Featherweight - two concerns
 

First....I've been trying to get the tension right but no matter what I do, and I've been adjusting the bobbin tension and the top tension in increments, I still get just a hint of the bobbin thread showing on the top of the fabric. I believe I have the bobbin thread set correctly. (It just slightly "spiders" out of my hand when I lift it by the thread.) Any ideas? Other than that, the stitches look wonderful.

Second......When I turn the handwheel backwards, it is stiff and it doesn't make a stitch. Sometimes it will break the bobbin thread.

Any pointers on what to do or where I should go for more info on these problems?

Thanks, Watson

Test sew with two layers of woven cotton fabric. Make sure the needle is in the correct way, and use a new sharp point needle. Worn needle tip can cause hickups.

Check the top tensioner; it should turn smoothly from about 0 to 9, or even 0 to 0. It doesn't matter if it's a bit off the mark, as long as it turns freely all the way around. Use regular sew all weight thread, mercerized cotton or Gütermann sew-all polyester is good for tension adjustment. Set the top tension between 4 and 5 and fine tune bobbin tension from there. Use a good quality thread, a known brand like Gütermann (or another trusted brand) is a good choice, it will give less factors to worry about for test sewing purposes.

Check the thread you are using, it should not snap between your fingers too easily. What type of thread are you using.

The hand wheel can be turned backwards to lift the needle, but more than that and will mess up the thread. If the thread catches or tangle, it will make the hand wheel stiff and when forced, the thread will break. Generally; the hand wheel only goes in the direction the motor runs it.

Another thing is to make sure you match thread and needle size suitably for each other as well as the fabric. It can make all the difference for heavier or densely woven fabrics.

Clean and oil everything, make sure the tension disks are clean as well as the tension spring on the bobbin case.

Mickey2, I will try adjusting the tension again, the way you suggested.

Tartan, thanks...I didn't know that about the reverse.

Watson

Good sources to get information is The Singer Featherweight Shop, or Nova Mongomery Shop. They have some valuable information. Learned so much from them on my 221.

I would take mine to my service guy. But then, I am not that fond of my Featherweight. I prefer my 301s to my 221.

All fixed up after Mickey2 and Tartan's suggestions! Thanks!

Watson

So, do you love it? Is it as good as everyone says they are????

Wait, whoa there now girl! That FW is in a cabinet? Must. See. Pictures. I've never heard of one in a cabinet. I thought they always came in the little square box, and you could hunt the rest of your life for the elusive card table with the cutout especially made for it.

I think it's great to take to my Tuesday Social at the LQS. I was lugging my full size machine, but this is super easy and I'm only sewing straight seams so it does a perfect job of that.

Watson