The sewing machine

**James MacMillan** · 15th March 08, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by SheScot

Ok so the last post was in December, but I have something that might be worth while, even if late. Please allow me to contribute my 40+ years of sewing knowledge. Your old metal case, metal gear New Home is a gem. Worth getting service on from a competent modern shop.

Usually "bobbin" problems - a mare's nest under the fabric - is the result of improper threading of the upper thread path. I know it is counter-intuitive, just believe me.

Thread breakage every 30 seconds or so is caused by a couple of things, bad needle, needle installed properly, thread spool on its side when it is supposed to feed off the top of the spool, (like with the cross wound spools common today) or vice versa (as with the traditional straight winds).

The solution to the needle problem is to get a new one and be sure it is installed right. The wrong orientation on the thread spool can be solved with a thread stand. They are $7.00 at the local fabric store. Oh, and sometimes, even with "quality" thread, you can get a bad spool. Try a different spool before looking for a thread stand, it's cheaper.

Good Luck!

First off -

from Sunny Southern California, just outside the back gate of Camp Pendleton!

Now a question - or request. Please give more information about the thread stand. My wife, who is an accomplished quilter and my neighbor who is a very good seamstress, haven't heard of this.

**cacunn** · 15th March 08, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by James MacMillan

Now a question - or request. Please give more information about the thread stand. My wife, who is an accomplished quilter and my neighbor who is a very good seamstress, haven't heard of this.

James
Check this link to Joann's Fabrics I think it is what SheScot is talking about

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...RODID=prd12768

**James MacMillan** · 15th March 08, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by cacunn

James
Check this link to Joann's Fabrics I think it is what SheScot is talking about

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...RODID=prd12768

OK - Thanks. Both my wife and neighbor use much smaller spools, and I guess that's why they didn't recognize the item.

**berserkbishop** · 17th March 08, 12:35 AM

Sew. . . .or not. Anyway, I am getting irritated with my complete incompetence on anything to do with sewing. In my life, there really hasnt been anything that I have put my mind to that I wasnt able to accomplish, but this sewing machine is like rocket science to me! If I cant handle this what makes me thing I can make it as a NUKE? I have taken it to a shop where I hoped to get help, but the people seemed to only be knowledgeable on "their machines." I am not going to go out and drop $100+ on a new machine when I have one that would work fine if someone with some know-how tinkered with it. . . . Oh why oh why does Grams live so far away? Ok, I am done ranting. After not being able to figure out how to wind a bobbin (that is what the little spool is called right?) I have called it quits until I can find someone who can give me an in person tutorial.

BB

**Pat Bowen** · 15th March 08, 11:31 AM

With the tread binding it might be the upper tension or the bobbin tension. On a model that old there should be a very small screw on the side of the bobbin casing. Trying turning it about 1/16 rotation to loosen or tighten the bobbin thread.
But, it sounds like that you may not have it threaded right on the top side. I have been sewing on the same machine for 40 years, I have a brand new quilting machine, but I keep the old one for making garb and sewing the harder stuff. \
Let me know if I can be of help.

**Jake_S** · 18th March 08, 07:58 AM

BB,
Check out this link. It's the threading (and bobbin winding) for a New Home machine that has a similar set up to yours, unfortunately it's not a complete manual, and it's not the same model as your machine..

http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diag...ng_Diagram.htm

**cacunn** · 18th March 08, 10:47 AM

Pleater - is the thread on the side of the machine, in the well, the correct thread for this type of machine? I would appear that if this thread is being used it would not fit the spool spindle at the top of the machine.

**Pleater** · 18th March 08, 02:50 PM

That looks like the type of thread which is used in more modern machines, where the spool lies tilted over and the thread is pulled of upwards, without the spool rotating.

I use enormous spools of thread too large to fit onto the spindles on the machine, also intended for the thread to be drawn off upwards.

What I do is place the spool behind the machine below the spindle, then place an empty lower thread bobbin on the spindle. I bring the thread up, lay it into the bobbin so it is between the spindle and the back of the machine casing, then thread the yarn as normal.

The yarn is then drawn off the spool as intended, and the bobbin on the spindle protects the plastic from the friction of the moving thread as it is drawn off.

It saves time and is more economical than using the small spools, but as long as the spool you have will stand upright and not dance around then you can use that sort of spool.

You could always stick it down with tacky putty.

If the bobbin will not cooperate and the thread will not feed off properly, fill up some of the lower thread bobbins with it, then just drop one onto the spindle to use for top thread. You can hold the bobbin horisontally behind the machine so the thread is drawn off as it wants to be.

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.

I keep them in a multi compartmented case - I have two identical ones, the other is for the collection of 'feet' for different types of sewing.

**cacunn** · 18th March 08, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by Pleater

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** · 18th March 08, 04:41 PM

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