Simple Ways to Fix a Sewing Machine That Won’t Catch the Bobbin Thread

Are you struggling to find a way to fix your sewing machine that won’t catch the bobbin thread and don’t know how to handle it? Then this short article from Hop Phat Sewing is just for you.

Within this article, we will share the causes and detailed solutions for fixing a sewing machine that won’t catch thread. We hope this will be helpful for you.

Revealing Simple Ways to Fix a Sewing Machine That Won’t Catch the Bobbin Thread in a Flash

Today, many women enjoy sewing and often purchase a sewing machine to serve their personal needs and hobbies. With these machines, they can also create handmade items to give to friends and family.

However, during use, it’s unavoidable to encounter some unwanted problems. One of the most common issues is the machine not catching the thread. Why does this happen? Let’s explore the causes below.

Causes That Lead to a Sewing Machine Not Catching Thread

During use, technical glitches that interrupt your sewing are inevitable. One of the most frequent errors is the sewing machine not picking up the thread. There are many causes for this, and here are the 9 most common ones:

(Image: Causes that make a sewing machine not catch thread)

1. Incorrect threading order — the thread path is wrong and doesn’t suit the stitch type.
2. Poor needle quality — the needle is bent, broken, or was installed incorrectly.
3. Improper thread tension adjustment — thread that is too tight or too loose can cause the machine to not catch the thread.
4. Incorrect bobbin winding — the bobbin was wound in the wrong order or improperly.
5. The feed dog adjustment knob is misaligned.
6. The screw on the bobbin case is damaged.
7. Using a needle that is incompatible with the stitch type or fabric material.
8. Needle is installed incorrectly.
9. Other causes — for example, forgetting to bring the upper or lower thread behind the presser foot.

Fixing a sewing machine that won’t catch the bobbin thread is actually quite easy. You just need to pay a little attention and you can resolve this error quickly and simply. If you’re still unsure how to handle it, refer to the steps shared below.

Step 1: (Image: Remove the sewing machine cover)

First, you need to disassemble the sewing machine. To open the cover, you need to unscrew 3 notches — the gear assembly is usually located inside the machine. Then adjust the rim on the shuttle housing slightly to match the stitch type and machine model.

Step 2: (Image: Remove the screw from the sewing machine)

Now look at the shuttle housing — you’ll see a screw. Remove it, then lift out the entire gear assembly. In reality, the sewing machine gear is circular with two notches to prevent it from sliding off the axle.

Step 3: (Image: Remove the screw from the sewing machine)

Next, raise the needle above the presser foot level by rotating the axle so that the needle is positioned above the sewing surface.

Step 4: (Image: Adjust and reinstall the screw in its original position)

If you want to reinstall the gear correctly so the machine catches thread, you need to adjust the shuttle housing so that the rim is parallel to the reference line on the machine. Then lock it in place.

Step 5: (Image: Reinstall the sewing machine cover as original)

After adjusting the gear, you need to tighten the screw and reassemble the sewing machine as it was originally.

Some Notes When Encountering the Sewing Machine Not Catching the Bobbin Thread

We have just guided you through how to fix a sewing machine that won’t catch thread in quite a detailed and thorough manner. However, during the troubleshooting process, you need to keep a few things in mind:

• First, pay attention to how the upper thread is threaded through the machine — check whether it follows the correct sequence. If not, re-thread it in the proper order to prevent the machine from not catching the thread.
• Next, check the feed dog adjustment button (the serrated part located near the presser foot) to see if it is misaligned, as this is also one of the causes of the problem.
• Check whether the upper thread is too tight or too loose. If so, adjust the thread to an appropriate tension.
• When adjusting, note that the needle must not be too short, too high, or too low. Ideally, check and keep the needle in its normal position.
• Also, choose a needle appropriate for the fabric material.
• Finally, check whether the thread on the sewing machine is installed correctly. You can test by gently pulling the upper thread to see if it feels right. If it doesn’t feel right, readjust it immediately.

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Conclusion

We have just shared with you the causes of a sewing machine not catching thread, along with the most detailed and easy-to-follow guide on how to fix a sewing machine that won’t catch the bobbin thread, and the important notes to keep in mind when facing this issue. We hope this has helped you quickly resolve the problem at home on your own.