Bobbin winding on the Singer 20-33 or 20U

Here's how I wind bobbins on my Singer 20-33 (20U) sewing machine.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

I incorrectly say in this video that this machine uses class 15 bobbins. It actually uses an L-style bobbin.

[@jovest6524]

Jason, thank you for making the videos on the Singer 20U. I've had one for years, but hadn't used it for a while. I was thankful to your videos to refresh my memory and get it back in working condition. from reading the comments i see that you no longer have the machine, but i also don't see an answer to your question "why would you have to disengage the clutch to wind bobbins without removing your project?" take it from someone who sews at times 20 hours a ek, I often get involved in what I am making and forget to wind bobbins that I'll need. My main reason is that I might have a large gathered or ruffled piece on the needle and i prefer not to take it off when I realize that I've been concentrating so hard on making sure the gathers are even that I forgot to wind extra bobbins. and heaven knows with my "old eyes" I don't want to thread my machine all over again. I am truly pampered by my newer machines with self threaders but there are times that I have to use my old standby to have the power and strength to do the "heavy lifting". thanks again for your great videos! I wish you still had thee old machine. I pulled mine out of moth balls to try my hand at machine quilting because my new machines can't handle it.

[@dpsycamore4159]

Hey Jason, 5 years after your video post, but I just got a 20u73 for $100. Completely rehabbed the ol girl including the table. Just got the new bobbin case today finally so your vid was definitely a help for me. This thing runs great again. Planning on replacing the clutch motor to a ¾ servo next. Thanks again and stay safe

[@fastingketocoach]

I was just gifted a 20u and you have saved me with these videos. Thank you so much!

[@erinhenderson5222]

Hi I have a 20-33. I'm in need of a new belt. It was given to me by my Aunt before she passed. I have never used it before. Thanks for all your videos it's helping me to started to use this new to me machine

[@bernardgraham6960]

Good video! I have a method to secure the thread on a bobbin I just wound without tape. When you are done winding but before you remove the bobbin, cut the thread so you have a tail several inches long. Then grasp the thread, remove the bobbin from the machine and pull the thread tightly around the bobbin (in the direction it was wound) against the top or bottom wall. The thread will embed itself and stay put. When you are read to use this bobbin, just hold the bobbin and pull the thread tail to free up the thread and then mount it in the bobbin holder.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

That's a fantastic tip (and I'm a little embarrassed not to have thought of it myself)! Thanks!

[@PamelaGreenwell]

Wonderful videos! Very helpful. I just gt this machine. Now I am having problems with needle picking up bobbin thread.

[@christinabamford1862]

Message was going for singer 20u33, thank you

[@susanthurman3615]

Thank you so much for showing how to thread my 20-33!

[@churpina]

I store my bobbins in those foam toe separators used whist doing nail polish! :))

[@lyanneornstein4269]

It would normally use L style but the one in your hand looked like a 66 class. Have not tried to sub them myself. My L style have flatter top and bottom s.

[@susie207]

you are so extremely excellent-thank you for all your videos

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thank YOU!

[@jrgmty7685]

I know this video is old but the reason for disengaging the sewing mechanism is to prevent unnecessary wear and noise.

[@milanaing3370]

Good day . thanks for the lesson. Sorry for the mistakes if there are any, I translate by Google translator. please tell me, I cannot create a zigzag stitch on the Zinger 20u33, the loop is made only on the left side, the thread is not captured on the right side, and as a result I get a straight stitch, I have been suffering for a week now, I bought a machine through second hands thanks in advance

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi! I think your machine's timing may be off. This is somewhat difficult to explain how to do, although it can be done at home. It might be best to take it to a sewing machine repair person to have the timing set if you can find someone in your area. I hope that helps, good luck!

[@guillermoalbertodelcastillo]

Thank you, excellent friend. I have an equal machine,

[@seb1363]

Hey! I got my eye on one of these machines. I make similar gear as you, have you found this a useful machine? I have a 226R1 but no zig zag.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi! I sold this machine about 7 years ago, after getting my first Thompson Mini-Walker and realizing that what I really needed was an walking-foot machine. My general opinion is that, for me and the kinds of sewing I do, there is no point to having an industrial non-walking-foot (drop-feed) machine. Any of my vintage domestic machines can do what an industrial non-walking-foot can do, just not as fast, which often isn't something I am wanting anyway. The 20U is apparently sought-after from people who do freehand embroidery with them, and it has an impressively wide zig-zag, but for my purposes it doesn't really fit. If you're wanting zig-zag to do things like bar tacks on something like PALS webbing, most vintage domestic sewing machines will do the trick. If you find a great deal on a 20U, and you have the space for it, it's a fine machine, but it is essentially a more powerful (and much faster) home machine (a very strong and well-built one). I hope that helps, thanks for the question, and thanks for watching!

[@seb1363]

@@thejasonofalltrades thank you for the info, that’s a great way to describe it! I have a 70’s kenmore that is a work horse that does zig zag so I’ll stick with that! Thanks for putting up great videos! Whenever I have a new project I tend to hit up your channel first!

[@judywindham1119]

I just bought a Singer 20U and the bobbin threads keeps breaking. I have loosen the screw on the bobbin case so that the thread could pass thru the tension easier. Did I loosen it too much? How much tension does this thread need. I am using a cotton piece of fabric with cotton thread #50. Loved all of your video,Thanks so much fo sharing.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

HI Judy, Typically, there should be enough tension on the bobbin case spring that you can suspend the loaded bobbin case in the air by hanging it from the thread, but if you give it a little shake it should start to spool out. If you haven't had the machine sewing successfully since you bought it, it's possible that something is threaded incorrectly. Make sure the bobbin is inserted into the bobbin case in the correct orientation. Make sure the needle is inserted fully and in the correct orientation. Make sure that there is not excessive lint buildup around the hook. Take a look at the upper tension assembly and make sure that the thread isn't binding and the tensioner properly adjusts the tension. Make sure the thread isn't getting tangled up somewhere along its path and causing the bobbin thread to break because it won't move (I've had this happen, when the thread wraps around the thread stand, and it's hard to notice). At the very least, completely unthread the machine (top and bottom) and re-thread it. Let me know if none of that helps. Good luck!

[@judywindham1119]

@@thejasonofalltrades Thank You

[@brendaschafran2439]

I just bought my machine at a yard sale. Works great. I watch your video on how to thread the machine. I just watched your video on whining the bobbin. When I put the Bobbin arm over it doesn't engage. Any idea what I should check? Thanks

[@thejasonofalltrades]

I would look under the top cover, there is supposed to be a black rubber "tire" that engages the bobbin winder to the hand wheel, I suspect yours is either missing or otherwise not engaging (worn, fouled by oil, etc.). The tire is readily available, I think that machine uses the same as many singer household machines (like the 201). I hope that helps, good luck!

[@jaimesaavedra8405]

Gracias por su video, digame como le desmonto el volante para quitar los hilos enredados. uN SALUDO

[@thejasonofalltrades]

¡Gracias por ver! Si te refieres a la bobina, si está atascado puede que tenga que usar algo de fuerza, pero debe salir. A veces tengo que cortar los hilos de la parte superior, lo más cerca que pueda. ¡Espero que ayude, déjeme saber si usted tiene otras preguntas!

[@oliviajackson6672]

Jason are you open to DMs on any social media? I have the exact same machine and have a quick question Thank you so much for this video, loved it "then i say bad words" me anytime my machine jams

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi Olivia, Feel free to contact me via Instagram, or email at the jason of all trades @ gmail . com ( remove the spaces) Caveat, though, I sold this machine about 6 years ago, so I may not have a loti of specific knowledge about this particular machine, but if I don't know I can always make something up 😂

[@ca6177]

Good info, thanks!

[@BethaMulongesha-jp1bx]

What is the contact between motor and a flywheel

[@crystalbriley234]

I just acquired a blue Singer 20-33. What are the distinct differences of a 20-33 Professional compared to 20U33 or 20U. I got a manual from someone else for a 20U33. I cannot find a manual for 20-33

[@thejasonofalltrades]

The manual should be available on Singer's website. My understanding is that the 20-33 is a newer version of the 20U, and is essentially the same machine, but I only owned mine for a few months or so and no longer have it, so I'm not the most knowledgeable on them. Good luck!

[@lindsepainter9076]

I have this exact machine and my timing got out of line so I had to go back and retime needle with bobbin. But now I'm having troubles with the needle picking up the thread. Could you do a video on how the underneath should look and where the needle needs to catch that bobbin thread?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi, Unfortunately, I no longer own this machine. The owner's manual is available as a free download from Singer.com, and I believe that there is a technician's manual out there somewhere, but I don't know where to find one. Sorry, good luck!

[@chinazaifemo3947]

Please, can someone tell me what those two black knobs across this sewing machine is used for? They're missing in mine

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi! The knobs set the maximum and minimum stitch width for zig-zag stitching. The left knob sets the maximum, the right knob sets the minimum. I hope that helps!

[@schap562]

Thank you 😊

[@christinabamford1862]

How can the hand clutch be released to disengage the needle when winding the bobbing. Thanks

[@thejasonofalltrades]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJWYqqCBgbyJacU

[@1954evelyn]

I recently was having problems with skipped zig-zag stitches on my Singer 20U33 and was not able to tighten down my handwheel. I would like for you to make a video on this for a Singer 20U33 I think I have it fixed now but it was a lot of searching and not even on a Singer 20U video I found my "clutch disk" had slipped out of place. PLEASE make a video for Singer 20U and the clutch disk replacement. If it is out or not working properly it causes so many problems also which way does the thread come off the bobbin. Can you just show the bobbin when you are pulling the thread I am confused about this and how the bobbin should be placed inside the bobbincase

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi Evelyn, Unfortunately, I sold this machine about 5 years ago, so I'm not the best person to make videos about it. Sorry! I suppose a discussion of the clutch issue you describe might make it into one of my videos, that clutch system is present on many sewing machines. Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks for watching!

[@1954evelyn]

@@thejasonofalltrades Thank you for the quick reply and I will be watching for your video I am a subscriber and have watched many of your videos. It helps this old lady a lot, I was ready to call the repair guy, thank you again

[@radiamarisette231]

Bonjour merci pour toutes ces vidéos tres instructives j'ai acheté la même machine et je ne sais pas comment l'allumer car il n'y a pas d'interrupteur sous la table comme la brother par exemple. Je l'ai acheté en occasion elle n'est pas neuve... vous pensez que je peux lui acheter un interrupteur ou bien ce n'est pas possible, je suis très triste car je l'ai payée 500€ et elle ne marche pas, j'ai regardé partout, mais il n'y a nulle part un interrupteur...s'il vous plaît dites moi si elle est réparable ou pas. Merci ! Merci !

[@rickyrando3034]

Can that Machine Sewing Sow Leather

[@mikebilbo-cj7ex]

I am having an issue with my 20U when I install the bobbin in the case and I cycle the flywheel around to pick up the thread the needle rotates down and hits the bobbin assembly and stops there. Trying to figure out what is wrong. People have suggested that I'm using too long of a needle or that I do not have it fully inserted but it is in as far as it can go and I'm using the needles recommended in the owners manual. Not sure what to look at next

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi! It sound to me like your hook timing is off. Re-timing the hook is not hard, but it's not something I can adequately explain how to do in this medium. Another possibility is the needle bar is out of position (too low), also an easy repair but not easy to explain in text (not for me, at least!). I believe the service manual for the 20U is available online somewhere, and some googling might find some information on hook timing, etc. If you can find info specific to that machine, including the specific measurements of needle bar height, for instance, that is great, but the general process is very similar for all lockstitch sewing machines. Here's my brief attempt at hook timing: There should be a set screw(s) on the shaft that spins the bobbin/hook assembly. Loosen the screw(s) to allow the hook to move independently from the shaft. As you rotate the hand wheel, the eye of the needle should hit bottom-dead-center and be starting back in an upwards direction just before the hook intersects with the needle. (This upward movement is what forms the loop of thread for the hook to catch.) Get the hook in that position and tighten the screw(s). If it fails to form a stitch, confirm if the hook is arriving too early or too late and adjust. Once you've done this a couple of times it makes sense when you see it. That's hopefully enough to give you an idea. At worst, any sewing machine mechanic can tune the machine easily, and since it's not as big and heavy as most industrial machines, you can fairly easily take the head out of the table and transport it if needed. Many/most "sew vac" type stores have someone repairing and tuning machines. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

[@rndea100]

my singer 306 an 319 have the same bobing as this 20u

[@lorraineperry7340]

I am needing to replace the belt in my machine, any suggestions on how to do this? Thank you in advance.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi Lorraine, I sold this machine awhile back, but changing the belt is very easy. MAKE SURE THE MACHINE IS TURNED OFF AND UNPLUGGED. If you get your finger caught between the belt and pulley while the motor is turning you could be seriously injured! If you tilt the machine back on the table, the belt should loosen enough to slip it off and put the new one on. Then just tilt the machine back down. On my machine, that was all there was to it. Your results may vary, but at most you should only have to loosen a bolt or two on the motor mount under the table (look for bolts that go through slots, so when loosened a little the motor can move). Thanks for your question, and good luck!

[@lorraineperry7340]

Awesome thanks Jason. My machine is actually about 25 years old if not older. It hasn't been used since 2008 and has just been kept in storage. The belt had dry rotted so I decided it was time to "let it go" so I am trying to get the belt changed out on it. Do you have any idea what to sell it for? Thank you again for responding back.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Regarding price, I bought and subsequently sold mine, in very good to excellent condition, for right around $300 (sold last winter). I've seen them on Craigslist priced much higher, I think by people who price them by what they see "other industrial machines" priced at, but these aren't in the same league as a walking foot industrial. These seem to be well-liked machines, and it should sell quickly if priced right. Good luck!

[@Di-dx7uw]

Greta this video. Thanks. Can you help me show how can i change de belt. Best regards

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thank you! Unfortunately, I no longer own this machine, so I am unable to make more videos with it, sorry!

[@Hossein7r]

Isn't it harmful for the needle to work empty while you are filling and winding the bobbins?

[@Jasmin8504]

Thank you can you show us how to make bouton hall

[@annabellezuniga3422]

Does anyone know how to make this machine adapt to sew a twin needle stitch, Ive read in places that it can but I just don't know how. Im pretty sure the regular home swing twin needles won't work with it.

[@abubakaraliyu96]

Pls I want to buy where will I get it

[@karinigor8500]

Genial, este video me servirá mucho!!

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Me alegra que te haya gustado, gracias por mirar!

[@karinigor8500]

Asi es... incluso si lo hubiera visto antes no romperia mi aguja jajaja Saludos!

[@debbiebent3662]

Very informative

[@Vic-mc7mo]

Bonjour, je possède la même machine singer 20U que sur la vidéo et je voudrais savoir comment faire pour élargir mon point zigzag qui est de 8 mm actuellement. Je pense que c'est possible, mais comment faire.Merci de votre reponse

[@thejasonofalltrades]

salut! Je suis désolé, je ne possède plus cette machine. Je ne connais pas la réponse à votre question. Le manuel de la machine est disponible auprès de Singer, si vous n'avez pas le manuel, je commencerais par là. Je suis désolé, je ne peux pas vous aider davantage! Bonne chance!

[@ochukoerefamote3009]

Hi Jason, my 20U machine is not giving me the level 0 stiches and I have adjusted it to the minimum already... what do I do

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you! I no longer own this machine, and didn't really have it for very long, so I'm probably not the person to answer your question. There is a service manual available online for this machine, you might get that and see if the information you need is there. Otherwise, maybe someone else reading this can chime in with some information. Sorry I can't be more helpful, I hope you find a solution!

[@Doll-123-f9f]

Hola! Buen dia! Mi máquina es idéntica. La 20U 13 y no he conseguido 1 video donde expliquen como hago para que la barra de la aguja suba y baje...Ah! Olvidaba algo tambien importante: videos en español...plis. Gracias.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

¡Hola! Ya no soy dueño de esta máquina, por lo que no tengo ninguna información sobre la barra de agujas, pido disculpas. Y lo siento, no hablo bien el español, ¡tengo bastante dificultad para hacer videos en inglés!

[@Doll-123-f9f]

@@thejasonofalltrades 😍Gracias por responderme; me doy por satisfecha! Un abrazo, no te preocupes...yo no hablo ingles, pero siempre hay alguna forma para comunicarnos....eres amable. El Señor te bendiga! 💗

[@Doll-123-f9f]

@@thejasonofalltrades Gracias por responderme, qué amable! Tranquilo, yo no hablo ingles pero siempre hay una forma para comunicarnos..un abrazo; EL SEÑOR TE BENDIGA! 💖

[@saram1120]

my needles are touching the bobbin and leaving lots of marks and making a terrible metal noise, do you know how can i fix this? thank you

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi Sara, I replied to your email to make things easier.

[@radiamarisette231]

Merci Monsieur pour votre réponse clair et précise de temps en temps google traduit correctement 😀. Ma machine est équipée d'un gros moteur sous la table. Sur ce moteur il y a un socle prise femelle qu'il faut brancher à l'aide d'une prise mâle sur une autre prise de courant électrique et c'est tout !!! Ce système éteint le disjoncteur et l'électricité s'éteint dans toute la maison. Je rallume le disjoncteur je remets la prise de la machine à coudre et même problème !!! Et la machine ne fonctionne pas de toutes façons...and anyway the machine doesn't work ...pourtant la machine est en très bonne état la peinture bleue est presque intact, les vices neufs ni rouillées ni noircis par le temps elle n'a pas beaucoup servi...mais voilà, il n' y a pas d'interrupteur pour l'allumer et quand je branche cette prise sur le courant elle provoque la disjontion totale...merci beaucoup de m'avoir lue et merci pour votre aide.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

De rien, je suis content que nous ayons la technologie pour nous aider à nous parler! Je pense qu'il serait préférable pour vous de contacter un électricien ou une autre personne qualifiée pour vérifier un problème électrique et ajouter un interrupteur. Aux États-Unis, les moteurs à embrayage pour les machines à coudre industrielles peuvent être achetés très peu coûteux, nous espérons que la même chose est vraie pour vous. Même si vous finissez par remplacer le moteur, la machine est la partie importante. Il existe également des servomoteurs à prix raisonnable qui faciliteront l'utilisation de la machine. Je vous souhaite bonne chance, j'espère que le problème sera simple à résoudre!

[@MachineMakeSo]

Do you like Singer 20U over your other heavy weigh machines?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

For the benefit of anyone reading the comments, I answered this question in an email, but the upshot is that I prefer walking foot machines over the 20U for the type of materials I tend to use. The 20U is a very good machine if you work with lighter materials, need zig-zag or want to do freehand embroidery.

[@Doggy3030]

Seriously you da man! I just got a 20u and your video helped me tremendously.. thank you.. ps do you have any videos on rebuilding the tension? I think mine is off :)

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks! When you say "rebuilding the tension," do you mean the actual assembly, or do you mean adjusting the tension? If you're asking about adjusting the tension, I have an older, 2-part video, "sewing machine basics" that covers tension a little, you might check that out. I haven't taken a tension assembly apart yet, and I no longer own this machine. I believe schematics are available online though. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@tcreations595]

i like this machine i need this machine please tell me its price what in pakistan please reply me i request you plz

[@radiamarisette231]

Oui la technologie est une precieuse aide pour discuter à travers le monde, et moi je suis en France au nord de la France à la frontière de la Belgique... ok pour vos conseils je vais contacter un électricien, je vous dirai si j'ai réparé ma machine et comment dès qu'elle le sera merci beaucoup take care

[@radiamarisette231]

Bonjour juste pour vous dire que le problème concernant le compteur électrique est résolu... le compteur disjonctait à chaque fois que je branchais ma singer 20U car celle ci est trop puissante et demande beaucoup d'énergie électrique, on a ajouté au tableau électricité quelques ampères supplémentaires et ce problème est résolu. Pour le problème de l'interrupteur, le vendeur m'a dit qu'elle a été conçue comme ça... on branche la prise, il n' y a aucun bruit mais dès qu'on appuie sur la pédale elle fonctionne, on arrête d'appuyer sur la pédale elle s'arrête, l'avantage c'est qu'elle ne fait pas ce bruit incessant et continu comme la grosse brother...enfin voilà je l'ai achetée pour faire de la broderie, on verra si j' y arrive ! Voilà juste pour vous dire que les problèmes cités sont réglés merci encore pour les pistes 😀

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Excellent! Je suis content que ça a bien marché!

[@Michael-mp1iu]

did you get rid of this machine?? if so, why?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi, I did get rid of this machine, for a couple of reasons. First, this machine helped me determine that I really need a walking-foot industrial machine (I now have a Consew 206RB-1). This Singer (and any other non-walking-foot industrial) just wasn't that much more capable than some of my vintage domestic machines in its ability to sew thicker, harder-to-feed materials. It's MUCH faster than my vintage domestics, but it's also much larger and louder (with the clutch motor, at least). At the time I sold the machine, I was preparing to move across the country, into a much smaller home. If I had the space, I wouldn't mind having a Singer 20U or 20-33 again, if nothing else for the wide zig-zag stitch. But, space is at a premium for me, and it wasn't worth it to me to move the machine cross-country. I think these are good machines, but if one is looking to step up from a domestic machine to something that will sew thicker materials more easily, I think a walking-foot machine is the way to go - either an industrial, or something like the Sailrite Ultrafeed machines. Getting my Sailrite was another factor in getting rid of the Singer 20-33. I hope that helps, thanks for the question and thanks for watching!

[@Michael-mp1iu]

@@thejasonofalltrades Yes, great response! Thanks a lot. You nailed why I asked. I was really wondering why you kept all the domestics, but got rid of this. Space is definitely a good reason. And congrats on the Consew! Didn't know you had one! I have a 206rb-2 as well. Pretty sure they are almost exactly the same besides the badge. I don't even need to ask... I know you love it because they ROCK! Also about the clutch, check out the Rex servo motor on Amazon! Changed my entire experience with my machine. If you're running clutch still I can not suggest it enough! That said, I did just pick up a vintage domestic because I found thin material gets sloppily pulled around in the Consew. Mostly feed dog issues I think. Just too much machine for the thin stuff. Thanks for the videos. Always fun watching some random dude who has similar weird hobbies hah. Cheers!

[@marquinhoandradepescador]

Qual o nome dessa caixa de bubina

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Esta máquina usa uma bobina estilo L

[@lisaferketich1853]

does this machine sew leather

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi, Yes, and no. All sewing machines are capable of sewing leather. How thick do you want to sew? If you're using very thin leather, a leather needle should be all you need. Thicker leathers work better with a walking-foot machine (not the same thing as a walking foot accessory on a standard sewing machine). For very thick leather, there are specialized walking-foot (and other) machines made to sew very slowly and capable of using very thick thread. If you want to make a wallet or something out of thin leather, you can certainly get by with a machine like this. However, it is a VERY fast machine, which is not necessarily helpful with leather. Leather is unforgiving - a misplaced stitch hole is there forever. If you want to be a leatherworker, this is not the machine you want. I hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@jamilhussain1269]

How much in price

[@ricardovaldez6358]

Seems not important ¡but very necesary! Thanks

[@rickyrando3034]

Can that machine So leather

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi, This machine is not made for sewing leather. It can sew thin leather (any sewing machine can), but this machine is VERY fast and made for producing clothing or drapery with lighter weight materials. I hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@roy-vb1zd]

on the finished bobbin just pull the tail back into the already wound thread.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks Roy! I actually learned that some time after this video, and have incorporated that into my recent "Ten Tips" video. Thanks for sharing the info!

[@RameshKumar-zg2yb]

How much