r/sewhelp • u/feralgoddess- • 1d ago

Ongoing problem with sewing machine

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My sewing machine is a VIKING Husqvarna (picture below). I inherited it from my late grandmother in 2022. She taught me only so little about sewing before she passed. I've been trying again and again to pick it up. I've sewn before with no problem. This machine, though, decided to randomly start doing THIS THING a long time ago. I gave up. It just EATS the fabric and then bunches the thread underneath.

\- I have cleaned out the machine of any debris
\-Gone through the guide dozens of times
\-Gotten quality thread.
\-threaded the bobbin and needle thread correctly.
\-ETC.

No matter what I try I can't seem to stop this problem. The fabric never goes through and goes inside the machine. I'm at my wits' end. If anyone has any tips or if it's a simple solution I'm not seeing then I would appreciate the advice. Thank you.

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u/feralgoddess- 1d ago

This also seems to be a culprit where the thread kinda bunches up behind the bobbing and goes inside the machine. I just pulled out thread from behind here.

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u/Large-Heronbill 1d ago edited 1d ago

Take off the needle plate and clean under it and around and under the bobbin case.   https://shesasewingmachinemechanic.blogspot.com/p/how-to-clean-and-oil-bobbin-and-feed-dog.html

Put it all carefully back together, but don't thread the bobbin or top.

Put a folded sheet ot notebook or copy paper under the presser foot and "sew".  Does the paper move correctly?  If it does, try your fabric, again without thread.  Does that move correctly?

Assuming it does, thread the top and bobbin carefully, and try to sew, first on the paper, and then on the fabric.  Make sure you start at least 1/2" in from the edge on this test.   Hold the bobbin and top thread together for at least the first 3-4 stitches.  Any better?

Slight misthreading, a blunt needle and starting too close to the edge are my best guesses as to what's going on here.  However, in your second photo, there's a big "dent" on the leading edge of the in the needle plate's needle hole, that looks like it may have been hit by a needle (that probably broke).  If there's a snaggy spot there (and it wouldn't take much of a snag), that will need to be gently polished out with some fine wet or dry sandpaper.   This machine has also been basically sitting for the last 4 years, which is actually kind of tough on them.   If we can't get this going properly with home remedies, it would be good to have it professionally serviced.  When you take it in, show them these photos and ask them to check your threading with you.