need help with a minnesota h sewing machine
 

I have a Minnesota H sewing machine that won't pick up the thread from the shuttle bobbin. I read somewhere that it could possibly be out of time. Can anyone help me with this issue? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Let me qualify my response. I know nothing about Minnesota H sewing machines. However, I bought a Spartan that would not pick up the bobbin thread. The needle was in backwards. When I turned the needle around, the machine sewed a great stitch. Worth a try. . . .

Timing would be far down on my list. Cleaning and oiling do wonders for our old beasties. Yes, check to make sure you have the right needle and that it is in correctly. Have you pulled on the bobbin thread to make sure it isn't stuck? Using new thread and not stuff that has been there for decades? I don't know Hs but I know Sears had many suppliers. Are you sure of your threading? Tension ok for the top thread?

Welcome timh.

Do you have a manual?

My first thought the needle was inserted incorrectly. I don't have a Minnesota, but have several VS shuttle machines and the needle is inserted with the flat of the needle towards the right. Then threads left to right. Another possibility is it is threaded incorrectly? It could be either top thread or bobbin thread (maybe you could take out the bobbin and turn it over so the opposite end goes to the point). It helps if you have a manual. Sometimes the manuals aren't the greatest and sometimes I have checked other similar machines to see if better instructions.

Is it a treadle? If it has been electrified, does it have a belt or is it a friction drive machine? Is it possible you are turning the hand wheel the correct direction? Some machines the hand wheel goes clockwise and some go the opposite direction.

Some pictures would help. We like pictures.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.