My first thought is that the bobbin is not in properly or the bobbin thread is not threaded thru correctly. I suggest you take out the bobbin case, take the thread out of the case and following your directions in the manual, reload the bobbin into the case and pull the thread thru according to the manual.

Make sure the needle is in correctly also.
Kathi

When you go to pull the bobbin thread up, are you turning the machine wheel by hand and holding the top thread? The bobbin thread will partially show as a loop on the feed plate hole and you have to pull it up the rest of the way after you turn the hand wheel towards you one full cycle around. Usually a thread ripper end or a used needle is good to use to accomplish this little task.

Thanks for the advice, all. I tried to rethread the bobbin last night. I did it about 10 times following the instructions. I tried to vary the direction of the thread the last couple of times. Wasn't sure whether the free end of the thread is what the needle is supposed to pick up or whether the bobbin is supposed to rotate or something to allow the needle to pick up thread from the bobbin directly?

I have no clue why it's not working. I'll try to re-insert the needle, too. It's not picking up the bottom thread at all, not even a little bit. I guess it could be the machine, but it's probably me. Sigh.

The bobbin rotates and the thread is pulled up from there, but try holding both the end of the bobbin thread and the top thread, before pulling up, and as Stitchintime noted, make sure you're turning the hand wheel toward you, not away from you.

Make sure that the needle is in correctly. The flat side should be facing the back.

I'm having the same problem but I have a post WWII Japanese made machine (maybe about 1950?) with a manual that is about as hard to understand as you can imagine.

Does anyone know of a website that has a manual that might be comparable? There is no brand listed on the machine other than the words "Made in Japan". Each bobbin spool that came with the machine is different than one another.

Your sewing machine may be out of time. It will not sew no matter what you do.You will need someone to repair it.

Hi, hang in there. I didn't start sewing until I was in my 40's - I'm a guy who inherited his mother's sewing machine. The first time I tried to thread the thing I spent over 2 hours on the phone to my sister (long distance) and still couldn't do it.
What worked for me was to go to a sewing shop and ask if someone would show me how to do things. The first time I felt intimidated and embarassed. But it turned out to be a good experience. I ultimately decided to take a class. Most recently they had to show me how to thread a 5 thread serger, so I remember that first threading question real well.
-Hal