Having trouble threading my sewing machine!

[specialsmasher]

I am a beginner, but really don't know what's wrong. The needle won't pick up the thread from the bobbin underneath. The tension is right - it just comes up empty, except, infuriatingly, every one in ten times when it does catch it. What am I doing wrong? I would really be enjoying my new machine if I could sort this out!!

All help gratefully received...

I owuld re thread th ebobbin as i often do this wrong.

Thanks - have done that loads of times - just can't see what's wrong.

Sorry if these are obvious questions

Have you got thread in the upper needle? Hold the end as the needle goes down (or it will sometimes pull the end inside) and when it comes up there should be a loop of underneath thread around the top thread - you then pull both out so you have 2 ends to start sewing.

If this doesn't work you do need to check you have the underneath thread put through exactly the right gap/clip/whatever and coming out in the right direction to be picked up as per the instructions.

What machine do you have?

toottotired has said most of what I would have. I always pull more thread through the top needle than I need to and leave a big tail on the bobbin so I can see when they are 'caught'.

Is it a new machine or a second hand one? My machine does this when it is dusty and needs a good dust/hoover.

Things to try (in no particular order) that have worked for me before

• rethread top needle
• take needle out and put it back in
• change needle
• change top tread
• rewind bobbin
• change bobbin thread
• clean out the bobbin bit thoroughly
• take out the bobbin holder and clean under that

Could be a timing problem possibly, which would need a professional to take a look.

Leave massively long thread on upper needle and hold it gently as you dip the needle under to pick up under thread.

Before needle is completely back up, gently tug on the upper thread you have been holding... pull it out to the left.... it should be wrapped around your lower thread.

Thanks so much for all help, everyone! I

t seems to be doing it better now, but it still erratic, and I haven't got to the bottom of why. Hey ho!

Will try all suggestions, thank you.