Richard says the collar is probably hung up or stuck, so the feeddogs can't work properly. Try this: open the machine so you can see the inside, turn the handwheel by hand in sewing direction and watch the feeddogs, when they get to the farthest back position, roll just a hair more so you can see when the dogs should begin to move down. Clean and oil (lots of oil) and move the hand wheel back and forth just a little to work the oil onto the collar. Re-oil and work the hand wheel again, and keep this up until the collar starts to move and the dogs roll down and around. It takes time and patience to loosen the dogs and collar but it should eventually work.

Did I imply that Rich works on machines now? Sorry. He doesn't. Well, he gets roped into it on occasion, but it's not his "real" job. To answer your question, though, he would check the battery and everything else if he were servicing the machine. To service means that they're cleaning and oiling and doing whatever is necessary to prevent problems. Checking the battery and recommending that you replace it when necessary should be part of that. I hope that the company made good on the battery and replaced it and repaired any damage.

Use an oil that specifies sewing machine oil, because, yes, it has to be very thin. Go to your favorite quilt or fabric shop, or a place that sells sewing machines to buy a good quality oil. It takes only a few drops, so a little will last quite a long time. The same oil can be used throughout the machine.

I have a quick question. One of my machines, a Bernina 1011, was working fine. Still sewing fine as far as I know, but the last time I tried to use the bobbin winder, nothing. I did the usual normal stuff. But the winding does not happen. Is this something I can look into, or should I just take it in?

I assume that the machine was plugged in, you turned on the winder mechanism correctly, and the machine was turned on. (you'd be surprised)

First try one more time, making sure everything else is working properly and you fully engaged the winder mechanism. If you still have a problem, take the machine in because it could be that the bobbin winder is disconnected, has a short or is frozen. You can't fix any of those and it would be dangerous to try--you could damage the machine or shock yourself if you a wire is loose or damaged.

Sorry, I must have misread something. It sounded like he does to me (not that I want to send my machine your way :D ). I think being roped into it counts though.

and NO, they are not touching my machine EVER AGAIN. DH actually took care of it. He gets roped into things too. :mrgreen:

Not sure why I can't get the quote to display properly???

Thanks, That is kinda what I was thinking. I did have it all plugged in. Was using it and needed more thread on the bobbin. I will just take it to my Bernina guy.

I can see this becoming a well-bookmarked thread. Lots of good advice and answers happening here! Even though I might not have a question right now, this will be the first place I look if something comes up.
I sent a question to Janome about my machine and the reply came back that they don't diagnose over the internet and I should take it in. They did tell me where to put a drop of oil, though. Luckily, I have a superb mechanic within driving distance and reliable machinery.

I also have a Kenmore (158.16012) with "frozen" feed dogs---they move back and forth but not up and down....my question for Rich is this---in the photo I have attached is the point of the pencil pointing to the collar? I am using PB Blaster on the moving parts and a blow dryer set to hot in an effort to loosen up this joint...it would be great to know if I am working in the correct area....

Frustrated in KS,
Darcene

Darcene, Richard says you found the collar. Oil everything and take lots of time unsticking it.

Here's a little extra help: to the left of where the pen is pointing there should be a pin that hooks to another arm--just follow it back till you find the second arm. You can spray the whole thing with penetrating oil (WD40, for example) and let it sit and soak in a while (overnight is okay). You'll probably need to lay the machine on its back to spray and let it soak in. When you're ready, set it back upright and try turning the machine by hand. Again, go slowly so you don't force it out of timing (which might happen anyway). If it feels like it wants to loosen, shoot it down with lots of machine oil and work it loose. If not, go back to the penetrating oil--spray and soak, try turning it gently, repeat. It might take several times of spraying and soaking. (He worked on one of my old machines for two days after I overheated it without oiling it enough. It was cheap, 1., and 2. I hadn't frozen a machine yet by forgetting to oil it. Anyway, he completely disassembled the machine, sprayed the frozen parts down and walked away--to my shock! Just left me standing there. But an hour later he came back, sprayed, played, sprayed it again and left. Two days!!! Finally it broke loose. I'd given up and started looking at new machines but didn't get one cause he fixed the old cheapie. I learned the hard way that to get a new machine with a mechanic in the house takes more than roughing up the machine!) Good luck and let me know if it works. Mary