Sewing machine woes -- any seamstresses have advice?

[kjc]

Also, when sewing through several layers of fabric, the feed dogs could be pulling the lower layer at a different rate of speed than the upper layers. Have you tried using a different foot (like a walking foot) on your machine? And do you slow your speed when sewing the thicker areas? Or you could try lowering the feed dogs all together and try doing free motion through the thickest parts.

It's not that you're not 'good at this'.... it's a matter of learning your machine for each particular application. I'm just throwing ideas out there as I don't have your machine so I can't be real specific, but these are things I would try on my own machine.

Also might be a good idea to pick up an old, used... or new machine made for sewing heavier type fabrics, so your new machine doesn't keep getting thrown out of adjustment (if that is the problem).

[southernbelle04]

Good thinking on the walking foot! I recently bought one of those and am a big fan! Love that thing!

[My lil friend]

Originally Posted by yorkiemini

Had a problem like this some years ago - kept putting on a new needle and bobbin and everything I could think of - bottom line I had the needle in backwards (front to back issue). Straightened that out and all was well. Felt rather stupid however!

I have a vintage Singer 201 and the needle goes in with the flat side to the outside. I have to look up which way the needle goes because I keep forgetting,but so did the Singer tech that I bought it from.

[ritapatt]

One of our (older) drop in bobbin machines doesn't like certain bobbins, another only likes them "right "side up (I have marked them with nail polish...) Try flipping the bobbin over?

[chattiesmom]

Have you tried a different thread? The spool of thread may be bad, or your machine may not "like" the kind you are using. No kidding, I have run across a bad spool on a few occasions and I have had machines that just would not sew a particular brand of thread.

[normarae63]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

Have you tried a different thread? The spool of thread may be bad, or your machine may not "like" the kind you are using. No kidding, I have run across a bad spool on a few occasions and I have had machines that just would not sew a particular brand of thread.

That's what I thought when I read your problem Lindzey.

Both chattiesmom & kjc are seamstresses that I would go to if I had a problem I couldn't figure out. Good luck & please let us know what it turns out being.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by normarae63

That's what I thought when I read your problem Lindzey.

Both chattiesmom & kjc are seamstresses that I would go to if I had a problem I couldn't figure out. Good luck & please let us know what it turns out being.

What a sweetheart you are Sherry. I'm just older than dirt and I've been sewing since I was a young teen. Not going to say how many years . If there is a way to screw up a machine I've probably been there, done that.

[normarae63]

Another thought about threads: If you're embroidering be sure not to use a coated polyester thread; you want good quality polyester threads. The coated stuff will cause you problems in a Brother machine.

[normarae63]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

What a sweetheart you are Sherry. I'm just older than dirt and I've been sewing since I was a young teen. Not going to say how many years . If there is a way to screw up a machine I've probably been there, done that.

LOL...oh yeah?!! How many presser feet have you broken?

[normarae63]

Originally Posted by normarae63

That's what I thought when I read your problem Lindzey.

Both chattiesmom & kjc are seamstresses that I would go to if I had a problem I couldn't figure out. Good luck & please let us know what it turns out being.

NOT saying there aren't plenty of others, these are just two who I've always found to be very helpful.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by normarae63

LOL...oh yeah?!! How many presser feet have you broken?

Sherry, I guess you're one up!

[normarae63]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

Sherry, I guess you're one up!

Oh boy! I've been laughing for 2 solid minutes. The dogs are looking at me like I've completely lost ALL of my marbles. Thank you for sharing that laugh with me; what a great way to start a Friday afternoon with nothing at all to do!

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by normarae63

Oh boy! I've been laughing for 2 solid minutes. The dogs are looking at me like I've completely lost ALL of my marbles. Thank you for sharing that laugh with me; what a great way to start a Friday afternoon with nothing at all to do!

Like I've always said - well starting now anyway - "If the poop's yours, smell it!"

[normarae63]

Any update on what caused your problem Lindzey?

[kjc]

Originally Posted by normarae63

That's what I thought when I read your problem Lindzey.

Both chattiesmom & kjc are seamstresses that I would go to if I had a problem I couldn't figure out. Good luck & please let us know what it turns out being.

Aw! Your are too kind! How's that macramé machine holding up? (JK)

And checking for an update....