Singer Stylist 457 bobbin problem?!

I'm trying to sew some fairly heavy canvas (double thickness) with my very-used Singer Stylist 457. Last year the gear broke (mentioned here in other threads) and I had it replaced. I also bought a manual for it online, so that I could tension it properly.

The problem I'm now having is that the loop thread will sometimes catch on the edge of the bobbin (it's a drop-in type) and the whole thing jams up. I then have to open the plate, cut the top thread, reset everything, and start again. Sometimes I can go several feet before it jams, other times it jams after two stitches. It's extremely frustrating!

Anyone know what the problem is? Is it the machine? Tension? Is it the heavy canvas? Or thick thread? Or both?

I should also mention that the top thread tension is at 9, yet I still have tiny little loops on the bottom of the material. I can't put anymore tension on the top thread, that's why I'm wondering if the thread is just to heavy for this machine. I'm using a #16 needle.

Help!

Reply to
Henri Fournier
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If it worked Ok after the gear was replaced and you've used it regularly, it might need a good cleaning, especially around the bobbin area. Any thread that is stuck in there can really affect stitch quality. Take out the bobbin assembly and go after it and the entire area with a good brush. My 401 will not tolerate ANY lint around the bobbin case, and whenever it starts looping I have to take it out and clean the little channel that goes all around it. The lint really collects there as thick as felt....the 401 doesn't like it one bit.

Also, clean in between your tension disks with a pipe cleaner or cotton material to get rid of anything that might be stuck in there. While you're doing this see if the pipe cleaner or cloth 'catches,' if so an indication that there may be a rough spot between the discs (where the thread goes). Rough spots will cause thread catching. Having the tension up so high is interesting....perhaps the problem is something caught in the tension assembly, or sticking (like old gummy oil). You might try taking that area apart and cleaning out everything.

There may be a burr someplace in the needle/bobbin area that thread it catching on. Anything metal can get a burr on it from being hit with the needle, etc. So....I'd try taking off the needle plate and rubbing your finger around the needle hole to make sure it's smooth. That's a real common area for burrs. If it's smooth, that's not the problem. Then, take out the bobbin holder, and do the same thing. Ditto with the assembly. It's also possible the problem might be with the bobbins...are you using metal bobbins? Have you tried new ones? =20

Just some th>I'm trying to sew some fairly heavy canvas (double thickness) with my

Reply to
IMS

That machine is not intended to sew canvas or use the heavy thread associated with canvas. The normal tension setting would be 4.

Reply to
Ron Anderson

Reply to
Singer

I cleaned the tension assembly and that seemed to help a bit. I'll clean the bobbin assembly before the next batch. Thanks.

Henri

Reply to
Henri Fournier

What is the correct bobbin?

I only have the bobbin that came with it (second hand), so I'm not sure. It is a metal bobbin with no markings on the outside. There's nothing in the manual about bobbin type.

Henri

Reply to
Henri Fournier

I am using a #16, I was going to try a #18 though. Now, maybe I won't bother. I'll try a new bobbin and the thread you recommend instead. Thanks Pam.

Henri

Reply to
Henri Fournier
25 years of watching people break gears and other disasters. Plus the thread clearance are not sufficient to handle the thread used for canvas.
Reply to
Ron Anderson

Mr Anderson is right there are threads that are too heavy for a home machine. Those threads are labeled for hand sewing only. Read the end cap. Coats upholstery thread is a nylon thread that is ~ 40 weight. 40 weight is not a problem for home machines at all. And nylon equals extra strength.

I have only 20 years of sewing machine industry experience and 40 years of sewing. So I am a little less experienced.

Reply to
Pam Runyon

You both have infinitely more experience than I do.

I could not find Coats Upholstery thread in the one store I visited today. They had other threads from Coats, but not Upholstery thread.

I picked up some Gutermann Upholstery thread instead which is 100% polyester, not nylon. Should I take it back?

I also have a spool of Bell-Tootal (Coats Bell) 100% nylon. Should I use that instead? It is very similar in appearance (i.e. thickness) to the polyester I bought, but there's nothing else on the label to indicate the intended purpose. If I remember correctly, I bought it many many years ago to mend a sail cover (canvas), so it could very well be upholstery thread. Basically, whatever the people at the store would have told me I should use. The problem I had at that time (same machine) is that the thread would break every so many inches. I think that was a timing issue (right?) and haven't had that problem since the gear was replaced and the machine overhauled. Then again, I haven't tried this thread since either.

BTW, the thread I've been using is:

Mettler metrosene Cordonnet Polyester spun Art. 1146 top-stitching Nm 30/3

Thanks for all your help.

Henri

Reply to
Henri Fournier

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