Singer ProFinish Threading Problem

When you thread the top thread, the thread will drop down on the right side of the tension mechanism and go around the bottom (clockwise) and up the left side. Grab the thread somewhere above the tension mechanism with your right hand and then pull the toward the right (as though you are going to close the circle around the tension disk. The thread should pull on the metal wire (spring) and your thread should pop into the correct position of the tension disk. When you release the thread, the wire spring should pop back to the left. Then you will continue threading through the remaining thread guides and the take-up lever.

Here's a service manual for your machine (in case you need one):

Singer 20U31 Service Manual

Threading video:
Threading Singer 20U 20 33 industrial sewing machine

Singer 20U Industrial Sewing Machine Tutorial

Singer 20U Industrial Sewing Machine Tutorial

Bobbin winding on the Singer 20 33 or 20U

this video shows threading the tension disk:

How to Thread Singer Industrial Sewing Machine

It could be the top thread is the problem. Might try removing all the thread. Consult the owner's manual for threading instructions. RAISE the presser foot BEFORE threading the upper thread so the thread will seat properly in the tension disk. Re-thread from the beginning carefully following the instructions--do not miss any spots or thread guides.

If top thread is still creating a mess of loops under the fabric, try tightening the upper tension. The tension is ideal when both upper and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

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Try rethreading it. Make sure you are getting the bottom thread right or your tension will not lock the threads thus no chain.

Visit this website http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html
enter in your model number and download the manual for your machine, threading issues usually either bobbin not in correctly, thread not in tension or machine incorrectly threaded, so review the manual threading instructions and follow them to trouble shoot your machine.

"Birdnesting" occurs when there is no tension on the needle thread to pull the bobbin thread. This is easily corrected by rethreading the machine, following the threading path carefully and making sure the thread is fully engaged in the tension mechanism.

"Birdnesting" occurs when there is no tension on the needle thread to pull the bobbin thread. This is easily corrected by rethreading the machine, following the threading path carefully and making sure the thread is fully engaged in the tension mechanism.

"Birdnesting" occurs when there is no tension on the needle thread to pull the bobbin thread. This is easily corrected by rethreading the machine, following the threading path carefully and making sure the thread is fully engaged in the tension mechanism.


Singer sells manuals on their site (a few you can download for free) at http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html.

"Birdnesting" occurs when there is no tension on the needle thread to pull the bobbin thread. This is easily corrected by rethreading the machine, following the threading path carefully and making sure the thread is fully engaged in the tension mechanism.

"Birdnesting" occurs when there is no tension on the needle thread to pull the bobbin thread. This is easily corrected by rethreading the machine, following the threading path carefully and making sure the thread is fully engaged in the tension mechanism.

"Birdnesting" occurs when there is no tension on the needle thread to pull the bobbin thread. This is easily corrected by rethreading the machine, following the threading path carefully and making sure the thread is fully engaged in the tension mechanism.