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. |
The little lever that is set at the stitch length, let’s you sew reverse if you push it to the top.
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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.
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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.
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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????
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Originally Posted by Cari-in-Oly
(Post 8225577)
I have no love affair with my FW. I like it okay, but it's just too small for me to take seriously. Give me a 301 any day. Now my 7yr old GD, she's the one who loves the FW and it's going to her someday along with its cabinet.
Cari |
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 |
I love the portability of my FW. I've been sewing in the kitchen since my Mom has been ill and I can look right at her and sew. It's great for piecing.
The only thing I don't like is the bobbin empties quickly but other than that I love it. |
Cari, wow! I recently just learned there was a cabinet for a featherweight. I realized that a few years ago that I had seen one in an antique shop. However, I was very poor at the time and didn't know it was for a featherweight. I would have taken the money out of my savings. I asked he shop ownerabout it but she didn't know what machine it was for. You are a lucky dog!!!
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