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Thread or Machine Jam

Needle Threading

Machine Runs On Its Own!

Thread or Machine Jam

The Singer Model 221 “Featherweight” Sewing Machine

Thread Jams – Machine is stuck and won’t turn or there is a crunching sound when the needle move up and down. YOU CAN FIX THIS YOURSELF! The following will take you step by step to remove thread jams in the Rotating Hook area.

Remove the needle plate

Needle Plate shown removed

With Bobbin Case removed, remove this small screw (called the Rotating Hook Gib screw)

Shown with Gib screw removed

Rotate the Rotating Hook Gib to this position

Rotate the Bobbin Case Base to the position shown in order to remove the Bobbin Case Base. It may need some effort to remove, especially if a thread has become jammed between it and the Rotating Hook, but it will come off!

With Bobbin Case Base removed, look for any stray threads and remove. You may need to use tweezers and move the hand wheel back and forth to help find/remove threads.

It is also a good idea to place a drop or two of sewing machine oil on the Bobbin Case Base before assembling onto the Rotating Hook. Replace Bobbin Case Base, aligning as shown above. Once it is in place and properly seated, it should spin freely on the Rotating Hook.
Rotate the Rotating Hook Gib back into this position, making sure the screw hole is aligned.

Replace the Gib screw.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure that the finger of the Bobbin Case Base is properly positioned between the Bobbin Case Position Springs on the bottom of the Needle Plate. Failure to ensure this is properly installed is the cause of the majority of stitch problems with Featherweights!

Attach the Needle Plate screws.

Verify once more that the finger of the Bobbin Case Base is properly positioned between the Bobbin Case Position Springs on the bottom of the Needle Plate. Failure to ensure this is properly installed is the cause of the majority of stitch problems with Featherweights!