Now, I've actually had time for a lot. I actually tried out my sewing machine yesterday! It was awesome. It took me about 5 minutes to figure out how to turn the thing on, but I think I made some progress. I'm to the point now where I would like to try to start sewing some straight lines on scrap fabric, but I'm having some issues. After just a few second of running the machine, a whole bunch of the top thread gets caught in the bobbin area. I have to take everything apart and cut fabric and thread to get it unjammed. I've tried a lot of different stuff and tried to research online, but I think it just comes down to me not understanding how to work the machine.
Things it could be:
- Can you use any thread in a sewing machine? I had a spool I've used for fixing stuff by hand and I just stuck that on there. Maybe it's completely the wrong kind of thread?
- The thread in the bobbin and the thread on top are different. I just found a bobbin of thread in there and decided to use that. Should they be the same thread?
- The top thread is kind of loose hanging on the machine. Is it supposed to be tight? I think I put it on right. I followed the manual, but I haven't ever done it before. I tried messing with the tightening knob for the top thread, but it didn't help.
- How tight should the foot be? I feel like I can't get the fabric through if it is more than 1, but I've messed around with that as well.
- I've tried different settings for everything else as well, but I'm still not very sure what everything does.
Nymph Tee being blocked
First of all, I know it's obvious, but make sure you've thread it properly!
I would say that the tension is probably off...your description sounds like what happens to mine all the time. There should be a knob somewhere with a bunch of numbers on it...usually tension is between three and five.
Normally it doesn't make too much of a difference, but you could try changing the bobbin thread to what you're using on top, just in case the weights are different.
Umm, a friend that I go to school with loves the SEW U books by Wendy Mullin (built by Wendy). I'm sure you could get a great discount at B&N! http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Built-Wendy-Making-Wardrobe/dp/0821257404/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Congrats on finishing the sweater!! I finished my rug FINALLY, now all I have to do is sew the ends in.
Loved talking to you on the phone today, lets do that more often!
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Wish I could help with the sewing machine... I don't have one YET but it's definitely on my list, because that's a hobby I think I'd love :) Stitch n' bitch is definitely the best!! Love the sweater so far! Good luck with the crochet part... I had to do that on the edge of a blanket and just googled a YouTube video. It's not too bad-- but as always, easier if you just get someone to show you how :) Good luck!
One year, I'll learn how to knit...sew...DO something with yarn.
yep, I'm with Kerri. Sounds like a tension issue. Also, I'm pretty picky about thread. Some leave alot of lint and I swear, some just gum up your machine more than others. I really like madiera - it's not cheap but I think it's worth it. If you get jammed, undo everything, rethread it - many times that will fix the issue. And is your bobbin wound correctly? Did you say it was an old bobbin? Try winding a new one and see how that does. Maybe your old one wasn't tightly wound or had some threads all loose or something...keep us posted.