Got my sewing machine but

I can't get the bobbin thread to catch on the needle.

What am I doing wrong? I move the knob to make the needle go down but it won't catch the thread. A friend had stopped by and she got it to do it. I ran the machine twice just getting a fell for it and then the next thing I know it's not sewing and the bottom thread isn't there. Sigh.

Is there anyone here that can write it out. A cheat sheet? LOL

It's a Singer 132q Featherweight and it says 150th anniversary on it. If that helps.

I might be hopeless on being able to work a sewing machine. LOL

Make sure you have your bobbin in correctly. That the bobbin thread is feeding in the right direction.

Also that your top thread is fed correctly, make sure that your needle is at the highest position when you start to feed the top thread.

YouTube is a good place to look for visual tutorials if you're a read, look, do learner. Keep your manual next to you and search on YT.

Good luck, you'll catch the hang of it. I had to get my manual out after a four month break from my Isodore/Brother when I came back from the Mainland. lol We've all been there.

Ruby

PS Each machine is a bit different, but between your manual and a visual walk-through video you should get the picture. :D

Is bobbin put in correctly so that the thread comes out in the right direction? this does make a difference. Do you have the right size bobbin? the little 1/16 inch difference will mess things up
hope this helps

Also make sure you have your needle in correctly.

http://www.singer-featherweight.com/...es/singfea.pdf
This is a free manual for your machine. You should be able to download. Hope this helps.

THE FEATHERWEIGHTS THREAD THE NEEDLE FROM RIGHT TO LEFT - AS DO THE SINGER 201'S.


IT'S THAT SIMPLE.

I'm really NOT yelling - just wanted to stand out so you saw this.

Wait. The machine came to me with a needle already in it. And the hole to put the thread through it is front to back..how do I know if it's in there wrong? Would it still work if it were?

Also, that isn't the machine I have Dakota. Mine is much newer than that. I have no idea how to get a picture from my phone or I would take and post. I have tried. LOL I would be more than happy to email a picture to someone who knows singers. If anyone is knowing and willing they can send me a PM.

Hmm, wonder if I could figure out how to upload a video on to you tube...lol maybe my teens know how.


I DID manage to get the needle to catch the bobbin thread. But when I sew the top thread is very loose on the BOTTOM. and only for about an inch. And then the stitching looks great. There for a while I was having trouble with it going. The needle was just going up and down and I couldn't move the fabric. So I ended up with a huge knot. LOL This is going to be fun...

That friend that got it going?.....I would ask her to slow down and show me....

Turn the handle of the machine toward you. The loops on the bottom may be because your bobbin was not inserted correctly. If it was, then adjust your tension sewing on a scrape of fabric.

Have you ever been to www.craftsy.com? They have a FREE class called Sewing Machine 911...it's easy to sign up and you can take the class for Free. I really think it will help you!

Link: http://www.craftsy.com/class/Sewing-Machine-911/77 Let us know how it's going...Happy Sewing!

This is not the featherweight that people are thinking of. It's a newer one.

Attachment 26432

Attachment 26433

No it was sent to me by another friends mom. She knew I wanted to start quilting so she found it at a yard sale, bought it and sent it to me. LOL It worked just fine for her. She's been sewing/quilting since before I was alive, so I know she knew what she was doing with it. But I will be calling her when I get the chance. I think my mom knows someone local that I might be able to ask to help me too.

I will get it figured out. I was just hoping that it was a simple yet crazy thing that could be easily fixed. Like do I have to stand on my left foot and hold my hand to the right. LOL

Your needle should have one flat side and it will usually only go in the right way. Make sure you are leaving a long enough thread tail before you start sewing. 3 to 4 inches, both bobbin and upper thread. Place them under and to the back of the pressure foot before you lower it.

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/ins...-download.aspx
Even though this states it is the manual, it is the parts list: http://homeappliance.manualsonline.c...inger/132.html
http://www.fixya.com/tags/singer_132_featherweight
http://www.fixya.com/support/p130950...32q_mechanical
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ht-t10956.html

I am thinking you have your bobbin loaded wrong. If I am not mistaken is is a front loading bobbin, that fits in a metal case. The thread coming off the bobbin should be unwinding counter clockwise, put it in the case like that, feed it through the case from right to left through the little groove leaving about a four inch tail, Unthread your need needle and make sure when you thread it the foot is up and the needle is in the highest position. Then holding your needle thread in your left hand slowly turn the wheel toward you and that should bring up the bobbin thread. Hope this makes sense, bit 99% sure this is the correct way to do it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by auntiemern

I am thinking you have your bobbin loaded wrong. If I am not mistaken is is a front loading bobbin, that fits in a metal case. The thread coming off the bobbin should be unwinding counter clockwise, put it in the case like that, feed it through the case from right to left through the little groove leaving about a four inch tail, Unthread your need needle and make sure when you thread it the foot is up and the needle is in the highest position. Then holding your needle thread in your left hand slowly turn the wheel toward you and that should bring up the bobbin thread. Hope this makes sense, bit 99% sure this is the correct way to do it.

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I was thinking bobbin case too, but I thought maybe I'm too new to know anything about anything lol But I do know, from my experience with "The Beast" (aka. ancient Brother that weighs 500lbs) that a front-loading bobbin can be VERY confusing at first. For many who have been sewing for years, it's as easy as pie. But take it from me, loading that bobbin for the first time can be a PITA!! lol I would DEFINITELY suggest Sewing Machine 911 from Craftsy! It's totally free, and you not only get to read about how to fix it, but you get to see it as well. And she takes out all of the components to the bobbin "area" (not sure what else to call it lol) for both a drop-in and a front-loading machine. Plus you get to learn how to clean your machine and how to fix common problems :) Check it out, even if you figure out what's causing your problem!

I've been messing(fighting) with my machine for days. Some times I can get it to work. Other times I can't. When it does work I'm having tension issues.

Today my mom came over and played with it and she was getting ready to fight it too. LOL She only uses her's to mend clothes. She thinks she got it working. I haven't been able to play around since she was here though. My husband has been home this week and I still kinda like him so he won over the machine. Hehehe.

When that thing starts acting up and I start thinking I just can't, I come here and look at all the wonderful, beautiful quilts(and other items!) you all have made and I get inspired. And I am going to beat this machine...I will win...and I will make quilts!!!!

But I am saving my pennies to buy a new machine. Don't know how long it will take but I will get a new one. This one just isn't going to be my friend. :icon_razz: