Hello,

Normally when something like this occurs, I go through my tension checklist:

1. Is your machine threaded correctly?
2. Is your bobbin filled and inserted correctly?
3. Is your needle dull? A dull needle will create all kinds of tension problems, including thread nests on the wrong side of your fabric. If you suspect a dull needle, change to a fresh needle and test.
4. Are you using the right needle for your thread? Some needle types have different-sized eyes. If using a thread that’s too thick for the needle eye, thread breakage will occur. A smaller eye will increase tension on thicker thread and a larger eye will not place as much tension on the thread. A thicker thread, such as a topstitch thread, requires a topstitch needle, which has a larger eye to keep the tension even.
5. Clean your machine. If there’s lint in your tension discs, under the throat plate or around the bobbin, it’ll put unwanted tension on your thread.
6. If these things are still not working out for you, you may have a damaged part. If you’ve ever dropped your metal bobbin case on the floor it might have thrown something out of whack, and in that case, a trip to the sewing machine doctor may be in order.
7. Ensure you have the correct size bobbin in your machine.

Because this is a vintage machine, be sure you’ve taken the considerations listed in this article:
https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/article/rehab-vintage-sewing-machines/

Also, YouTube has many informative videos, and even if you don’t find one specifically for the Sew Handy, many of the Singer mechanisms for the ‘toy’ sewing machines are similar to the ‘adult’ versions.

Here’s a keyword search with a range of videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=faulty+stitch+regulator+on+a+Singer

Best,
Nicki

Featherweights didn’t come with bentwood cases. There were smallish (but very heavy) bentwood machines made, including models 99 and 128. My guess is you have a 99.

It depends on the make and model. More recent vintage Singer machines (say, those from the 1920s and later) generally take the same needle as today’s machines, as do more recent vintage machines of some other brands (e.g. White). However Wilcox & Gibbs, older Singers, New Home, etc., etc., took a variety of needles. Even the relatively modern Singer 306 takes a needle that’s becoming hard to find, so it all depends.

I bought mine in the USA from a sewing machine shop

For anything regarding treadle sewing machines, go to Etsy and search for the TreadleLady. Donna is wonderful, and she can help you!

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