Comments on: Pfaff 260 – Fabric bunching and thread tension issues?

By: Donya

Donya — Sat, 22 May 2010 04:55:53 +0000

here is a handy link to help with problems.
Always use good thread, not cheap or old.
Change the needle and make sure you are using the appropriate type for the fabric you are sewing. Ballpoint for knits and sharps for cottons or use a universal needle that works on all types of fabric.

By: drip

drip — Sat, 22 May 2010 04:55:53 +0000

Tensions should not be at 1. set all tension back to normal – it should tell you in the manual.

for thin t-shirt material make sure you are using the right needle and stitch length. hold the bottom and top thread for the first few stitches. Your needles should be fine. but cheap thread does make a difference.

You may want to go in to a sewing machine dealer (that has Pfaffs) and just talk to them before getting the machine repaired. make sure you are threading the bobbin correctly and putting into the machine right.

I would get the machine working with some woven cotton fabric first.

By: kay

kay — Sat, 22 May 2010 04:55:53 +0000

It sounds like you’ve got bigger problems than you’re likely to be able to fix yourself without help. I’m guessing filthy tensions and machine just generally way out of adjustment. Either the repair shop or, if you’re good with your hands and patient, a group like the yahoo group "wefixit".

This, btw, is what a properly adjusted straight stitch looks like — the first two photos. Red thread on the bobbin, blue on top — you will see the top thread on the bottom, bottom thread on the top, despite the diagrams showing the thread interlocking only in the very middle.
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/22521551

And yes, a bad needle can make a machine do all sorts of strange things. As can poor quality thread.

Suggested reading: John Giordano’s The Sewing Machine Book, Gale Grigg Hazen’s Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting Machines.

By: pattiann42

pattiann42 — Sat, 22 May 2010 04:55:53 +0000

I would go back to the ‘cheap modern machines" you had success with.

Your "vintage" machine is worn out (and likely full of rust and gunky old lubricant).

Trying to find replacement parts (sounds like the tension control needs to be replaced) may be difficult and then there is a possibility the timing needs adjusting.

As for the bobbin issue – you could have tighten the bobbin case too tight and this is why you cannot pull up the bobbin thread.

Get out the check-book and find a Pfaff service tech.