How to adjust the Tension on a Vintage Long Bobbin Sewing Machine - 1934 Singer 128K Indian Star

[@22brianclark]

hi! i am a 12 year old girl and this is sooo helpfull!!! i am getting my nans singer sewing mashine verry soon and apart from my grandma, (not my nan) no one knows how to do it!!!! my nan has had the sewing mashine scince my dad was two secondhand and i am verry lucky indeed!!!! thank you for your help, briany clark xxx

[@myathehappy_1]

I cant thank-you enough! I came across your videos because I'm trying to fix my great grandmothers 1913 singer. I was heart broken because there was something wrong with the bobbin thread not catching at all. I thought yep its not an easy fix, but I scrolled through your videos and found this one, and here the bullet screw was too tight, I turned it until it let down an inch of thread and now it sews beautifully! I'm crying because my baba would be so proud that Im using her machine! Thank-you so very much!

[@leiatyndall]

+mya rocks Same deal here, but w/ my Minnesota Model A. Also, with the bobbin screw being too tight, I didn't get that snapping or clicking when I pulled the thread straight up for the second half of threading the bobbin--until I loosened that screw & it settled into the shuttle. I took her advice on using the string & metal polish to do round areas, too. These videos have been very helpful & I just got my 1st row of good-looking test-stitches done--The first 4 rows were messy, though!! Will try the 90 degree tension test next, but have to work tomorrow, so better go to bed, instead!!

[@bethcohen3151]

Just found you a few days after cleaning up a 1923 Damascus vibrating shuttle Treadle. No markings on tension and presser bar making me loopy. After watching this video and looking at your two drawings I had my stitch fix done in 5 min or less. Now it all makes sense! 😊 Thank you so much.

[@chopindavampire2522]

Thank you SO SO much for this! Have finally managed to fix the ongoing tension issues on my 1927 F&R! 🙏❤

[@cazrich8102]

I have just used your video to restore a 28k and now this video is perfect for the next step. Thank you for such good videos

[@vandalsavage6152]

Lizzie Lenard you're a wonderful woman and taught a 77 rear old grandad to fix up the Singer 28k for my grandaughter. Thank you so much and good luck...

[@jojo123469]

Its always helpfull for people like you to show us (men ) how to opereate these beautiful machines..I never knew I had it in me to actually sew, and becoming good at it. I just bought a simular machine ,and on the process of restoring it. Your video was very helpful and thanks for the bobbin tention process..

[@brianbixley427]

Am I happy you posted this !! I've been working on a 27 which spent years under a leaky roof . Near scrap , but today I made stitches Your help with the long bobbin is priceless . I hope someday I can help someone as you've helped me.

[@kindred9790]

Thank you SOO much for this! I've been battling my singer for weeks trying to figure out what was wrong and how to adjust the tension. You've saved me so much time and rekindled my love of my singer. Also its super helpful to see you have the exact same model as me! :)

[@Cattrix999]

Thank you Very much! I have a Singer VS long shuttle model 27 (Sphinx) treadle made in Scotland. she is 113 years old and sews like she was made yesterday. The tips on the shuttle tension I had never heard or seen before and will be very beneficial for back up and extra shuttles. Your tension explanation was easy to understand and concise. I also have a treadle Singer 15-30 oscillating shuttle/bobbin I just acquired and your video will help on perfecting the tension, just a bit off. THANKS!

[@rebeccarose670]

Hi Lizzie - just wanted to say a big 'Thank you!' for your tutorials. I was recently given an old Singer Sewing Machine that hadn't been used for years - similar to my grandmother's treadle one but with a long bobbin which I'd never seen before. I also didn't know how to oil and clean it up but watched your other tutorials to get 'up to speed'. I have now successfully altered a shirt into a blouse and a pair of jeans from boot-cut to straight leg - hooray! Thanks again :-) Rebecca.

[@rebeccarose670]

PS it's lovely to hear your slight Northern accent - I'm a Yorkshire girl living in Wales :-)

[@Muvandfarve]

Well done with the alterations! I hate altering jeans, but I've gone and bought a pair that need taking in. PS Midland accent. Wolverhampton, would you believe it.

[@stephmannion7622]

Thank you so much. I learned to sew on my Grandmas Singer (bought second hand in 1921) I haven't been able to use it for years because I didn't know about the bobbin tension - there'll be no stopping me now.

[@chriswells9259]

How cheeky to comment on your "posh accent",I was just so pleased to find your very helpful instructions.I've just bought a lovely old Singer and am having problems getting the tension right.Thanks to you I think I've cracked it.

[@gremlinchet]

Thank you so much! I am new to sewing, and learning on a 1908 singer treadle. I have had a loose bobbin thread for ages, and haven't been able to figure out why. Tightening that little screw fixed it!

[@justbecause11111]

Thank you. This tutorial is very helpful and informative. Kind regards from Melbourne, Australia

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Alittleflock, So pleased that we can help you - and from so far away! You will love your machine - they are a joy to use.

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello @22brianclark, Nice to hear from you and we are very pleased you have found this video helpful. It often happens in families that only grandmother knows how to use a machine. What a lovely grandmother you have! You will have to make something for her on the machine.

[@thirdlegmedia]

Thanks for posting this very good instruction vid, my daughter has a 1946 28k I found in a skip and we have had a few issues with getting the tension right. Many thanks. (There was a few sewing machines in the skip and I did ask before I took them)

[@katherinemch]

:-D I had my intended sewing project lying all over the living room and was feeling very discouraged and then I got your note and it made my day to get some help! Thank you so much. Sorry, I skipped that vid you mention because I was able to oil just from reading my manual, but I'll go watch it now.

[@GudduKhan-bo6jy]

Mere pass bhi ismein ki machine hai singer ki

[@leahquesenberry2958]

Thank you for making this video. Thanks to you I have my 128 sewing machine up and sewing beautifully.

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Jojo, Delighted to hear that you have enjoyed the video. Congratulations on taking the plunge and actually staring to sew. Why shouldn't men sew? Nothing wrong with being a tailor!

[@ibsoarin]

Lizzie, I admire the nice machines which you are able to find in the UK. Most of the sewing machines here in the US have been improperly stored. The decals have faded, the lacquer finish is gone and the black finish is faded. Thank you for posting fine examples of Singer sewing machines.

[@Muvandfarve]

Thank you Chris. Yes it was rather cheeky, wasn't it? Glad to hear you are getting to grips with the tension. I hope you are soon able to enjoy using your machine.

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Cmathene, First check you have got the top and bobbin threads threaded correctly. Then pull the front slide plate back so you can watch what happens underneath, hold the top thread, and make one stitch. You should see the top thread form a loop and the shuttle pass through the loop. If this isn't happening, then I'm sorry, but it's hard for me to work out what is wrong without the machine in front of me. Good luck! Muv

[@Muvandfarve]

@dunphail1 Hello Dunphail, Thank you for your kind words! It is precisely because it is so difficult to find anyone to service or repair machines that I started working on them myself. I am always delighted to hear from people who have been able to revive old machines, especially when they are machines that have been in the family for years. Best of luck with the treadle! Regards Muv

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Pati, Thanks for your extra tip - it's always handy to know another way to check the tension. Yes, the machine is gorgeous. I only bought it last month and took the gamble of setting the tension and trying it out for the first time on camera. Luckily it worked perfectly, otherwise there would have been no video for KZbin! The decal on the bed of the machine is the Indian Star, which means that it was manufactured for export to India. How it came back here is a mystery...

[@stovepipe9er]

Great video, thanks for posting it! To Jessica and Jeanna, look at the diagrams at the end of the video carefully. I had the same issue, on a newer machine. I set up the bobbin tension correctly, and even with the top tension turned right down I had the trailing thread underneath. Then I tried turning the top thread tension up, and it fixed the problem. If the bottom thread is loose, you need to turn up your top thread tension.

[@georgestyer2153]

Another wonderful presentation of essential know how...you have a fan here in France. Thank you

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello SquarePegMusic, Absolutely delighted to hear from you, and so pleased to hear that you have been able to restore a family heirloom back into working order! Regards - Muv

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Shangas, Congratulations on your latest acquisition. Best of luck with the clean up. The slide plate does just that, it slides in. No screws, springs or tabs or anything fancy. I've sent you a message about where to look for a replacement. Muv

[@angie9430]

Many thanks this was a really helpful video which helped me enormously after getting out my old hand sewing machine which I haven't used in years.

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

Thank you for sharing this information. I found very little information on how to set bobbin thread tension on long shuttle machines. I have always measure thread tension by a spring dynamometer to set it. On my similar Köhler vibrating shuttle machine, the weight of the shuttle with bobbin is 17g or 0.17 N. By using your method, I should set it in the range 0.2 N to 0.4 N. It is in the same range as your will typically set the tension of more modern machines. My bobbin thread tensioner for my long shuttle works stable in the range of 0.1 N to 1.0 N.

[@Celticswynd]

Thankyou! I tried the sewing trick on my Singer 66, and turned out it was too tight, and now I have the tension great!

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello BaylissandSaunders, I've just had a quick look at your blog. Best of luck with your restoration project - it's great to see an old machine being brought back to life!

[@HeatherValleyMusic]

Thank you! This helped me solve a very frustrating problem

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Chasmaravel, Thank you for your comment. We are always delighted to hear about machines that have been kept by families being given a new lease of life. Happy New Year! Muv

[@LESECUTORE]

Solved the tension issue on the bottom bobin thank to you

[@wilmer4258]

Thank you so much for going into such detail!!! I just recieved a 27 treadle. I am rehabbing it and this is a step I will be taking in the next week or so. Right.now she is soaking in oil si I can complete the cleaning process. Thank you again. I was also going to ask what you used in cleaning the tension disks.?

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Katherinemch, Either your tension discs are far too tight, or have dirt on them, or both. Have you watched our videos on how to clean and oil a machine? Cleaning the tension discs is on Part1. When you put the nut back on try it first with two or three threads of the screw visible beyond the outer surface of the nut, and make any adjustments from there when you test the stitch.

[@MsJasdhaliwal]

Hi great video. I have a old singer machine with the shuttle bob in. When i wind the bobbin the needle mechanism does not disengage. I have tried the instruction on the video but no luck. Any suggestion please

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Cmathene, Do you mean that the sewing looks all right from the top, but when you turn it over and look at the underneath you have loops showing? If this is the case the top tension is too loose, so you need to tighten it. Always try and solve problems by adjusting the top thread tension first. Muv

[@feebes]

Love your videos…I just got a very old model 28 up and running. The thumb tension release was missing so I ordered a replacement from a seller who parts out old machines. BUT I cannot find where to put it in the tension assembly. Can you help me please?

[@lilywondertwin]

I have heard on other sites these older machines can sew light leather they are more heavy duty.

[@heathsoldwares]

awesome instructional video, thank you!

[@jesshothersall]

What do I do when the needle tension is still too loose when screwed all the way up past 9 to 0? If I use a lower one, I get trailing threads underneath, but even on the tightest tension I still can see the upper thread colour clearly underneath the fabric? (used same cotton in two colours so I could see what was happening, idea seen on youtube). Machine is a handcrank 201, do enjoy your informative videos, now have cocktail sticks at the ready, and metal polish too

[@nancystarnes4731]

Lizzie, I have just acquired a Bernhard Stoewer sewing machine that I am trying to get in sewing condition. It was stuck, but I have cleaned, lubricated and oiled, all parts are moving real smooth now however I cannot get it to pick up the bobbin thread. I have watched videos of threading the machine and bobbin. I have tightened the bobbin just as you did. I do not see anything broken on the machine. I so much want to be able to sew on it. If you could help me in any way I would be very appreciative. I enjoy all of your videos so much. Thanks, Nancy

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Nancy, Congratulations on your new machine! Without being able to sit down in front of your machine it is very difficult to say why the stitch isn't forming. The usual reason is that the needle has been put back the wrong way round. Have you checked this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2qbhWt4Z8uYZ9U Good luck!

[@nancystarnes4731]

I have the machine sewing a beautiful stitch now. I got a different shuttle for the bobbin and it is working great. Thanks for your comments, it is a help also.

[@Muvandfarve]

@wufnstuff Hello Wufnstuff Often screws and nuts are stiff because they haven't been touched for years. Make sure you protect the nut with a cloth when you remove it with pliers so you don't damage the metal. Clean the screw thoroughly because it is likely that it is covered with a residue of oil and dirt. Then put a tiny amount of oil on the screw when you replace the nut, and work the nut back and forth along the screw a few times to ease it. If that doesn't work, let me know.

[@furmom27]

I found a manual on line for free for my Singer 66, you might want to look for one. I haven't watched the video, but I can tell you there are 3 places to adjust the tension on mine. A screw on the body for adjusting the spring, the shaft part of the tension thingy and the nut like thing that screws on to it.

[@Muvandfarve]

WELL DONE!!! I would have asked for the machines too, and given the person who chucked them in there a good hiding while I was at it.

[@tamemeifyoucan]

Hi Lizze! Was wondering if you'd consider making a video about how to adjust the tension on a round bobbin singer? I just got a beautiful 66K and really want to make sure I'm using it properly. Thanks very much :D

[@bukolaoluwadamilolaabimbol2205]

Thanks so much. Just the video I needed

[@raninichani1336]

Where to get this long bobin machine parts

[@chedhead3278]

Thanks for the videos Lizzie. :)

[@angelafoxmusic7265]

Hi Lizzie thanks for providing this information. 😃 I've recently acquired a lovely old Singer dated 1886, and it seems in pretty good nick. I am having a bit of trouble with the bottom tension, on the spindle. It seems very tight and quite hard to pull out. It hangs when dangled as you describe, but is muchh harder to pull out than the top tension. Could you give me any idea what to do about this?

[@linnienolan2555]

Thank you Lizzie, your videos are VERY helpful!!

[@jeannasizemore3964]

I am having problems with the bobbin like a double up stitche underneath.What is the problem?

[@Jagdtoq]

Can this model be fitted with a leather sewing needle? can all these old Singers sew leather? Thanks for a reply as I am trying to track down a manual machine for sewing leather uppers.

[@dilipbanerjee6033]

Wherefrom can I get spares of this sewing machine? Please provide the information.

[@Paxmere]

Thank you ... thank you... This inform ton has been very useful... Very grateful.

[@mariacano6427]

Hi, that was the best video on adjusting tension. My machine is also a 1930 vintage and the shuttle looks just like the one I misplaced right along with the bobbin. Is there a place that I can order a shuttle and a few bobbins? Thank you for your help

[@alvinpillay303]

Does the machine have a timing setting

[@missarcene4345]

I have a singer 241- 11 and the needle is off center. Can you help me?

[@katherinemch]

Hi! Nice vid but you skip a part I'm confused about. I'm a total rookie so I would LOVE (if you have the time) to know more about the approximate placing when you (around 2:45) put the tension wheels on. For instance is the outer surface of the nut lined up with the tip of the peg, or does one stick out further? If I look at the light coming through the gap between the wheels, should there be zero space, or a pin's-width, or how much space?

[@katherinemch]

I'm concerned because I am trying to rule out reasons my thread keeps snapping, and I think the thread may be passing through the wheels and riding on the shaft's threads, but I can't seem to close them without going what feels like too tight. How should the spring look when adjusted well? Squished to half-size or ...? I got this at a pawn shop so I have no assurance it ever ran well, or has all its proper parts. I think I might need to find someone else to tune the thing up for me :-(

[@rayitoromero7942]

En dónde conseguir una lanzadera?

[@rubyrobinson9350]

Thank you for this! Very useful!

[@JG-Eowyn]

I have a QUESTION about my Oldtimer (Anker Werkeag Bielefield) sewing machine. When I had him for the first time nothing was wrong but last week I did wanted to use him but now does my bobbin case/ shuffle ... not work. (My machine doesn't pick up the under thread. . ) does anyone know why that is?

[@lotteseggelink6797]

Hello Lizzie, thank you for this video, but how on earth do I get the thread in the shuffle? I have the same machine and shuffle you have. I would love to be able to use my old machine! Love, lotte

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Lotte, You will find a demonstration on my video "How to wind a Singer long bobbin and load the Shuttle" Also, the information with that video provides a link to my blog which gives illustrations.Good luck! How to wind a Singer sewing machine long bobbin and load the shuttle the correct way

[@lotteseggelink1604]

Oh, that's why I couldn't find it, the word is shuttle, not shuffle :) Thank you, Lizzie, I will have a look and hope to be able to sew!

[@mrphelps9942]

Excellent! Informative! Simple! Everything explained beautifully! Salutations from Portugal where you can pick up these machines for a song. Get them running and put them out there. (If you can to part with them) Congratulations.

[@splitsjourney7020]

Mr Phelps that doesn’t make sense

[@stellaspyropoulou8762]

I also have a similar machine, but is tredle. Hasn't been used for decades! After gleaning it was fine, I oiled it and now it doesnt pick up the long bobbin thread! DI you have any suggestions?

[@Muvandfarve]

@maryaquin Hello Maryaquin, Great news about your machine. The more you use it the more you will love it!

[@lindycampbell2999]

Hello thank you so very much for your videos on the 28k. I had been looking for how to's for a newly acquired 201K and have had so much trouble with the tension I was to screaming pitch. When I came across your tutorial I remembered my old Singer and pulled it down from the loft and felt that same fondness that I had when I was given it about 20 years ago but unfortunately there was no youtube back then to help me fix it as it wasn't in running order, so up in the loft it went until now. I followed your well thought out and informative tutorials and managed to finally bring life back into this grand old machine, it's D.O.B is 1906! I just sewed my first stitches and it was perfect! And it was with leather! I am so happy and just wanted to thank you, Lizzie. Do you have any knowlege of the 201K? I think it's a more recent one as it's not black but beige. I've tried to find out it's age but no serial number visible. I've spent days scouring videos but nothing helpful yet. THANKS!!

[@weldermaniacbob]

excellent video.. nice and clear and very informative..

[@lance3665]

Thank you for the information.

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Eowyn, It is very difficult to answer this type of question without actually seeing the machine. Very often people have problems because the needle is set incorrectly, so please watch the video I have posted showing how the needle is set on vintage machines that take a standard needle. Otherwise, you might find my blog helpful, Lizzie Lenard Vintage Sewing. Look at the posts under the heading Stitch Formation. Good luck, Muv

[@madfishmonger]

Thanks for this! Very helpful tips here, I've learned a lot!

[@aliceforestwitch1939]

Great video!

[@4BNNaughty]

Lizzie, I just bought a 1907 Singer and I cant get the lower tension right, can you please help me. I'm completely new to this.

[@lindycampbell2999]

Hi Candice I saw your comment on KZbin at Lizzie Lenards tutorial on tension. It's absolutely fab. Follow her tutorials step by step and it will come right. I got my 1906 28k up and running today. I kept having to rewatch all the videos start to finish as I kept leaving a step out so don't despair! You won't regret getting that fine old lady up and running!

[@4BNNaughty]

Lindy Campbell Hey Lindy, I figured it out. I put polyester thread in my machine and it's up and running great. I'm very happy with my treadle machine now.

[@zarasoleil8633]

I hope you're responding regularily because I have a question that I can't find an answer for online. I have a singer 28K and it's amazing. However, I can't figure out how to back stitch. I tired turning the wheel by hand backwards, but that makes the thread underneath get tangled. There has to be a way to do this... right? I'm making baby wipes and really need to back stitch. I hope to hear back soon...

[@Muvandfarve]

With the needle down, lift the foot, turn the work round, and sew a few stitches over the stitches you have already sewn. No, these machines do not go in reverse.

[@mexmima7125]

Dea rLizzie, , I hope you can still help me My very old Singer sewing machine can not pick up the bobbin thread. How would you fix it? thank you very much

[@oldchickenlady]

make sure you needle is in correctly and set at the right depth.

[@oldchickenlady]

make sure you needle is in correctly and set at the right depth.

[@Muvandfarve]

@ShaneSchomburg Well Shane, You should have been with us last Sunday listening to the lady coming over the loudspeakers at the railway station telling us about trains to London Paddington - she made me feel like an old crow. Even my husband was going mushy, and he's had a lifetime of listening to English dames. Muv

[@Muvandfarve]

All the machines that I feature in videos are domestic machines and were manufactured for home dressmaking and tailoring.

[@NasimMahmud]

Thank you very much! Very nice work!

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Jeanna, I'm terribly sorry, I can't see from here. It could be any number of things.

[@patricedoran7179]

What if my machine is not stitching at all?

[@Celticswynd]

Although I heard of those type of machines being used to repair tack on the farm. (but still just a repair.)

[@vengadalakshmis1589]

thank you. at same time i have merit stitching machine. so i need solution for this type of machine.

[@incilarobertson]

Thank you very much, you were so helpful.

[@annamariabarboza7857]

Aonde comprar a Bobina ? Obrigada.

[@Muvandfarve]

Helen Howes Sewing Machines - helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.uk/

[@Celticswynd]

I think that your tension might be too tight, or your needle is not in correctly. The threads on the tension don't reach down that far to rub against your bobbin thread to cause friction and snap.

[@emmiebliss197]

I finally had my machine up and running thanks to this video. But halfway through my sewing both my bobbin and needle stopped working and the hand crank stopped moving. Can anyone help? I was really enjoying using it 😢

[@jesshothersall]

Thank you for the info

[@Celticswynd]

Light leather, not extremely heavy. These iron ladies can pull alot of weight, but still arn't meant to sew saddles. (maybe an occasional tack repair, but not the whole saddle.) Many old sewing machines will take a leather needle yes. The 66 I know for sure can take a universal.

[@BorisOsipov]

I think it is not so necessary to pull out the shuttle to adjust the tension of lower thread. It just enough to raise the needle and open the front slider to get access to screw :-)

[@gumybearmagic]

Where are you from? You speak in such a posh way!:)

[@rayitoromero7942]

Lo pueden poner en español?

[@chriswells9259]

I will get there I'm determined.Just something I'm not quite getting right .Have enlisted the help of one of my neighbours,fingers crossed.

[@susanlazarou3968]

i used to have one...was a hassle to sew on...wish i still had it, because they last forever.

[@Muvandfarve]

Hello Scandalouscuckoo, really glad to have been of help. You might also find some handy tips on my blog, where I have recently posted photos of various features on long bobbin machines. Muv

[@yasharassi8332]

thank you so much.