Handwheel does not disengage from needle when pulled out (11206 model)

The needle moves, yes/no?

Check that bobbin winding spindle is completey disengaged.

Rotate handwheel so needle is near top of stroke. Then move spindle all the way right (engaged) and then back all the way to the left(disengaged). You can do this with or without a bobbin, which ever is easier for you.

Please "comment" here if still not working.

If the drive belt is not off or broken, then check hand-wheel setting. On some models the hand wheel can be pushed in (to engage) and pulled out (to disengage) for using bobbin winder. If it is disengaged the hand-wheel will spin freely. On older models there is a smaller wheel that has to be hand tightened in order to engage rest of machine. Hope this helps.

This is covered in the user manual. If you haven't got one search online for "user manual + your make & model". You should get several decent hits like. http://homeappliance.manualsonline.com/manuals/device/sewing_machine

I would contact Brother, they have an outstanding service department. But if the thread is only around the hand wheel, try pulling it outward to see if you can access the thread that way. Many hand wheels pop out, to disengage the needle mechanism so you can wind a bobbin.

Are you sure you have to pull or push? It looks to me like you just slide the bobbin winder spindle to the right to engage.

Here's a manual for your machine... I'm sure more specific info is in there.

http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/e06cb85928ace9753f1a7124f4a2df6168ffecf0.pdf

I had this problem and all I did was put some sewing machine oil in behind the bobbin and it loosened up and ran like a charm.

Depending what brand and model of sewing machine it is, you can usually disengage the needle bar with the knob inside the handwheel by turning it towards you. If you've done that and the needle bar still moves, it needs oil and should be serviced by a technician.

WAY OLD BUT .....slide the bobbin spindle from the left to the right and pull the handwheel out. YOU NEED TO DO BOTH. I never saw this til today hope its not too late!

Bonnie

NEVER force a newer model machine. Everything inside is plastic and WILL break. Remove the needle, bobbin, bobbin case, and unthread the machine. See if the handwheel turns. If it doesn't, several things could be wrong. The lower end machines won't have belts to come off, they will be fully gear driven. If it is a better machine, it might be a belt problem. Small pieces of thread could be stuck in a gear mesh somewhere. A gear could be broken. It is possible for a gear to break on the first use.