Anyone else had trouble with the John Lewis kids' sewing machine?

[flubba]

My DD was given one for her birthday last week and we set it all up yesterday, but it keeps catching - we can do maybe two stitches, then it all snarls up. I've tried using my own bobbins from my machine (to make sure they're properly wound on) and using different threads. Tension's on 4, we've tried different fabrics, we've made sure everything is wound in the right direction - very frustrated so thought I'd ask here if anyone had any experience or bright ideas before having to lug it back to JL :(

[gybegirl]

When you thread any machine (from the top to the needle) always make sure your presser foot is in the up position and your needle is up as high as you can go.

Try re-threading again and see what happens!

[gybegirl]

Sorry, when I say re-thread that means from the start! not just out of the needle and back in again!

[Ghostsgowoooh]

I bought one of these in the week and all been fine with it so far. The only difficulty ive had with it is making the loop from the bobbin with the needle. It takes several attempts before i get it.

Its made by janome but sold under the j l brand.

[flubba]

Thank you both.

Okay, will try to re-thread the top thread.

I got the loop from the bobbin bit fine. It's just so frustrating because she's so excited about it :(

[flubba]

:( Just tried it all again, new thread, new bobbin, everything done as it should be and it's still knotting up. Will try and take it back tomorrow.

[flubba]

Yeah, I tried that too bran, sadly no good. Think it might be a faulty one, so am taking it back today - will report back if they manage to me and get it to work first time! :o

[Ghostsgowoooh]

How did you get on flubba?

[NorksAreMessy]

Flubba, I have a little and unused sewing machine of a similar type that I could bung over to you if you like. it has been sitting in my cupbard for about 5 years in its unopened box

[flubba]

Aww thank you Norks - I got it sorted though but that's so sweet of you to offer.

I'd failed to thread the top thread through the hold in the needle arm (on mine it kind of hooks behind it), and I'd been concentrating so much on the bobbin as was sure it was there I'd made the mistake, that I didn't even notice the hole. but :) it's fixed and she made herself a little bag this afternoon! :) :)

[Ghostsgowoooh]

Glad you got it sorted. I nearly took mine back yesterday as mine kept jamming and getting tangled then i realised id forgotten to put the presser foot down. Oops .

[NorksAreMessy]

Ah, an organic interface error!

I dont think any two sewing machines in the history of ever have threaded up the same way. It is a black art :)

[Tallyra]

my goddaughter's one kept playing up. mum eventually gave up and got her a proper one - mum is a quilter and according to her the kiddies machine was a load of @!*%.

[Tallyra]

sorry if that's nit very encouraging.

[flubba]

Yep an 'organic interface error' - JL are just lucky I'm not suing them for it!! :o

[Deggo27]

Yes, bought this for our granddaughter, and agree Tallyra, its rubbish, poorly put together, and as all the bobbin parts are plastic, suffer wear and then the machine fouls. have bought her a better machine with a metal bobbin construction and ....no problems, same old saying "You get what you pay for "