Tips & Techniques

Designer SE threading problems and solutions

When I thread my machine, I always make sure the presser foot is UP andI hold the thread taught at the spool until I get to the take up lever. Then I give it a good tug to make sure it is seated into the tension disks and then I relax at the spool and thread the take-up lever and the rest of the threading path.

Looping or polyester thread:

Some people have trouble with looping when using polyester embroidery thread.This is caused because the thread seems to be slicker and runs through the tension disks too fast needs to be slowed down a bit.

I purchased a little pack of telephone wire clips that are used to hold long telephone cords to a wall. I attached a small piece of double stick tape to the back of the clip. I had to file a rough spot where the hole was. I attach this to the front right side of the machine as shown in the picture. The spool of thread is to the front right of the machine on the table.

I place the small spool cap on the vertical spool pin and then place the felt pad over that and then the large cap on top of the felt pad.

I take the thread into the slot of the telephone clip and in between the felt pad and the top cap on the top side of the spindle so it will slow the thread down a bit. Then thread as normal.

I also find this setup is good for metallic thread to keep it from twisting.

My daughter and I also discovered that if we threaded the take-up lever from left to right instead of the normal way, causing the thread to cross over itself under the take-up lever, it also helps to slow down the thread and keep it from jumping out of the take-up lever.

Flossing the bobbin tension spring

You can use a sturdy sewing thread or even non wax dental floss to remove any lint or thread bits caught in the tension spring. Thread it under the tension spring and then pull it back and forth to release whatever may be caught in the spring.

When using the Viking bobbins, the logo will be facing up.

When using prewounds, make sure the tail of the thread is reeling from left to right at the bottom of the bobbin and place your finger on the bobbin to keep it from spinning as you pull the tail back to the left and into the tension spring until you hear the click.

Top tensions

Fold a dollar bill in half and swipe it on each side of the pointed metal that separates the tension disks to remove any fuzz or thread bits caught in the tension disks.

THREADER

For the threader, try touching the needle/up down button to drop the
needle and then touch it again to bring it up. That should put it in
the correct position to thread it.

Touch the presser foot down button so the presser foot will go down
and not be in your way.

The manual will show that you should bring the threader down to engage
the wire in the needle. Then take the thread from the guide above the
needle to the left and under that little metal hanging hook from
left to right and then over that metal hook and under the lips of the threader
and then slowly release the threader to pull the thread into the needle.

Frankly, I have just as good luck if I don't bother to take the thread
to the left metal piece. I take it from the guide above the needle and
wrap it under the lips of the threader and gently move the threader
backwards and up.