The sewing machine

[cacunn]

I have several dozen bobbins, as it is one of those rules that no matter how many bobbins you have you never have one with the colour of thread you want to use on it.

Isn't that the rule just before the rule that the bobbin will run out of thread 2 inches before the end of the seam?

[SteveB]

I have four plastic cases of bobbins with many different colours of thread. This is the way of sewing when most of the time it is mending rips and tears in clothing.
The bobbin MUST run out of thread when you are two inches (5 cm.) from the end of the last seam to complete the job. The other time it MUST run out of thread is when you are trying to sew a seam ( think pocket) in the most visible part of the garment.
The main spool MUST tangle, or break at the presser foot when you are sewing the over fringe on the apron of a kilt.
--- Steve

[berserkbishop]

Ok, so I am more frustrated now. I got the *&(^^ thing working for about 2 minutes last night and now I cant get it to do anything. I have fiddled, I have faddled, now I am just frustrated. It cant be that difficult. . . . . I dont know if it needs repairs or what. Now it wont draw the bobbin string up. When I could get it to sew, the stitches on the bottom were INCREADIBLY loose. Argh. . . I dont understand these contraptions.

BB

[The Wizard of BC]

OK, calm down, take a deep breath. If the motor is still turning and the needle still goes up and down, nothing is too broken that it can't be fixed.

If you will PM me with a phone no. and let me know when would be a good time to call, I will try to talk you through some of your problems.

Also, if you have Skype I have a web cam and can try to show you what I'm talking about as we go along. If you have a cam also we can do an FK school of sewing machine repair, (extension campus).

[The Wizard of BC]

Hey, I found you a manual for your machine.

look at http://www.sew4less.com/product_deta...?ProductID=523

New Home/Janome model 571R Prod. no. 523

$14.95 usd

over the web or call toll free (866)739-4537 8am till 5pm CST

[berserkbishop]

Hey, I found you a manual for your machine.

look at http://www.sew4less.com/product_deta...?ProductID=523

New Home/Janome model 571R Prod. no. 523

$14.95 usd

over the web or call toll free (866)739-4537 8am till 5pm CST

Wahoo! Finally, I had looked everywhere. Thanks Steve, I just ordered it. Lets post-pone our phone conference until it gets here. With a manual I think I can clear up a lot of the problems.

BB

[Tahshar]

Okay, a couple of things which I hope will help, I know they are so basic that in a week you will do them automatically, but.. you have to start the habits correctly or face a very rough time. I was a lost cause until I found that "old guy" who had been at it forever and my "new" 1954 Kenmore machine.

First, get the chart and make sure you have the thing threaded correctly. Check the thread path when you start and stop, some machines are better at keeping it where it belongs than others.

Second, always use your hand to start the flywheel moving. This avoids the "jackrabbit" starts which occur when the motor has to start the motion. Remember to hand position the needle to the top before starting each new stitch so that the machine is consistently working in full cycles.

Third, inspite of advice otherwise, invest in two types of specialty needles "leather" needles <wierd looking cutting point on them> and "denim" or "jeans" needles <very sharp with a long taper for many layers of heavy fabric>. Some folks may tell you that "universal" or "heavy duty" needles will work, I found the specialty ones worked a LOT better.

Lastly, practice, play, practice some more, and then some more. The more time you spend making consistantly perfect stitches.. the better. Thomas Eddison tried over 2000 times to make the light bulb before he got it right.
He discovered over 2000 ways NOT to do it. All he needed was ONE right way. Hope this helps, keep at it and PM me if I can help in any way.

Best of luck with it.