My sewing machine doesn't catch the bottom thread

Be sure to install a brand new needle. Sometimes a bent/damaged needle will not pick up the bobbin thread.

Sounds like the timing could be off on your machine. There are web sites & videos explaining sewing machine timing or you can take it for service.

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maybe your machine needs to go in for servicing just to be safe it is possible some thing simple

top thread is not tensioned enough

hi, you need to alter the timing, mostly related to the upstoke, as the needle returns, sadly i never worked on one of these however it sounds a classic timing issue...

Regards
Rob

www.electronicrepairs.co

it's probably time to get new twin needles, the point of the left
needle could be slightly damaged.
I would also suggest that the machine be rethreaded top & bobbin
make sure to use every thread guide
clean under the needle plate and in the bobbin area for lint
if buying new needles doesn't solve the problem then the machine
may need to be checked to see if there is a problem with the timing.

Go to http://fixsewingmachine.com since there is great diagram there to help you visualize the process. Jimmy

try a top thread tension of 4

change to a new needle

clean under the needle plate & in bobbin area for lint or loose threads

also rethread machine top thread & bobbin just incase thread is catching somewhere

make sure the thread doesn't come off the thread take up lever

check to see if there are any burrs on the needle plate or the bobbin

If your machine has been stored for 5 years, you should give it a good clean and oil according to the manual before you do anything else. Then put in a new needle and wind a fresh bobbin, checking that the bobbin has been wound smoothly as a badly wound bobbin can cause poor tension and stitching from the bottom thread.

You want the thread to go from the spool through a tension disc or eyelet to the bobbin and keep some gentle tension onto the thread spool using your scissors handle or similar so that the thread winds off it smoothly and the spool doesn't bounce around. Also give the thread a nudge with your finger tip as it winds onto the bobbin so it fills evenly, top, middle and bottom, not all in the middle.

Are you wanting a straight stitch to sew around the hemline? If so, your stitch length is right, but stitch width should be zero. You don't say what knob is set to 4, if its your top tension then that should be close, usually between 4 and 6 if dial goes from zero to 10.

Which thread is too tight? top or bottom. Firstly check the threading path to ensure that the top thread isn't catching on anything, is through the take up lever properly and coming from the thread spool without catching there. Some thread spools have a little knick in the top where you can catch the thread to store it, but you dont' want the thread to catch here when seaming, so turn it around the other way on the spool so it can't.

Try test stitching a medium zig zag stitch on scrap fabric, and you'll be able to see if the bottom thread is pulling in or the top one, then adjust the tension dial a little to lessen this.

Hope these pointers help, if you can't get a good neat stitch after trying these things, then consider taking it for a clean and service, the technician can get inside and clean the machine thoroughly and also check for any other issues that might be there.

pfaff expression 2.0 works the same. I spend lots of hours with the thread tension and it don;t give me a good stitch. the needle threed ends up making large irregular loops .

im no expert, just been sewing for many years, i use 2 different juki machines, i suggest looking at the needle, are we sure you have the rite size? 135/ 140? did the needle just get changed? it could be the correct one, but if its in backwards, there isn't a dimple to let the hook behind the thread, to catch it, feel free to call me, 239-895-4845, my name is devin, shop is Quality Auto Trim Inc., ill try to help you over the phone if necessary, good luck