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  • treadle machine not catching top thread

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    Old 11-14-2012, 06:22 AM
      #1  
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    Default treadle machine not catching top thread

    Hi,
    I have a treadle machine that I have managed to actually work as intended, except for the top thread not being picked up by the shuttle bobbin. It will not actually sew anything. Can anyone tell me what is going wrong here and how to fix it? This is probably so simple that it's ridiculous, but it's got me baffled at this point.

    Thanks!
    jennanneray is offline  
    Old 11-14-2012, 06:30 AM
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    jennanneray,

    Welcome to Quilting Board forum.

    What brand and model of sewing machine is it? If you're not sure, we love pictures .

    Standard questions:
    >Do you have the correct needle in the machine?
    >Do you have the needle installed in the proper direction?
    >Do you have it threaded properly?
    >Is the bobbin area clean of fuzz, lint and debris?


    Joe
    J Miller is offline  
    Old 11-14-2012, 06:39 AM
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    I'll get some pics up, I'll have to put them on my computer.
    To answer your questions:
    1. it seems to fit a standard needle. I compared the one that came on it to the modern one with a flat side, looks the same. The "original" is pretty rusty, so I can't read any markings on it.
    2. It only fits one way. Tried to fit another direction, and that doesn't work.
    3. It's threaded to the best of my knowledge. I don't have a manual, and it's been like pulling teeth to find one, lol.
    4. I have completely cleaned out/wiped down/oiled everything. It was pretty dusty and stiff when I got it, but now it treadles great. Just doesn't sew.

    The manufacture name stamped on it is AG Mason MFG CO, Cleveland, OH USA. There is a serial number, but very worn and hard to read. The name painted on it is Improved New Wilson. Nice looking machine, I just can't find anything about it. So pretty much ANY type of help is welcomed.

    Thanks everyone, and I'll get some pictures up.
    jennanneray is offline  
    Old 11-14-2012, 07:12 AM
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    jennanneray,

    I don't know anything about the AG Mason made Improved New Wilson machines. I looked it up in ISMACS needle list:
    { http://www.ismacs.net/needle_and_sha...eedle-list.pdf } and it shows the Mason New Wilson uses a 20x1 needle. So a 15x1 is too short and there is your problem.
    Here is one source of 20x1 needles: { http://www.sewingshop.com/singerindu...dles-20x1.aspx }

    Don't throw your old needle away. If it was the correct one you can sometimes seat a 15x1 out to the overall same length as the 20x1 and have it work. Not always. The needle clamp on some machines won't clamp the shorter needles.

    Joe
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    Old 11-14-2012, 01:54 PM
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    I did get it to work. I don't have the longer needles, so I set the new needle in at a slightly longer adjustment and made sure to clamp it in good. I watched the needle lower into the bobbin area to make sure it wasn't going to hit anything. So far it's working until I can get some of the correct needles. Thanks for your help

    I tried to upload some pictures, but the upload keeps failing?
    jennanneray is offline  
    Old 11-15-2012, 09:08 PM
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    It may seem simplistic, but make sure the needle is inserted correctly, and make sure you are threading it in the correct direction. I had a Singer 201-2 that sat idle for years because I didn't think it would sew, and eventually discovered I was threading the needle the wrong direction. Now it works great!
    jlm5419 is offline  
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