Thread Wadding Bottom Side When Reversing. Cowboy 3500

[Tallbald]

Really learning fast on my new Cowboy 3500 from Toledo Industrial. One thing I'm experiencing though is that when I reverse to back stitch at the end of a run, the thread sometimes wads and tangles up on the underside on the leather.

Does it matter if I shift the reverse lever quickly or slowly? Am I missing some technique I should be using when reversing? Is it OK to shift on the fly or must I stop before shifting?

Also while I'm at it, when I start a stitch run I am holding both upper and lower thread. I don't remember if I was told to hold both or could I just hold the upper thread? It's difficult sometimes to reach the lower thread if I'm in the middle of a piece I'm sewing.

Thanks everyone and I truly appreciate ALL the comments I receive to my questions here. Don

[Wizcrafts]

Whenever possible, hold both threads. When only the top is available, hold it without pulling on it.

Your thread clumping on the bottom in reverse is a mystery. Does the bottom look perfectly placed in forward sewing? What needle size and thread sizes are you using? How dense is the leather? What stitch length are you using?

Check these things for top thread showing on the bottom:

1. Top tension is too loose. Check thread to ensure it has not jumped of out the tension disks. If ok, increase top tension.
2. Bottom tension too tight. Make sure the bobbin turns freely when loaded in the case and pulled firmly through the tension spring. If you feel an obstruction once per revolution, pull out the bobbin and cut off any starting thread stubs. Try less bobbin spring tension.
3. Stitches are too close together for the size of thread. Use at least 6 per inch spacing, or longer, with #277 bonded nylon thread. Increase stitch length settings.
4. Wait until the needle is just about to exit the leather before throwing it into reverse.
5. Make sure there is between 1/4 and 1/2 turn clearance on the two spring loaded screws holding the shuttle race housing to the body.
6. Move up one size needle. Make sure the needle is set with the eye facing sideways. If there is any lateral tilt at all, make sure it favors the direction of the oncoming hook.
7. Thread might be too stiff. Try a different color to see if this is true. Not all thread is created equal and black is the worst offender. ;-)

[Tallbald]

Thank you. I increased the upper tension and the problem was reduced a lot. I do have so much to learn. DOn