Singer Sewing Machine Not Picking Up Bobbin Thread? 10 Surprising Reasons!

Last Updated on 6 months by Susan Mayrich

Are you wondering why my singer sewing machine not picking up bobbin thread? There are some simple things you can check to fix this problem yourself and get back to sewing in no time.

singer sewing machine not picking up bobbin thread

It can be frustrating if your sewing machine is not picking up the bobbin thread. You might think your needle is broken or something else is wrong with your machine. If your sewing machine is not picking up bobbin thread, check for a clog.

Take the bobbin case out, and remove the spool from the bottom. Try flushing it with a few drops of cool water. If a clog persists, remove any threads that could be interfering with the threading, and clean around the bobbin area with a damp cloth to remove oils and lint residue. This will also ensure a smooth bobbin winding.

Next, ensure to replace the spool on the bobbin case and check that both tension discs are correctly spinning.

 

Why Your Singer Sewing Machine Not Picking Up The Bobbin Thread?

Here are the reasons why your singer sewing machine not picking up the bobbin thread:

 

#1. The bobbin is not threaded correctly

This is the most common reason a sewing machine won’t pick up the bobbin thread. Ensure that the bobbin is threaded correctly by following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re not sure how to do this, plenty of helpful videos online can show you how.

 

#2. There is something caught in the bobbin case

If something is caught in the bobbin case, it can prevent the bobbin thread from pulling up through the machine. Check inside the bobbin case for any lint or other debris and remove it if you find any. You can also use a small brush to brush out any lint you can’t get at with your fingers.

You should also make sure the bobbin case is clean on the outside. Lint or other debris here can prevent the bobbin thread from moving up to the needle plate of your sewing machine.

Just wipe it with a cloth dipped in soapy water and dry it off with a dry cloth.

 

#3. The bobbin tension is not set correctly

The bobbin thread needs to be pulled tight enough to go through the needle plate of your sewing machine, but it should not be too tight or too loose. Check your manual to find out the correct tension for your machine and adjust it as needed.

 

#4. The needle is not inserted correctly

If the needle is not inserted correctly, it might not be able to pick up the bobbin thread. Make sure the needle is inserted into the machine straight up and down. You should also check to see if the needle is bent or damaged and replace it if necessary.

 

#5. The thread is not threaded through the needle correctly

If the thread is not threaded through the needle correctly, it will not be able to pick up the bobbin thread. Make sure the thread goes under the presser foot and is coming out of the hole in the needle. If it’s not, re-thread the needle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

#6. You’re using an incorrect bobbin

If you are not using the correct bobbin for your sewing machine, it can lead to thread breakage or tangling in the bobbin area. Try replacing your bobbin with a brand-new one to solve this problem quickly and easily. If that doesn’t fix the issue, consult the user manual to identify the correct type of bobbin for your sewing machine.

 

#7. Your bobbin is warped or damaged

If your bobbin is warped or damaged, it can prevent the bobbin thread from being pulled up through the machine. If this is the case, you will need to replace your bobbin with a brand new one.

 

#8. Tension discs are correctly spinning

If your tension discs aren’t spinning, something is likely caught in the bobbin case. So first, check to see if the tension discs are spinning correctly.

 

#9. Timing problems

The trouble also may be caused because your sewing machine timing is off. This is because the needle and hook in the bobbin are in the correct position simultaneously, causing problems with the needle.

 

#10. Bobbin did not wound correctly

If your bobbin is not wound correctly, it can cause the machine not to pick up the bobbin thread. So make sure to follow the instructions for winding the bobbin. Now, you’ve known the answer to your question: why is my singer sewing machine not picking up bobbin thread?

 

How Do I Get My Sewing Machine To Pick Up The Bobbin Thread? (Video Tutorial)

Here are some helpful videos that will show you what to do if any of these problems come up again.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These are the commonly asked questions for this topic:

 

How do I know if my timing is off on my sewing machine?

The sewing machine’s timing is incorrect if the hook tip is going through or below the needle’s eye. Also, if the hook tip goes above and beyond the needle eye by a few millimeters when it meets the radius of the hook but does not extend past it more than a couple of millimeters, then.

 

Why is my bottom thread bunching up?

One possible reason your bottom thread is bunching up is that the tension is too tight. You can adjust this by turning the knob on the front of the machine. You should also try lowering the tension if the fabric you’re sewing is delicate or lightweight.

 

Why is my bobbin getting stuck?

Your bobbin could be getting stuck because you’re winding it too tightly. To keep your thread from winding around the back of your needle, you’ll need to maintain a consistent speed when winding the thread.

 

Why is my sewing machine needle hitting the bobbin case?

If you’re sewing and the needle keeps catching the thread below it, you cast on or threaded your machine incorrectly and did not prepare for a unique thread path. Your needle may be hitting the bobbin case because:

#1. The top thread comes from an upper spool that isn’t visible when you look down into your machine. Check that there is enough slack in the upper threads

#2. The bobbin case needs to be adjusted with a screw

#3. The bobbin winds around the wrong way in its frame. Turn bobbin frame upside down, so the arrow points upward

 

Related Topics

Why Is My Sewing Machine Not Moving The Fabric – Here Are The Causes

Mini Sewing Machine Not Stitching At All – Causes & Solutions

 

It’s A Wrap!

Now, you’ve known why my singer sewing machine not picking up bobbin thread. Thank you friends for reading until the end of this article! You may also want to read about bobbin tension guide and solutions for sewing machine-breaking needle.

3 thoughts on “Singer Sewing Machine Not Picking Up Bobbin Thread? 10 Surprising Reasons!”

  1. I have a new Singer 4411 machine and I used it for a few days but today in the middle of sewing something the needle would act like it was hitting something when i put pressure foot down. (It goes down easily when pressure foot is raised) I repalced needle to no avail and I know I inserted it correctly and I put a new bobbin in and discovered it is not picking up the thread.
    I have the exact same same machine but I just decided to get a new one last week as I like the model so much. So i am very familiar with the machine and have never ran into this problem before. I can’t use the machine and Im thinking of returning it and continue using my older one. HELP?

    Reply
  2. I have a vintage singer sewing machine I am working on a singer 201 k when I thread it stick the bobbin in it picks up the bobbin thread but when I start to sew it does not pick it up anymore thread just lays on top of the fabric

    Reply

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