My Daughter was given this sewing machine and you can hear the machine run, but the needle doesn't move. When filling bobbin, had to try 5 times before it would actually move and fill bobbin. What should I check first?

Dawn, July 2008

Hello Dawn,
Check the drive belt first, it may be too loose, it has to be really tight, can you get inside the machine ? if it is a two piece plastic body machine it is a bit of a problem unless the bottom comes off to get to the belt, if you can hold the balance wheel still with your hand and push gently on the foot control and you can hold the machine still with the motor spinning then the belt is the problem.

drivewithken@blueyonder.co.uk, July 2008