How do I fix the hook timing on my Juki TL-98Q

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved to Juki.

Try the adjustment on page 15 of the manual. It will stop if the bobbin in unevenly loaded.
https://www.juki.co.jp/household_en/pism/img/tl98q/download/98qim.pdf

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Have you changed your needle lately? Have you checked the needle/shuttle timing?

The threading diagrams are available in the manual which is available from Juki on the TL-98Q product page: http://www.juki.co.jp/household_en/pism/tl98q.html . The direct link to the manual is http://www.juki.co.jp/household_en/pism/img/tl98q/download/98qim.pdf . See pages 14-18 (pages 16-21 of the PDF).

There are a couple of things I recommend that you check. First, make sure that the bobbin is evenly wound. This is a function of the bobbin winder tension; see the manual (page 15) for that adjustment. Next, check if the bobbin case tension is correct. Place the bobbin in the bobbin case and dangle the unit from the thread. Try to shake the bobbin case up and down, sort of like a yo-yo. The thread should advance by a bit. If the thread length doesn't change, loosen the set screw on the side of the bobbin case a small amount. If you get a really long tail of thread, tighten the set screw. See page 21 of the manual.

Next check for any loose threads and dirt in the housing around the bobbin case. Depending on the length of time that you have been using the needle, replace the needle.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Hi Donna:
This has two parts; 1) pick up thread, and 2) needle hole direction.
1) To begin and pick up the bobbin thread, typically I start without any material under the arm. Begin with a tail of thread about 6" long pulled out from the bobbin, leave it loose. Then holding taunt, onto about 3" of the upper thread after it leaves the needle, I cycle the machine once. Then it should have captured the bobbin thread. Raise the pressure foot (with the needle 'UP') and slide something between that gap to pull out both threads (Upper and Lower), a ruler or your thread trimming scissors are handy for this. Pull the threads and you should see both upper and lower threads now, ready to sew. Apology for covering this basic item, but . . .
2) As you move into 'new' machines, sometimes the needle is no longer setup with the hole front to back. The gotcha is that on some (bigger) machine the hole goes side to side (yes the needle is rotated a 1/4 turn). As a rule of thumb, the thread goes through the needle and points right at the hook. Small machines may have the bobbin right 'behind' the needle. Larger machines often have the bobbin (and hook) beside (often to the right) of the needle. That means to install the needle with the hole going left and right, and the cutout groove pointed to the side with the hand-wheel.
End.

Be sure you have installed a brand new needle. If it still does not pick up the bobbin thread, the machine may be out of time.

If the presser foot does not set firmly on the fabric, then that is what you want for free motion quilting. However, if you mean the presser foot is sloppy (wobbly), then the attachment may be loose or the presser foot is worn.

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Try a new needle. If that doesn't do it, then the timing is off. You might need a repair shop to fix it.

Hi,
did you clean the bottom bobbin area thoroughly? Remove the cover plate and bobbin reel, look for debris. Any left over cotton will cause problems, after you clean it spray some wd-40 on all moving parts.
Thanks
Adam
please leave me some feedback

Juki TL-98Q
Loading the bobbin into the bobbin case:
Snap in the bobbin case latch, and put the bobbin into the bobbin case so that the bobbin runs clockwise.
Passing the thread through the **** of the bobbin case, continue passing it under the thread tension spring, and pull out the thread open end about 10 cm from the bobbin case.
Insert the bobbin case fully into the hook, and close the bobbin case latch.
You can obtain a copy of the manual in pdf format for free at:
http://www.juki.co.jp/household_en/pism/img/tl98q/download/98qim.pdf

It can be many things but first make sure the needle is in correctly, follow the manual to be sure, if it still does not pick up the bobbin thread you may want to bring it to a repairman to see if it is out of timing.

My friend and I both have the Juki 98Q but on different frames - we were both having problems (needles breaking, thread getting tangled) we removed the thin metal thing inside the bobbin case and have had no problems since (over a year now!).