Ok, what's wrong with my sewing machine?

[duchesse]

Basically the bobbin isn't picking up the thread from the needle. I can't work out why. Any techno-savvy MNetters out there who can help?

you have checked it's threaded correctly of course you have

is the bobbin tension ok?

The sewing machine equivalent of "turn it off and on again" is, IME, completely removing top and bottom and re-threading it all paying attention this time. Mine does that when I put the bobbin in upside-down, for example. Or when the thread doesn't catch properly on the bobbin holder. Or when I have threaded the top wrong .

Other than that, no ideas, sorry..

I've tried adjusting everything a bit, but nudding...

It's as though the bobbin isn't quite synching with the needle going down. I haven't been sewing through 4 layers of fabric and elastic at the same time honest guvnor

I tried the sewing machine equivalent of the reboot just now, might have been paying attention this time , but still nothing. So frustrating!!

Ah. By George I think I've got it. You didn't mention the abuse robust usage.

Have you tried a new needle?

unchartered, which is the bobbin tension dial? the obvious one or some little dial tucked away somewhere?

Shall try new needle squigs, thanks. will report back in a mo.

if you use metal bobbins it's a flat screw on the side of the actual bobbin

I think I had the same problem. When I sewed, the bottom was basically a straight line of bobbin thread with the top thread making loops around it or just bunches of thread along the bottom.

I tried everything then took it to a repai shop and the guy said it was broken. When you turned the tension adjuster at the top it wasn't clicking. Mine's a cheap machine so I have just bought a new one.

Anyway, I would recommend taking it to a shop and just getting them to have a quick look at it.

Hooray!~ Thanks ladies, something worked. I changed the needle, twiddled about with the length of the needle, rethreaded and lo, it worketh. Not sure what the problem was but thanks to you all it is sorted.

Try different thread, different bobbin.