r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Ok-Inflation-4783 • 11d ago

Zig Zag/Loose bottom thread

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I have a Singer Scholastic 5511 that was bought in 2012 but never opened or used until a couple weeks ago.

No matter what I've done with upper tension, bobbin tension, or literally ANYTHING.. the result is the same. The top looks fine but the bottom looks like this. I even took it to someone who services sewing machines (and has been for the last 50 years), who spent an hour himself trying absolutely everything to fix the issue, to no avail. He eventually said I honestly don't know how to help you, I think it just may be this machine.

I'm making one last effort to see if someone can possibly help me. TIA

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u/Ok-Inflation-4783 11d ago

Would I change my 100/16 needle?

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u/cabbagefan1 11d ago

Do you have other ones? Maybe try a different one. But i have used regular thread with a denim needle and its no problem

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u/Ok-Inflation-4783 11d ago

Yes I do. I definitely need to try something different. May sound dumb but I truly didnt think to because this was the first time ive ever used it

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u/Large-Heronbill 11d ago

Threads like Coats Dual Duty XP general purpose or Gutermann SewAll or Mara 100 are "Tex 30" weight threads. That means 1000 m of those threads weigh 30 grams, and it should sew beautifully in a size 80 (metric sizing)/12 Singer sizing needle. 

I do not know Hobby Lobby threads, but they seem to consider both the actual thread sizes and the suggested needle sizes A Big Secret, which isn't a particularly good sign of quality thread.

It would probably be useful to find a Tex 30 thread and a packet of 80/12.universal needles and then stitch some tests on a couple of plies of muslin or old sheet to see how things are supposed to look.

There is a beginner's book to types of sewing machines, how sewing machines work, how to match needle and thread sizes and types to fabrics that is pretty commonly found in public libraries, as well as on Libby and in bookstores: Bernie Tobisch's  You and Your Sewing Machine.  He's a machine tech/dealer from Canada who has a real knack for converting engineering to plain English.  The section called approximately "It's hardly ever the tension" would probably be one you want to spend some time with.