Help with Featherweight stitching, please
 

I am always so impressed with the knowledge and helpfulness expressed by the denizens of this board. Now it's my turn to ask for help.

I pulled my featherweight out today after not using it for more than a year. It is in great shape and has never had any problems. I began piecing with it and it may as well have had a ruffler on it. The stitches are straight and even, but they pucker the fabric terribly. The problem can't be ironed out. It has to be ripped. What is going on?

I rethreaded both machine and bobbin several times to no avail. I tried changing the stitch length, but it had no effect. I don't know what else to try.

Any ideas?

Thanks for your help!

New needle ? and cleaning it up in the bobbin area ?

Did you oil it first?

I just got my featherweight yesterday and I was having the same problem. I changed the tension and cleaned out her old oil and gave her a fresh bath. She is now running much better.

First, make sure the needle is fresh and is also put in correctly....flat side to the LEFT. Then make sure you thread it RIGHT to LEFT. If that doesn't help then it may be a tension issue which is also easily fixed, on a FW. Keep us updated :)