Singer 2950 Mechanical Sewing Machine Logo
Ursula Voss Posted on Oct 23, 2012
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Top thread bunches

When set in "straight stitching position", the top thread (on back of fabric) bunches badly. In the zigzag stitching, it doesn't. HELP!

1 Answer

Debbi's Sewing Machine Repair

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  • Singer Master 7,365 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 24, 2012
Debbi's Sewing Machine Repair
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Joined: Jul 22, 2010
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Try changing the needle--use a needle according to the fabric
being sewed
if thin fabric is being sewed try using a stablizer
rethread the machine top and bobbin--use every thread guide
make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly and turned correctly
in the bobbin case
also try adjusting the top thread tension just a little

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 87 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 18, 2009

SOURCE: bottom of stitch is bunched with alot of thread and machine jams

Try these time savers:
Test your thread quality to start, thread your machine and LIFT the presser foot (this opens the tension disks). Pull your top thread straight back. If you feel no tension no mater how much thread you pull, your thread is good. If that your machine passes that test, then let me know, we can go to step 2. If not, try different spool of thread, same test until you get a smooth pull (tip: always check your thread this way when you thread your machine)
Step 2:
Pull on your threaded bobbin thread while it’s in the machine. Does it pull smooth and even? If so, go to step 3. If not, try a new bobbin (bobbins get bent or distorted if wound too tight).
Clean thoroughly in the hook and bobbin case area and oil 1-2 drop is all.

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Anonymous

  • 6 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 21, 2009

SOURCE: Singer CG 550 Top thread keeps wraping around the bobbin and jam

Have you checked the top thread is correctly placed in the spring of the bobbin case?

Asmodius

  • 12 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 08, 2010

SOURCE: PFAFF 362 Sewing Machine: The shift

Remove the top cover (grasp and lift straight up), spray with "Tri-Flow, liberally inside. Pay attention to the right 1/2 and behind the front dials.

In Front, each dial has a small square opening on the side, use the tube included with the "Tri-flow" to squirt lube inside them. DO NOT use WD-40.

Run the machine daily for 5-10 minutes (set the dial "C" [top front that goes up to 8] to 0 also set the dial on top of the case to 0. Move the Zig-Zag lever (upper right) from 0 to 4 and back again. Respray with Tri-flow. After a couple of days, if it is still stuck place a hair-dryer or light nearby to warm it up to skin temp.

Between the temp and the oil, it should begin working.

Break a Leg!

Anonymous

  • 11 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 17, 2010

SOURCE: needle will not sew thread into material

Sounds like the timing is off. Take the bobbin out of the bobbin case and lower the needle into the needle plate. As the needle starts on the upswing, the hook should meet the needle just above the needle eye on most machines. If it isn't meeting at that point then your hook timing will need to be adjusted.

Anonymous

  • 139 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 16, 2010

SOURCE: Just bought s Singer 1725. Tried a straight

"Birdnesting" occurs when there is no tension on the needle thread to pull the bobbin thread. This is easily corrected by rethreading the machine, following the threading path carefully and making sure the thread is fully engaged in the tension mechanism.

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I have a Bernina 930 record, zigzag stitch it misses some zigzag stitches & does straight stitches

If your Bernina 930 record sewing machine is experiencing issues with zigzag stitches and straight stitches, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
  1. Check the needle: Ensure that the needle is properly inserted and not bent or dull. Replace the needle if necessary, making sure to use the correct needle type and size for the fabric you are sewing.
  2. Adjust the stitch width and length: Verify that the stitch width and length settings are properly adjusted for the desired zigzag stitch. Refer to your machine's user manual for instructions on how to adjust these settings correctly.
  3. Clean and lubricate the machine: A build-up of lint or lack of lubrication can affect the machine's performance. Clean the bobbin area and other accessible parts of the machine using a soft brush or lint brush. Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the recommended areas as specified in the user manual.
  4. Check the tension: Improper tension can lead to skipped stitches. Ensure that the upper thread tension is properly adjusted for the fabric and thread you are using. Consult the user manual for guidance on adjusting the tension correctly.
  5. Test with different fabrics and threads: Try sewing on different fabrics using different types of thread to determine if the issue is specific to certain materials. This will help identify whether the problem lies with the machine or the materials being used.
  6. Have the machine serviced: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to have your Bernina 930 record serviced by a professional. There could be underlying mechanical issues that require expert attention.
It's important to note that the Bernina 930 record is a vintage sewing machine, and finding a qualified technician with experience working on older models may be beneficial if further repairs or adjustments are needed.
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The zig zag stitch on my Janome MC 3000 skips stitches all other stitches work fine. Any solutions?

Be sure stitch is in between the two fabrics when straight stitch. Adjust tension until stitch is between top and bottom fabric. Use different color top thread to make it easier to see. Once tension is correct sewing straight, switch to zigzag.

Remove hook race and bobbin. Clean area with vacuum.
Replace needle.
Try different thread and fabric.
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How can I use my Bernina 640 Artista to applique

Perhaps I'm not understanding your question. When doing applique, I use a very tight zigzag stitch with a satin stitch foot or open-toe embroidery foot (so the thickness of the stitches do not create buildup under the presser foot). Set the tension so the bobbin thread stays mostly under the fabric so the top thread is the only thread that shows on the top (sometimes threading the bobbin pigtail will help).

Fuse the cutout fabric to the backing fabric. Then zigzag so the raw edge of the fabric is covered by the zigzag (helps to use a thicker thread so the coverage is easier).

Some newer machines have the ability to miter corners. On my 930, I set the needle position to the outside of the raw edged. Then when I near the corner, I gently, but consistently, narrow the stitch width to an an outside point, since the needle on the outside edge, turn the fabric and gently, but consistently, widen the stitch to full width. This creates a nice mitered corner.

When making curves, stitch small lengths and then sink the needle on the outside of the curve, and gently turn the fabric to follow the curve and repeat while going around the curve.

https://books.google.com/books?id=MQneD8cQ5KAC&pg=PA13&lpg=PA13&dq=mitered+applique+corner&source=bl&ots=1sHsUrkVAz&sig=1WZ-i2-T3RtvUEW797sHxTKiq4E&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiaoZeiwunKAhVslYMKHewdDFEQ6AEIKzAC#v=onepage&q=mitered%20applique%20corner&f=false


How to Appliqu Like Pro Sew4Home (FWIW, IMHO, the satin stitch on the bird is really a poor example. The stitch is not very even at all--could be the sewing machine.)

How to Make and Apply Appliques (The giraffe is a better example, although choosing a simple design to applique usually yields better results.)

Practice, practice, practice!

...
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Why is my singer 9015 skipping stitches, particularly on zig zag setting???

There are several possibilities for skipped stitches. A needle that is dull or bent; using a ball point needle when a sharp should be used, such as a woven fabric, the needle is not all the way up in the needle clamp; the needle was not inserted with the flat side in the correct position (unless your bobbin case is on the side of the machine, that's toward the back), or the top thread and or bobbin thread is not threaded correctly.
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Faulty stitching

check to make sure that the timing is correct for the loop to be made..guessing 3- 4 mm past bottom center. also the thread size can make a difference. it may be catching in the basket at the positioning finger for the basket.it must be able to slip past the finger to create a stitch. hope that helps point you in the correct direction.
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Thread tension will not adjust.

Check your setting, you have your stitches set too far apart. Wherever on your machine you see the zigzag stich you will see other stich settings, look at it until you see the right amount of stiches you want.
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My singer cg 590 c puckers when I zigzag and sometimes when I sew straight seams

a wide zig-zag on a light weight fabric single layer is almost guaranteed to pucker up, just because the thread is under tension and this is often stronger than the fabric being pulled together by the stitches.

However, if a straight seam is puckering, this could be caused by a blunt needle, too big needle, or too tight tension or too long stitch length. You should be able to vary some of these variables to reduce the puckering and improve the stitch appearance. Other things to check might be the top thread being caught up somewhere in the thread path and pulling on the stitching.

If I am finishing the cut edge of aa single layer of light weight fabric I would use a three step zigzag to hold the fabric firmly and neatly.

Hope this helps a little?
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Tension problem using zigzag stitch

Most likely the fabric is too light weight to sustain the thread tension using a wide zig-zag stitch. Tunneling will occur in this case.

Loosening the tension (top & bobbin) could also be beneficial.

Sometimes the machine has a special foot (sometimes called overlock) that will help. However, using something to add more body to the fabric, like a wash-away or tear-away fabric stabilizer to the seam or even adding paper will help limit tunneling. Sometimes heavy starch applied to the seamline before stitching will be helpful.

tunneling when zigzagging Threads Magazine Gatherings Forum Sewing...

zigzag stitch troubleshoot
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3answers

JANOME RX18S

If it was sewing correctly BEFORE the needle break...why did the needle break in the first place?...and what fixes did you make?
If it sewed properly...what changed?

Cut your upper thread close to the spool...make sure the presser foot is raised and pull the cut off thread section through/out of the machine from the needle area (sewing direction...do not pull the thread backwards!)

Clean out the bobbin area...remove any traces of lint or pieces of thread...look for any broken off needle pieces... brush the bobbin area out....then add a drop of sewing machine oil (but only if your manual says to oil that area).

Remove the needle plate to expose the feed dogs...brush/clean out that area too and add a drop of sewing machine oil...then secure the needle plate back on.
Replace the needle...do it again...yup...some needles arrive bad from the factory. Make sure the needle is inserted and positioned properly. Then thread the machine WITH the presser foot in raised position. (The thread needs to get seated into the upper tensions.)
..with the.presser foot down...thread the new needle.
Oh...and use the correct needle for the thread. (a universal 80/12 is standard).
Thread can cause issues too. Try a different bobbin, or maybe a different spool of thread to see if that makes a difference.
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