AHHH! Sewing Machines! HELP!!!

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 12:25pm

Okay sewing machine afficionados(SP?), I need your help. I borrowed a sewing machine from my school, and my teacher gave me a refresher course on how to thread it, but failed to mention how to keep the thread from getting pulled out of the needle. I have tried holding on to the thread, but then it breaks. Any advice? (It is a Husqvarna Viking, if that makes any difference.) Thanks!!!!!

[mominator]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 12:29pm

Silly question ... are you using weak thread? Also check the tention setting.

[etoile]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 12:39pm

After you've threaded the needle, pull at least 9 inches of thread through it. That allows for the upwards retraction.

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 12:42pm

I have a sewing machine for about 5 years now and don't know how to use it...let alone thread it. Etoile, maybe next time you're in visiting you can teach me darling.

[mominator]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 12:44pm

BB, do you still have the owners manual? If not any sewing store can teach you!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 12:44pm

Jeez, Boobs, isn't Grandma good for ANYTHING?!

[mominator]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 12:45pm

OK rath, that was a bit evil but I loved it!

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 12:51pm

Rath..that wasn't evil..that was hysterical..Grandma only knows how to use the ones with the pedal that you move back and forth with your feet. I mean she is 93...I'm lucky she knows how to flush a toilet.

[mominator]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 1:04pm

BB You're a hoot today! Are you feeling stressed?

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 1:05pm

Mom it's scarey that you know me so well.

[mominator]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 1:08pm

No, I am usually at my funniest when things are exploding around me!

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 1:09pm

That's exactly what is happening to me today, everything is exploding around me.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 1:11pm

My poor baby! Do I need to come down there and kick some Wall Street ass?!

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 1:15pm

Would you darling??? They are even more upset because the pizza isn't here yet. You know I even have to feel the animals.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 1:17pm

I hope you mean feed, angel...

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 1:23pm

Oh Rath..you know me and my typos...lol !!!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 1:23pm

I do. I just didn't like the visual at ALL.

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 1:52pm

Sorry to bring this back on topic, but...
etoile, I did try pulling the thread out at least a foot, and it still got pulled back through. It is possible I am using weak thread, but I don't think that is the problem. I used to know how to do this-in the eight grade.

[mominator]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 2:34pm

could be the thread, do you have a fabric store close that sells sewing machines? or try the web site (you said it was a Viking?)

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 2:55pm

The reason I don't think it is the thread is that the kids at my school have been using these sewing machines with the same thread, and it doesn't break for them. I must be doing something wrong or forgetting something, but I haven't the foggiest idea what it could be.

[Stagedoor2]

Posted: 10/15/04 at 8:07pm

Elphie --

It sounds to me like you may not have the machine threaded properly -- I would double check that. Most machines have a picture/diagram that shows the proper threading system somewhere on the inside.

Keep this in mind with my advise, though...

I used to work at a fabric store in the summer during college and when people would call with questions about their machines, my answer was always, "check the tension, try adjusting it a bit and if that doesn't work, give us a call back." I then avoided the phone for the next hour if possible...

Good luck.
Chris