The machine keeps giving me an error message with a diagram showing the foot should be down. It is, but it won't sew anything. I can thread a bobbin, so I know there is power to the machine. Also, when I put part T on (the regular foot) the little black button on the side does not seem to grab on to anything, so the foot just hangs and flops up and down. Prior to this problem, the machine was working fine. I've turned the machine off and on thinking it would "reset" itself, but that doesn't seem to work either. Thanks for your help on this.

Threading a UHT J 1947 sewing machine is a relatively simple process that can be broken down into a few basic steps:

1. Raise the presser foot lever and thread the machine according to the diagram on the machine.
2. Wind the bobbin according to the instructions in the manual.
3. Place the bobbin in the bobbin case.
4. Draw up the bobbin thread by turning the hand wheel towards you.
5. Hold the end of the bobbin thread and press the foot control to raise the needle to its highest point.
6. Thread the needle according to the threading diagram on the machine.
7. Lower the presser foot, and you are ready to sew.

It is important to consult the user manual of your specific UHT J 1947 sewing machine to get the most accurate instructions, as the threading process may vary depending on the machine's model and design.

Sewing Machine: Needle won't move
A disengaged clutch, broken drive belt or internal drive gear failure can prevent the needle from moving. Engage the hand wheel clutch if you have it disengaged for bobbin winding. If the needle won't move with the clutch engaged, unplug the sewing machine and check the drive belt.
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/symptom/sewing-machine-repair/1234596/needle-won-t-move/smac1011147
How to Fix Brother Sewing Machine Error Code E6 Q: What does E6 error message mean? A: The motor locked up because thread is tangled Q: How to fix E6 error message? A: Do the following:

• The upper thread could be tangled. Remove the upper thread and any loose threads. Raise the pressure foot, raise the needle to its highest position and rethread the machine.
• Remove the bobbin and bobbin case to clean any lint or loose threads. Install the bobbin case so that the projection on it aligns with the spring. Then install the bobbin into the bobbin case.
• The needle could be bent. Replace the needle making sure the flat side is facing the back.

It is likely you have the bobbin tension and/or upper tension not set properly. When your foot is down give the bobbin tension and upper tension a tug. The amount should be equal with each other but not so tight to test the thread for strength. In others words you may have to loosen the tension or tensions. Also, be very sure that your upper tension has the thread going between the tension plates.

Not sure if you are having problems with the bobbin winder or threading the bobbin. This may help:

Nelco JA 38 Sewing Machine Threading Diagram

To avoid awful thread nests under the fabric, be sure to ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the top thread.

Interestingly, the bobbin threading instructions (above) show the bobbin loading into the bobbin case so it turns COUNTER-clockwise. This is the opposite of instructions for most machines. You can probably try both, the clockwise or Counter-clockwise,and see if one works better than the other.

Be sure to use fresh, good quality sewing machine oil or Tri-Flow Synthetic Oil on your machine. Open it up, while gently wiggling the handwheel, drop a couple drops of oil every place that metal rubs against metal. Avoid plastic or rubber parts! You may even find little round holes throughout that are oil ports. Be sure to get the area around the needlebar, presser foot lifter, feed dogs, the bobbin area, and all the dial and selector mechanisms.

You can find manuals for your machine online (not free!).


Nelco Sewing Machine Manuals Instruction and Repair Manuals

Assuming you have threaded the bobbin case correctly, you might try using a different bobbin. There may be something wrong with it. Make sure that there is no thread sticking out of the side of the bobbin.

If there is a bobbin thread sensor, it could be dirty causing it to not read the bobbin correctly.

When you thread the upper thread, be sure to ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot so the tension disk is released and the thread can seat properly.

You do not say which machine you have. As for a straight stitch, make sure the needle is central and not in zig zag mode.
The thread can break for several reasons, such as. Incorrect tension.
:Wrong thread for the material.
: Thread in bobbin different from the top thread.
:Old thread.
: Not threaded correctly.
: Needle not inserted correctly, or incorrect needle.or the thread could be wound around the spool holder pin,
Try removing the spool and turn it around.
Hope this helps.

Turn the machine off first and unplug.

If you've got a manual, look up the page for trouble shooting, this error message may be listed iwth a solution. I'd also suggest that you remove and clean out the bobbin holder. This is the little black piece you put the bobbin into. It has possibly dislodged if you've had a jam up. You will need to unscrew the two screws holding the needle plate down, take out the needle and pressure foot to give yourself some room too. Put the bobbin holder back into position lining up the red markings on the holder and the stopper, your manual should show images of this.


Once its all back together, turn on and hopefully it will reset to normal mode.
If you've done all this and the error message won't stop showing, then yes, you'll need to take it in for a service.

Let me give you a quick lesson in adjusting your tension. First, thread your bobbin and your upper thread with two different colors-it'll make it easier to see exactly what you need to adjust.

Thread your machine with the presser foot UP. The disks that control the tension (thread goes through them) are tightened up if the foot is down.

Change the machine tension with the presser foot DOWN. Because the disks won't be engaged (see above) if the foot is up, the disks won't move.

Start at the middle setting, 3. Go up to tighten, decrease to loosen. Each machine is different, even 2 different machines of the same model. The best thing to do is start at 3 and use a different color in the top and bobbin thread so you can easily see what changes to the tension do to your stitches.

Now use a straight stitch a sew 3 or so inches. Take a look at the top and bottom of the fabric. You don't want to see any (or at least not much) of the other color showing from the other side.

Loops on the bottom of the fabric means you need to tighten (increase) your top tension. If you're stitches on the bottom are causing puckering, then you need to loosen you're top tension. For the most part, you really don't want to touch your bobbin tension-leave that to a repair technician. The factory setting shouldn't be touched except by someone who really knows what they're doing.

Keep sewing a few inches at a time until you have the results you want. Now you're tension is where you need it!

Let me give you a quick lesson in altering the tension on your machine. First, make sure you're using two different colors of thread in your bobbin and in the top of your machine (this will make it easier to see what is going on).

Thread your machine with the presser foot UP. The disks that control the tension (thread goes through them) are tightened up if the foot is down.

Change the machine tension with the presser foot DOWN. Because the disks won't be engaged (see above) if the foot is up, the disks won't move.

Start at the middle setting, 3. Go up to tighten, decrease to loosen. Each machine is different, even 2 different machines of the same model. The best thing to do is start at 3 and use a different color in the top and bobbin thread so you can easily see what changes to the tension do to your stitches.

Now use a straight stitch a sew 3 or so inches. Take a look at the top and bottom of the fabric. You don't want to see any (or at least not much) of the other color showing from the other side.

Loops on the bottom of the fabric means you need to tighten (increase) your top tension. If you're stitches on the bottom are causing puckering, then you need to loosen you're top tension. For the most part, you really don't want to touch your bobbin tension-leave that to a repair technician. The factory setting shouldn't be touched except by someone who really knows what they're doing.

Keep sewing a few inches at a time until you have the results you want. Now you're tension is where you need it!

some machines have a presser foot sensor or switch which prevents the machine sewing if the foot is not down.

if your presser foot is down and you still cannot sew the switch or switch actuator is most likely damaged. you will require a tech to repair this.

scott