The bobbin under the needles became tangled up and after the cotton was pulled out with some force the needle no longer picks up the bobbin thread. Nothing appears to be bent or broken including the timing belt. I am told this may be a timing problem. Is this something that can be fixed on a DIY basis by a reasonably competent individual or will it require an engineer? Is a service manual for this machine available? A google search has not been fruitful.

Geoff, January 2009

I love this machine, it was my mothers first, then mine and now i want to pass it on to my daughter, yet i am now having the same problem...Did you find a solution?

Kerry, May 2010

I'm no expert, but when my wife had this problem with her Elna Lotus, I opened the bottom of the machine and found that the plastic gear just below the bobbin was damaged. The gear fits on a shaft that crosses the bottom of the machine to the timing belt. I am now looking for a replacement gear.

Gordon, March 2009

Hi Geoff,

I have the exact same problem with my elna lotus. Did you get any other feedback to your problem that is not listed here? Cause I am at a loss as to why it happens. One minute it's purring like a cat and then it all turns to custard for no apparent reason.

Beate, February 2009

Email sent.

drivewithken@blueyonder.co.uk, January 2009