Problems during sewing

The upper thread snaps after just a few stiches.
Tilt the 'bird' a little forward (see picture on the right).

The upper thread snaps a the first stich or piles up at the bottom.
Probably your sewing machine isn't 'on time' anymore. Follow the picture manual to set the machine 'on time' again. An important advice for if you have the machine on time again: make sure the bobbin case holder always stays in place in the machine when you replace the bobbin.
If this solution doesn't fix your problem, then the needle is probably the cause.  Replace the needle by a new, straight one.

The needle doesn't pull up the lower thread.
The machine isn't 'on time' anymore. Follow the picture manual to set the machine 'on time' again. An import advice for if you have the machine on time again: make sure the bobbin case holder always stays in place in the machine when you replace the bobbin.
Another cause for this problem may be that the needle doesn't get deep enough. You can easily check this by feeling with your finger at the bottom of the nose of the lower arm and turning the flywheel so that the needle gets in the lowest possible position. You should be able to just feel the needle with your finger. If you feel the needle very clearly or don't feel the needle at all, you must adapt the needle depth in the machine. Check this picture manual for how to do so.

The needle doesn't move forward.
Change the length of the stitching by turning the screw.

The needle does not go all the way down.
Check if the needle is still straight and fits through the hole in the shuttle bed. You probably need to replace the needle.

How do I replace a needle?
Make sure that the presser foot is down. Put the needle in the highest possible position. Loosen the screw of the needle clamp and remove the needle clamp together with the needle. Place a new needle with the flat side to the needle shaft. Place the needle clamp on the needle again en screw the needle head back to the machine. If you place a needle with a different length you might need to change the needle depth. How to do so, you can see in our picture manual.

I get loops on the bottom of the leather.
This means that the thread tension isn't correct. Lower the thread tension of the lower thread or increase the thread tension of the upper thread.

I get loops on top of the leather.
This means that the thread tension isn't set correctly. Increase the thread tension of the lower thread or lower the thread tension of the upper thread.

How do I set the thread tension of the lower thread?
The lower thread tension is set by the tab on the bobbin. Fasten the tab a bit to increase the tension or loosen the tab to lower the tension.

How do I set the thread tension of the upper thread?
The upper thread tension is set by two thread break nuts on the right side of the machine. Mostly you only need to use and therefor turn one nut to change the thread tension.

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