I have a singer 301, the bobbin thread jumbles onthe bottom of the fabric when i try to sew, is it an adjustment

Check your stitch sample. Is it actually the top thread showing under the fabric, or is it really the bobbin thread. Generally, thread problems under the fabric are an upper thread problem. Thread issues above the fabric is a bobbin issue.

Try a brand new needle.
Remove the top thread from the machine.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread.
Remove the bobbin, check that it is wound smoothly, and install and thread the bobbin case making sure the bobbin spins the correct direction.
From that point, there may need to be some tension adjustments required.

Understanding Thread Tension Threads

If the problem continues, you may need to have it serviced. Perhaps there is a burr or snag somewhere that is interfering with the thread in the thread path.

Bobbin Tension How and Why Tension is Adjusted

Understanding Bobbin Tension

Understanding Thread Tension Threads

Sewing Lesson 10 How to Fix Tension on Your Sewing Machine

Sounds like it is not catching the bobbin thread which is how it makes a stitch. Try re-threading top and bottom threads. Or perhaps your tension is far too loose. Adjust tension higher or lower to test.

change the needle --make sure it's the right one for the fabric
being sewed

rethread the machine top and bobbin

make sure the bobbin is turned the right way in the bobbin case

also check the top thread tension, if the stitches under the fabric
are loose adjust the top thread tension one number or letter higher
at a time and sew on a scrap piece of fabric till the stitches look
normal

here is a free manual
http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/696_5417c.pdf

Which stitch are you using?

To check thread tension for straight stitches, use different colors of thread in your top thread and bobbin. If the top thread shows on the bottom of the fabric, turn the dial counter-clockwise (towards a lower number). If the bottom thread shows on the top, turn the dial clockwise. Do not adjust the tension too much (for example, go from 2 to 2.5 if increasing the tension) at a time; test another set of stitches. Alternatively, you can adjust the bobbin tension in the reverse directions. However, it's very easy to damage the set screw in the bobbin case so do this as a last resort. Since this is a vertical bobbin case, put the bobbin in and hold onto the thread. If the thread moves when you dangle the bobbin case, tighten the screw. Loosen the screw if the thread doesn't pull out of the bobbin when you hold the unit.

For zig-zag decorative stitches lower the tension until the puckering stops. Usually the top thread will show on the bottom of the fabric.

If the tension is not changing when you turn the dial, make sure that the presser foot is down. The sewing machine may need repair. The tension mechanism depends on a spring and that can break. See the Singer site for a parts breakdown and contact your Singer dealer for the parts.

If the top and bottom fabric are not moving at the same rate, you can get a different type of puckering. You may want to get an even feed foot if there are several layers of fabric.

The manual for the 3116 is available from Singer: http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/438_3116.pdf .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

I've had the same problem - jumbled threads on the underneath side of fabric. My solution was this: I had recently purchased new bobbins and they turned out to be the wrong size. I went back to the ones that came with the machine and the problem disappeared. So, have you recently purchased new bobbins? They might not be the correct ones. Funny, in all of the posted possible solutions below, not one mentioned this possibility. turns out my new ones were not as tall and were slightly concave instead of taller and flat. Check your machine manual for the correct bobbin part number.

Looping thread underneath is a top thread tension issue...

I have written a 5 page illustrated Tutorial on overcoming this problem....HERE

1. Make sure your needle is correct for the fabric. Go buy some good needles in several sizes. You'll need a 90 for jeans, rounded points for fine fabrics... get a few sizes. Your manual should provided you with clues to the right needle for the fabrics. (BTW... there really is no such thing as a Universal Needle... toss it.)

2. Re-read your manual and carefully follow the instructions on threading the bobbin and the upper thread...

3. Check your tension on the upper thread... it is too loose for the application. The tension on the bottom thread is handled by a spring on your bobbin case or race. If you do not have that threaded properly you'll have problems. Same with the direction the bobbin turns... have in it backwards... problems.

Barring all these things... It might be time for a qualified Singer repair person to look at it. Sadly Singer has seriously lowered it's standards in the last 20 years.

basic tension instructions apply...bottom tension should be moderate, thread should pass when holding thread and dangle the case. Top tension should pull bottom thread JUST to the top side of fabric. thread bobbin case counter clockwise.

This is a tension adjustment problem. It's good to use two different colors of thread, like you did. From your description, the top thread (needle thread) tension needs to be tighter. As you tighten the tension of the top thread, you'll see that the top thread pulls the bobbin thread up into the fabric so it's no longer laying loose on the bottom of the fabric.

You'll need to have the pressure foot down when you tighten the tension. Tighten it a little, sew a practice seam, check to see what the stitch looks like. Tighten it a little more, sew, check, etc etc--until both top and bottom look the same--you shouldn't see much (if any) of the bobbin thread color on top of the fabric or the top thread color on the underside.

Let me know how this works for you, ok?


Robbie