How to thread a Singer Zigzag Chainstitch Sewing Machine

Thread breakage occurs most often because the machine is not threaded correctly or is not threaded in the correct order. Remove all the threads from the machine. ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread. Be sure to thread each in the correct order and that each follows the correct threadpath.

Hmm, I'm wondering if it has been cleaned and oiled recently. Older mechanicals require frequent TLC. Consult your owner's manual for cleaning and maintenance instructions:

Is your sewing machine mechanical (ie, not computerized)??? CAUTION--if your machine is computerized, do NOT proceed with the following suggestions.

If it is mechanical, have you cleaned and oiled your machine recently? Most mechanical sewing machine failures are because they have not been adequately and routinely oiled, the old oil has solidified and frozen the mechanics. I recommend Bernina oil or liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Lube (or similar good quality sewing machine oil) for mechanical machines--do NOT use 3-in-1, cooking oil, WD-40, or the sewing machine oil from your grandmother's sewing basket. (I am not associated with any Bernina dealer.)

If it is in fact frozen, pick up a bottle of liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Oil at the hardware store. Oil one or two drops in every oil hole (see your manual) and also every place where metal rubs on metal. But DO NOT oil any plastic gears, rubber, or belts. If it is still stiff or frozen, direct a hot handheld hair dryer into the top and bottom mechanism of your machine. See if that loosens it up. You may have to repeat.

Once your machine is working again, place a drop or two of good sewing machine oil as directed above. Be sure to use a small brush to clean the lint and dirt out of your machine, especially around the feed dogs and bobbin area. (Caution: Compressed air will sometimes force the dirt and lint into areas that cannot be cleaned.) And continue to use good quality sewing machine oil to keep it running. Recommendation: every time you change a bobbin, after 8 hours of sewing, or every six months if it is not in regular use.

Have you tried a needle change? It could be blunt or the wrong size. Have you cleaned under the needle plate as the ridges get full of lint there. A toothpick will clean them out.

If you go to support on the Singer website, you can download an owners manual, showing you how to thread the unit.
murf427

happy sewing

try using a washable stablizer or interfacing.
if that doesn't help then it's possible that a gear or cam may be worn enough to cause the machine zig zag not to work properly

Hi Elizabeth,
I also have a German Singer 431G. Haven't been able to find a Service Manual
for it. The guts are probably very similar to the US Singer 401A, you may be able to refer to that.

You can download the very hard-to-find technical Singer 401A SERVICE MANUAL == FOR FREE==
(in the back of the 301A Manual - then scroll down to page 125):
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Sewing-3237/2009/3/Singer-401A-5.htm I'm looking for help with Chainstitching. Do you have those instructions in your 431G User Manual? Also looking for the PART NUMBER of the 431 Chainstitch Throat Plate.

On AMERICA Online, I am PattBHS66.

Contact me and we can talk.

Thanks. And Good Luck!

Happy Thanksgiving!


Patt Anderson

I would say that it probably is time for a tune up, they are kind of like cars and need to tuned up every so often. Luckily, not as expensive as cars. Good luck

Your top tensioner is too loose.make sure the thread runs through all the relevant eyes and then tighten the top tension little by little as you do a sample few stitches.

Try going to Joann fabric. They know a ton about any machine and it's problems or try a smaller sewing store in your area. Best Wishes!