Bought a featherlite 221 will not pick up bobbin thread have no manaul so am i threading it correctly or putting in needle wrong the machine is like new

If you've properly installed a brand new needle that is correct for the machine, threaded it correctly, checked that the bobbin is installed correctly and the bobbin tension threaded properly, most likely the machine is out of time. In other words, the needle is arriving at the bobbin at the wrong time in order to intercept the bobbin. (You can open the bobbin area, hand rotate the handwheel and watch how and where the needle moves in relation to the bobbin to see where and why it is not connecting.) You can search the internet for web sites and videos that discuss machine timing or you can take it for service.

...

Install a brand new needle. A bent/dull/damaged needle sometimes will not pick up bobbin thread.

Check that the needle is installed facing the correct direction.

Also check that the bobbin is wound smoothly, the bobbin is turning the correct direction in the bobbin case, and the bobbin tension is threaded correctly.

If it still will not pick up the bobbin thread, there is most likely a timing issue, ie the needle is arriving at the wrong time to intercept the bobbin thread. Search the internet for sewing machine timing discussions or take it for service.

...

The needle could be facing the wrong direction. The owners manual should show how to do this. On most machines, the flat part faces the back of the machine. But if the bobbin case is installed from the left side rather than from the front, the needle's flat side may face the right side of the machine. In the latter case, the thread is threaded from the left side through the needle's eye.

Be sure you are using a brand new needle. A bent/damaged needle may not pick up the bobbin thread.

If it still does not pick up the bobbin thread, the needle/hook timing may be off. There are multiple web sites and videos discussing sewing machine timing, or you can take it for service.

...

check for problems in the bobbin winding, ( in the wrong way so that the thread is not coming out correctly)
top thread tension too tight or too loose
vary the thread tension to see when it improves on a waste test sew

Always--install a brand new needle. A bent/dull/damaged needle may not pick up the bobbin thread.

Remove the thread from the machine. Always Raise The Presser Foot and rethread from the beginning. Make sure the thread seats completely in the tension disk and the thread path is correct.

Test your machine. If it still fails to pick up the bobbin thread, then your machine may have a timing issue (the needle is arriving at the bobbin at the wrong time in order to intercept with the bobbin thread).

There are many web sites and videos explaining sewing machine timing. Or, you can take it for service.

...

Install a brand new needle (verify it is facing the proper direction).

Remove all the thread from the machine. ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading. Rethread the machine from the beginning--verify the thread path is correct. Leave at least 4-6" of thread tail. from the needle (Avoid using old or bargain bin thread.)

Insert the bobbin in the bobbin case (make sure the bobbin is turning the correct direction) and thread the bobbin case. Load the bobbin case in the machine. Leave at least 4-6" of thread tail.

Set the upper tension to the midway point.

Retest your machine. Turn the handwheel toward you manually until the needle completes one full cycle of going down and up.

If it is still not picking up the bobbin thread, it may have a needle/hook timing issue. Take it for service.

..

Doesn't pick up bobbin thread
1. The bobbin may be in backwards.
2. The bobbin thread & top thread need to be pulled to the back before starting the stitching
3. You need a ballpoint rather than universal needle to sew on t-shirt knits.
4. the needle is in the machine backwards
5. Make sure the needle is the correct one for the fabric being sewed
6. Needle inserted wrong in the needle holder
7. Warped needle
8. Warped bobbin
9. Also could be a timing problem

try these suggestions
Not picking up thread can be several issues
1.bobbin is miss wound
2. bobbin case isn't snapped in properly
3. you're using the wrong type bobbin
4. needle is bent or burred
5. check bobbin area for lint & loose threads
6. little oil--check operation manual for this
7.machine is out of time --done by service tech
8.check automatic thread cutter to see if it’s bent
but most of the time the issue is once again mis-threading or the thread coming off take up lever
sewing machine needles put in incorrectly
Check & make sure needle is in the needle holder correctly.
Check your manual for threading diagram
check bobbin area including case for lint & loose threads
Take the needle plate off & clean under neath it ( if your machine has screws that hold the needle plate on be careful NOT TO DAMAGE THE SCREWS) because a damaged screw that has a burr on it can pull fabric
Each time you start to sew
1.make sure there’s 2 to 3 inches of top thread when you put the needle down for the bobbin thread
2.make sure there is a 2 to 3 inch of bobbin thread so the top thread can pick it up
3.Pull the tail of the top and bobbin thread behind the presser foot
hope these help--please rate this with the thumbs in the upper right hand corner-thank you

Was the old needle picking up the bobbin thread ok? If it was, then there's nothing wrong with the machine. Check that the needle is inserted correctly--there's a flat side on the shank of the needle and where that goes varies widely by machine. Then check that it's threaded properly.


(I once had my needle in backwards and threaded wrong--took the machine to the shop cause I was sure my baby was broken. Cost me $85.00 to find out that on that particular machine the flat side of the needle faces left!)

Let me know if this helps!

Robbie

Have you got the bobbin in the correct way around, also have you put the needle in correct with the groove in the front of you.Are you using the correct bobbins,if yes to all these your machine has thrown it timing out in the bobbin.and needs to be looked at.