How do I remove the bobbin from a Singer 3102? I have the manual and it doesn't tell me. It is not at all obvious from the machine itself. I can't thread the bobbin if I can't remove it.

If your Singer model 600e's bobbin case is stuck, try the following steps to remove it:

1. Turn off the sewing machine and unplug it from the power source.
2. Raise the presser foot and the needle to the highest position.
3. Open the bobbin cover and remove the bobbin from the bobbin case.
4. Locate the lever or button that releases the bobbin case from the hook race. Depending on the model of your Singer sewing machine, this may be a lever, a button, or a latch.
5. Use your finger or a small screwdriver to press or move the lever, button, or latch to release the bobbin case from the hook race.
6. Gently pull the bobbin case out of the machine.

If the bobbin case is still stuck, do not force it. Instead, seek assistance from a trained sewing machine technician or contact Singer customer support for further advice.

The Singer sis a specialist company so maybe the black Bobbi is the wrong type and the machine needs a singer bobbin

It's likely that somewhere there is thread wrapped around a part. That can happen, for instance, during winding a bobbin without your noticing. Thread can also be wrapped around underneath the bobbin basket (holds the bobbin case). You may have to remove a cover to locate it. You didn't mention what model your machine is, but it would be helpful to purchase a service manual for it. It will at least tell you how to remove a cover to locate the problem. They are available at Service Parts Online; if your model is not listed, you can send an email, and chances are they can purchase it for you.

here is a link to click on for a free manual, it should show you how to thread a bobbin

http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/c1f09c61830bdb51261968e6d3fec4782039ece3.pdf

http://www.sew4less.com/index.php
I don't know if the link will work for the bobbin case, if it doesn't
go to sew4less.com
Bobbin Case # 52237 NB, Click for model info.
Product #: 4754

Price: $ 19.95


Bobbin Case # 52237 NB, No backlash type.
A bobbin case, also known as a bobbin holder or bobbin shuttle, holds the bobbin that is filled with thread.
Each machine has a specific bobbin case. # 52237NB
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here are is a site that have manual
http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/

Move bobbin winder to LEFT. Your machine is set to wind a bobbin.
Hope this helps!
Jimmy

Do you have a manul for your machine?
you can download it from here http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/467_7466_efs.pdf

I can't see anything relating to error message 88 in the manual.

So I would suggest you start by trouble shooting the bobbin case, go to page 76 in manual and folloing images, take out bobbin case, clean and replace it. Turn machine off first and once its back in turn it on and see if the 88 code has reset.

Then redo bobbin winding, and threading up. Start with the manual instructions on this page 18 and 20 and work through it step by step. Make sure bobbin is in the right way so thread is feeding off in the right direction. Also just a thought, you haven't got a stray bobbin in there that isn't a Singer one??

I hope that this helps you to eliminate your machine problem, obviously if this doesn't solve it you may need to take it for a service and see if the 88 display relates to something within the machine circuitry.

I can definitely help you with the owners manual. Go to http://parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/457A_105_125_135_143A.pdf and you can download it direct from singer, no viruses, nothing. Just save it in Adobe format.

The bobbin thread problem is called a birds' nest and can be from a number of problems. First thing to do is to change your needle, especially if it was the one you bought the machine with. It may look perfectly straight to the naked eye. But it only needs to be a little bent to cause a problem. If this doesn't clear the problem up, make sure you're using a new bobbin, freshly wound. If the bobbin isn't wound properly or is an old bobbin that's slightly bent or not quite round, it'll cause problems, too. Finally, the machine may need a new bobbin casing. Do a google search for Singer sewing machine parts and search for a bobbin casing for a model 457. You'll remove the plate from the top of the machine CAREFULLY (the screws are small, so be careful not to lose them!). Take pictures if you need to with your cell phone so you can see what to do when you need to put the new casing in. Bobbin casings are usually $25-30. This is the last thing, and I would only do this if you see that thread is catching on something in the bobbin area when you're moving the wheel by hand.

I've tried to be clear on the last bit, but I realize it can be a little awkward. If you need any other help with that, please leave me a comment back. It goes straight to my email, so I'll see it quick and will get back to you right away. The manual doesn't help a lot with your bobbin problem, so I'll do whatever I can to help you through it and get you sewing. Good for you for finding a great garage sale find!

Ok, hang on! This can get tricky! Remove the bobbin. Remove the presser foot and the needle. Remove the throat plate. This gives you plenty of room to monkey with your bobbin case. NOW, lay the bobbin case in its correct area and gently rotate it until it falls into place. It may take several tries. Once you're satisfied that it's secure, snap the holding clips into place and it should all fit nicely. THEN place your bobbin in the case correctly...check the diagram in the manual. Depending on the machine, some bobbins have the threads coming off counterclockwise and others have them coming off clockwise, but your manual should show. Sometimes, there's even a diagram on the throat plate or the bobbin case as well.
Good luck. Hope this works. If this solves your problem, please come back and rate my answer!

There are a load of threading diagrams HERE, although your model is not listed, one may be similar enough to get you out of trouble.
As to a manual, a google search should give you several options for pdf downloads