Machine Running...Backwards

[karenbc]

I've got a Singer Diana from the early 1980s. I've had this darn machine for repairs often. It has plastic gears inside.

Now it's running backwards, and I can't get it to stop that. My son's suggestion - "just turn the machine around and use it that way". Gotta love his logic, but I don't think it would work all that easily. 

Anyone had this happen?

Fortunately my dear Tim has an older sewing machine with metal innards and metal bobbins. I used that to shorten uniform pants for my son. Saved $15 by doing it at home!

[feather]

karenbc, there's some really smart sewing machine ladies here who might know. The only thing I can think of is that the lever for reverse is stuck on, for finishing a seam, reverse for a few stitches, except your stuck there. If you could release it then it will go forward, but it may get stuck again if you reverse.

[karenbc]

Jun 5, 2020 23:13:28 GMT feather said:

karenbc , there's some really smart sewing machine ladies here who might know. The only thing I can think of is that the lever for reverse is stuck on, for finishing a seam, reverse for a few stitches, except your stuck there. If you could release it then it will go forward, but it may get stuck again if you reverse.

I also thought the lever for reverse might be stuck...but it's not really a lever, it's just a push sort of tab. I've tried switching it back & forth, setting to a different stitch, straight stitch and coming back. Darn thing is getting the best of me. Might turn into a boat anchor. Oh wait...then I'd have to buy a boat.

[feather]

karenbc, I hear ya!

[Maura]

I once had a Singer from the 70's. Plastic innards. Useless. It would be worth it to dump the Diana and get a machine from before 1960. Doesn't even have to be a Singer.

[karenbc]

Thanks Maura! My husband has a machine with all metal innards...perhaps we can live with ONE machine, and not 2.
I also have an old treadle machine - but I haven't learned to use it yet. Right now it's holding up the electric machine.

[Maura]

I also have a treadle from 1901. Works like a charm but no back stitch. I think if you want another machine think about a serger.

[karenbc]

I've thought about sergers Maura, but the whole threading thing scares the beejeezers out of me!

[Maura]

They come with instructions

[mollymckee]

Maura, my Grandmother backstitched on her treadle by turning the fabric 180* and sewing forward.

[feather]

I would buy a serger only if I was making the following things.
The fine edge on a silk scarf. Making curtains or drapes or edging blankets. Stretchy clothing like t-shirts, leggings, swim suits, lingerie, underwear. Since it both cuts the fabric and finishes the edge, it comes in quite handy for a lot of things. Still I'd want to have a regular machine as well.

I have the bernina bernette and it is threaded by a color coded chart inside the cover and in the booklet. www.sewinginsight.com/bernina/bernina-bernette-334d-serger-review/

I don't fear the threading all the threads because if you are using some middle color non-descript cones of thread, beige, they can be used on a multiple number of clothing, the seams are inside and not noticed. If I remember correctly, to change the color of the cone of thread, tie the new thread to the old thread, pull it through, there you are all threaded. So there are tricks to some of it.

[lilith]

karenbc
As suggested before, it is likely that it is stuck in reverse! Even if the knob moves freely, that doesn't mean that the leavers and springs inside are. Both plastic and metal machines have a tendency to gum up and get stuck in reverse when dust collects in the oil meant to lubericate everything. The key to fixing that problem is getting the gummy oil freed up. I have been guilty of using carb clean and brake clean stolen out of my husband's car shop then lubing them back up with a silicone based lubricant that doesn't Icollect dust. to free up a machine that has been sitting for a while. I don't recommend parts cleaners on plastic as it can eat them, but I'm sure a little brainstorming can figure out some kind of cleaner that will break up grease and oil without harming plastic.

[karenbc]

Thanks Lilith - I will raid the garage and see what I can come up with!