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Member since 8/4/08
Posts: 16
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Posted on: 8/9/10 11:24 AM ET
I do not know how I mess up my bobbin tension lately. No matter what I have tried, the bobbin tension always looks loose. I have cleaned and oiled my machine. I use a new needle. The size and stitch length seem appropriate.

I have asked my DH to tighten the bobbin case. Even he cannot tighten it anymore, the bobbin failed the test. I got more than 1.5 inches thread if I did yoyo test.

If I set the top tension between 1 and 2, the top tension and bobbin tension seem to be balanced. My question is whether I should buy a new bobbin case now. It is not expensive. But I just want to know whether my old bobbin case is still usable. Thanks for your suggestions.
  
Member since 3/8/10
Posts: 11006
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Posted on: 8/9/10 12:38 PM ET
In reply to Caitouer
I replaced my bobbin case 2 months ago as you could see a noticeable
difference in the bottom stitches...on closer inspection a couple of tiny nicks in it. Once it was replaced no further problems with it. Make sure you get the exact model number of bobbin holder. My sm takes 3 different ones & I finally figured it out when the first 2 I got would not fit...there should be a tiny parts number engraved on it to know which bobbin holder that you need for your sm.

>^^<

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Member since 8/4/08
Posts: 16
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Posted on: 8/9/10 1:57 PM ET
Thanks a lot.

Mine sw is an old Necchi-Alco 2200. The bobbin case is vertical. I would guess it uses classic 15. But thanks for reminding me check the model. :)
-- Edited on 8/9/10 1:59 PM --
  
Member since 8/4/08
Posts: 16
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Posted on: 8/13/10 1:28 PM ET
I bought a cheap one from JOANN yesterday. But it does not work with my machine. It looks similar to my old one but it keeps falling off.

I would prefer order one online but I do not know which one works. It seems to me it is oscillating bobbin case. I can not find any model number on the bobbin case. Is it universal?
  
Member since 4/17/09
Posts: 1678
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Posted on: 8/13/10 1:59 PM ET
In reply to Caitouer
Why don't you go on ebay and type in your sewing machine model and it will most probably pull up bobbins that will fit your machine. If you are unsure, you can always ask the seller as if they are selling the bobbin case, they will know which models their case will fit. HTH
  
Member since 8/4/08
Posts: 16
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Posted on: 8/16/10 10:33 AM ET
Just a follow up:

I fixed my problem with 5-in dental floss!

I was not sure whether my old bobbin case is really broken. So I asked my DH to use his electric skrewdriver to help. First he tightened it, I tried and it still seemed the bottom tension is loose. He suggested to loose it completely first. He took it apart and told me he doubt there is anything could be wrong, since there is a piece of spring and a screw.

Then I remembered I saw somewhere I need to clean my tension disk (thank goodness mine is a mechanical sm). This time I cut about 5 inches of floss and cleaned my tension disk. It worked! I can not believe my eyes!

Then I found my bobbin tension is too tight. So I set my top tension between 4 and 5 and adjust the bobbin tension. Finally I got my tension right without spending anything.
  
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