The sewing machine

[Pleater]

That looks like the type of thread which is used in more modern machines, where the spool lies tilted over and the thread is pulled of upwards, without the spool rotating.

I use enormous spools of thread too large to fit onto the spindles on the machine, also intended for the thread to be drawn off upwards.

What I do is place the spool behind the machine below the spindle, then place an empty lower thread bobbin on the spindle. I bring the thread up, lay it into the bobbin so it is between the spindle and the back of the machine casing, then thread the yarn as normal.

The yarn is then drawn off the spool as intended, and the bobbin on the spindle protects the plastic from the friction of the moving thread as it is drawn off.

It saves time and is more economical than using the small spools, but as long as the spool you have will stand upright and not dance around then you can use that sort of spool.

You could always stick it down with tacky putty.

If the bobbin will not cooperate and the thread will not feed off properly, fill up some of the lower thread bobbins with it, then just drop one onto the spindle to use for top thread. You can hold the bobbin horisontally behind the machine so the thread is drawn off as it wants to be.

I have several dozen bobbins, as it is one of those rules that no matter how many bobbins you have you never have one with the colour of thread you want to use on it.

I keep them in a multi compartmented case - I have two identical ones, the other is for the collection of 'feet' for different types of sewing.

[cacunn]

I have several dozen bobbins, as it is one of those rules that no matter how many bobbins you have you never have one with the colour of thread you want to use on it.

Isn't that the rule just before the rule that the bobbin will run out of thread 2 inches before the end of the seam?

[SteveB]

I have four plastic cases of bobbins with many different colours of thread. This is the way of sewing when most of the time it is mending rips and tears in clothing.
The bobbin MUST run out of thread when you are two inches (5 cm.) from the end of the last seam to complete the job. The other time it MUST run out of thread is when you are trying to sew a seam ( think pocket) in the most visible part of the garment.
The main spool MUST tangle, or break at the presser foot when you are sewing the over fringe on the apron of a kilt.
--- Steve

[berserkbishop]

Ok, so I am more frustrated now. I got the *&(^^ thing working for about 2 minutes last night and now I cant get it to do anything. I have fiddled, I have faddled, now I am just frustrated. It cant be that difficult. . . . . I dont know if it needs repairs or what. Now it wont draw the bobbin string up. When I could get it to sew, the stitches on the bottom were INCREADIBLY loose. Argh. . . I dont understand these contraptions.

BB

[The Wizard of BC]

OK, calm down, take a deep breath. If the motor is still turning and the needle still goes up and down, nothing is too broken that it can't be fixed.

If you will PM me with a phone no. and let me know when would be a good time to call, I will try to talk you through some of your problems.

Also, if you have Skype I have a web cam and can try to show you what I'm talking about as we go along. If you have a cam also we can do an FK school of sewing machine repair, (extension campus).

[The Wizard of BC]

Hey, I found you a manual for your machine.

look at http://www.sew4less.com/product_deta...?ProductID=523

New Home/Janome model 571R Prod. no. 523

$14.95 usd

over the web or call toll free (866)739-4537 8am till 5pm CST

[berserkbishop]

Hey, I found you a manual for your machine.

look at http://www.sew4less.com/product_deta...?ProductID=523

New Home/Janome model 571R Prod. no. 523

$14.95 usd

over the web or call toll free (866)739-4537 8am till 5pm CST

Wahoo! Finally, I had looked everywhere. Thanks Steve, I just ordered it. Lets post-pone our phone conference until it gets here. With a manual I think I can clear up a lot of the problems.

BB