This document is intended for Protohaven shop techs, who need both basic clearance information as well as troubleshooting and maintenance. It starts with common problems – so if someone comes to you on shift with a question you know where to start – then goes over usage, less-common troubleshooting, maintenance, and safety.

• Needles & Thread - Match needle & thread size to fabric weight. Standard consumer needles, technically the model number is Singer 2020 70/9 or 110/18 9(70) 18(110) but you don't need to know that unless you're buying from a place that also caters to industry.
  • Lightweight fabric (gauze, sheer, floaty)
  • Midweight fabric (shirting, quilting cotton, flannel)
  • Heavier fabric (canvas, denim, fleece)
  • Heavy fabric (upholstery, heavy canvas) - use a Juki instead
• Presser Feet - any consumer, low-shank presser foot will work
• Bobbins - Singer Class 15 (for sale in Protohaven shop)

1. Raise the presser foot. (this is commonly forgotten)
2. Raise the needle. (turn the hand wheel toward you until the thread lifter arm is in its topmost position)
3. Place a spool on the spool pin. (the thread should come towards you from the top)
4. Secure the spool with a spool cap. (small, white, located in sewing checkout kit at front desk)
5. Follow the numbered guides. (see start guide for detailed threading diagram)

The problem lies in the top thread. Re-thread machine, make sure the presser foot is up, make sure the spool cap is in place and thread feeds smoothly from the spool.

The problem lies in the bobbin thread. Remove bobbin and re-insert, being sure thread feeds smoothly off the bobbin forming the letter “p”.

Extreme tangles can signal a problem with the bobbin tension, but this is super rare and worth submitting a maintenance report instead of trying to fix.

Check:

• Bobbin thread
• Needle
• Top thread

Raise presser foot and thread needle.