Machine Not Pulling Up the Bobbin Thread?

Frugal Sunnie
Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks

December 7, 20130 found this helpful

Yes, but you're not going to like it... it sounds as though you have been given a vintage (older than 10-25 years) Singer and the bobbin gear is worn out or even broken - this is a very common problem with vintage machines. A repair in the US will cost you about $50 but it would be best to splash out more to have a complete tune-up and check done (bumps the price up to around $100USD). The tech will clean, oil, repair and replace, and check over the machine for any developing problems.

Singer (and most other major manufacturers) began using plastic and silicone parts inside the machines in the late 60s - those parts don't last forever and all will fail. Adding to that is many parts for vintage machines are no longer 'new milled' so the tech may have to resort to a salvage part he/she will have little to no info on - it's a gamble as sewing hours and conditions are unknown and the part may fail sooner rather than later. If you go with a repair be sure to ask if the part installed during the repair is new milled or a salvage part so you'll have an idea how long the part may last.

Repairs and maintenance may be worth it to you if: the machine has sentimental value (Mum's/Gran's/close friend's), you can't afford a new machine, or (like many older Singer sewing machines) it makes an outstanding straight and zig-zag stitch and/or has other very cool features you can't afford to replace.

If the above don't apply to your situation consider replacing the machine with a similar modern machine under warranty - be sure to look for the top-drop in bobbin system for ease of use.

I teach sewing to total beginners and do some vintage machine repairs but try to steer my students towards a new modern machine under warranty after having a lot of trouble keeping salvage parts running on the machines - too disappointing to me and the student when the salvage part kept failing.