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Sewing Machine Gone Wild!

AmySumrall

AmySumrall

aka Joan
Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
728
Arrrggghhhhh! My trusty, loyal sewing machine is going insane at the moment and I dont know why! It keeps coming unthreaded and when it does sew the stitches are all messed up. :rollingpin I am working on xmas gifts and I know its the thought that counts, but these look like they were made by a crazy person! :driving Anyone have any insight or ideas why?? :helpy
Thanks! :luvya
 
KayeW said:
I've got no idea but it could make some cool digi products :D
Click to expand...

Bahahahahaha!!!! Is it bad that I was thinking the same thing? You could call it sewing maching gone wild. I do love some messy stitches! Good luck fixing it, Amy!
 
maybe time for some service? i know mine needs it every couple of years.
 
Mine is doing it too - I know it's time to get it serviced, just can't afford it at the moment. LOL
 
Yeah, it does need to be serviced, I am sure. Old Betsy has been good to me, she deserves a spa day. If only I could just finish my projects first!

Also, I think it may be the cheap thread I am using. LOL

Karah, have you shopped around? My mom takes her machine to this dinky little place to be serviced and they charge 20 bucks.
 
yeah, i'm with amy. had mine serviced and it was pretty inexpensive. but then i've been known to thread it wrong every once in awhile which in case it does all those things you're talking about.
 
no insights but I can yell with you, I'm having a bad snow day, LOL

@#*$&($@*%#$*%&#$*)!&%$#)(*%$#)(*%#$(*%)#$*
 
Have you tried a new needle? I always do that first when I'm having problems. Then I rethread the entire thing just in case that's where I've messed up. I just got this book and now I'm itching to sew, too!
 
mimsmom said:
Have you tried a new needle? I always do that first when I'm having problems. Then I rethread the entire thing just in case that's where I've messed up. I just got this book and now I'm itching to sew, too!
Click to expand...

That looks like cool book. i am loving the divided box on the cover.
the dress made out of 1 yard (!) the idea scares me to death :giggle
 
Amy, it could be one of any of these things:

1. You threaded the bobbin backwards
2. You need to change the needle (either wrong size for type of fabric or it's old)
3. The thread is old/not good
4. Your machine needs servicing.

I would try re-threading first - both the top and bobbin and find a scrap of fabric to see if that fixes your problem. Then I would change the needle. You should change your needle every time you start a new project.

I do a lot of sewing (I sew most of my business clothes), so if you have any questions, feel free to post them here or send me a pm.
 
Okay so I cant sew a button let alone safely operate a sewing machine but I know how much it stinks when something doesnt work right! I hope you get it fixed soon!
 
wow thanks girls! That book looks so cool, I think I will ask my hubby to get it for me for Christmas! Fabric can be so expensive, so making things out of one yard would be awesome!

I am going to try changing the needle, I havent in a while actually. I bet that is it. I am sewing through 3 layers: felt, fabric and card stock, so that could be it.

I did go buy some better thread yesterday and that seemed to help a lot but it is still coming unthreaded every few minutes. LOL. Annoying!

I just have a cheep-o singer from walmart and I've had it for years. I have used it to sew every window treatment in this house and my last 2 houses, quilts, pillows, etc.. lots of sewing. Old Betsy has been good to me.

But yesterday when I was at JoAnnes I started looking at the fancy expensive machines that embroider and all of that. Does anyone here have one of those? if so, is it worth it? Do you love it? was it easy to learn? I would love to get one, but they 800 bucks or more! Eeek! Still, over the long term I feel I would so get my moneys worth! Goodness knows I have out of Old Betsy! Hahah!
 
What size needle are you using? Also what type of needle? You probably need to be using a universal needle of a size 14 at least. Maybe even use a Denim/Jeans needle. Also, check your upper tension. You probably have a dial to move it. It sounds like you need to increase the number.

I have a fancy machine that is 10 years old. I love my Bernina. However, I rarely use the fancy stitches. I think I've used them all of about 3 times over 10 years. LOL! But, I don't do all that much decorative sewjng - mostly clothing and the odd home dec project. And, for all those, nothing but the basic stitches and some of the overcast stitches are what I've used. I've seen those big, fancy machines and while I think they are so uber cool, I would think long and hard about what you actually sew and decide if those are features/stitches you'll actually use. I would also recommend going to a sewing machine dealer and talk to them about what kind of sewing you do and have them demo different models. That's one of the best ways to find out if you like a machine or not.
 
thank you so much, Melissa! I would love to see some of these machines in use, so I am going to take your advice and when I take Old Betsy in for service I will ask for them to demo the fancy machines! I found some really sweet corduroy fabric at Joannes that would make adorable jumpers for my girls but I have never made clothes before, except for halloween costumes. I've been too scared to try making clothes, but maybe I will look for a simple pattern and go for it! I bet I will be PMing you for advice! LOL! Thanks!!!!
 
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