My hand wheel will work manually going backward but not forward

ask JUKI yet?

The needle should only go up/down. Sewing forward or reverse involves the feed dogs grabbing and moving the fabric. On most sewing machines, you should never turn the hand wheel backwards. This can change the timing and damage the machine. Instead, try holding the Reverse lever or button then turn the hand wheel forward.

Since the sewing machine jammed with the needle bar at its lowest point, open the bobbin cover. If you see a loop of thread, try and slide that loop until it clears. If there are several loops around the bobbin/bobbin case, you might try carefully cutting the thread. If the fabric of your sewing project has been stuffed into the needle opening on the plate, try carefully clipping threads to loosen the jam.

If that doesn't work, then double-check that the bobbin winding mechanism isn't engaged. If the unit is still stuck, you might have damage to the various linkages/bearings between the hand wheel and needle bar. The problem may require taking the machine in for service.

I hope these ideas help. Please add a comment with the make and model of the sewing machine for further assistance.

Cindy Wells
(When you do get the needle bar to go up, you may want to change your needle. Also change the needle plate to the straight stitch plate if you are doing a straight stitch with a lightweight fabric.)

The bobbin case must be adjusted properly or it will either fall out or it will get the thread caught and make a mess. I've sent an attachment to help.
When it is adjusted properly you should be able to rotate the hand wheel and monitor the thread going across the top of the bobbin case and not getting caught. Also, the bobbin case won't be able to rotate backwards (when the hand wheel is rotated backwards by hand) or fall out when going forward.

Test: Put needle on straight stitch. Put needle all the way to the left and turn the hand wheel forward.
Now move the needle to the right and do this again.
Did the hand wheel move all the way for one of the two sides the needle was placed?
If your answer is yes then you need to get the machine timed.
Also, make sure that your brake used for winding the bobbins is tight. If it is tight then loosen the small screw (usually on front of hand wheel). Move the brake forward a little more to tighten and then tighten the small screw again. Look at my picture.

It could be a matter of timing. Try taking the needle out and then turn the wheel forward. Using the foot pedal without the needle will give you an idea as to how much off the timing is. It might just need to go to a machine mechanic.

Thread is caught in the hook...Remove the upper thread and bobbin case...turn the hand wheel backwards and forwards by hand and remove the thread remands. Good Luck

Thread is caught in the hook...Remove the upper thread and bobbin case, turn the hand wheel backwards and forwards by hand and remove the thread remands. Good Luck

You need to remove bobbin case and turn hand wheel backwards and forwards by hand till needle comes up and remove race hook cover and hook....remove all thread remands.. and reassemble.

The "Bobbin stopper" is in the incorrect position. It moves from side to side in a switch like motion. In one direction, it locks up the machine. That is, you can turn the wheele backwards, but not forward.. The bobbin stopper can be found in the book that cam with the machine. In our book, it is item #9.

here is some troubleshooting
Download your manual.
manual
http://safemanuals.com/user-guide-instructions-owner-manual/SINGER/3116-_M

Ok I know that youve checked this, but I have to ask.
Pg 39
Check and make sure the reverse lever isnt engaged.

I'm looking at pg 27 and see you have a traditional bobbin casing (not a drop in) make sure your bobbin is wound well and the case is inserted correctly. (they are picky)
Change your needle make sure its in right and tight. (I have bent many a needle just slightly, and it causes huge issues with this particular type of bobbin casing)
Pg 35 gives a test for the bobbin tension. If your thread rolls, the tension is too loose, OR the case may have gotten damaged.

Lets see if this helped.
Good luck