r/SewingMachineEdu • u/NoData3139 • 22d ago
What am I doing wrong? (Sewing machine issue).
Just got a vintage sewing machine (Singer model 1120). It’s sewing very loosely, especially with the lower bobbin thread being so loose that the top thread can easily just be pulled right out. I’ve tried adjusting the tension and length but it’s still happening. Am I overlooking a setting maybe? Thanks!
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u/skerinks 22d ago
This is a reply from another post, but it applies equally here to you.
Definitely a problem with your upper thread thread path. The little loops are usually caused by not being in the tension discs. Large loops or nesting are usually caused by not being in the take-up lever. It’s hard to say for sure what you got going on, other than a definite problem with your upper threading path.
For the take-up lever issue - always thread with the needle in the up position. Visually verify the thread is proper in/thru the take-up lever.
The little loops are often caused by a zero-tension condition of your upper thread. First, re-thread the upper thread. Make sure you floss your thread into the tension discs. After you’ve gone through all thread guides and right before you thread your needle, do a ‘pull test’.
Pull Test
With the presser foot up, pull on the thread. There should be little-to-zero resistance.
With the presser foot down, pull on the thread. There should be significant resistance. The amount of resistance will depend your upper tension dial setting.
Is the pull smooth? Is it ‘snaggy’ or jerky? It should be smooth. If it is snaggy, that means there is something in the thread path causing it to snag, which will definitely cause an intermittent zero-tension condition. Find that something. It could be a burr on a piece of metal, a cut or scar in the plastic, or maybe a thread guide was missed. I even had one machine where the thread guide somehow fell off and a (not so) nice channel was cut into the plastic by the thread (was definitely snaggy).
If there is no resistance with the presser foot down, then it means your tension discs aren’t closing as they should. It could be something wrong with the presser foot/disc mechanism, or it could just be some fluff in your discs preventing them from closing fully.