How do you get the needle to pick up the bottom thread? Mine is just pushing the top thread up and down
522608
The machine is a piece of crap return if you can...invest in a brothers machine
1817129
its easy until you get to the loop at the top --in other words picture you put the spool on the top you go down one side and up the other the metal looper that comes out of the top should come out a little more so you can attach the thread there---I always have to use tweezers to get the thread in.....after that it is easy. its good you asked this question because it is a good little machine and this is the only part that annoys me about it....I wonder what others have to say!!
23834
Your machine should be adjusting tension automatically....I would check your needle versus type of fabric you're sewing/embroidering, check to see if you have a piece of thread broken apart in the head of the machine that could be catching on your sewing thread. You can manually adjust tension by running the thread back and forth at the top rear...then, Thread the machine. check your manual or on-line for the description. If you are embroidering, be sure you are using quality thread. I've used less "expensive" & paid for it in breakage in the middle of the piece. Try slowing down the stitching speed & make sure you are using the proper backing for your fabric. You could still have thread caught in the bobbin case which could be exerting too much pressure on the top thread. I would try a thorough cleaning, vacuum.....your machine out....never blow it like a computer. The sewing machine has oiled, moving parts & blowing the dirty, dust, lint pushes it into the machine and eventually causes a sludge..... Check to make sure you haven't knocked the timing out.....if the machine increases in frequency of breakage, look at your bobbin case...make sure the needle isn't hitting the plastic instead of the hole ...sliding off into the bobbin. Goodness, I hope this helpS!!! All else fails, call Singer support...they are easy to work with...I've called them in e past. THey will walk you through maintenance to get you up and running. I love my 400!!! Use it all the time....one of three sewing machines.....I have a 43 year old brother I can't part with as well.. Good luck MMh
1004595
The top half turns so you have to lift on it a little and turn counter clockwise. It will separate in the middle and the needle will slide right out of the cork. Hope this helps.
178433
Don't tighten the nozzle all the way down. I screw on until I hear airflow into the tubing and I see the needle on the pressure gauge move. Then I turn one or two more times.
853435
Hi. It depends on the fabric you are using not the sewing machine. Maybe this can help you. http://www.singerco.com/sewing-resources/machine-needles http://www.sewitworks.com/needle-guide/fabric-needle-thread/
729025
It could be clogged. Maybe try taking a pin/needle and poking inside the end of the wand before using it (machine off).
1793947
Hi, this machine doesn't have this feature, but, frankly, it doesn't seem so important (at least for me). When I want my needle to be down, I just lower it manually - it's very easy and precise. It was my first sewing machine too and, after sewing on it for the last 2 years I would still recommend it as the first machine.
1223878
Hi Betty, well, that is the tricky part. You have to have a bit extra fabric as a "leader". When you put your ruffler on the machine make sure the screw is SUPER tight, otherwise it can vibrate loose. Make your setting adjustments on the ruffler and thread your needle with a lot of tail. Now, if you look at the black "blades" on the ruffler you'll notice you can slide your fabric between these pieces. Coming in from the left, holding your fabric tight, slide the fabric between these blades until it stops. The teeth will not allow you to pull the fabric towards you so make sure you have a couple inches extra in your left hand. You may have to pull it out and play with it a bit, I would use a test piece first. The edge of the ruffler towards you has a little slit, slide the fabric under that and you should be good to go. Now don't forget to play with your tension, because it is quite different from regular sewing. There are several fabrics I have had difficulty using, organza or anything sheer will rip from the blade teeth. I typically ruffle ribbon, so the one that works best is Grosgrain. It does take some practice to use this ruffler, just be patient. :D Good luck!
553040
It's on the instruction book page 13. Make sure you change your needle regularly. If that don't work call a Janome dealer, they are real helpful.
1100557
1. I think that if the fabric is too gentle bottom seam might pucker. Use a size 11 needle for lighter fabric and guide with your hands while stitching. Also for very, very gentle fabric you may need to place soft tissue paper below the fabric. Tear away after stitching. 2. Check to see if the machine is properly threaded. If the thread slips from one of the threading locations your stitch will be imperfect. 3.Adjust the tension. Turn the knob to each number, and for each turn practice the stitch on a portion of fabric. Play around with the tension number until the bottom stitch is desirable. 4. Ensure that your thread is good quality 5. Ensure that the thread in the bottom shuttle is smoothly wound on the bobbin, and is properly pulled through the slot 6. Oil the machine, especially the plate and shuttle section. (wipe off excess oil) 7. Don't panic. If you relax your machine will. I HOPE THIS HELPS. I LOVE THIS MACHINE. IT WORKS FOR ME LIKE A CHARM.
1593370
There are some good tutorials on YouTube for treading sergers, because you have to tread it in a certain order or the knife will cut the tread. I also found that tweezers help to get the tread through the small places. Mine came with strings already threaded through the machine you can tie your thread to the strings and pull it all the way through the machine that's supposed to be the easiest way. I had to take mine to a shop and the nice man charged me $25 to thread it. Good luck!
1253368
I ran into the same problem. However, the thick rubber washer in the pump was sufficient to hold and seal the needles without the flattened head. You may find that the threaded part of the head to the pump will not screw all the way down but enough to use the pump. Still looking for the flat head needles though.
249461
Reinsert your bobbin and make sure you have it caught in the slot on bobbin case.After that hand turn your machine over.Rotate the wheel forward to go down into the bobbin case area.Thread should rotate around and be caught up by the sewing machine hook.Than the bobbin thread should come to the top.If this doesn't happen your timing on your machine might have been push off. Did you try to sew a really heavy fabric or thickness.This can move the timing out of placement.It will require having it checked by a sewing machine repairman.But first recheck that both top and bottom thread are threaded correctly.Also check your needle to see if it is bent or worn.Replacement is the easiest test. Also check to see if there is a lot of lint build up in the bobbin area.It can be cleaned out with canned air. How long have you had your machine and how much have you used it? Without seeing the machine I'm guessing at possible causes of problems with the machine.Did you have any problem with the tension before this problem came up?
1570170
The starter thread is usually wrapped at a slightly different angle than the rest of the thread (you have to look closely). Once you find that single thread, just slip a straight pin or something under it and give a bit of a pull. The end will come out from the top of the thread cone.
1340858
I agree with the other answer, check for lint under the black bobin casing. You will need to unscrew your throat plate. Also, if it is too tight on the bottom try loosening the top. If it is too loose on the bottom try tightening the top. Most tension problems can be fixed on top. Most of the time the bobbin tension is the last place to adjust. My students sometimes will have tension problems if they have the thread caught incorrectly in the first catch of the threading before step 1 of the threading process. Try that first. 90 percent of tension problems are fixed by changing the upper thread tension and by re threading.
1816428
I think at the bottom side of the machine and at the top where the thread go's or if not well, call the company and they can tell you more. and sorry if I cloud't help you.