Top thread breaking on featherweight
 

As soon as I start to stitch it will do about three stitches and the top thread breaks.

Is this a tension problem?

This is the first time I've had any trouble with this machine (other than the foot controller issue a couple years ago).

It sounds like tension is too tight. I had this trouble with my machine and it turned out the top tension was turned all the way in. I also had to loosen the bobbin tension but that was afterwards because the bobbin thread was breaking.

Try a new needle and check your tension! I had that problem and had a catch in the needle also my tension was a wee bit too tight. If all else fails check your manual.

It does sound like a tension issue, but on something like this the first thing I do is fully rethread everything, both top thread and bobbin.

Could your thread be catching on the spool pin or possibly the spool itself. Make sure the spool cap your using is big enough.

Thanks! I'm now suspecting a problem with the needle but will try rethreading first before changing out needle.

I had this issue the other day and it was because I was not threading the needle correctly. Thread the needle from right to left through the needle. I hope this solves your problem, it did for me.

also check the orientation of the needle.

When inserting a needle, make sure the needle’s FLAT SIDE is facing the left. Thread the needle ALWAYS from the right to the left on a Singer Featherweight 221.

Check around for burrs, too. Burrs can be on the needle plate or hook area.

I'm suspecting there was a burr on the eye of the needle. Changed it out and all is well.
Thanks to all!