Singer 7256 keeps jamming around bobbin casing. ARRRRG

I have a singer fashion mate 7256. I've been using is for about 6 months with no problems. Yesterday the thread started getting jammed around the bobbin casing. The machine actually spit the entire casing out (the black part the bobbin slides into) forcing up the cover plate and just generally ruining my day. I cleaned out the machine since it was out and removed all the jammed thread. I put everything back the way I thought it goes but it's still getting jammed. Maybe I haven't put it back in right. There is a tab and a little metal sticky out part and it looks like the tab goes in the little metal sticky out part, but it still keeps getting jammed in this area. Also before it gets jammed the stitches are just horrible. The top looks great but under is a mess of thread and nests and blarged up thread. I've re-strung the bobbin 5 hundred times it seems, and am really frustrated. It doesn't seem to be the bobbin itself but the top thread that's jamming around the bobbin casing. I've reset all my thread tension and length to the standard stitch which has worked so well for me up till now. I'm at a complete loss. Nothing looks wrong, but something defiantly is. I can't afford to take it to a shop right now. Any help would be great.

UGH. I don't really have advice, but - SORRY!!! Did you take out the whole bobbin chase and clean out the lint? I was having a DEVIL of a time with my last quilting project, until I cleaned the lint out of the chase - no more broken threads!!

You might want to try a different TYPE of thread, too. I've heard great things about Gutermann, but it works AWFUL in my machine - all I can find is Polyester, and it's so SLIPPERY all my stitches get messed up. Cheap Coats all-purpose works for me, 100% cotton.

often times there is a piece of thread caught under the bobbin case. In the case of a drop in bobbin, you will need to refer to your manual to remove the bobbin case.

On my Singers (all Slant machines and pre 1960), there is a metal tab in the front right corner. I have to sort of lift up and to the right to disengage the case to be able to remove it.

Once I have my case removed, I hand wheel a revolution and often times I see a wee piece of thread. Using tweezers or a bit of sewing machine oil on a Q-tip, I can usually dislodge it.

Sometimes a new bobbin can have a nick or burr and simply replacing the bobbin will fix the problem.

It is not uncommon for a machine to wind a bobbin with too loose tension, simply rewinding a bobbin will fix the problem.

And of course the always replace the needle after 8 hours of sewing because it can get dull (the strawberry on your tomato.. push your needle in several times to sharpen it or to remove or smooth any nicks or burrs on a new or older needle)

but do get out your manual and read through the oiling and cleaning section.

HTH

Hi I am a sewing machine mechanic, It sounds to me that your top tension is off. It is a common problem for the thread to bunch up at the bottom when the top tension is off. The grater risk is that when the thread vigorously catches on the bottom hook it opens doors for greater problems. Such ad the bobbin case breaking or chipping or the timing shifting off. Inspect your bobbin case(drop in type for your model) and make sure the thread is fitted between the two plates on your tension. If your tension is excessively tight the thread wont bind between the plates which would result in your problem. Make sure the tension is just right and the thread binds between the two plates.

Ben m
http://www.sewingmachineryrepair.com