Bobbin trouble!

[jillbug1025]

I haven't used my sewing machine in 5 years. I got it out and I'm all ready to sew but I get this massive thread knot(??) on the bottom of the fabric from the bobbin part. The thread gets all tangled up in the bobbin compartment. I have no idea what the real names are for the sewing machine parts...other than needle and foot pedal! LOL Any ideas why this keeps happening? Please help before I lose my courage!!

[specialhome]

Mine does that sometimes. I take it apart and clean it and the problem usually goes away.

[sarahg]

Hi
You could also check that the bobbin is threaded correctly, and adjust the tension. Also, since the machine hasnt been used in a while, it might need some oil
Good luck

[Two Little Monkeys]

Almost everytime that mine does that is because I have it threaded wrong. Except one other time was REALLY OLD thread I inherited from my great grandmother's sewing kit. Good luck- it is very frustrating!

[jennisdesigns]

I would say check the bobbin as well. In my experience then with thread on the bobbin isn't smooth that when it bunches up on the bottom of the fabric. For some reason my machine on occasion makes a messy bobbin. lol Most of the time of have to make a new one.

[jillbug1025]

Ok, I admit it ! I'm an idiot! I made up a new bobbin, thought that was the reason since I "threaded" the bobbin by hand. LOL I had no idea I could do the bobbin thingy with the sewing machine! My little sister came to my rescue and taught me how over the phone. So then my thread kept breaking. I found a site that showed how to thread the machine. Holy cow! I so had it all jacked up! Anyhow, I got it all fixed and sewed my first very crooked hem! I really don't remember being so crappy at this sewing thing 5 years ago! Maybe that's why I put it up and forgot about it?!

Thanks for all the advice ladies. Y'all are so freakin' awesome!!!

[DA610]

I'm know your frustration, it happens to me a lot, I posted something, and Judy suggested I check the tension, and it made a huge difference! Just use a spare piece of fabric to mess around with the tension. Good luck

[mabear74]

I keep a walmart bag full of otherwise useless scraps next to my machine to test stitches, tensions, etc.

[Brunhilde]

I agree with checking the tension and that it's threaded properly. When I have that happen it's usually that I was being silly and didn't thread the machine right. Even after years of sewing I still make mistakes:P

Testing on scraps is also a good idea... as is making sure your needle is sharp.

[jozbowz]

Sounds like the tension, also you might want to completely unthread it and start from the beginning. Could be you have your bobbin turned the wrong direction (I've done that before too) lol
If you have the type of machine that you can have the bobbin thread coming out of the bobbin in the machine in either direction. Some aren't like that though. Play with your tension though after you rethread it, it sounds like that is your problem