Hiya, playing with a cheap mini sewing machine I was gifted. I haven’t used a sewing machine since Home Ec 20 years ago.

First question is so basic that it isn’t covered by any of the instructions I’ve read or watched. When I finish sewing a section, there are two threads hanging out of each end of the stitches. One is from my thread spool, the other from the bottom bobbin (according to my machine’s instructions). If I pull the bottom thread, it just comes straight out. The top thread is at least looped around the bottom thread. Am I supposed to tie these together at each end every time? Is there some trick I’m missing?

Second question is maybe about my specific machine. The loops of top thread that go around the bottom thread are really loose. Any guess what I’ve done wrong to cause that?

a piece of test fabric on a small sewing machine with a straight line of stitches. the loops are loose.

Thanks in advance.

  • Clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
    1·
    8 months ago

    I have a button for a paltry light, an on/off button that just makes it run forever without the pedal, and a speed button that only has high or low. It’s not a very capable machine, but it was free!

    • Jackie's Fridge@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      6 months ago

      On the old vintage Singer shuttle machines (the 27s and 28s) there was no reverse mechanism. The instruction book specified to make sure the needle is out of the fabric, lift the presser foot, slide the fabric back a few stitches’ worth, then lower the foot and stitch over the previous stitches. Do that a couple times and you’ve tied off the thread. That technique might help with yours.

      • Clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
        2·
        6 months ago

        I appreciate it, that might be easier than what I’ve been doing. I am starting the wrong direction, head an inch or so toward the end, then needle down, foot up, rotate the fabric and go the normal direction.