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addykitty · Joined: 22 Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Location: Illinois

I have a couple of quick questions for you seasoned vets. Very Happy

I have a new, inexpensive Singer machine. The button hole maker doesn't seem to work. I believe that I have it set correctly according to the manual. It usually winds up creating a wad of bobbin thread on the bottom of my material or at best a straight line that resembles a capital I. Do you guys think it's me or the machine? Are there certain features that just don't work well? If it's me I'll be more than happy to play with it a bit more.

My other question is why do I sometimes get three strings coming out of the plate above the bobbin? It is always the regular bobbin string and one piece that is like, folded in half. Can anyone tell me what I'm doing that might cause that to happen?

cambron teupe · Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 57

Do you have the bobbin tension adjusted properly? That can also mess up your buttonhole.
Yours, CAmbron

addykitty · Joined: 22 Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Location: Illinois

It's totally possible that I don't. I will play with it and see what I can find out. It seems that sometimes when I wind the bobbin I have to take it out and rewind it because it sews messy on the bottom of the fabric. Maybe it's my tension and not how it is wound! I didn't think about that.

Cyndy Kitt · Joined: 05 May 2010 Posts: 37 Location: Australia

The three thread thing happens when you pull the work from under the presser foot when the needle thread is still hooked around the shuttle hook: this is actually how lock stitch sewing machines work so is perfectly normal. This is why it is recommended that you only remove your work when the needle is at its highest point as when the machine is working properly the shuttle race will be clear of thread.

As for your button hole issue, from what you are saying I think you may need to get some basic sewing lessons from someone who can physically show you; once you have a little more knowledge text descriptions will become easier.
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addykitty · Joined: 22 Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Location: Illinois

Kate XXXXXX · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 8:47 am Post subject:

Something you might find REALLY USEFUL is not so much a sewing book (though a good general reference is always handy! Smile

), but a book about how to get the best from your machine. Take a look at this lot:

The A-Z of the Sewing Machine by Maxine Henry
101 Ways to Use Your First Sewing Machine by Elizabeth Dubicki
Simplicity How to Use a Sewing Machine by NULL
Me and My Sewing Machine: A Beginner's Guide by Kate Haxell

All available on Amazon. (NAYY... )
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Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

addykitty · Joined: 22 Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Location: Illinois

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I will check them out on Amazon. I have a Sewing for Dummies book that's helped a little, but I would like to understand the mechanics of the machine.

addykitty · Joined: 22 Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Location: Illinois

From the posts I've managed to correct those two problems! I tightened the tension and started pulling my fabric out when the needle is completely up. I'm rocking and rolling now!