Bobbin will not stay in bobbin case. No stitches top or bottom. EP 382

We don't know what machine you have, but I'm guessing perhaps you dropped the feed dogs for darning. The feed dogs will still move backward, down, then forward, but in darning mode, they never rise above the needle plate to grab the fabric.

sounds like the machine is out of time, it would be a good idea to have a sewing machine shop check the machine

Which stitch are you using?

To check thread tension for straight stitches, use different colors of thread in your top thread and bobbin. If the top thread shows on the bottom of the fabric, turn the dial counter-clockwise (towards a lower number). If the bottom thread shows on the top, turn the dial clockwise. Do not adjust the tension too much (for example, go from 2 to 2.5 if increasing the tension) at a time; test another set of stitches. Alternatively, you can adjust the bobbin tension in the reverse directions. However, it's very easy to damage the set screw in the bobbin case so do this as a last resort. Since this is a vertical bobbin case, put the bobbin in and hold onto the thread. If the thread moves when you dangle the bobbin case, tighten the screw. Loosen the screw if the thread doesn't pull out of the bobbin when you hold the unit.

For zig-zag decorative stitches lower the tension until the puckering stops. Usually the top thread will show on the bottom of the fabric.

If the tension is not changing when you turn the dial, make sure that the presser foot is down. The sewing machine may need repair. The tension mechanism depends on a spring and that can break. See the Singer site for a parts breakdown and contact your Singer dealer for the parts.

If the top and bottom fabric are not moving at the same rate, you can get a different type of puckering. You may want to get an even feed foot if there are several layers of fabric.

The manual for the 3116 is available from Singer: http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/438_3116.pdf .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

bobbin case needs to be adjusted or check for threading properly in the bobbin case

There is a screw on the bobbin case which you turn clockwise to tighten but on a quarter of a turn at a time then test sew, make sure the bobbin turns antil clockwise in the bobbin case.

Hi! The bobbin tension rarely needs to be adjusted. First, make sure you're using the appropriate size needle and thread for your fabric (I'd probably use either a 'denim' needle or a universal size 14) and also that the upper thread and bobbin are threaded absolutely correctly. These can throw off the tension! Also, take the time to clean out the bobbin area. That can throw your stitch off also.

If the stitch on the bottom is loose, so that you see the top threads, then the top tension is too loose. If the top stitch is too loose and you see the bobbin threads on top, then the top tension is too tight.

It helps to thread the machine with different color thread on top and in the bobbin, and then stitch an inch or so on the same type of fabric as you're using in your quilt. Check the stitch. If you need to adjust the top tension, make sure the pressure foot is down! Adjust a little, stitch a few inches, and check again. Repeat until you don't see any (or very little) bobbin thread on the top or top thread on the bottom.

If you go through all these steps, and the bobbin thread is still loose (and you've tightened up the top tension), then there is a tiny little screw on the side of the bobbin case that you can use to adjust the bobbin tension. Turn the screw just a little bit (less than a quarter turn), stitch, check, etc. Once the bobbin tension is set, you shouldn't ever have to change it.

Let me know if this helps, ok?

Happy sewing!

You need to tighten the tension on the bobbin thread as it is too loose and is being pulled through by the tension on the top which is probably correct. First check that the bobbin is in correct. I know it's frustrating but even after 40 yr it's where I start if it's all in right then tighten the screw on the bobbin case a little at a time till you get it to the right tension. The thread coming out of the bobbin case should take a pull for thread to come out if you hold the thread and turn loose of the bobbin case and the thread unwinds like a yo-yo it's to loose. The bobbin should stay in the case wile you test it this way.

if stitches on top is loose then remove bobbin case and tighten small screw on it. if stitches on bottom of fabric is loose then tighten top thread tension.

Sometimes even though the tension is at recommeded placement, you may find with various fabrics or threads, you have to adjust it. I would try to raise the tension just a bit. Try it a little at a time until you achieve a stitch you are happy with. If adjusting the tension does not correct the problem, double check your threading. If sure it is threaded properly, especially going through the tension assembly...check your thread. I have found that the thread you use can and often does create tension problems. Try changing the thread and see if the stitch quality improves.

If the top stitch is loose, then you need to tighten the bobbin tension: if the bottom stitch is loose, tighten the top tension. Hope this helps. It could also be the size needle and thread you are using for a particular fabric. Different fabrics require different notions.