I lost my manual for my sewing machine?

I don't know your history with this machine so some of the following may seem basic beginner.

Be sure you have the right bobbin. This machine uses a larger bobbin than other Brothers. The manual also indicates some x3817 came with "quick set" bobbin feature for which lower threading is slightly different.

If you need a manual for reference, it's free download from Brother at;

https://support.brother.com/g/b/manuallist.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_lx3817eus&flang=English&type3=626&type2=69

Extremely high top thread tension also may cause upper thread looping. You have tension at 3 which should be fine but there may be other issues affecting top tension.

Test top thread tension with needle up, presser foot down and tension at 3. Make a long slow steady pull of the top thread. The thread should advance smoothly through the needle eye with out snagging. Any sudden change in tension is suspect.

You can do a similar test of bottom thread. Bring bottom thread to top. With needle up, foot up, make a long slow steady pull of the bottom thread. Bobbin thread should advance from the hook case/bobbin smoothly with tension similar to the previous top thread test.

In general, the top and bottom tension should be near the same when top thread tension is set at 4. If you find an extreme difference in top/bottom thread tension at 3 then something is amiss. Re-thread per machine instruction.

I suspect top thread has looped around something or there's debris in the bobbin area.

If still a problem comment here with your findings and I or someone will assist further.

Hello, Pat -

Which thread on your sewing machine are you referring to? With either the top thread or the bottom (bobbin) thread, the problem is most likely due to the tension.

Another reason for the top thread breaking could because the machine is not threaded correctly.

If you have the owner's manual for your sewing machine, check it for the settings for the top thread tension and for the correct threading. Also, check the manual for information on the bobbin (bottom) tension.

This web page gives some generic information on sewing machine tensions:
https://www.thespruce.com/easily-adjust-sewing-machine-tension-2821432

Another option is that you are using old cotton thread to sew with. Over time cotton thread deteriorates and breaks easily. I only know this from personal experience. :)

here is a link for a manual for the machine
http://ifixmachines.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=&product_id=1540&category_id=1575&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=54&vmcchk=1&Itemid=54

try changing the needle--use one that is correct for the fabric being
sewed
the top tension adjustment for the bottom loops
make sure the bobbin is turned the right way in the bobbin case
make sure the top thread has not come off the thread take up lever

If you have loops on the bottom of the seam it's your top tension giving you problems.

why dont you visit this website and read up some of the general info on sewing machines, should help you get started.

http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachineindex/bb/sewingmachines.htm

Usually you should only need to adjust the top tension a little bit for different fabrics but generally it should be fine on 5. Bottom tension is set by a little screw on the bobbin case (if yours is a removable front loading type) or sometimes a little dial if fixed horizontal bobbin case design. If machine has been set up correctly from new then bottom tension should not need to be touched at all.

It sounds more like your machine is not threaded properly, causing the thread bunching up to occur. If you don't have a manual you may find a threading diagram at www.sewusa.com or www.singerco.com, the Singer website has instruction manuals for download free for many models.

It sounds like you may be a beginner sewer, in which case, I highly recommend taking a few classes to learn how to best utilise your machine and save lots of frustration too.

Hi! You can find manuals for Husqvarna Viking sewing machines at http://sewingpartsonline.com/viking-sewing-machine-instruction-manuals.aspx. Another place to look for an instruction manual for your machine is http://www.sewconsult.com/husqvarna/husqvarna_instruction_manuals.htm. I didn't find anything about replacement instruction manuals on Husqvarna Viking's website--BUT they have a neat feature called The Sewing Room that offers how-to-sew instructions. (http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/3368.htm)

You can also take a look at my Hints and Tips about threading your machine.

Let me know if this helps!

Happy Sewing!

when bottom thread is loose then tighten top thread tension.

Put the bobbin on the short metal stick on top of the machine. Unthread the machine. Put the spool of thread on the tall, left side stick on top of the machine. Take the thread and wrap it counter clockwise around the circular, short, metal thing on the left side of the top of the machine, only 180 degrees. Thread the thread through the hole in the bobbin (which should be on top). Press the bobbin to the right, into the little white thing. Pull the turning wheel on the right side of the machine out. While holding the end of the thread, softly press the presser foot so that the thread goes around the bobbin a few times. After that, cut the end down to the bobbin. Now, press the presser foot down and wind the bobbin until it stops on it's own.

When your thread is bunching at the bottom, your top tension is not tight enough, or you did not thread the machine correctly. Make sure the thread goes through the tension blades. Check your manual how to do it properly. you can check if there is any tension by pulling on the thread before threading through the eye of the the needle, and with the presser foot down. By pulling with the left hand and adjusting the tension with the right hand you should be able to feel a difference. Normal setting is between 3 and 5