Stitches are looped under work

[JeannieH]

Hi everyone. So I got on my machine today and the stitches aren’t forming right. First, the top thread wasn’t pulling the bottom thread up because underneath the leather it was straight. I switched thread and needles and same issue. I thought my bobbin wasn’t winding right enough so I worked on that and that still didn’t solve the problem. Other than timing, what could be the issue? It’s a new consew 227r. I can’t remember anything drastic happening to throw the timing off. I did the other day, sew through two pieces I had glued together with aquilim glue..and my stitches weren’t all forming consecutively. I hate having to retime the machines so before I take it apart, I wanted to see what else I could try first. Thanks ahead!

i have probably only sewn on this machine a total of 2 hours!

[Constabulary]

If the thread knots do not pull through the material increase the top tension and / or lower the bottom tension or try a larger size needle.

What thread and needle size are you using? Leather tip or round tip needle?

[arashikage]

If the bottom thread is straight the problem is top tension too loose or bobbin tension too high. Double check that the top tension is staying put after changing it. I had a machine that the threads were bad on the top tension knob and it would kick it self out. 

[JeannieH]

Sorry I forgot to mention I adjusted the top tension and it makes no difference..cranked it up real high and real low... no huge difference.

i tried different needles..size 18 and 21 round and a tricut size 22. Leather is chrome tanned glued together with leftover sliced leather from veg tan inside. I tried other leather and still same result. Thread is vinymo #5 on bobbin and top. 

What type needle is best for topstiching and which for inside seams?

Edited October 23, 2019 by JeannieH

[JeannieH]

Ok the timing is fine.

i changed both threads to serafil size 138 I believe. Needle is round. Sewed just fine.

 I replaced the top thread with vinymo #5...same serafil bobbin..this time, the top thread(I have two different colors so I can see what’s happening) can be seen at the bottom.

next I put the vinymo in the top and bobbin and bottom stitch is straight with small loops from hw top thread. I cranked the tension up and the top thread still didn’t pull the bottom thread up!

i have used vinymo a lot and even on this machine..can’t figure out what’s wrong.

i also noticed when I wind the vinymo on my bobbin it doesn’t seem tight like my other threads...if I take it out the machine it unravels easily.  I’m stumped!

[JeannieH]

Ok I used the same vinymo not thread but in the smaller #8 size in the top and bobbin...and it sewed fine. So the problem is with the bigger thread. So guys..why might this be happening? I know my machine can handle the thread..it’s a consew 227r2.  

[JeannieH]

I used the bigger vinymo on top and the smaller size on the bottom and it seems to have solved the problem. Will try the strap again to know for sure.

[Hildebrand]

Check your needle size and make sure your needle is correct for the larger thread.  Also when you change the top tension without affecting the stitches you may have too much bottom tension.  I had that issue with my CB 4500 when it was new, I had a hard time balancing things and then by accident I found out there was something caught in the bobbin carrier and no matter what I was doing to the tension adjustments it wasn't changing.  It popped free and life has been good since.

[JeannieH]

Ok thank you. I will check the bobbin tension. One other problem I’m having I gotta is that when sewing my chrome tanned purse strap...when finished it’s slightly curved and not straight. Any experience with that?

[Northmount]

@JeannieH Moved your post to Leather Sewing Machines.  You'll find more help here.

Also, see this needle and thread size chart https://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html

For straps, the higher the thread tensions, the more likely the strap may curve, and especially if you changed tensions between sides.  The leather may also have a natural curve it wants to follow.

Tom

[Wizcrafts]

I only use bonded nylon or bonded polyester spools of thread in my lockstitch machines. The only lube on thread should be silicon thread lubricant.The maximum your Consew 227 can handle is #138, with a #23 (aka 160) needle. If the seams are taped or glued, use titanium coated needles. Keep a small can of Goof Off and a dauber handy to clean the adhesive off the needle.

[JeannieH]

Ok thanks guys for the tips! I have a consew bell skiver and when I skive the skiver leather just rolls right back around and up jamming underneath the blade. What could be the problem?? I sharpen the knife but that doesn’t stop it from happening. Could my stone be sticky or something? Should I get a steel roller?

[keithski122]

With the skiver I've found that if I do short lengths it needs cleaning out from the blade, however if I do longer runs then gravity will drop it out the bottom.

[Northmount]

3 hours ago, JeannieH said:

Ok thanks guys for the tips! I have a consew bell skiver and when I skive the skiver leather just rolls right back around and up jamming underneath the blade. What could be the problem?? I sharpen the knife but that doesn’t stop it from happening. Could my stone be sticky or something? Should I get a steel roller?

New subject, start a new post in the applicable forum so you are more likely to get answers from people with such equipment or problems.  This is cluttering up an otherwise good thread.  As you are no doubt well aware, a bell skiver is not a sewing machine.

Tom

[JeannieH]

15 hours ago, Northmount said:

New subject, start a new post in the applicable forum so you are more likely to get answers from people with such equipment or problems.  This is cluttering up an otherwise good thread.  As you are no doubt well aware, a bell skiver is not a sewing machine.

Tom

Well I posted in the “How do I do that” thread so I didn’t know I could only ask questions about sewing machines. I’m not on here often so I don’t know all the ends and outs.

[Northmount]

3 hours ago, JeannieH said:

Well I posted in the “How do I do that” thread so I didn’t know I could only ask questions about sewing machines.

If you look back a few posts, you will notice that I advised you I had moved your thread to Leather Sewing Machines so you would get more input from experts in that area.  https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/87554-stitches-are-looped-under-work/?do=findComment&comment=597663

If you go to the main forum page, you will see all the forums along with descriptions of what they are for. https://leatherworker.net/forum/

 

We are just trying to keep the posts somewhat organized so people can browse or follow their areas of interest or expertise.  It also helps you get answers for particular questions, and allows you to browse or search your areas of interest for tips, photos, helps, etc.

Tom

[JJN]

Leather Sewing Machines is a sub-topic under the main topic of Fabrication. There is another sub-topic under Fabrication called Leather Machinery. That is the place for skiver questions. I hope you get your answers there.

[DonInReno]

Vinymo #5 is only slightly bigger than 138, but it might be the way it’s twisted that doesn’t agree with your machine?  A bigger needle is a good place to start.

 

[Wizcrafts]

I have never actually seen or used Vinymo brand thread, but if it is not left twist, bad things will happen when it is used in a normal lockstitch sewing machine. Untwisted and right twist unravel in most machines, except for shoe sole stitchers