I took the shuttle for the bobbin case out of my sewing machine and now when I put it back in the machine it won't stay put. So I took things apart, and now nothing fits properly! (I just starting using a machine again so I don't really know the right words, tho I have the directions in front of me.) I have the bobbin threaded, put it in the case, pulled the thread thru the slot and under the tension spring. The case fits fine in the shuttle I guess it's called, but the thing won't stay snug in, where it goes, you know under the machine.
OMG I don't know what I'm doing. Everything else works fine, just this thing isn't fitting anymore since I took it out! Oh and I'm a single mother trying to start this home based sewing business since a very good friend of mine gave me some of her and her mom's clothes to mend, hem, and repair. Unfortunately I don't have the time or money to go taking this to a repair shop. I'd really like to see if this problem can be fixed myself. Please help.
By Morgan
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Because you aren't mentioning contacting the manufacturer to honour a warranty I'm assuming you are sewing on a vintage machine (older than ten years).
How old is the machine? If you are using a 'vintage' machine it may be that the parts are more worn than you realise and just the action of removing the bobbin case caused a 'one last time' reaction on the worn out part.
The best thing to do is go to the manufacturer's website and find a free download of the user guide - these little booklets frequently have an exploded view of the machines inner workings and will be able to guide you re troubleshooting why the case now won't stay in.
There are also sites that give free repair advice for vintage machines, a good one (and he stocks parts at a very reasonable price) to try is:
www.tandtrepair.com/
You can also find a lot of really good information at:
www.sewitworks.com/
And finally, the following is your ultimate guide to all things vintage sewing machines:
I have sewn on, taught on, and repaired vintage machines but finally gave up on using the electrified ones owing to scarceness of newly milled parts. A lot of repair techs are forced to use salvage parts that wear out or break quickly and the disappointment is too much - it's really awful when the machine quits in the middle of a project and finding parts is going to take weeks or months!
I do highly recommend the non-electrics (treadle and hand crank) because parts are easily salvaged (all metal so after a little rust removal - VIOLA, machine is up and running!). But to use a reliable electric machine, the best thing is to purchase a new one with a warranty. Not easy when on a tight budget, I know.
If you do buy a new machine (a basic one with enough power and stitch features will run you around $150USD and is a very good investment!), look for one with a 'top drop in bobbin' system. Saves a lot of trouble!
Those side and front load models are really difficult to get the hang of. I've been sewing off and on since 1962 and actually was off sewing from the late 70s to the mid nineties because of those fiddly side/front load things. I found a cheap Singer top load at Walmart in Jan 1994 and have been sewing steady ever since - I now teach sewing because of the ease of those top load systems:)
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