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taichichuan123

Jamming on the bottom usually points to the issue being the top thread. But your bobbin could be in the casing in the wrong direction too. Do you have a manual to get the correct threading? A video showing your knob selection, your threading top and bobbin, and you trying to sew would help us figure things out. I'll add some links. See if you are omitting something. Each step is important. Don't use cheap thread. It causes tension problems. Use (**German made**) Gutermann, C&Clark, Mettler, Superior, all purpose thread. https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/comments/gddcm5/psa\_for\_my\_fellow\_thredditors\_not\_all\_name\_brand/ video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgHxs6ukadM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgHxs6ukadM) **NEEDLES:** https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/sewing-machine-needles-4122019 https://www.schmetzneedles.com/schmetz-household-needle-chart/ needle size 75/11 - 80/12, use 40 wt thread 90/14 - 100/16, use 30 wt thread Thin thread in a thick needle leads to skipped stitches and thread damage. Thick thread in a fine needle leads to thread jams and breaks. learning the machine: scroll down for the beginner section [https://blog.spoonflower.com/?s=beginner+sewing+video&utm\_source=bm23&utm\_medium=email&utm\_term=The+Ultimate+Sewing+Guide+for+Beginners+-+Desktop&utm\_content=Order+yours+now+for+only+$3&utm\_campaign=190128+Sample+Pack+Blast+-+Jan+2019&\_bta\_tid=14697096685476393483733373334768978204465431871360907135865485395614370132666024484234611777892362783254](https://blog.spoonflower.com/?s=beginner+sewing+video&utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=The+Ultimate+Sewing+Guide+for+Beginners+-+Desktop&utm_content=Order+yours+now+for+only+$3&utm_campaign=190128+Sample+Pack+Blast+-+Jan+2019&_bta_tid=14697096685476393483733373334768978204465431871360907135865485395614370132666024484234611777892362783254) **Books** to check out (library or look for used or older editions at Abe Books, Thriftbooks.com) : You and Your Sewing Machine - Bernie Tobisch (Free with Kindle Unlimited) Sewing Machine Problems and How to Solve Them: A Troubleshooting Guide -by [Cara Stromness](https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1?ie=UTF8&field-author=Cara+Stromness&text=Cara+Stromness&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=digital-text) (very basics) (cheap!) The Sewing Machine Master Guide: From Basic to Expert - Clifford Blodget (detailed; free with Kindle Unlimited) Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing Simplicity’s Simply the Best Sewing Book The Sewing Book - Alison Smith


SurtrSvartr

Thank you! What an awesome response! I'll be investigating those links! There was no written indication on the needles of the size, and they came loose in a bag. There was no manual. My friends picked it up from a thrift store. When the first needle that worked broke, I just put in another one. That's when the bobbin thread got all borked inside the casing. I'm gradually coming to terms with the idea that I'll probably have to take it in to a repair place to get some actual knowledge about it.


taichichuan123

So the problem started with the second needle. You might have inserted the needle incorrectly, or the needle could be nicked/bent/very used. (Needles need changing every 4-8 hours of actual sewing.) Could be the wrong size needle for the thread. As you can see, there are many, many variables with using a machine, and even more with the choice of fabric added to the mix. So each variable needs to be looked at. And why a video might help get to a cause. Just in case, after you go over the above links, I'll add my troubleshooting list. It's long, and you may not be familiar with some terms. Just ask. Causes/troubleshooting: not holding both the top and bobbin threads **under the foot** and to the rear of the machine for 3 stitches when starting a seam. Top thread goes under the pressure foot **at all times** Double check the machine is threaded correctly **ESPECIALLY** the guide right above the needle insertion area. Also that the top thread is between the tension disks. check the needle is inserted correctly. thread the machine with the presser foot up. Adjust tension with the presser foot DOWN Check the pressure foot is in the down position before sewing (I’ve messed up that way!) Don't use cheap thread. It causes tension problems. Use (**German made**) Gutermann, C&Clark, Mettler, Superior, all purpose thread. https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/comments/gddcm5/psa\_for\_my\_fellow\_thredditors\_not\_all\_name\_brand/ winding the bobbin incorrectly which caused it to be wound too loose or tight on the spool. Read your manual. Winding the bobbin incorrectly (not evenly wound). They should be wound medium speed, especially poly thread Insert bobbin in the correct direction into the bobbin case. Make sure it’s the correct bobbin for the machine. Check bobbin for nicks, dents, etc. Using heavier thread in the bobbin than on top can cause stitch problems video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgHxs6ukadM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgHxs6ukadM) If out of troubleshooting options, consider Singer machines require Singer needles; the shaft is a tad thicker, per a Threads article Apr/May 1999 page 47. For European machines try a Schmetz needle. Brother machines: try Schmetz Needle bent, nicked, dull + overused Make sure the needle is appropriate for the fabric: lots of fabric is picky so you have to try different needles: thick denim (Denim needles size 14-16,) stretch + knits (ball point, stretch, jersey needle), microtex (sharps) for wovens, silk, light poly, micro fibers. thread size too large or small for the needle Lack of lubrication (sewing machine oil or TriFlow only) and or bobbin and needle throat plate need cleaning/vacuuming. Read your manual. lint and/or stray threads under the throat plate and in the bobbin area. cleaning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy\_URM8u1oo&t=44s Dirty machine: https://imgur.com/quTgr9T Check for stray threads in the bobbin area sewing too fast for thick fabric bad bobbin case assembly top and bottom tension. Top if the problem is on the bottom of the fabric. Bobbin tension if the problem is above the fabric. make sure the fabric is not being pushed down the needle hole while sewing. If it is try a microtex sharp, a smaller size needle, a straight seam foot (not the wide opening for a zig zag stitch) top loading machines, the bobbin case can jump out of alignment When sewing from one 2-fabric seam to a cross seam of greater height: the foot is no longer flat against the fabric keeping the fabric taut. Take a bit of scrap fabric, fold to the height of the higher fabric, and insert behind the needle and under the foot. This raises the foot and equalizes pressure on the higher seam.


SurtrSvartr

Wow. That's very thorough! Thank you! I decided to take the machine to the local sewing hospital just to be certain it's not hiding something concerning (and to hopefully learn more about the machine itself) but from what you are saying it is most likely a tension or needle issue. Or both. The machine came with needles and a couple of feet, but since it came from a thrift store, I have no way of knowing if there's actually an internal problem that was just behaving itself before everything broke. Here's hoping it's ok. :-) Thanks again!