An ambitious sewing newbie?

[Anya]

So, I've decided to take on an ambitious project of sewing project of making a renaissance faire/fantasy dress. I have a pattern... I have the materials.... the machine, however is causing some problems and frustration. I'm using a (slightly older) Singer Model 9410. I have the bobbin threaded, but I'm having difficulty getting the loop of thread through the hole of the sewing plate. Upon some dis-assembly (and a few choice words to the machine), I tried a few things and noticed the black plastic/catcher part of the bobbin holder moves quite a bit and I'm not talking about the metal around it going in a circle as I turn the knob on the side of the machine. I feel like there's something I'm missing. Any suggestions will be welcome!
It is the bobbin case. Again, I'm not sure if it should move as much as it should. I wish I was able to post a video of its movement just to make sure that's what's wrong, or if I'm just crazy. I'm going to try and mess with it some more in the morning and will keep you updated. ((I was trying to email Kay, but for some reason my account will not let me do so. Ah well.))

 

[olivemonster]

If your threading the bobin clockwise, it should be put into the machine so it is counter clockwise. make sure to follow the directions exactly and give the knob a full turn and a half at least so that the top thread is wrapped all the way around the bobin and so the bobin's thread.

 

[Kay]

Can you tell us the proper name of the "back plastic/catcher part"? I'm not sure what you're talking about. Here's the parts diagram for the machine http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals/search I'm guessing you're talking about the bobbin case... drop down to "Bobbin Case Apollo #421326" on this page: http://sewingmachine221sale.bizland.com/store/page37.html

If the bobbin case is in correctly, it will have some movement allowed. If the case is in correctly, I'm guessing that you've got the wrong bobbin for the machine, you're putting in the bobbin backwards, or the needle is damaged or in backwards.

Make sure you're using the right needles--- the package should say Singer 2020, 2000 or 2026, or HAx1 or 15x1H or 130/705H or 130R, They're all the same needle, just different manufacturers designate them differently. Don't try to use a needle that says something about SY2054 or JLx1 or 16x1 or any other designation -- those are serger needles.

So let's run down the checklist:
-- thread the top part of the machine ***with the presser foot up*** (this is important because the thread needs to enter the upper tension, and it can't do it if the presser foot is down)
--You should have plastic class 66 bobbins for this machine -- not 15 and not metal.
-- Unless you've just changed the needle, put in a new one, right way around, and fully up in the needle clamp. The flat back of the needle should be to the back of the machine. Size 12/80 sharp (not ballpoint) needles are probably what you need for this project.
-- When you've wound the bobbin, pick it up and hold it face on towards you, with the thread falling over the top of the bobbin. The thread should be wound clockwise around the bobbin,
-- Follow the sequence here to fetch up the bobbin thread -- yes, this is a Viking, but it's the same bobbin case system:
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/22801244
-- make sure you're turning the handwheel in the direction that would cause the feed dogs to move fabric from the front to the back of the machine.

Still no luck? Compare the relationship of the needle and sewing hook to the timing diagrams here: http://sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Repair/Repair_Pictures/timing3.gif Don't attempt to adjust the timing yourself -- find someone who knows how to retime a machine to help you do it the first time.. If your machine is slightly out of time, you can often salvage the situation with a Schmetz embroidery or topstitching needle instead of a regular sharp (microtex or jeans) needle. That'll usually keep you going till you can get the timing done.

If it's still not working, feel free to send me an email (click on my avatar) and we'll try some other things.

Remember, sewing machines like to be clean, have fresh needles, and to have things done their way and no other. As soon as you mess up the threading, sewing machines pitch fits that can make a two year old look like sweet reason. <g>

 

[henriettew]

Have the needle in the up position and it should be threaded with a long tail.
The bobbin s in the case and it also has a tail.
Now hold the tail from the needle and turn the know on the side of the machine. The needle will go down and come up again. and if you pull the tail you were holding the thread from the bobbin will have come up. Take a pin and slide it under the pressure foot to make the threads smooth.
Have fun