The Upholstery Forum

Hi;
New to the forum.. seems very informative and post are knowledgeable and well educated. I was mentored in the 90's, left the craft. I learned on a industrial praft. Finally recovering from the death of my mentor and as a way honoring him, I have decided to get back into the art. I grabbed a Singer 111 w 102 w/o any paperwork.. seems as it has been sitting for a good while, as well as possibly being set up incorrectly. I am sure I have threaded it correctly, however seems as it is commonly missing the lower/bobbin thread, upper thread then gets tangled and jammed around the case and snaps the thread. Thinking it cud also be a tension issue.. anyone who has experience with these machine that cud offer any thoughts or ideas to try.. wud greatly be appreciated... as ya'all kno switching machines and take up set ups can be extremely frustrating...!
Blu-

Hi @Blu-Mist1976 Welcome to the forum!
There could be many things causing this problem my guess because its old is the timing may be off but check these other things

1. Make sure the thread tension is not too tight. Back foo both the top and bobbin tension and see if that helps
2. Needle could be too small for the thread you are using.
3. Make sure you are holding the threads tight when you start a seam other wise the bobbing thread will get pulled under and cause this problem.

If that doesn't work you need to check the hook to needle timing.

Double check that its the right needle and oriented correctly. What size thread?

The best thing to do is to go over it from stem to stern, oiling and setting timing and hook clearance as well as new tension assembly if needed. Check hook for burrs. http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine ... 0-199.html
does not show a 111w102 so I'm not sure what you have but a service manual for a 111w155 or 111w156(reverse) should be very close for settings.

Using a 13 X 17 needle & coats extra strong upholstery thread.. have had the same problem with 40 w and 60 w, leaning towards a timing issue as I suspected when I unloaded them... however the bobbin holder seems to be missing one of the screws.. witch appear to be on a blk band, assuming this is a tension component...?

That missing screw appears to be the tension adjustment screw. The bobbin case might have a singer part number that you can use to find a screw or new bobbin case. Are you sure that is the correct needle?

It'd be easier to just replace the bobbin case. That little screw is going to be very specific and good luck finding it if you drop that tiny thing.