My Singer, about 6 yrs. old, has stopped being able to wind the bobbin. It seems that the post that the bobbin sits on does not go close enough to the little “finger” thing that makes it turn. Any ideas about that?
Also, I’ve seen a book on how to repair your own sewing machine. Has anybody seen it, or bought it, and if so, is it worth the price? My husband is very handy and could probably do the work if I had the book. Actually, I could probably do it, too, if I knew what to do.
Threads Recommended Products
McCall's 8241
Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
McCalls Sewing Pattern 8241 Tops A (XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL). McCalls-8241-A
Style Arc, Hendrix Coat
Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
The Hendrix coat sewing pattern from Style Arc is an unlined, panelled design with long two-piece sleeves, a button or snap front, and optional top-stitching. It features binding along the neck, hem, and sleeves, along with angled patch pockets and dropped shoulders. Recommended fabrics include wool, linen, faux fur, or velvet, with fabric estimates and trim details provided for sizes 4-30.
Brilliant Little Patchwork Collection by Kaffe Fassett
Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Kaffe Fassett is a renowned painter and textile designer known for his visionary use of color. Based in London, he was the first living textile designer to have a solo exhibition at the V&A in 1988. He designs fabrics for Rowan Patchwork and Quilting, knitwear for Rowan Yarns, and has authored over 70 books, including Quilts in Wales and Quilts by the Sea.
Know Me 2064 Vest and Jacket
Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Know Me patterns offer stylish and versatile designs, including the ME2064 rain jacket, which combines a cropped jacket and a vest that can be worn together or separately. The boxy-fit jacket features a hood, snap closure, and multiple pockets, while the vest has a zippered front and cargo pockets. This sewing kit includes templates, fabric recommendations, and instructions for sizes 44-52, proudly made in the USA.
Vogue 1642
Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Pattern A has pleated patch pockets with flaps. Pattern B has side seam zippers. This Vogue sewing pattern kit was designed and printed in the United States and comes with sewing templates, instructions, fabric recommendations, pattern pieces, and sizing guides for (2) shirts and (1) pair of pants. Women's clothing patterns can be made to fit sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.
Replies
I have taken several older machines apart and put them back together (lots of fun!) Wouldn't touch one of these new-fangled electronic ones though.
If your Singer is a mechanical (not electronic) you should be able to remove a few screws on top of the machine and lift off the top. At this point you may be able to get a glimpse of the bobbin winding mechanism and locate the reason it is not engaging properly (like some thread or lint).
On my 30 year old Singer (now my daughter's) the bobbin winder has a piece under the "lid" that must come in contact with the drive belt to make it go, the little finger on the outside is to make it stop when the bobbin is full.
Willing to help all I can,
Becky
Thanks for the tip. I will try it. And of course I knew that the "finger" was to stop it when the bobbin was full, but I was not thinking. I have had trouble in the past with new bobbins not fitting down on the peg, even though I buy the correct style. I've thrown a few away because they would not fit. Some others I've just held my finger on the top to keep them from flying off, and it worked OK. What's with bobbins that don't have a hole big enougH in the middle? Has anybody else had that problem with buying new bobbins?
My 1965 Singer, which still performs wonderfully, uses an unusual plastic drop-in bobbin, and I often have trouble with the new ones. In fact, mine come two to a package, and about half of all the ones I buy are unusable! Seems Singer doesn't have the same quality control as in the old days.
I'm afraid to buy bobbins any more because I've had two packages that did not fit. What is their problem? You'd think Singer would not want people to be too unhappy with their product.
Do you think you might attempt a fix for your bobbin winder?
this is what the underside of the top of my old Singer looks like.
Becky
Edited 1/4/2007 9:34 pm ET by Becky-book
Sure. I will try it. What do I have to lose? If it doesn't work I would have to take it to a repair man anyway, and I'm pretty handy. So is my husband. I just didn't know where to start, but now I have a good idea. Thanks.
This post is archived.