Solving Issues With Sewing Machine Picking up Lower Thread

When an issue arises concerning picking up the lower thread, the problem is never the lower thread, but rather an issue with the upper thread not being caught by the hook or shuttle. I hope this video will serve as some help in seeing what needs to happen before you can pull the lower thread up.

[@andreajohnsMyPotteryBliss]

Thank you, Ray. I inherited my great, great Grandmother’s Singer 66. Your videos have helped me solve so many problems. You can tell this machine was well used. I can tell because the paint is worn in exactly the places where a hand would touch. I imagine my great, great Grandma sewing away for 6 boys and 1 girl. They lived far away from a town and stores just weren’t an option money wise. It might sound hokey but I feel a genuine connection to her. She passed away the year I was born so I never knew her but I’ve heard a couple stories about her and it was plain she was a determined, prickly old girl. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how helpful your videos have been for me to get the old Singer sewing again.

[@GagaKnits]

This video was very helpful, thank you. I've been given my Grandma's 1940 Singer sewing machine. It kept unthreading. I dismantled the tension dials following one of your other videos with no success. After watching this video I went back to look at the little instruction book to check which way to thread the needle. I'd been threading it right to left but it should have been left to right. It works perfectly now. I would never of thought to check that without you. So thank you. X

[@ohdeerme]

Your video of the thread in the needle by itself forming a sufficient loop to catch the hook helped all of us realize.............if won't do this it will NEVER sew....Thank You for the video !

[@UniversalEngineer]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I AGONIZED for 3 days on my Singer 201-2! REPEATEDLY adjusting the needle bar height and timing, I had inserted the needle incorrectly! 🤯. Once correctly inserted, the smooth sailing began. ❤

[@debrayoung-allen7811]

Thank you! I got a Kenmore 95 and the bottom thread wouldn’t pick up. I watched videos for hours and was able to fix my problem five minutes into your video.

[@gergemall]

Ray I love your videos and particularly your style of teaching. It’s very helpful in educated me as to how these machines work. Love the visuals aids .

[@Irish-Triplet]

Excellent video instruction! I'm determined to keep my vintage machines running and you're a great help in this area! Thank you!

[@sheilah7580]

I have my mother’s Singer 360 machine that she purchased after WWII. I have used it for years and all of a sudden it would not pick up a thread! I tried everything, thank goodness I found your video, yes I had the needle in backwards! How simple! I was at a loss, thank you!

[@michikoclark8602]

Thank you so much. I was in tears and it was all because I had the needle in wrong! Such a simple fix. Fascinating really how such a small thing makes a big difference...

[@gannbob4357]

Thanks for explaining things so well that a dog could understand. Of course, my dog went and threaded it backwards...after all, he's just a dog; but, at least I could tell it was threaded wrong, now! Great job!

[@anapauladasilvaoliveira8144]

Gann Bob bad dog! Hahahaha

[@rayelkins7872]

This really made me laugh so hard I had tears. Great comment, thanks buddy!

[@fritzb2769]

I like your intro, it was funny an practical. I spent on hour trying to solve the problem will with the bottom at Stitch ,and in two minutes watching your video my problem was solved.. Thank you. Fritz

[@RhondaTheWriter]

I had taken out my 90 needle to sew denim, with. 100 needle. I was doing okay then the needle stopped picking up the bobbin, thank you for this, I changed the needle and it worked!

[@dawnwarren1714]

I’m still having problems with my 319W singer, but, I’ll watch this again and again until I get it right! Thanks so much for this.

[@elizabethcox6138]

Yours was the only video to help me! Thank you so much! I still have some sanity left!!!

[@huntspoint3442]

You fixed my problem. I didn’t even know there was a grooved side. Thank you.

[@joycesupak1944]

Okay, I've watched quite a few machine-repair videos. And I've been sewing for about 40yrs. Right now I have a 20yo Kenmore #17826 in good, clean condition except for the zig-zag stitches and the reverse- they won't work! It isn't an expensive model, I think it was on the less expensive end, but it has worked beautifully. I made the kids costumes, I quilted with it, took it to quilting classes... As per the videos, I have taken apart the bobbin mechanics, dusted every nook and cranny from the bottom plate to the needle bar and then oiled in the indicated holes. I haven't used it for about 10yrs, it's been in it's hard case in the garage, but I thought it was working fine when I put it away. Can I - oh yeah, it has a drop-in bobbin- do anything else for it? I live in Bozeman, Montana and sewing machine mechanics are rare. Thank you for your video, I really enjoyed it.

[@ajnonameajnoname7173]

Ray I start working on sewing machines a few years back I have a lot of singers kenmore's and a whites going back to the forties the 30s there also and beautiful now the newer ones I have are all plastic and they are just not worth fixing I've given my daughter a 1960 singer and it shows beautiful

[@jessallan2240]

Come to Australia plz ... you guys have the most informative videos out

[@joelipsky9218]

Thanks a million Ray, I was having a problem figuring out why my Morse 7100 was not picking up the bobbin thread, Your excellent video pinpointed the exact problem. You are so right, the old solid built metal monsters of the past are so much better than the plastic POS's they are putting out today.

[@darrinstephenson451]

Thank you. I fixed my old school Sears Kenmore and I’m back running again. Liked and subscribed 👍 ... good work

[@miriraidawnchirongoma8467]

i dont even know where to start i spentthe whole day struggling i literally cried my eyes out i couldnt even eat then i saw your video im super grateful thank you sir after i fixed it istarted eating and smiling thank you

[@robbiesperry5492]

Wow! This was sew very helpful! I started restoring old Singers about 6 months ago. (am on #12!). To do this & not really understand how they work is a real handicap. You broke this down to real basic, & I am grateful! Thank you! I now feel ready to go tackle the issue with my Singer 115.

[@bheeshmachart.k8213]

Excellent way of demonstration.

[@marlenemcintyre2663]

I have had my machine in for work and it's never been right.. I am going to try your way and see if I can get it done.

[@stephaniebraden6886]

Thank you!!!! I had everything in correctly but Still could not catch the thread!! I feel like having a better understanding of my machine is why I Finally caught my thread!! I have an Old Kenmore machine that was passed down to me and I do love it!! It is my First machine!

[@kathydias5070]

Your videos are the best! Thank you for making these.

[@franchescas5292]

I watched this three times and fixed the needle. Now on my singer 201 it picks up the loop (Yay!) but still does not sew. Should the housing that holds the bobbin more around? Every third stitch something binds. I just get a big mess of broken top threads on the bottom of my fabric. Very interesting video and fun to see how those other machines do this.

[@wintybear]

I have the same problem!! It picks up the loop but when i start the machine, it doesn’t sew. Funny thing is that on some material, it does and some not. Any idea?

[@franchescas5292]

@@wintybear The bobbin housing tab was not in the slot which holds it in the correct position. I had to take it all apart and put it back correctly, then it worked. I used the 201 adjusters manual to do it. This video shows the tab and slot. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooWcaaqYebGJmdE

[@frankkenstein4327]

I agree with you about these companies making disposable machines! They will make them to last before the warranty ends and that’s just the start of it until you can use the warranty no more. I bought my first machine, Brother CS6000i, I’ve spent more time watching videos how to repair it instead of actual using it. So frustrating

[@colsomemiah6095]

Thanks for an incisive solution but it didn't work with my Vigetti, age 68 yrs. After having nesting threads I screwed the Bible sure slightly and the stitching is perfect; yet the bottom thread isn't being picked up. Have spent at least 1K over the years on this machine and don't want a plastic one, but I hope you will see this and tell me what else Icn do. My needle threads flat side in a grove; not the rounded side. Help please!!!!

[@colsomemiah6095]

I meant the bobbin screw slightly. Hope to hear from you soon, and also hope you explain why with the bottom thread is not picking up, yet the stitch is perfect?????

[@LGordon123able]

I have an old Kenmore model. It does not have a place to push the needle bar up and down, it is solid and no screw to undo it.

[@Mvr01008]

Excelent video Ray!!! Very well explained. Thank you!!!

[@Firekeeper61]

Your heaven sent great information

[@Firekeeper61]

I did leather work I 1970's. Recently had #3 strokes and brain surgery. Unable to do my life work I am trying to do what I can . i bought a singer centurion about killed me bring it in. Now the kinks and normal maintenance my body can't do what I know how to do. Enough of my tears. May God bless you and your family and all your viewers. Pray for covid families we just buried my mom and aunt. I am greatful for 24 yrs sober. I wish I had a repair man to help me get on track

[@westtexas806]

Mine catches the hook and stops. When I try to pull the thread it won't pull. I reverse it and it will release the thread. I still can't catch the bobbin thread.

[@tinamartinez4116]

We tried what you said but the thread from the bobbin is still not catching

[@King-kx3wo]

Great video but I have a more weird issue....i have a white model 645 thread catches in the hook but still doesn't pick up bobbin thread....any suggestions?

[@travissmith6551]

Does this work the same on a Singer 132K1 ?

[@rayelkins7872]

This will apply to ALL sewing machines with no exceptions. The interaction between the needle and the hook/shuttle will be the same in any machine ever built, otherwise it will not stitch correctly.

[@vivianarubino8345]

Hi ...I fix the timing of the machine but still don’t form the zigzags yes stitchh straight but not zigzags at all ☹️I have a heavy duty singer but else can be ?

[@marwasameer1]

I have a Singer 288 machine and I think I might have a problem with the timing. The hook is not picking up the thread from the needle and I am not even sure if the hook is moving to begin with. I have to manually move it using the gears at the bottom of the machine. I have seen many videos that suggested how to fix the timing problem, but so far none shows how to do it for a 288 machine and I am afraid the construction of the mechanism is different so I am not sure how to fix or from where to begin. Is there any way you could suggest a solution for my issue?

[@jackbendickson7487]

I have a new home 560 and have been trying for 3 days and i can still not get it to work i am hoping your videos help. Do you ever come to Arizona for a workshop i would love to go and see how to do things.

[@rayelkins7872]

We were out west last year in Nevada and California but not had a workshop in Arizona. We are in the eastern states this year, not sure what we will do next year though

[@SkylerRose1]

Thank you for the info. Very informative!

[@virginiagarland6602]

Hello I am new to your channel and my Singer mod.457 machine needle suddenly stopped picking thread fro.m bobbin. It was working fine them boom. Thank you for any info.

[@1806StoneHouse]

my machine hook is picking up the thread but still won't pick up the bottom. it just loops the top thread underneath. Help! very good video to show how that hook catches the thread.

[@rayelkins7872]

thank you for your kind comment. As for your issue, I can only suggest that you find what the thread is catching on underneath and correct it. Since the hook is catching the upper thread and looping it underneath, it is doing what it is supposed to do up to that point. I assume you are holding the loose end of the upper thread, then pulling it slightly once the needle comes back up, correct? If the hook did indeed catch the thread and loop it all the way around, then the bobbin thread will be in that loop when the needle comes back up and you pull the loose end of the upper thread. If you have the loose end of the upper thread between your fingers, the bottom thread cannot get out of that loop. You should be able to pull on the loose end, while watching underneath, and find what the upper thread is looped on and preventing it from releasing and coming up top (and bringing the lower thread with it). I really can't make any other suggestions going just by what you've told me. I am trying to picture the issue you are having but there are still things I'd have to ask before making any further suggestion. I would like to know this; Without the bobbin in the machine, does your hook catch the upper thread, loop around, then is released by the hook and allow you to pull it back up with the needle (once the needle is back up top)? Remember in the video, there is no reason to even have the bobbin in the machine until the upper thread will loop and the hook take it around. If it does that, then you are able to pull the upper thread all the way back up and out of the hole in the throat plate, then picking up the bottom thread will be inevitable once the threaded bobbin is in the machine. Hope I can help, but might need more info or a video before I can really help much more. :-( Good Luck!!

[@sundayscomrad4877]

my upper thread gets stuck going around the bobbin, y?

[@oishialloadmin]

Thanks!!

[@victoriajaferian1740]

Hi have a singer 427 and thread not picking up and wheel what spool fit in will not move proper and opened under for timing but the belt is not moving can u help plz

[@rayelkins7872]

I'm sorry and don't mean to sound rude, but I truly do not understand what you are asking. If you have parts not moving inside the machine that should be, that is a different problem altogether and I'd need a much better explanation and maybe even see what you are having troubles with in a video. I'm not familiar enough with a 427 to tell you from memory what to do to solve many issues. Your problem is specific to your machine and not a general problem that can be addressed like the video I posted that deals with solving a problem that will have the same cause in any machine.

[@Zencyclist]

Outstanding

[@g.e.1432]

That needle looks bent, is it supossed to be like that?

[@rayelkins7872]

depends on which one you are referring to. Many early machines used a curved needle (Florence, Wheeler & Wilson, Grover & Baker) because the needle moved in an arc.

[@janelleboudreaux4282]

I need part for my singer any good sites to buy parts

[@robinstallings3167]

I still can’t get it to work. I’m buying a new machine.

[@gwendixon9600]

Like the props

[@laurelroth1632]

Thank you! You Rock...all fixed.

[@enolastenson9792]

Its not picking up the thread

[@Shinestyles4U]

Gave it a try and still not working 😩😢 thanks for sharing tho

[@beaquirk6227]

me too

[@charlesknight3977]

I just posted in my daddys name. Charles K. I was given the phone with his name. Sew I'm Karen. Just something to laugh at.

[@salenaguerra232]

Thank you so much for all your great knowledge. You really broke it down and made it easy to understand the logistics of the sewing machine.

[@wildnergmbh1934]

Thank you so much Ray. I fixed our bartack machine with your video after 4 weeks of trying! Greetings from Germany, Ben

[@amehigan]

Thank you! I never knew about the groove in one side of the needle. I got my old Singer out to make masks for Covid-19 and the needle was not picking up the bobbin thread. I turned the needle in the correct direction and presto, it works!

[@johnlivingston9217]

Same happened to us too, wife was sewing, broke the needle, asked me to change it. Then thread wouldn't pick up, 2 hours later of head scratching, thanks to the guru here, and machine's up running again. Am happy wife's make masks during covid-rantine

[@angelemmanuel287]

Instablaster.

[@dahleeeng]

I fixed the dropped stitches issue because of this video. Loved your wooden needle prop. Fixed the oil in the light bulb issue as well.🤣

[@CarolinaRodriguez-ej3mk]

Omg, at the start of your video u mentioned it's the top of the machine I looked up and saw... Ugh, I was going crazy trying to figure it out and it was that simple. Thank u. I will subscribe for sure. I appreciate u.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Have you ever seen the Secret Life of Machines episode on sewing machines? They have a huge needle and a "human sewing machine" similar to your demonstration. It's really cool. Thank you for the great information.

[@richietrice5312]

Thanks for this video, I have been spent days trying to figure out why an embroidery machine I picked up second hand would not pick up the bobbin thread I had watched all kinds of videos about timing and still could not figure it out. It was not until you mentioned that most issues are with the needle sure enough the person prior to me had the needle in backwards I am guessing that is why they were basically giving it away :)

[@mariaangumba7107]

Is a incorrect timing the cause of my machine stopped sewing thick material but working nicely on thin fabric, even is o walking foot industrial?

[@alysonchapman1935]

Brilliant and so simple....make sure the needle is the correct way around! Thank You!! (3 plus hours of frustration corrected so easily!)

[@dogsareawomansbestfriend]

I love the needle and other materials you used to show us big items that are in the sewing machines. Did you make them?

[@rayelkins7872]

Yes, made them for the classroom to make explaining easier

[@outwestsomewhere397]

I’ve watched a dozen videos and was convinced my machine was the problem; didn’t realize the needle was inserted with the flat side facing the wrong way. THANK YOU!

[@robbiesperry5492]

Very informative, Thanx! Can you help with an OLD embossed White Rotary? The timing is not off by a few degrees. More like 180!

[@rayelkins7872]

Sure, if it is 180° out, someone has removed the shuttle and put it back in the wrong orientation. Just pop loose the ears that hold the plate covering the shuttle, rotate it (the shuttle) 180°, and put it back in. The shuttle is the piece with the pin that the bobbin case snaps on to.

[@HmongLife]

Thank you for this video. I've been pulling my hair over this issue and after I watched your video all I had to do was turn the needle.

[@christdiedforoursins5756]

Thank you I watched a documentary and your right I was pulling the thread tight.mine is a 1922 singer.i removed the dog feed to embroider and I was pulling the thread to tight.thank you thank you .

[@Shinestyles4U]

Thank you I’m going to give this a try I’m been devastated all day yesterday trying to fix my machine

[@scottfrappier2924]

I feel stupid! :P Thank you for explaining this, such a simple fix.

[@galaxygal8060]

Thank you so much!I figured out my problem!!!😆

[@allyr728]

Do you play aj play wild?

[@sewwhatseamstress9076]

Have you ever seen a sewing machine that picks up the bobbin thread just perfect but STILL will NOT make a single stitch??? The needle goes in the fabric and comes up BUT NO STITCHES.

[@ddoukopou]

You could also spend two days turning the knob the wrong way and then turn it counter clockwise and realize how big of and idiot I am. It worked! No where did I read which way to turn the knob when grabbing the bobbin thread.

[@jennyschmidt7017]

You helped me figure out that my treadle wheel needs to be pushed back instead of pulled forward in order to sew properly. Thank sew much! 😊

[@lindsaybowman7239]

Okay wow! This is the 6th video I clicked on because the others were not able to help me fix my issue with the thread not catching. But you explained it so simply and I was able to fix my problem. Thank you.

[@charlesknight3977]

I just started sewing with this old push peddle with bullet bobbin. The stitching was perfect, then I ran out of thread, bobbin bar was full of about four different colors of thread. Anyway been messing with this thing for three days agh! Couldnt get bobbin thread to pick up. I thought my bobbin was broke. It ended up being the needle needed lowered to catch the thread. I like the informstion you gave and that big woiden needle to explain it. Plus the videos. Now I know how the loop comes about. Thanks so much.

[@covamiiblakney7698]

Out of all the videos I have watched... Your video explains this concept easily and how to fix it.. Hilarious on the beginning.. Thank you so much for sharing this info.. Please don’t stop making videos!! Great video.. I’m subscribed👌

[@thesolpurpose3109]

I have a basic singer machine and for some reason the string loops to about 6 o clock and gets stalled and can't go beyond 6 o clock. Cant find anything online

[@cynthiaberend4877]

I found a link to this video on the VSM FB page and am so glad I did! You did an awesome job of explaining bobbin thread pick up. It is now burned into my brain. I look forward to checking out your other videos! I just caught the VSM bug and already have a Brother 651, two Singer 15-91K’s, and a Singer 99. The Brother and one of the 15’s is in working order and all I’ve spent so far is $10. I’m a mechanical engineer and love these solid machines!

[@rayelkins7872]

Thank you! I'm glad it helped and made sense! :-)

[@joevalencic5275]

Thanks for your video. I just purchased my first Singer 201-2 (1946) to restore for my son who sews tactical bags, and have been trying to figure out why the bottom thread wasn’t getting picked up...scratched my head for almost a full week! After watching your video, I learned that my needle was in backwards. Rotated it 180 degrees, and the machine now works flawlessly. Now I can begin refinishing the cabinet. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with me and everyone else who enjoys restoring old stuff back to its former glory.

[@crowznest438]

Subscribed; thanks for the explanation about WHY the groove needs to be on the one side.

[@steveroberts9053]

I was sewing along and all of a sudden the bobbin thread stopped picking up. I will investigate further and i have a late '60, early '70's White machine that I love. I will check my needle or maybe I was pulling the fabric, but I thank you for your helpful information. Over the years I have always fixed my own machine, clean and oiled and they run great! Well, untill right now. but I will find a solution.

[@airbornespeedwaybilldonerp7539]

I did everything you said and checked it over and over and I still cannot get the hook to pick up the top thread?? Please HELP!! I have an older Kenmore model 385.15108200

[@rowlandreddick2664]

Dude,was rackin my head against the wall,got a kenmore 148 and never thought the feed on the needle was problem til I said what the hey and got yer show first,awesome connetics,lol, thanks, nother we'll used but as of now still stitching machine kickin

[@westtexas806]

I got a 1954 Pfaff 230 from my great grandma complete with a receipt and lifetime guarantee. Lol I hope your video helps.

[@en2oh]

this is very well explained. One question that I'd really like to see explored is how the bobbin assembly is supported in such a way that the loop can go around it.

[@charleshanse8573]

i have a singer #247 machine gear on vertical shaft broke, replaced gear, now hook, won't pick up thread, took all lower parts out , so i could see action ,timing is spot on but thread does not form a loop, seems to hug side of needle ,needle is in right . any ideas?

[@frances6827]

Magnification, visibility & explanation all great but there's so much lint in there (ha)!

[@marlenemcintyre2663]

My machine is a brother and I have had it quite a while. It sews and embroider and I have it for quite a while and love it

[@leahquesenberry2958]

If the timing is off wouldn't that also stop the top needle thread from picking up the bobbin thread?

[@rayelkins7872]

If the timing is off, the hook will not catch the upper thread from the needle, so obviously then there would be no picking up the bottom thread.

[@kathycortez232]

Can you please tell how to let out stitches or take them inmodel 242 Dash 12

[@MarieDoggett]

You just made my day! I had the facing the wrong way...

[@michaelsterling8907]

Thank you!!!

[@sharonwood8085]

Thank you so much! You have saved my brain ache 😀

[@davidarnds3831]

Thank You for the explanation. You helped me greatly.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Here's the problem I'm having: I have a Necchi 535FA that apparently is for medium duty use and I have a size 18 needle with some upholstery thread that will work fine with a super-light thread on the bobbin (a metal class 15 bobbin that came with the machine) but when I put a plastic class 15 bobbin (they are the only additional ones I have) and wind them with heavier upholstery thread the machine won't consistently pick up the thread. The hook catches it, but instead of the thread coming around the bottom of the bobbin case/gib assembly completely it gets hung up on the bottom. I can't figure out what is wrong.

[@rayelkins7872]

Most likely your bobbins are too thick. That is what are usually see causing the problem you're having. When a bobbin is too thick the thread will not be able to go through the narrow gap between the bobbin and the components that sit close to it

[@enolastenson9792]

I have a singer 201, I want it forever.

[@4486xxdawson]

Lol i got an old kenmore and pissed around for hrs trying to figure out why it wouldnt pick up the bobbin thread then realized someone put the needle in backwards...and thank you for taking your time to show us the timing and how it works on different machines i wanted to see if my timming was off considering i just picked up a kenmore from the 60s or older i cant find info on it kenmore deluxe model # c877.02 seems to be hard to track year and i want a new belt , but believe it or not its still perfect . Love vintage machines and all the quality put into them and not a single piece of plastic in it , all metal and heavy duty .

[@nga.6310]

Hi Ray, thank you for the video. I have tried all that was suggested but I have not successfully picked up the bobbin thread Please help.

[@rayelkins7872]

If you have tried two things in the video and are still not having any luck, about all I can suggest is to try again to follow the steps and watching the interaction between the needle and the hook. If all else fails, sign up for a workshop and I can show you in person what is wrong and how to fix it. sewpurtyworkshops.com

[@nga.6310]

Ray Elkins Hi Ray. Thanks all sorted.

[@carrieanne1655]

This video saved the day!

[@rociobach4642]

Excellent video! Thank you!!!!!!