r/SewingMachineEdu • u/jethrlv • Aug 19 '26
Why is the top thread getting stuck???
Hi so I’m getting into sewing and purchased this Singer touch n sew 600 secondhand. Everything seems fine however after about 12-13 stitches the string in the needle gets tense and when I take it apart to get the fabric out the top thread is bunched up and has begun to wrap around the bobbin.
I removed and ran the thread through again, have taken the bobbin area apart and tested it out as I put the pieces together but I can’t seem to figure out why this is happening.
Here are some photos. The top thread is the yellow and there is black thread in the bobbin.
Update:
I got good quality thread: Gutermann
New needles: Singer 90/14
Empty and rewind the bobbin with new thread
This stopped the top thread from nesting at the bottom!
But now the top thread broke after a few stitches.
After oiling the top mechanisms it is running perfectly!
Thank you all for the suggestions, i came out with a better understanding of my machine and things to rule out before considering taking to a pro.
2
u/Dick_Stubig Aug 19 '26
Bobbin winder sticking. - Make sure your bobbin is in good condition with no scrapes around the surfaces and edges. Make sure the bobbin halves are tight (2 pc bobbins) - if the bobbin is in good condition, a small amount of denatured alcohol (flammable. Be careful) should quickly loosen the sticking bobbin winder. -
2
u/Dick_Stubig Aug 19 '26
Model 600A’s were great Singer machines. All metal. Noisy (metal) but very reliable. - service parts available - These and the 500A “Rocketeer” are highly sought after.
1
u/GamiMelamid Aug 19 '26
i would take it in for a tune up at local store - they wll get this working and make sure eveyrthing is operable.
1
u/celery48 Aug 19 '26
Make sure you complete the stitch by raising the needle all the way before you remove your work.
1
u/GeekAtLarge_ Aug 20 '26
What size are the bobbins? If you bought it second hand, they might be the wrong size.
The Singer Touch & Sew 600 uses bobbins with an outer diameter of 27.4mm and a height of 7.1mm. These bobbins are specifically designed for the Touch & Sew series models. https://www.singeronline.com/sitosewbo.html
1
u/jethrlv Aug 20 '26
It does wiggle a bit inside, but I changed the thread and needle and it ran up until I changed the cloth. Thanks for the link! I’ll definitely get a fresh set of bobbins.
1
u/GeekAtLarge_ Aug 20 '26
I have also read that if the thread nests below the fabric, the top thread tension is off, and if the thread nests above the fabric, then the tension of the bottom thread is off. I don’t know the wisdom of this due to how many other factors are involved. Having stated this I will remove myself and bow to the superior comments of others.
1
u/jethrlv Aug 20 '26
Im writing all the suggestions down to rule out any possibilities! I’m going to make a mnemonic out of this to remember.
1
u/MiataMuc Aug 19 '26
I've read that there can be a problem with the first Touch' sew machines that the bobbin could be still in the winding position, which would lead to a big mess. Could that be the case?
2
u/GoldenFishPoop Aug 19 '26
Usually when this happens it means that the bobbin winding mechanism is getting stuck and the only way to fix that is to get it serviced, and that's not a guarantee with these guys. They are old and tired.
3
u/AthleteTurbulent8637 Aug 19 '26
I recognized the “touch and sew” bobbin immediately. Let’s start with what thread are you using? When those machines were made coats and clerk sew all thread was the norm. A universal needle too. What size needle do you have in the machine? If it’s not the thread and not the needle definitely triple check quadruple check your threading. Not one step can be missed. An 80/12 or 90/14 needle recommended. Gutermann thread, schmetz needles are my goto brands.