitches even. When I sew on 4-5 or 6 the botton thread is too loose. Can you give me any ideas on how to repair this.

If you're getting loops on top of the fabric, loosen the top tension (go to a lower number), or tighten the bottom tension. Loops on the bottom, do the opposite. For two pieces of light to mid weight fabric the tension should be approximately 4 or 5. You can change the position of the numbers, if that's the only problem, by pushing on the numbers and rotating them left or right. Also, take out the bobbin case and check that the thread tension correct by doing the "yo-yo" test: hold the thread and let the bobbin case drop (but watch out that it doesn't hit the floor or a hard surface). It should drop a bit and then stop. Not very scientific, but it's a starting place for tweaking it. If you need to adjust the bobbin tension there is a tiny screw on a flat spring inside the case. Do you have a manual? If not, there are free downloads online. Check out Ismacs and also the Singer site. This type of adjustment is explained and illustrated in the manual.

I forgot to say, Michelle, you can find vintage bobbins online (eg. ebay) fairly inexpensively if you browse around. If you search 'featherweight bobbins' you'll find the higher priced ones, but if you do more sleuthing you can find them cheaper. The FW bobbins look similar to class 15 at first glance, but they are wider and thinner, so it is possible to identify them from a picture. You can always ask for measurements if you're not sure.

Here's a lot of 17 FW bobbins with a bunch of class 15 coming along for the ride. If you don't need the class 15 it's more expensive than buying new, but less than properly advertised vintage FW bobbins. Plus you get two cases:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOT-of-33-ME...item35cc1912fb

Only 1 FW bobbin here, but a nice buy for class 66 bobbins. I'm guessing they are ca. 1970s by the graphics on the box and also the mention of Singer 600 series:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Three-Bobbin...item4ac9c4429e

I found those after just a couple minutes of searching "metal bobbins". You can find better deals if you spend more time looking.

Here's another one. I think about 25 FW bobbins. I don't know what the others are.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350880246131

I just bought 10 from http://shop.sew-classic.com/Bobbins_c7.htm If you ever need parts for old sewing machines, it is the place to go. Good prices and fast shipping. Mary