I have been given a Singer 237 in very good condition (doesn't looked to have been well used), but we think there is something wrong with the upper tension wheel (possibly a bit missing or broken). The machine runs well and tension generally behaves, but the machine skips stitches randomly, which is extremely annoying! Why does this happen and what can I do to fix it?

Also, is this machine worth servicing (the service alone starts at £50+) or should I just give in and buy a new machine?

Maz, August 2008

Hi Ken,

Many thanks for your help, I have emailed as suggested. Will try replacing the needle, but as its only a couple of months old I'm not sure that's the whole reason! Anyway, will give it a go.

Kind regards

Maz, August 2008

Hello Maz,
First of all the 237 is a good machine and you do not need to spend any money on that machine at all, a service consists of a few drops of oil on all moving parts that you can see and keeping the machine clean, if youi have put a new needle in and the machine is skipping stitches then you need to retime it, you can do this yourself it is fairly straight forward, a bit of patience and you can do it, I can attach timing instructions for you if you e-mail.
Ken

drivewithken@blueyonder.co.uk, August 2008