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Re: Issue with the thread "birdnesting" on the underside...
Hello, Here's a couple of things to try.
* Raise your feed dogs if your machine has this feature.
* Before you start to sew a seam, hold the upper and bobbin thread tails. Hold them back and out of the way as you sew your first couple of stitches. This will keep them from getting caught in your machine.
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Although there could be several reasons, this is generally called bird nesting or thread nesting. It is usually a result of loose upper tension, mis-threading, or possibly a needle/thread/fabric incompatibility.
#1--when you thread, make sure you ALWAYS raise the presser foot so the thread seats in the tension disk. And, be sure to change the needle often...
Birdnesting is a common but very frustrating problem that can be resolved easily once you know where the problem originates. Remember, if the birdnesting occurs on the underside of the fabric, the problem originates with the upper thread. If it shows on the top of the fabric, the problem is the bobbin.
Very often, the machine is not threaded correctly. Remove all the thread from the machine. Check there are no loose threads or lint stuck anywhere in the machine. Oil as instructed in the manual.
Install a brand new needle! The needle should be suitable for the thread and fabric you are using. All About Needles
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread the upper thread. Verify the path is correct.
Check that the bobbin is installed and threaded properly.
Sounds like bird nesting.
The #1 thing is to install a brand new needle (old, worn, nicked, or bent needles can create a lot of havoc).
Remove all the thread from the machine. RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning verifying that it is threaded correctly. Make sure the bobbin is loaded and threaded in the bobbin case properly.
Is it really the bobbin thread that is globbing? Check closely. Usually it is the upper thread accumulating under the fabric.
If it is in fact the bobbin thread, then the bobbin case is not threaded correctly, the bobbin case tension needs adjustment, or it is broken and needs replacement. There are web sites and YouTube videos that show how to adjust the bobbin case tension.
QUICK FIXES: Remove all the thread from the machine. Clean the area around the feed dogs and bobbin area. Oil as instructed in the owner's manual using ONLY fresh, good quality sewing machine oil (only 1-2 drops each spot). Install a brand new needle insuring it is installed correctly. Avoid using fuzzy, old, or bargain bin thread. Rethread: Be sure you raise the presser foot BEFORE threading the upper thread so it will seat properly in the tension disk--and check to make sure you are threading the machine correctly. Check that the upper tension is set properly (the factory standard is usually the halfway point between the high & low number on the selection). Test on a scrap of the fabric you wish to sew. Adjust the upper tension--either tighten to pull the upper thread toward the top of the fabric, or loosen to pull more upper thread down.
You may have the tension set too tight or are not using the correct needle. Or, the bobbin thread may not be the same as the top thread. If the tensions are o.k., try using a ballpoint needle.
Maureen--Here are some things to try to make your sewing experience more pleasant:
First thing: Put in a brand-new needle. Damaged needles are probably the number one cause of a sewing machine issue. For some reason, sewists are very frugal with their needle supply. However, needles should be replaced frequently to achieve the best sewing result and the least problem. Needles are a very inexpensive "fix" for frustrating issues. Also, do NOT sew over pins. It will not only damage the needle and possibly knock the machine out of time but is also dangerous because broken needle pieces can fly a long distance--into your eye or elsewhere.
Try a different type thread. Old and inexpensive brands of thread can cause problems.
Clean any dust, lint, and thread pieces from the feed dogs and bobbin area. Be sure to oil your machine as recommended in your owner's manual. Use ONLY good quality sewing machine oil (not 3-in-1, grandma's old oil tin, WD-40, or cooking oil), and apply only one to two drops each spot as directed in your manual.
Clean the tension disks. Remove all the thread from the machine. Loosen the upper thread tension as much as possible, then gently pull a piece of UN-waxed dental floss or pearl cotton between the tension disks to clean them and remove any dust, lint, gunk, or pieces of thread. Do this several times to get everything removed that shouldn't belong.
Be sure to RAISE the presser foot BEFORE threading the upper thread (this releases the tension disks so the thread will seat properly).
Re-thread from the beginning verifying that it is threaded properly (consult your manual).
If your thread is globbing up under the fabric, you are probably experiencing thread nesting or birds nesting. Here's a handy web site: Sewing Machine Thread Bunching Up Here Why
Usually birdnesting occurs when the upper tension is too loose. Try tightening and then test.
If the upper thread is pulling the bobbin thread to the top of the fabric or is breaking while stitching, the tension is too tight. Try loosening and test.
The tension is correct when both, the upper thread and bobbin thread, meet in the middle of the fabric.
As a sewist, you will be using different weights of thread and fabric as well as different sizes and types of needles, so adjusting the upper tension to suit each circumstance should become second nature for you. This web site may be helpful when determining which needles to use for which project: All About Needles
Adjusting bobbin tension should be attempted only if you understand the consequences. Bobbin tension should be done only in small increments and you should be able to comfortably return it to the original setting.
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HANDY TIP: to help threading the needle's eye, instead of licking the end of the thread, lick your finger and then swipe it across the back side of the needle's eye. The moisture in the eye will draw the thread into place.
Most likely, it's because the top thread is not seated fully in the tension disk.
Install a brand new needle. Remove the top thread from the machine. ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning. Verify the thread path is correct.
FWIW, problems appearing under the fabric is usually a top thread issue. Problems appearing on top of the fabric is usually a bobbin thread issue.
Okay. I had this problem too. try taking the bobbin casing out. I had a bit of thread lintg caught in a remote area of the under-plate area. Blow it out with canned air and oil your machine. That should help. It fixed mine.
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