What Am I Doing Wrong

[gainesvilleman]

I am new to using a sewing machine, I make leather holsters and have been doing them by hand. Due to arthritis problems I bought a PFAFF 1245 color is white, I have tried to use #207 on top and #138 or #92 on the bobbin, my problem is no matter what thread I use on top it keeps breaking or bunching up at the needle. The machine has a servo motor so I am going very slow, when it is not breaking the thread the stitch is very good the timing seems fine. I sew 7-8 oz. leather veg/tanned. When I go in reverse the top thread breaks right away. If any one could give me some advise it would greatly appreciated.

[Northmount]

I am new to using a sewing machine, I make leather holsters and have been doing them by hand. Due to arthritis problems I bought a PFAFF 1245 color is white, I have tried to use #207 on top and #138 or #92 on the bobbin, my problem is no matter what thread I use on top it keeps breaking or bunching up at the needle. The machine has a servo motor so I am going very slow, when it is not breaking the thread the stitch is very good the timing seems fine. I sew 7-8 oz. leather veg/tanned. When I go in reverse the top thread breaks right away. If any one could give me some advise it would greatly appreciated.

Are you matching needle and thread size? Here is a chart http://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html

Is the needle in the right direction, and threaded from the correct side? Thread should enter on the side of the needle with the long groove.

Tom

Edited June 15, 2013 by northmount

[Ferg]

Double check your tension settings.

Remember: Your stitch is only as strong as the "Least" of your thread.

ferg

[gainesvilleman]

_{Thank you both Tom & Ferg, I am using a 140/22 leather point needle, and I do thread it correctly. I have read in the forum that some people are using a 25 needle, I thought I would try that also. I have checked the tension, and from what I can see there is no top thread on the bottom and no bottom thread on the top, so I thought the tension was ok? But I will play with the tension and see if that is the problem. This forum is great for newcomers like myself, I have learned a lot and hope to learn a lot more.}

[TwinOaks]

It could be that you have BOTH tensions set too high...which would keep the knot in the middle, but could be too much for the bobbin thread.

[Red Cent]

Did you check the needle? Sounds like you have it turned 180 wrong.

[gainesvilleman]

The direction of the needle scarf is toward the hook, it picks up fine, the timing seems to be good also. Thanks Stu...

[Sunman05]

I have a Juki-LU562. No matter fast or slow, I get a big knotty mess near the bobbin. I'm just learning to use it and getting teed-off!

What methods are advisable?

[RiverCity]

Are you holding the top and bottom threads straight back and taught for the first couple of stitches?

Chuck

[Sunman05]

No

Straight back or is to the side okay?