My (previously) trusty Singer no longer sews, and I can't figure out why.It's a "No. 15", at least according to Singer's serial # scheme from their website. (Except that the manual I downloaded shows a treadle machine while mine has that newfangled e-lectric motor; the kind with gears instead of a belt. Everything else seems to match up to mine.)Everything looks OK, but when I try to sew, the bobbin thread doesn't get stitched in. I can draw the bobbin thread up from below with the needle, so I *think* the bobbin's threaded correctly, but no go.Also, I'm not sure of the correct threading: the manual says to thread the needle from left to right, but this seems wrong, as the last hook above the needle is above the right side, and this would make the thread wrap around the needle.Help! Anyone have any simple troubleshooting advice? (Yeah, I know: get rid of the damn thing and enter the 20th century. But I like this old beast, and like I say, it used to work and hasn't been dropped or otherwise maltreated.)

I don't know if this helps, but the last time my Singer (1970s vintage) did this, it was because there was crud built up between the tension discs. Get a bit of thread and 'floss' between the discs, rethread and see if that helps. Also, a blunt needle can sometimes affect the way the bobbin thread draws (or doesn't draw) up. Try a new needle. My last idea is that the bobbin tension might have come undone somehow. Check the screw that holds the bobbin assembly together and ensure it's done up snug (but not too tightly).Best of luck - it's awful when these things happen! :-(

Anyone up for a little Singer troubleshooting help?

Apr 23, 2005 21 Replies

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CySew 21 years ago

Kate is right on target with her answer about threading the machine. But as someone else suggested, it may be time to clean out the tension discs, check the bobbin to see if the tension is okay, and a new needle might be in order. Let us know if you'd like any more help. We who have old Singers love them, no matter what other "toys" we have, and do not want anyone giving up on one. Emily

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sewingbythesea 21 years ago

Newsgroups: rec.crafts.textiles.sewing From: "Ron Anderson" Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 16:59:01 GMT

Subject: Re: Anyone up for a little Singer troubleshooting help?

Trust me Kate is correct. But it is not all model 15's just some of them, there are quite a few versions, thread right to left and the flat of the needle goes to the left. Also model 221, and 301.

Ron Anderson

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