So I’ve finished cleaning up the Elna, and have begun the process of learning its “originalities” as a sewing machine. Naturally, I pulled up a copy of the user’s manual, and within 6 pages, I’ve learned something. Not so much about the machine, but about thread. So I thought I’d detail some of the neat things I find as I go and a few things I’m remembering as a result of this reading, mostly from the OSMG (Old Sewing Machine Guy).
- When thread is too dry, it becomes brittle; it regains its strength when placed near an open window overnight.
- Wind a bobbin while pressing lightly on the top of the spool. (This is also backed up by an OSMG. He said that the machines often wind a loose bobbin, which causes a tension problem when sewing. You can combat it by doing what’s mentioned here.)
- Bobbin thread should always unwind in a counter clock wise direction. Doesn’t matter which sewing machine manufacturer you sew with. (From the OSMG) – Note 01/27/2014 : I don’t agree with this. I believe you should check your manual and see what the manufacturer recommends
I believe “unwound in a counter clockwise direction” refers to the supply spool unwinding to supply the bobbin being wound. In industry when we unwound steel cable from a big spool and wound it on a smaller drum it was critical that it be done a specific way.If not it could lead to kinking or early failure. Basically the top of one to the top of the other or bottom to bottom. Also the lay of the cable (direction of twist) determines direction of winding. I never thought of applying this to thread but perhaps OSMG may have a point. It may be less critical for the newer threads, who knows. As for bobbins I unwound them opposite to the way its pulled through the tensioner. But my limited knowledge only applies to a few machines.
Robin
The OSMG was specifically talking about the bobbins in this case, which is why I disagree with it. Some cases will let the thread out of the tension spring if threaded this way. For instance, the 15-30 bobbin case and the 15-90 bobbin cases thread opposite of each other. Thread them wrong and your thread will potentially slip out of the tension spring and cause havoc and mayhem. 🙂