Threading an 869 white sewing machine

First take all the thread out of the machine. Put in new needles and run the machine slowly by hand and see if there is a problem with timing. If the needle hits and bends or breaks... take it in to be timed. If the needle don't hit....

Make sure you are properly threading this thing. Unlike a sewing machine which gives you some leeway, Sergers must be threaded in a certain order. Typically, upper looper, lower looper, right needle left needle. If you break a thread you can't just rethread that thread... you have to start from the beginning.

You might check singerco.com for the manual for this thing. They have most of white's manuals online they are identified by a W before the serger model number.

try changing the needles
rethread the machine
then if the machine still won't sew then it's possible that it could
be out of time
here's a link to a manual, just incase you don't have one
http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Manuals/White_Manuals/534_Superlock_Instruction_Manual.htm

check with sewusa.com they have threading diagrams

or sewvacdoctor.com

Hello. What you have described presents a large number of possibilities. What I can tell you is this; A sewing machine that uses a bobbin is known as a lock stitch sewing machine. On a basic lock stitch machine, two threads are used to make the stitch - the needle thread and the bobbin thread. In order for the stitch to be made, the bobbin and it's thread are passed through a loop in the needle thread, or more accurately, the needle thread must pass a loop around the bobbin and it's thread, after which the loop is pulled back in and up, taking the bobbin thread with it right up to the underside of the fabric and securely holding it there and the process is repeated, many times over in the blink of an eye. The bobbin, weather placed in a case first or or set directly into, has a place in the center of a rotating hook, which can be oriented in either a vertical or horizontal position. It is the sharp, pointy hook that grabs the needle thread above the eye of the needle and loops the needle thread around the bobbin and it's thread. In less than one full rotation of the hook the needle thread is picked up, looped around the bobbin, and pulled back off of the hook, taking with it the bobbin thread and pulling it up tight to the bottom of the fabric. The process is then repeated, many times over in the blink of an eye. For a sewing machine to function correctly, every aspect of the process must be right, and if any part of the process is not spot-on, failure occurs. Process failure ranges in severity from one stitch out of a thousand skipped to catastrophic breakage of the machine and it's parts. I'm sorry I don't know of a White repair shop in your area. I am new to FixYa, so I'm not sure if it is appropriate to offer my services, but I think it is okay to give you my number if you want to call me. It is 574-808-9613.

Try this link: http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals Type model no. in the search field and press Search. You'll be able to choose to pay or download for free! Good luck!

you can download a manual from here
http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals

in the search field type in W1409 and click "search" you can then download the manual for free on pdf.

Check the model number of the machine. White sewing machine manuals are available from Singer at http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals . Enter the model number and click Search.

The White Sew E-Z model W338 manual is available here: http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/705_white-338-x.pdf .

Unlike some machines this one doesn't really need the bobbin threaded. Place the bobbin in the bobbin holder and leave about 5" of thread extended out from the bobbin holder. With the bobbin compartment still open, lower the presser foot and turn the handwheel to move the threaded needle through the stitch cycle. (I find holding the threads helps; normally, you'll feel them pulling under your fingers.) When the needle has returned to the top of the path, lift the presser foot. Then pull both threads around to the front (the bobbin thread should wrap around the top thread). Then move the threads to the back of the presser foot.

If the needle isn't catching the bobbin thread, first try a new needle (bent or dull needles don't always function properly). Next check the bobbin holder for nicks or other damage. There is a small hook on the bobbin holder that should be where the top and bottom threads intertwine. Under rare circumstances, you will find that the bobbin tension of the bobbin holder is misadjusted. This can interfere with the bobbin thread twisting properly. There is a little set screw that allows you can tighten or loosen the bobbin tension as needed. Adjusting the screw is to be avoided when possible and done in small increments (1/8 turn) if needed. It's easy to strip the threads for the set screw and end up needing to replace the bobbin holder.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Could be a couple of things so best to trouble shoot the following possible causes:

Cheap thread, brittle old thread. Always store thread in an airtight container out of sunlight and don't use the cheap 5 rolls in a bag in the bargain bin in your sewing machine, fine for hand tacking but not good to machines. Brands like Gutermann, Metrosyne or Sylko Supreme are good.

Needle bent or has a burr on it or is in backwards. Change needle, flat shank to the back.

Thread is catching somewhere on the threading path from spool to needle. Or hooking up on the thread spool itself, some brands have a little notch cut in top to hold the thread tail, but thread can catch in this as you start to stitch. Turn thread spool up other way or use a mushroom cap over the spool to help thread to run off smoothly.

Thread top tension is too tight, should be on 5. When you lower the pressure foot and pull the thread from below the tension device, can you feel firm tension on the thread. Should still be able to pull it though. If you can't pull it it at all when set to 5 then device is faulting.

Obviously if you have tried all of the above and it is still faulting, or you thing the top tension device is the cause, then you could try cleaning the top tension discs (turn to zero and floss with dental floss, check one of my other solutions, I've covered this lots), then I'd suggest it needs a professional service.

If you don't have a manual for your machine they are available from Singer website, http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals, type in W426 then click "search", often free as pdf files.

I think you mean the take up lever? are you sure that the thread is threaded correctly into the eyelet/thread guide above and below the take up lever?

If it is an open ended take up lever (many are now) then the thread may be coming loose from it on the upwards stroke because the thread is not being held in an eyelet after it passes through the take up lever, or there is insufficient tension on the top thread.

If you are sure that the threading up is correct and it is still happening then you may need to make a modification to the take up lever and turn it into a closed eye. You could take it to a professional and see if they can maybe remove the takeup lever, close down the loop at the end with pliers and then reposition it on the machine.

Or maybe try a home solution by finding a grommet or metal eyelet part and somehow mounting this into the open part of the take up lever carefully with a small amount of plasticine or bluetack perhaps. Just a guess though, never needed to do this, if my thread comes out its because I don't have it threaded fully somewhere.

I don't have a solution, but I wanted to thank GUEST for the drop of oil solution - I was about to buy a new machine and throw out the one I have ( 3 years old!) because it wouldn't wind up thread on the bobbin. You've saved me money and futher frustration :-)