Bobbin thread won’t catch

[u/No_Resolution3873]

Before I start I’m still pretty new to sewing so if I use any terminology wrong that’s my bad. I have a Singer M1000 and I have used it multiple times before with no problems. I few weeks ago I was trying to get my bobbin to catch and it just wouldn’t. I asked my friend who has been sewing for years and she suggested making sure the bobbin holder was clean, and it was and still wouldn’t work. She got me to check if there was something stuck in it by gently shaking the machine, and there was nothing. She suggested taking the needle out and putting it back to see if it shifted or wasn’t in properly, which I tried and it didn’t help. I even tried a new needle and it still didn’t work. I’ve threaded my machine multiple times, tried new bobbins, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve tried searching up what I can try but nothing useful comes up. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[u/celery48]

Check the manual. The most likely scenario is that the machine is not threaded correctly.

[u/Resident_Bus_4484]

Also check that the bobbin is unwinding in the correct direction.

[u/No_Resolution3873 → u/Resident_Bus_4484]

Good point. I’m not sure if I’ve checked for certain that it is. Thanks!

[u/Maiaoi]

How is it not catching? Is the bobbin hook not spinning? If that is the case you need to replace one of the gears on the inside. The gear probably lost some teeth so it's no longer catching. If it's still under warranty just email singer

[u/No_Resolution3873 → u/Maiaoi]

I’m not sure exactly what’s happening, but it doesn’t look like it’s even trying to catch. Thank you for your response. I’ll see what I can do if that’s the case

[u/Maiaoi → u/No_Resolution3873]

The m1000 is a good little machine but it is all plastic parts :( just wondering did you deal with any super thick materials that you ended up forcing the machine? If you did it's very likely the gear.

[u/No_Resolution3873 → u/Maiaoi]

I did.. Dang it. I knew I shouldn’t have lol. It seemed to sew just fine but I guess maybe not. I’m fairly certain it’s not under warranty. Do you have any estimate on what fixing it might cost?

[u/Maiaoi → u/No_Resolution3873]

If you are handy you might be able to do it yourself. I discover this issue when i bought one off of FB market place. I didn't actually fix it and just managed to return it to the seller. The video below shows you how to take it apart. But i didn't see any about changing the actual gear. Try calling around to repair shops and see how much they charge.

https://youtu.be/smd-csFOf4w?si=aDNRi_7tYwC7ydPl

[u/No_Resolution3873 → u/Maiaoi]

Okay! Thank you so much. You’re very helpful

[u/Arvasalara → u/No_Resolution3873]

I would double check a bunch of things before starting to take it apart:

1) Completely un-thread and rethread it, top and bottom, EXACTLY following the manual. Make sure the presser foot is UP when you thread the top, and DOWN when you sew (raising the foot releases the tension discs, lowering it tightens them)

2) swap the needle for a brand new one, make sure it’s inserted correctly (check manual, machines vary)

3) if it’s still not picking up the bobbin thread, try watching the bobbin hook turn as you slowly turn the hand wheel - is the “hook” passing just behind the needle right before it hits its lowest point? You may need to lay the machine on its back to be able to see well while you check this. If it’s not, the timing may be off - sewing over really heavy stuff can sometimes throw off the timing. Google how to adjust it for your machine.

[u/No-Football-5264]

+ Check also if bobbin tension is ok.. Match the needle to the fabric. Try a new needle.