Learning to use a sewing machine - not doing very well

[Laird_M]

OK, so I'm trying to teach myself how to use a sewing machine by making some small bags to put my accessories in prior to attempting a kilt for one of my boys.

The problem I'm having is that the thread on one side if the seam is not laying straight and is looping up away from the fabric. I presume its something to do with tension of the thread?
Tried to take a picture but with flash its bleaching out and without the thread isn't really showing.

Any help from those who know how to use one of these things would be greatly appreciated...

[Steve Ashton]

What brand and model machine? And what are your trying to sew through?

Is it the top or bottom thread that is looping?

[Laird_M]

Hi Steve,
Its a Singer 8280 and I'm just using some lightweight cotton that I bought to learn with.
Its the bottom thread from the bobbin.

Never had these problems when I had an old hand powered Singer (that my mother decided to give away...)

[Steve Ashton]

OK, the bottom tension is tighter than the top tension.

Have you threaded the machine according to the instructions?

When the top thread comes off the spool it should go through some sort of tensioner prior to going though the arm that goes up and down.

This should be adjustable. If you put the thread through this tensionior and then pull on it lightly you should feel resistance.

Is this happening?

ON your machine the tensioning discs are inside where you bring the thread down through a slot. Just to the left of this slot should be a tensioning adjuster. If you play with this adjuster you should be able to feel the tension on the thread change. Is this happening?

[Chas]

Do you have the instruction manual, Martin?

If not, this might help with this and other problems.

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/154...nger-8280.html

[Laird_M]

Think I've done it right but can't find where my wife put the instruction manual...

Just checked and it was loose - the top thread had slipped out of the tensioner. Pulled it into the clip and its now stitching properly.

Thanks Steve!

Yet another reason why this place is so good - you'll pretty much always find your answer to your problem.

Thanks Chas - I'll check that on the tablet so I can have it by the machine.

[Steve Ashton]

Have you watched this youtube on your machine?

[Steve Ashton]

In the military you are taught the "Immediate Action" steps to clear a jam in your weapon.

The Immediate Action for a sewing machine is - If anything goes wrong - Re-thread your machine. Both top and the bobbin.

[MacGumerait]

Martin , looks like you are getting some good advice . I certainly understand the frustration of using a sewing machine . I've discovered that I would have better luck building the Space Shuttle than using a sewing machine .

Although , I can offer one suggestion . In my line of work which is Facilities ... i.e. construction and building maintenance ... we have a " standard operating procedure " when it comes to equipment . You hit it once for maintenance but twice is abuse .

[HippieLee]

This has been an informative thread. I like the instructional video above. My mother-in-law was a seamstress for a long time (made my wife a shirt with a pot leaf on it because my wife told her it was just a plant she liked lol..mom has always been trusting...my wife's first concert was Alice Cooper in the 70s - her mom let her go because she thought Alice was a girl and wife neglected to correct her) but she has a lot of sewing stuff in her sewing room that she never uses any more as she's just too old to do it. I think I'm gonna have to go in there one day and try some stuff...MIL might be able to still give me good tips even if she can;t work the equipment any longer...

Anyway, thanks for asking the question and thanks to all the responders with all the good info!