When it works, the bobbin case spins and catches the top thread, then winds it around so it wraps over the lower thread and forms a stitch. What is happening every time now is the upper thread gets caught - either under the spring arm that controls the lower tension, or on a knob on the bobbin case (whose function I am uncertain of). A huge tangle occurs within three strokes of the needle, and the upper thread always breaks off.

My mother has another of Grandma's Elnasupers, but she never uses it and would let me salvage the bobbin assembly and transplant it. I also have a friend at church who has one that she never uses (hopefully she hasn't chucked it out; it was jammed on straight stitch).

I'm just fed up. This machine has done some beautiful work for me, but lately it is nothing but a fight to use it.

i need to step in to the sew & vac. at least it's a good starting point. thank you.