Learning to use a sewing machine - not doing very well

[Steve Ashton]

For over twenty years I made my living as a Maintenance Test Pilot of Military Helicopters.
I was the guy, that after any major maintenance such as replacing an engine or transmission, I took it up and certified that it still operated as advertised.

We worked on the Apache. At $68 million per airframe we had to have some pretty good mechanics.

I have pulled aircraft out of the field with not much more than a spool of safety wire and a Swiss Army Knife.

But even on the Apache we had Immediate Actions. This usually consisted of walking around the aircraft with a BFH. For those who have been there this stands for Big F****ing Hammer.

Out Mantra was "If you can't fix it with a judicious whack of a hammer, it must be electrical".

If you make your living with a sewing machine the same mantra holds true.

[MacGumerait]

Haaaaaa ! I hear you Steve !! I am quite familiar with the BFH .

[BCAC]

I believe that in the British Army that is known as the BFO Hammer. A Big F*** Off Hammer. It's the same beast for the same usage.

[Bearded Man Brew]

Pretty simple rules to go by. Loose threads on the bottom, it is an issue with the top tension. Loose threads on top, it is a bobbin tension issue. Just do slight adjustments on some scrap material of the same thickness of what you are sewing and you should be able to get it right.

[MNlad]

Ah, the art of gentle persuasion. I found British sports cars are particularly receptive to this kind of attention. (Please note, Steve. With that new cat of yours, you may find this helpful.) I kept an MG on the road for two months with a good whack to the starter solenoid each morning.

While I have not yet resorted to physical discipline with my old Singer, I have found it responds well to #@%&#!! words of encouragement. And everyone's right—90 percent of sewing machine problems can be traced to tension or threading issues. That, and having the needle facing the wrong way. (Don't ask how I know.) Good luck.

[Steve Ashton]

"(Please note, Steve. With that new cat of yours, you may find this helpful.) "

Well, if I could find a color matched BFH with the Jaguar logo on it I may, and I stress may, let it near my cat.

[ArmyPiper]

Pretty simple rules to go by. Loose threads on the bottom, it is an issue with the top tension. Loose threads on top, it is a bobbin tension issue. Just do slight adjustments on some scrap material of the same thickness of what you are sewing and you should be able to get it right.

Best Advice given thus far.... Could be the bobbin size as well...

[Steve Ashton]

Yes the bobbin tension can be incorrect for the type and thickness of the thread you are using.
A bobbin tension can also be affected if a knot or bump forms in the thread making it seem tighter.
And it can loosen if fuzz or other foreign object gets caught under the tension thread.

Good bobbin thread tension can be estimated by holding the bobbin by the thread and giving it a slight, gentle motion like working a yo-yo. The bobbin should drop from its own weight very slowly.

[Old Hippie]

All of which is why I have an ongoing love affair with chainstitch machines. I used to have an old Wilcox & Gibbs, which I sold to a collector. I've lately acquired a Singer 240W13 commercial machine and hope to get it going soon. Unlike our Wizard, however, I'll be putting it in a treadle base. I got enough steam left at my age to power a sewing machine for fun. If it was professional I'd be using Reddy Kilowatt for sure...

[tr.fiddler]

What they said- thread tension. When using a sewing machine, thread tension is primary importance. Next is using the proper needle for the thread, fabric, and type of sewing you are doing. Too much thread tension and your stitches will pucker the fabric and it will never lie flat. Not enough thread tension and the stitches won't hold the fabric firmly. Practice on scraps till you get your machine set up to perform like you want it. Keep the bobbin compartment free of lint. But I believe Im just repeating what others have said.