Deus ex Sewing Macchina

[purplepidjin]

I have a gremlin in my sewing machine. It keeps unthreading the top thread mid-seam. It only does this on seams where the join will be immediately noticeable.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Advice/support/piss-taking welcome - I have 8 more drool bibs to make, preferably today, and a fleece steam punk coat to start (if I get the measurements through.

PS, I made 5 drool bibs yesterday using the exact same fabric and settings and there were no problems!

My sewing machine is a snob. It will only use expensive thread. It eats or snaps the (even slightly) more economical stuff
Wondering if your went to the same Finishing School (particularly given the latin in the title)

this IS the posh stuff! It does the same with cheap stuff too.

It worked happily on the same settings, fabric etc yesterday. It works happily as long as I'm not sewign any seam that will be visible. GRRRR

When did you last change the needle? If you are topstitching and going through a few layers it may be getting blunt

have you oiled the machine recently??? My machine only works with 100% cotton posh thread, anything else and you'd swear I wasn't threading the needle properly.

Also a piece of thread with a few knots in it, can be used to clean the tension discs. Just pull through as if you were threading up.

Have you tried changing the needle?

Have you rethreaded the bobbin and accidentally put it in back to front?

Have you tried cleaning the bobbin socket? A proper clean, removing the hook as well.

Haven't changed the needle for a couple of projects - but that was just before Christmas when I was making a weighted vest (see profile) and snapped about 7 in 2 hours

The stupid part is that it was working absolutely beautifully yesterday doing exactly the same thing with exactly the same fabric!

Wouldn't know where to start with oiling? It's a 1970 Husqvarna Viking, kept and then left to me by my Nan, so may not have been maintained that well but has no major problems normally.

Bobbin has been in and out like a yoyo today because I've done that much sewing I had to refill it!

I've been told that a needle should be changed after about 3-4 hours continuous sewing. To be honest I probably change every 10 hours.

My machine needs oiling just where you insert the bobbin on the bit that moves round. Google the model number and see if you can find instructions. I know it sounds like a simple thing but it really can make a big difference.

Thank you, Pleiades. My local shop charges £65 for a service and I'm pretty sure I could do it myself if I tried lol

Shame, by your title, I thought it would exit the stage, flying through the air. What a disappointment.

Sorry, Quin - was a less-educated-than-I'd-like-to-be attempt at humour because I appear to have a ghost in my machine... A little more Isaac Asimov than Greek Tragedy

My fault, I have no clue about Isac Asimov. Sorry.

Will Smith gets naked in the shower in the opening bit of I, Robot

Luckily DP finds this hilarious

Really?
I must jot it down as "one to watch".

With a sewing machine, you oil it anywhere you see a hole, I know it sounds odd but it really does work. Remember to put a scrap piece through in case you have any leftover oil seeping through.

that could be misinterpreted... I will see what DP thinks

He is the only person likely to know where the oil is in the house!

Use 3in1... it works fine!

DP's tongue is hanging out, he thinks I'm being suggestive! Thanks for the help, LatteLady - I'll try it on Thursday when I get my next day off!