The needle may be bent. You could try a different needle.

Thank you - how would I adjust it ? Xx

Thank you - I've ordered some new needles x

I don't know how to adjust a machine. If it is computerized, a sewing machine repair/tech person would know what to do. Or you could try Google. Good luck!

Thank you again x

I can program it to embroider letters but it does not pick up the bottom thread . The machine makes the shape of the letter but doesn't stitch . Can you help ?

Have you changed that needle yet? That may solve your problem, otherwise it will need an adjustment by a tech. The okder non-mechanized machines were easier for the user to adjust, but you mentioned its an embroidery machine, therefore a little more complicated.

Yes I changed the needle . I think I need an expert!

The needle alignment mechanism probably needs adjusting. Or ... you are learning why it was given away. :-o

Yes- maybe!

I just did a search for that machine since I was not clear what it was, sewing or embroidery.

If you need some extra help with it, there appears to be quite a bit with a basic search. Have you consulted the online sources?

I saw this on youtube where someone was having the same problem with it not picking up the bobbin thread. She found that there is a belt that drives the bobbin race and that the belt was loose. so the bobbin race was not turning. It is possible that the needle hit the bobbin and bent the needle because the race was not turning. She tightend the belt and it appears to have solved the problem. Perhaps that is the same problem as you are having. Perhaps the click that you hear is the needle hitting something that should have been in a different place if the bobbin race were rotating as it should.

I looked up the machine because I was not sure what you were talking about. Apparently, it is a Brother PE150 and is embroidery only. That would explain why the inside of this machine looks different from a sewing machine. It looks pretty simple and straight forward as opposed to a sewing machine. A sewing machine bobbin race turns with a different arrangment of support.

In this, the bobbin race appears to be driven directly by a belt.

Youtube is a great resource for many things! There is a playlist that has videos on how to use the machine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY4UUpmbrLk

Thank you - I'll get my husband on this . He owns all the tools and the mechanical know how ! Xx

Well, you can probably do this yourself if this is, indeed, your problem. All you need is a couple of simple tools. Did you take a look to see if your bobbin race is turning? You just need to take off the throat plate and look to see if it is turning. If not, just unscrew the bottom of the machine and take a look at the belt. You might even have a missing or damaged belt.

If that happens to be the case, that the race is compromised, dont continue to run that needle up and down with it hitting something as you may be causing some harm and making some scar on the shiny metal that guides the bobbin thread. That thread from the bobbin needs a smooth and unblemished surface to run. Take that needle out. Again, it may be as simple as changing the needle.

It is not at all difficult it to take off the bottom and take a look.

Again, there may be something else wrong other than a belt. Start with the obvious and work backwards.

You can do this all by yourself, as a woman. It requires no tesosterone to do this and no upper body strength. I hear way too many women dismiss themselves when it comes to mechanical ability or tools.. That is not gender specific. You are probably much more competent than you think you are.

Lucky you to be gifted this machine when you were looking for one. Brother puts their name on some really decent machines It may not be exactly what you were looking for, but..........

I seems as if it has some limitations because it gets out dated just as our other electronics do. This model has been around for a good while and it may be on the short road to being obsolete, or very limited as per the computer.

My own preference is to not have anything that depends on a computer that will be outdated sooner than later. I have a "smart" car and that is the limit. I love my old mechanical sewing machines. They never need updating. Repair maybe, but not updating. And, I dont want a washing machine or oven or fridge that I can communicate with through my phone. Even the TVs are suspect of being quickly outdated anymore.

Your problem with your new to you embroidery machine is likely mechanical rather that related to the computer. That is my suspicion, but I dont know for sure of course. You can take a look, for a start.

Wow! Good and detailed answer- I'll give it a go and get back to you ! Thank you again x