Top 20 Singer 5050 Mechanical Sewing Machine Questions & Answers

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The pickup wheel under the bobbin stem may be worn and needing to be replaced (assuming it has not been knocked and bent off line) . Try using a pen to push the bobbin stem further over when you are trying to wind it. If it starts to spin, then this is probably the answer.

Try directing heat from a handheld hair dryer into the internal mechanics where you applied oil. If the old oil has solidified, it is probably preventing the parts from moving freely. Be sure to always use Fresh, good quality sewing machine oil (NO 3-in-1, WD-40, cooking oil, or old stinky oil from grandma's sewing basket). Also apply only 1-2 drops each spot. Frequent oiling should be around every 40 hours of sewing time, or at least every 3 months. Here's a manual if you need one (oiling instructions on pg 74): 5050 Singer Sewing ..

The tension has got to be even between the top and bottom. Good thread is always important. I've included a pamphlet to help you set the tension. If it is still a problem you may need to get it timed.

If it's a drop in bobbin machine, it's best to use the class 66 bobbns. The sides are rounded so that when the hook grabs the thread and pulls it around it can slide over the bobbin more easily

I would recommend that you consult the user's manual. They are generally well-written if you take it step by step. You can get it as a free download from Singer at http://www.singerco.com/support/instruction-manuals/search.

If the thread is bunching or tangling when winding a bobbin, check that you have properly threaded the winder. Especially make sure you are running the thread through the bobbin tension assembly.

It's on page 56 and 57 of your user's manual, with drawings. You can download it free at the Singer Sewing machine website.

That usually means the clutch or belt is worn out, and it's not worth fixing. You can buy an inexpensive bobbin winder for under $25.00 at WalMart online, and if you pick it up at a WalMart or FedEx facility like Kinkos, shipping is free. Does a better job anyway!

machine model please?

Check your tension disk, You may have some threads stuck in there.

Oiling after something overheated isn't the solution. It may be needed due to the age of the machine, but not until you locate what exactly is making the smell, which may be the plastic near the bulb. I would take the cover off and sniff around to locate where the smell is coming from before oiling.

Google your machine and find the knob for reverse. either pull it out or push it in. Should be on right side of machine. Found it and it is button on right and you just turn it to forward or reverse.

Contact the manufacturer on line. You should be able to download a new manual.

What if you get a thread stand? does it happen when stitching vigorously or normal stitching? Thread stands helps keep tension and avoid thread jumps etc...

Have you changed the needle and cleaned and oiled the machine per the instructions in the manual? Is the needle in correctly and fully up in the needle clamp?

Replacing timing belt. If the feed dogs still move up and down and back and forth then you just need a timing adjustment . If the feed dogs do not move at all then you need a new timing belt Hope.

sounds as if top tension is at fault, clean tensioner and reset

Most likely its the bobbin winder tire, under the lid, where you put the bobbin to wind it. Depending on the machine you have, it can be accessed by the side panel or possibly the top. On the right side of the machine, there should be a couple screws that will need removed, (make sure you unplug it first), and the panel will come off and you should be able to see the rubber ring from there. If not, then, you may have to take the top off to access it, in the same way. Once you have access to the ring, just pop it off and replace it with a new one. If the old one was worn, then, when you engaged the "clutch", it wasn't "catching", in order to spin. When in doubt refer to your owners manual, or paper work that came with the machine. It usually gives a break-down of how all the parts are arranged, and might simplify/clarify, "things" before you start. Hope this helps.

Yes, there definitely could be something wrong, but there are some things you should check. Most machines are capable of raising and lowering the feed dogs; yours might be fully or partially lowered, so that while it moves, it's not far enough up to the surface to move the fabric. Using the lever or dial, LOWER it all the way, then RAISE it all the way, but you're not finished. It will still not raise until you turn the hand wheel TOWARDS you (ALWAYS towards you on every machine) at least one and possibly two revolutions. You'll then SEE and most likely HEAR it click up. I know someone who got a steal on a Brother marked defective because the feed dogs wouldn't raise, so she brought it home, turned the hand wheel two revolutions, and viola! The feed dogs raised!