How to sew Lycra on my necchi 522? I'm using a stretch needle. It goes up and down, fabric advances, but does not pick up bobbin thread - so no stitches!

Be sure you are using the correct needle for stretch fabric.

All About Needles

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Set your machine for a zig-zag (or stretch stitch if you have it) to accommodate the fabric stretch.

Use a good quality thread. Avoid old or bargain bin threads. Cotton thread will break easier than polyester.

You may need to adjust the tension for the fabric.

How to Sew Knits and Stretch Fabrics with Sewing Machine

3 Things To Know Before Sewing With Lycra SewsNBows

Sewing Spandex Tips

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Could be you have the wrong needle for the job.

What machine is it?

Basic Tips for All

1. Always turn the handwheel TOWARDS you (counter clockwise) as turning it in the opposite direction (away from you, clockwise) may knock the timing out requiring repair from a service center.
2. Always be sure your presser foot is in the DOWN position before sewing. Sewing with the presser foot in the up position will cause your thread to tangle and your bobbin to jam.
3. Change needles regularly (after 16 hours of use) as dull/weak needles can cause damage to your machine and fabric. Only use SINGER needles on your SINGER sewing machine.
4. Always be sure you are using the correct bobbin for your machine. Class 66, Class 15 and Class 15J bobbins look very similar. However, using the incorrect bobbin class in your machine can cause damage.

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I can't see the take-up lever? ,,,,,,

You can use either 16 or 16J. If your threads are loopy on the bottom side of fabric, the problem is either your needle thread tension is too loose or you have a snag in your needle plate where you have broken a needle. Check needle plate and clear snag if any. Then tighten up your needle thread tension until both needle and bobbin threads are in middle of fabric.

Are you threading the bobbin in correctly? the right size thread and needle for the fabric?

Make sure the bobbin has a 3-5 inch thread tail
Then make sure the top thread has a 3-5 inch tail
Then hold the top thread tail with your fingers (away from the needle)
& use the hand wheel on the right hand side of the machine to slowly
Lower the needle in the bobbin area & see if the bobbin thread will pick
Up that way

Ensure the bobbin thread is mounted on correctly and using your right hand turn the gear that makes the needle go up and down until it catches the thread.

- check ifu are using same needle model.
- check hight of needle bar is ok
- check timming between needle bar and hook.
- check if your material is very stritch or no
- check blad point of hook is ok or no
best regards

Check the thread coming out from the bobbins maybe on reverse side,also check the bobbins tension adjust it there is a small adjusting screw.Check also the needle alignment lastly check the upper tension from the tension regulator knob,tension adjustment is depend on the fabrics that you sew.

Not knowing what type of machine you have I just have to say there are three letters to remember... T-N-T. Thread, Needle, Tension. Since this is obviously not a tension problem you have to make sure the machine is threaded correctly. Incorrect threading will cause this as will the bobbin in upside down and turning the wrong way. Then there is the needle. Be sure it is inserted properly. My opinion is the needle is in wrong or the bobbin is turning the wrong way. Good Luck. Rick