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Look for your sewing machine’s model number below for answers to some commonly asked questions.
LSS-202
Q. Why won’t my LSS-202 sewing machine pick up the bobbin thread?
A. Please try the following troubleshooting tips:
Then make sure you do all these steps:
Q. Why won’t the stitches stay in the fabric when sewing?
A. Please follow the same troubleshooting tips as for picking up the bobbin thread. Then make sure the presser foot is lowered onto the fabric, and lower the needle into the fabric to make a stitch or two before turning the machine on.
Q. The stitches on the underside of the fabric look messy and loopy, while the top stitches look normal.
A. This usually means the top thread tension is too low. When you thread the top thread, make sure it is pressed between the two metal tension disks instead of just lying across the top of the disks. If the stitches under the fabric are still loopy, you may need to turn the tension screw clockwise to tighten the tension.
Q. The stitches on top of the fabric look messy and loopy, while the bottom stitches look normal.
A. This may mean there is no tension on the bobbin thread, or the top thread tension is too high. Make sure you are using a metal bobbin, since the bobbin tension system is magnetic. Take out the bobbin and look underneath it to make sure the ring-shaped magnet is still in place.
If the magnet is there and the bobbin is metal, but the problem continues, try adjusting the top thread tension. Turn the tension screw counterclockwise to loosen it until the stitching returns to normal.
Q. I need to wind more thread on my bobbin. Where is the bobbin winding spindle?
A. The bobbin winding spindle is in the center of the hand wheel. To release it, press the spindle with your thumb and turn it slightly counterclockwise. It will pop out. Turn it slightly clockwise to lock it in place. You can now load a bobbin onto it and begin winding according to the steps in the manual.
When you are done using it, turn the spindle slightly counterclockwise and push it back inside the hand wheel. Turn it slightly clockwise to lock it in place.
Q. Why does the machine start sewing as soon as I turn it on? I haven’t pressed the foot pedal yet.
A. This is normal. When you are using the foot pedal, leave the power switch in the OFF position at all times, and the machine will start sewing when you press the foot pedal. If you want to use the machine without the foot pedal, use the power switch to start and stop sewing.
Q. What size needle should I use?
A. When buying replacement needles, look for standard sewing machine needles, size 14/90 (also called 90/14). These can be found at many craft stores, sewing stores, or major retailers.
Q. What size bobbin should I use?
A. The machine uses Class 15 metal bobbins. These can be found at many craft stores, sewing stores, or major retailers. Please make sure they are metal so they will work with the magnetic bobbin system.
LSS-505
Q. Why won’t my LSS-505 sewing machine pick up the bobbin thread?
A. Please try the following troubleshooting tips:
Then make sure you do all these steps:
Q. Why won’t the stitches stay in the fabric when sewing?
A. Please follow the same troubleshooting tips as for picking up the bobbin thread. Then make sure the presser foot is lowered onto the fabric, and lower the needle into the fabric to make a stitch or two before turning the machine on.
Q. The stitches on top of the fabric look messy and loopy, while the bottom stitches look normal.
A. This may mean there is no tension on the bobbin thread, or the top thread tension is too high. Make sure you are using a metal bobbin, since the bobbin tension system is magnetic. Take out the bobbin and look underneath it to make sure the ring-shaped magnet is still in place.
If the magnet is there and the bobbin is metal, but the problem continues, try adjusting the top thread tension. Turn the tension dial to a lower number until the stitching returns to normal.
Q. The stitches on the underside of the fabric look messy and loopy, while the top stitches look normal.
A. This usually means the top thread tension is too low. When you thread the top thread, make sure it is pressed between the two metal tension disks inside the machine, to the right of the tension dial. That is, make sure you pull the thread through guides 1 and 2 as marked on the machine, and make sure the thread stays there without falling out. This way, when you lower the presser foot, the tension disks will automatically close onto the thread.
If the stitches under the fabric are still loopy, you may need to tighten the tension by turning the dial to a higher number. For most sewing projects, tension should be 3, 4, or 5.
Q. The machine keeps jamming up while sewing.
A. The most common cause of jamming is that the top thread has no tension or low tension due to incorrect threading. Please follow the steps in the previous answer to solve this.
If that doesn't help, please try the following tips:
Q. Why does the machine start sewing as soon as I turn it on? I haven’t pressed the foot pedal yet.
A. This is normal. When you are using the foot pedal, leave the power switch in the OFF position at all times, and the machine will start sewing when you press the foot pedal. If you want to use the machine without the foot pedal, use the power switch to start and stop sewing.
Q. What size needle should I use?
A. When buying replacement needles, look for standard sewing machine needles, size 14/90 (also called 90/14). These can be found at many craft stores, sewing stores, or major retailers.
Q. What size bobbin should I use?
A. The machine uses Class 15 metal bobbins. These can be found at many craft stores, sewing stores, or major retailers. Please make sure they are metal so they will work with the magnetic bobbin system.