Sewing problems

Q: My FW has suddenly stopped. The motor tries to turn but the machine is solid.

A: Chances are that you have a small piece of thread jammed behind the bobbin base.

 

Q: My machine occasionally skips stitches. Can this be cured?

A: Chances are it's a needle problem. Please check that the needle has the flat to the left and is threaded right to left

 

Q: I've removed the bobbin assembly complete -- don't ask -- and now I'm having trouble retiming the machine. Is there an easy fix?

A: There's an easy fix if you haven't also loosened off the screws that hold the helical gears either on the top or bottom shafts. The lower shaft where the bobbin assembly fits has a flattened-off section. You should refit with the screw on the side of the assembly with the shield aligning with the flat. Timing should be back to standard. If anything else has been disturbed you have to time the machine the hard way as shown in the service manual elsewhere on this site

 

Q: How can I avoid thread jams around the bobbin area?

A: Best prevention is to use a 'thread catcher' or 'anchor cloth'. It is called by different names. It is just the practice of always running off onto a scrap of cloth when you finish a seam and then start the next seam from the scrap. The practice saves thread as well as frustration. It takes a little while to get used to always running off onto the scrap but well worth the effort. Thanks to Esther Norbut

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