I don't know why I bother trying *UPDATE* in last post!

[Mama~Love]

I try so hard to sew simple PUL covers, and something always goes wrong. I have a old Kenmore 1070 model (from like the 60's or 70's) and as I'm stitching, it looks perfect on top, but the bottom stitching is a MESS! It gets bunched up & knotted, and then I have to take all of the stitching out. I have an EXCELLENT seam ripper, LOL.

Why would this happen? I'm using a simple straight stitch too. Should I try a zig-zag?

TIA!

[InfoisPower]

Two possible causes:
1) your tensioning is incorrect for the fabric you're sewing
2) you're using two different types of thread one for the topstiching and one different one in the bobbin.

This used to happen to me all the time! I finally got smart and before I start a large project I do a few test seams/stitching on scrap fabric of the type I'm working with first. Saves hours of ripping stuff out.
Good luck!

[MagentaMom]

Arghh! Attack of the bobbin barf. I hate that! Check all listed above and if that doesn't work...
1. Be sure your machine is threaded properly. I know it's coming from the other side, but sometimes this is my problem.
2. Take out your bobbin and have a look at it. Tighten any screws that need it and blow out the dust and lint.
3. If none of the above work, toss the machine out of a window. Just joking.
I hope this helps. I hate when machines get all screwy. All machines have their own quirks.

[lilyka]

It may be time to take your machine to a repair shop and have it cleaned and make sure your thread tension adjusted properly (you should only ned to make minor adjustments here and there)

OK bobbin basics I didn't know for a long time.

I don't know about horizontal (drop in) bobbins, but for your basic verticle bobbin (the kind with the bobbin case) your thread end should be sticking out to the right and the little poky thing on the case should be pointed left and up. tread it through the things. that is proper threading. now hold the end of your thread and let go. it should stay still, not coming unwound (if it comes unwound turn the tiny screw on the case to the right 1/4 turn and try again). now flick your wrist. it should travel down a short distance (but not come completely loose). If it stays still turn the3 tiny screw to the left a 1/4 turn and repeat. when your bobbin case has proper tension your top tension should be set somewhere in the middle and you should only have to adjust that from now on.

I know some threads and some fabrics throw you off though. I don't know about PUL.

Meg was joking about #3 but I did get rid of my last machine because of this.

[Mama~Love]

Thank you for the tips ladies! I got too frustrated I packed everything up & took a hot shower to relieve myself from the stress. Friggin' thing, I'm almost tempted to chuck it out the window!

I'll try again tomorrow & see if I can figure it out.

[Persephone]

I have an old Kenmore, and I had that EXACT problem. I had taken it to be serviced and everything, and I couldn't figure it out til I threaded it in front of the serviceman, and he told me I was doing it wrong. : Definitely have someone who knows check your threading, and don't rely on the crappy manual, because I was trying so hard to follow *exactly* the manual, and I was still wrong. :P

[swtladyfare]

I have an expensive POC babylock machine that does the samething for no apparent reason. Snottylady who wanted me to buy $2000 janomie said "It may just be the machines age" just bought it 2 weeks ago from sew/vac gallery. It's still under the 90 warrenty they did something to it that made it run really good for about 3 diapers then attack of the bobbin barf. Gave me some line about puncturing the bobbin case. Trouble is they get it "working well" for awhile then it goes to poop at my house. I think they're trying to minor repair me out of My warrenty period. Maybe it is just an old machine. Maybe it's a thread eatting beasty that makes me want to use prefolds and plastic pants. I hope your problem and mine get fixed. Hugs and comfort...we know how you feel

[Mama~Love]

OK, my mom came over & helped m efigure out what was wrong. On the "Stitch Width" knob, the center part turns to allow you to sew the special stitches (something both of us didn't know) & it was turned the wrond way. Also, the Fabric grabber things (forgot the name??) were stuck in the down position and wasn't moving the fabric properly.

It works great now!! I'm guessing one of the kids messed with the knob .

Now, back the reguarly scheduled sewing..............................

[Persephone]

Oh, so glad you got it figured out!! I know I was ready to throw my machine out the window.

[Katie Bugs Mama]

I'm glad that you got the problem sorted out. I have my mom's old Elna from the early 1970's and my aunt's 1969 edition of the Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing. I can't tell you how helpful it is to have a sewing book that's roughly the same vintage as my machine. If you can scare one up, I highly recommend it.

[kamesennin]

LOL I clicked here bc I was kind of confused at your post title, it looks like you are mad because you "don't know why you try to update your post" but I just read it wrong and there is actually good news in your post! :LOL

Glad you got your machine working, I thought there was some drama going on in sewing!