I took out the inner workings of the bobbin holder underneath the machine to try to clean out some clogged up thread, but I can't seem to get it back together. Suggestions?

Only thing is to remove the bobbin, bobbin holder if you can, the feed dog cover plate, and then, using a magnifying lamp and a fine pointed pair of tweezers, try and locate the bits of cotton and pull gently out while rotating the hand wheel slowly, rocking it back and forth. Use an air blaster can to blow fluff out, clean, and oil. Including inside the bobbin case.

try changing the needle to see if that helps
if it doesn't,, then I suggest that the sewing machine be checked
at a repair shop to see if the bobbin case needs to be replaced and
to see if the hook and the hook race need to be replaced

There may be threads jammed up in the bobbin holder area causing the jam. But removing the inner bobbin holder is a bit tricky if you haven't done it before. There are two little screws holding the silver inner down onto a black ceramic piece (inner guard ring), and you need to get these lined up the right way to get the bobbin holder back into position afterwards.

I would suggest that you join the Yahoo group Elna Heirlooms, then check out the files and photos loaded up by other members who work on their Elnas.

You shouldn't need to remove the feed dogs, just give them a clean with a little brush. But internally the machine may need a good clean and lube and without a service manual or good guide this can be challenging.

If you go this link http://www.arizonaexpressionz.com/elna_service_manuals.html you can down load the manual for this machine, the Star Series SU. Go to page 7 of the first part to see about removing the bobbin holder and inner guard ring.

It is a case of lining up the cut out of the black plate to the front, then putting the bobbin holder on top with the little arms facing front also, then replacing the two screws.

I'd suggest you take photos with a digital camera before you start to help you get it back in the right way.

I hope this helps you with the Supermatic, did you get the discs and accessories with it too? lovely Swiss quality machine with great stitching so if you can't get it unjammed, you may wish to find an experienced Elna Technician to take a look.

White Sewing Center stock lots of parts for these machines too, www.whitesewingcenter.com

Lovely machine, don't dispair. You need to turn the rotary hook with your flywheel so that the open side of the hook is facing you. Now move the black inner piece around inside so that the cutout side is facing you too and just a bit to the left. Now lower the bobbin holder in with the metal arms facing towards you , they should slip in between the outer parts. You want the two bobbin case screws to line up with the holes underneath, just give it a bit of a wiggle until you feel it drop into place. Now screw in the two screws on the bobbin holder with your mini screwdriver from your kit to secure.

Now rotate the flywheel towards you, the bobbin holder should stay still while the rotary hook goes around.

If you have any issues feel free to email me on [email protected] and I'll try to elaborate or take a pic of the process tonight.

And remember to hold the two threads when you start a seam at the back for a few stitches to avoid the thread jams, just a quirk on these machines but I love them so much.

Hope this helps you.





If you email me

My Husqvarna started having problems with the bobbin. The thread from the bobbin side is a tangled mess when I stitch. The top looks fine, but the seam falls apart easily and the backside is all tangled. I cleaned underneath the bobbin holder but it didn't help.

Sounds like it needs a cleaning underneath the bobbin case, lint or thread can be trapped underneath. Use a new paint brush to do this then oil it according to your manual.

Double check to see if the bobbin is in upside down and the thread is feeding from the bobbin spool in the wrong direction.

I did this once after several years using the same machine, some days are just not as easy as they should be!

ever tried adjusting the thread tension control? clean if possible
tighen it more, loose tension adjustment causes loose stitch and tangling of the thread.

Amy,
did you solve the problem with your Jubilee?
I would suggest that the problem may be not holding the two threads at the back of the needle plate with starting each new seam. Elnas really need you to hold the threads, don't let the tail get caught and pulled back into the bobbin holder area. Once you have one jam, you'll have minute threads you maybe can't see caught under the ring guard (black bit) and the jamming will keep happening. Also, make sure you only use Elna bobbins always with holes on the top.

If you've still got the Jubilee and are having issues with it, feel free to add more info, the other contributors comments about the bobbin being faulty are valid but I dont think your machine is worn out, just jamming. You can remove the bobbin holder yourself and clean underneath it and once you've done it once, and know how to line it and the ring guard back up, its pretty easy and will ensure that the bobbin area stays clean.

Try calling Mattel 800-524-8697

or manufacturer Jamac 847-758-0900