Troubleshooting Singer Featherweight Stitch Problems

Singer Featherweight Stitch Formation 101! This video tutorial will not only teach you how a stitch is properly formed on a Singer Featherweight, but will also help you troubleshoot stitch problems! Whether your machine is not forming a stitch at all, skipping stitches, or having a mess of stitches underneath your fabric, this basic tutorial will help you so you can quickly get back to sewing!
(The Thread-O-Stat you saw featured in the video is a new product with The Featherweight Shop and is now available here: singer-featherweight.com/prod...

[@tedhopkins5251]

What a terrific video. A very simple to follow explanation of stitch formation. I am an independent sewing machine mechanic and for years I have been going through the same demonstrations with customers but I am sure, mine are not as understandable as yours. Just one criticism though. You neglected to mention the magical importance of the long groove on the rounded side of the needle, which is just as big a factor in stitch failure when the needle is in backwards. I always use that as an opportunity to tell customers to always feel for the long groove with their finger nail after they install the needle because it is not unusual for the needle to spin around in their fingers when installing. It happens to me more often than I care to admit. From now on, I am just going to refer customers to your channel.

[@cynthiahenzler5170]

Perfect! Thank you now I just figured out using this video why my machine was not making stitches 🌺

[@barbaraconklin2190]

You saved my husband! He cleaned under the needle plate and it wouldn't sew after that. He received a lot of flack from me. Finding you on KZbin was euphoric, simple and a marriage saver. Thank you loads PS. Seriously I am glad you have taken immeasurable time to inform anyone who finds you.

[@944gemma]

Geez, don’t I wish you would write a book. Your videos are top notch, all of them!

[@jacquelinerodman540]

After clicking on and then off several videos to figure out what my sewing machine issue was, I "happened" upon your channel and this video tonight. I'm so grateful I stuck around to watch and listen, as all the information was relevant and useful. I was able to solve the issue during a pause break and feel more confident overall about my sewing machine. Thank you kindly for this video!

[@beachbum6781]

I used to take my featherweight into the shop for tension springs, oiling, etc...I can't tell you how many times I got it back with an incorrect spring installed and ending up with the same issues I turned it in to have repaired. Since I found your channel, I do all the adjustments myself. Thank you for making it so easy!!

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Thank you for the excellent explanation of common problems. As a new, self-taught sewer, you explained so many issues that I’ve wondered about. In less than 15 minutes, you helped me understand and to be in a position to be more sewing independent and in a position to help others. This has been the most helpful video, jam-packed of information that I’ve found no where else yet in 5 years of sewing. Thank you very much for saving me from hours of potential aggravation by explaining concepts so I understand how my machine works. Great job and great teacher!

[@kdubz1881]

Every sewer, 221k owner or not, should watch this and understand how a sewing machine works. You make it so clear with the cut out needle plate and the side view. Love your videos x

[@marywhaley2291]

I spent 35 minutes trying to get my bobbin placed correctly and you showed me the problem of the misplaced bobbin finger. I had just cleaned the raceway and replaced the plate just as you mentioned! Thank You !

[@janetyner648]

Carmen - this is the 2nd time this video has saved the day for me! Thank you for posting it!

[@barssbailey]

This is the most helpful explanation of my featherweight I've found. Thank you so much for this!!

[@peggyinconsho]

This is an amazing video! Thank you for this, and for all of your invaluable help in keeping our little gems working so well.

[@ElizArtist]

Thank you for all the great featherweight information! I'm definitely going to be shopping in your store asap!

[@kathryngrusauskas8350]

Thank you! It seems like every time I try to clean or maintain my Featherweight, I end up unintentionally causing a problem. Today, it was a gob of bobbin thread under the material that would cause my machine to stop sewing. I thought it was the bobbin case, but the drawing in the guidebook just wasn't enough to allow me to understand the problem. Your video got me there and your explanation along with the cut out view of the bobbin showing how it is supposed to fit into a groove in the plate above it was excellent. You got me and my sewing machine back in synch. Thank you again!

[@gailtraynor7478]

This is by far the BEST tutorial I have ever seen. So easy to listen to and easy to follow. THANK you so much........ you solved my issue in less than 15 minutes.

[@joycelynalbrecht2858]

Love your tutorials! They are always thorough and easy to follow. Thank you so much for your willingness to help.

[@the.pokey.little.pineapple4546]

Thanks Carmen another great tutorial. Close ups, diagrams super helpful.

[@MR-bw4xk]

I just bought a lovely second hand singer featherweight... I was disappointed because It didn't sew.... Just placing the flat side of the needle correctly and threading it from right to left....and magically it sews smoothly.... THANKS so much!!!!. There are not many singer featherweight machines in Spain.... You've brightened my day!!!

[@samfishcreek]

These videos have been wonderful - thank you! I discovered that my temperamental thread tension was because I was using a "modern" bobbin of thread, on occasion, without an overhead thread guide. And your maintenance (oiling and lube) videos were exactly what I needed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@maryredick9894]

This is an amazing tutorial! Thanks so much! Being a visual learner, I learned more in these few minutes than I would by just reading the manual!

[@marymorris4779]

Thank You so much! A friend of mine gave me a 1953 Feather weight with every single piece of equipment it came with and I haven’t sewn for thirty years, to start now is quite intimidating but with your video it’s was like getting back on that bike and riding.😂😂😂

[@marc6024]

Im saved! And I found your videos. Two great events in my life , LOL now the family is back in business. Thanks.

[@OpalestarCreations]

OMGoodness, you don’t know how much this video helped me! My white featherweight is now stitching very nicely! Many thanks!!

[@colleeningram334]

Your tutorials have been invaluable in helping me keep on sewing. I borrowed this featherweight from a friend and I am in LOVE!!! With your help, I have a new hobby. Thanks SO much!!!

[@bobbieyoder7223]

Carmen!!! THANKS so much for this video!!! My A2 ‘escaped’ it’s B2!!! You folks are the best!!! (Hi to everyone there - had such a wonderful time at your retreat - the first one at MSQC in 2016!! Miss you!)

[@vivianmichaelson9760]

Wow, thanks so much for your thorough coverage of the featherweight! My machine got a cleaning, oil, and lub. And yes, I was putting my needle in wrong!

[@christineleiker5727]

Thank you! I just love the information and support your shop provides.

[@fsanchez5033]

Thanks a million Carmon! You have saved the day once again with this video, I just visited your website which I loved, and signed up for your emails. I like your products and will be ordering the tune up kit for my featherweight ❤️

[@littlejacquesful]

Learned so MUCH. Thank you for all the education. I'm a seasoned sewer but new to the featherweights.

[@marileebotos5002]

Amazing video with INVALUABLE information! Thank you SO much! I am very grateful for your help!!!

[@denisenash1711]

This is an incredibly informative video. Thanks so much. You took the time to really show the Featherweight user how to correct a stitch problem.

[@Fridavalentinastudio]

Omg! You just fixed all my sewing machine problems with this video. Thank you! Blessings!

[@PrincessEvilGenius]

So thankful for this video (and all the Featherweight Shop videos)! My needle was the issue. I had inserted it with the flat side facing right, rather than the correct left. SUCH a difference!

[@TiralynnEruanna]

This tutorial helped me so much with the thread jam around the bobbin. Thank you so much!

[@Romidear]

Thanks to God who directed me to you and fix my sewing machine! God bless you!

[@westminsterbeeclub2161]

A very large THANK YOU. I've taught sewing for 30 years, and am currently a tech for a large embroidery machine company. I have preached for so very long "sewing has one rule, THE RIGHT PIECE MUST BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME." Whether you stitch at 30 stitches minute or 1200. No idea that the needle is contra to new machines. It's SEWS!!! Thank you for all your help

[@loreeerskine6910]

A2 in slot B2 just saved me hours of tension adjustment, you folks are awesome!

[@melodyfields6742]

Hello. I’m a new Featherweight owner and have been binge watching your videos as I wait for the cleaning kit I ordered from you today. They have been very helpful in understanding how the FW s work and how to keep them working. Very informative videos. I’m trying to find one to demonstrate some of the different feet as well. Thanks again, great job!

[@carmencolon3520]

Thanks so much . This video is the perfect follow up from the email Featherweight Shop answered but I was still having trouble understanding. Now is totally clear . Thanks

[@gomeranne]

Thank you so much! I took the machine apart to clean it after I bought it and didn't get the positioning finger back in place. I knew I could find the answer at the Featherweight Shop., you guys are the greatest!

[@cheetah0130]

Thank you for this video. You did a beautiful job explaining how this machine works. I've sewn for years but never really thought how the stitch works.

[@timflanigan8586]

Just brought my “new” 221- home, cleaned it and put it back together.... without knowing about the plate and the “finger” alignment..... thank you SO much!

[@annweems2513]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Because of your informative videos I was able to correct my bird nest thread problems! I originally bought my featherweight as a decorative piece (it’s so pretty) but now it is functional once again!

[@TigerLilyGzzTLRoars]

Thank you very much. I'm a new Singer user and am using one of those old ones with the tension on the left side. Your explanations were outstanding and my problem was solved in minutes after troubleshooting for 3 hours and watching several other vids. Thanks again !!

[@donnadyer7410]

Thank you so much! your tip helped me fix my skipped stiches. I had cleaned out the dust from under the needle plate and did not line up the position finger correctly when I put the needle plate back on. Won't forget that next time! Thanks again!!

[@irenetorresco.broker4459]

I fixed it! I fixed it! Needle turned in wrong direction! Boom sews like a charm! Thank you so much

[@artist2you]

Always excellent and clear tutorials on all areas of maintaining one of these little work horses! EVen though i have an actual service manual, the videos are priceless :-)Thank you for taking the time. The items I have purchased from your shop have been exactly what I needed to maintain my 2 Featherweights-(one in especially needy condition!) In this video, A hemostat without ridges sounds minor but it is huge after working with ridged ones and tweezers to remove a caught piece of thread (that is my next purchase lol)...thank you also for that last minute tip about the thread holder stand-now I "know why"!

[@brendaturbyfill4327]

EXCELLENT tutorial!! I was ready to get rid of the machine because of trying to thread bobbin.

[@rogermorin508]

great video...very helpful....good voice....clear pictures...easy to follow..thanks

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Excellent instructive vidéo. You always teach me so much. You are very professional and a wonderful instructor. Thank you.

[@christinemacpherson2698]

Thank you Carmen! I hadn't sewn on my Featherweight in over a year. I oiled it and changed the needle, yet it wasn't properly sewing. That's because I had the needle in wrong! Your video told me that. I feel stupid, but will never forget how to replace this machine's needle again.

[@Ms.Mel.Creates]

This is outstanding! So incredibly helpful!!!

[@sewfun211]

THANK YOU!!! Once again, you solved a problem I was having. I couldn't figure out why I was getting skipped stitches. Thank you for explaining that the flat side of the needle goes on the left side. (I had it on the right side.) I appreciate your generosity of your knowledge sharing. You folks are the best!

[@annetaylor9493]

Thank you so much. I've been using my Mam's old Featherweight for 50 years and suddenly it was skipping stiches !!! Then I looked up and watched your video and remembered that I'd taken out the needle to adjust something and then I realised I must have put it back the wrong way. Yep that's what I'd done. Now all's well, thanks to your very well presented video. Thanks again. from Northumberland UK.

[@Becky541]

So glad I found this!! Was not sure what was going on with my machine with it not catching the thread and found out that the bobbin part needed to be in-between the presser foot guides!! Thank you so much I got this machine from my Grandma who passed away and was so worried I wouldn't be able to fix it!

[@christinevehrs5769]

Frustration avoided! Cleaned the lint from the machine and ended up getting birds nests. Solved the problem quickly with this tutorial. Thank you for the clear and easy to follow instructions!

[@barbneighbor7437]

I wish I had seen this a few weeks ago. I could have saved $150 at my local shop! That bobbin “finger” was the issue. I removed the cover and cleaned out the lint and didn’t know about that little finger. I will sit and watch all of your videos. Thank you.

[@richarddifrischia8831]

I am having problems with my machine and after watching this video I feel confident I will solve my problem of skipping stitches. I will let you how it work out at a later date. Thank you for producing such excellent video.

[@karendarner7588]

Thank you. You are an excellent teacher. I had made the same mistake as the previous commenters. I appreciated your thorough explanations. Thank you for dealing with the subject of simple mistakes with dignity. I don't feel quite as dumb now. :}

[@deannaapfel5340]

Thank you for your clear explanation. I couldn't figure out why I couldn't get the bobbin thread to take up. Solved. It was a needle position and threading problem. Thank you!!

[@glendacadorette7777]

Thanks to this video, my machine is up and running again. I knew it was operator error but wasn't sure where I had made the mistake. Thanks for the clear step by step correction!

[@victorattard4327]

I am very pleased that you made this video it helped very much hoping you continue doing so thank you Victor

[@ritafuller9084]

I just bought a featherweight and couldn't get the bobbin thread to come up or stitch. I was so happy to find your you tube, come to find out I had the needle in wrong (the flat side was to the back). This was very helpful. Thank You!!

[@jamie_busby]

thank you so much! This was really helpful to get our Featherweight in working order again. Yay!

[@MyKim1967]

For 2 days I've been working on a Sewmor 606 (1956) to get it to stitch. Thank God you made this video. However, on this model the flat side of the needle in on the right, and goes through the eye from left to right. I was able to find a downloadable PDF. After to mentioned the featherlite one in the video goes with the flat side on the left, I noticed the PDF for mine said the right. Once I inserted the needle correctly, BINGO! Problem solved! Thank you SO much!

[@ShadowOppsRC]

These videos are great and taught by some great people too!

[@russelbotha756]

Thank you so much for all this useful info. Loved it and saved the day

[@pitamarines9622]

I am making a costume for my daughter that she needs tomorrow and my machine was slipping stitches... your video helped me fix it. THANK YOU!!!!

[@mollysmith6055]

Wonderful video that completely solved my problem. The family Featherweight I sewed on in the past worked fine until it went to its new owner. They didn't use it so I asked to borrow it to keep it in use and suddenly it wouldn't sew anymore. Turns out somehow the positioning finger was no longer in it's correct position and your simple solution brought it back to working beautifully again. Thank you!

[@debjacobson9800]

Excellent video ~ thank you Carmen.

[@valeriemontgomery6678]

You’re a sewing machine angel!!!!!

[@joanparker1762]

A2 into B2!! Sew glad I found your video. It has seriously saved my sanity! I cleaned my machine Friday night in anticipation of a 7-hour sewing marathon with friends on Saturday. I did not put A2 into B2, and I have had nothing but frustration since. Must have put it in there by accident the last time I cleaned it. So many problems solved now! I hope I did not do damage by sewing w/o the piece in the right place. Seems to be fine. Knock on wood, LOL!

[@susanparsons8295]

I am so grateful for your video. I thought my featherweight was never going to sew again. all is fixed now.

[@Marlahanna]

Thanks to you my little machine is sewing perfectly.

[@Vikkivegie]

Thank you so very much for a great, informative video! You have just saved me a lot of money in going to my repair shop! Awesome! Thanks again!!!!!

[@joycema1014]

Thank you for your video. I have a Singer 301, but this video helped me with the problem I had.

[@gabriellemacniak8429]

Thank you. My positioning finger was out of place. I was going crazy trying to fix my birds nest of thread. Didn’t know the position finger needed fixing. Thank you so so much.

[@beckysmith6264]

What a great tutorial! My Featherweight worked great for quite awhile, then all of a sudden it just stopped and the needle wouldn't move. My husband took everything apart around the bobbin case and throat plate. We thoroughly cleaned the parts and put a drop of oil where it was needed. The machine sewed correctly again for a day or two and then all of a sudden it happened again. There was a tiny piece of lint in the bobbin case, so we removed it and it sewed again. After a day or two, the same thing happened. This time there was no lint or thread jamming or clogging the parts. After we listened to your video, we noticed the bobbin case was not original and we think it has been the problem all along. We found an original Simanco bobbin case online and ordered it right away, even though it was incredibly expensive! But we figured it saved us the cost of a tune up. Thanks so much Cameron! You have surely saved the day for us!!

[@jordanwhite5470]

Excellent information; thank you for sharing!!

[@janecresswell4645]

I have had my 222k for 60 odd years (I.e. from new) and I never had any problems with it until recently. Suddenly it started doing the "bird's nest" thing. By watching yoùr video I have cured the problem - by reinserting the needle the right way round! Thank you so much for this!

[@jomackin]

Thank you really good video. I didn't realise my positioning finger was in the wrong place after I cleaned the lint out of my machine. I also learned a bit more about my featherweight.

[@redadevries2188]

Thank you so much! My machine now picks up the bobbin thread!

[@sallyjones5348]

. THANK YOU!!!!! I just finished 200 masks and decided to clean & oil my machine, like I have done for years. When I went to use it again it was looping the top thread, your video showed me that when I removed the feed dog plate I did not realign the bobbin case when I put it back on. Saved me a service call that would have taken weeks and $85, back to work.

[@jakemstyle2129]

Thank you for these very informative information.

[@SAMPEECAT]

Oh your video was so helpful and solved my issue with my machine!!!!!

[@tobyssewingmachinerepair8949]

Great video, I'm overhauling my first featherweight, somebody didn't put the positioning finger back between the gap and I couldn't figure out why the machine wouldn't sew! She runs beautifully now, thanks for the video.

[@janiefranco1999]

Thank you!! I was going crazy! I took the machine apart, in pieces to clean, reassembled it and couldn't get it to work right. Put new needle in, rethreaded, new bobbin - nothing did the trick. then I watched your tutorial... just as you said in your last tip I didn't have the positioning finger in line with the plate. Thank you again!

[@karenolsen6524]

ThNk you so much for this excellent tutorial!

[@kathleenk7726]

Thank you, thank you!! Had the needle facing the wrong way! Happy now:)

[@daddybearmarty]

this saved me a lot of money... Thanks for sharing

[@1911olympic]

Fantastic video! Thank you very much!

[@shtiger100]

My more "modern" Singer quit working. I took it to the repair shop and the lady said it couldn't be repaired. Luckily, the friend I went with had an old Featherweight she loaned me. But it kept skipping stitches, even though I was threading it correctly. Finally I watched this video, stopped and checked, stopped it again to check the next thing, and found that the needle was in backwards. Thank you very much! Now I can keep sewing until I can afford a new machine.

[@sallyolsen1244]

Such a great tutorial learnt so much Thankyou

[@karenlieberman5312]

Thank you so much!!! I couldn't figure out why my machine didn't sew and this helped me fix it myself. :-)

[@argusfleibeit1165]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I've been sewing the home-made face masks for health-care workers due to the current emergency, and my machine suddenly stopped stitching. My needle had somehow gotten loose and turned around-- all fixed now! I was on the brink of ordering a new machine, which wouldn't have gotten here until Thursday, plus cost me a bunch of money. Now I can get back to work!! (I'm pretty sure our ONE repair place will be knee-deep in repair orders, due to EVERYBODY suddenly sewing like mad-- plus, still trying to avoid going out as much as possible.)

[@featherweightshop]

You are very welcome! Our pleasure to help anytime! ❤️

[@catquilt74]

Thank you!!! I took the needle plate off yesterday to do some cleaning and oops(!), the stitching was awful afterwards. This looks like a super easy fix.

[@francestilton2199]

Thank you! Lots of helpful info.

[@dixiehaddock1371]

Thank You ! Was able to fix my featherweight !

[@gdedmonds2001]

Thank you. I actually order from your website, also the card with tips is very informative, thank you so much for that as well. My orders always arrive super fast and be exactly what I need , the prices are very reasonable…..

[@munit9387]

It is very helpful, and thanks for the good information