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clumps of thread

I sewed today after a month or so. The machine (some brother thing I bought new for $80 a year ago, pretty basic) ran fine for about 5 minutes. then started making crunchy sounds clumping up thread so I had to stop. I guess it's a common problem but scared the heck out of me. Is this something to do with "tension adjustment"? Also, before it started clumping up, the thread in the needle got cut off couple of times and I had to re-thread it. What do I do?

On a positive note, I started and completed a little night dress for DD. It's very basic one piece sleeveless gown. The necklines came out very much even. I'm really proud. I want to wake up DD just so she can try it out :) Because of my sewing machine problems, I hand-sewed most of it.

I really want to try kwik sew newbie pattern 3053 for myself. The reviews are positive. Wish me luck!

Thanks.

Reply to
tedneeley
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If the thread is clumped up under the fabric, then the problem lies somewhere along the upper thread path, which includes, but is not necessarily, the tension. The problem could also be the thread getting 'hung up' somewhere, burr on the needle, etc. The thread getting cut off that you mention is likely the source of the problem -- find out where and why this is happening. It may be happening in the tension discs themselves, i.e. if there is a burr or renegade piece of thread caught in there.

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Reply to
IMS

Change the needle & be sure it is appropriate for the fabric. (Change needles every 5-6 hours of active sewing) Rethread the machine with good thread. Check the bobbin area & under the stitch plate for loose threads & lint. If the machine is oilable, has it been oiled lately with a proper sewing machine oil? If you machine requires manual tension adjustment, check that. Birds nest on the bottom can mean too loose top tension. In addition to needle burrs, thread can also break from improper tension and either the bobbin or upper threads not being threaded properly.

Reply to
Phaedrine

Another thing I find you need to consider with these cheapie machines is the thread take-up lever: Have you threaded that? And if so, has the thread jumped out?

Reply to
Kate Dicey

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