Troubleshooting Sewing Machines

Whenever you sewing machine stalls, instead of pulling at the thread, or opening the machine and experimenting on its parts, pick up the owner's manual, and read through it. The answers to all your problems are always clearly mentioned in it.

Have patience and never act out of frustration, as you may end up damaging the equipment. Given are the common problems that many owners face during stitching, and the solutions to all of them.

● This generally happens when the machine is being used continuously for a long time. In order to prevent the machine from overheating, the motor power automatically switches off.
● When this takes place, do not panic, just turn off the machine for about half an hour, to let it cool down, and then restart it to continue sewing.

● If the fabric you are sewing is too thick, then there is a possibility that the needle is stuck in it.
● If this is the case, then replace your existing needle with a thicker one, and resume your task.
● The same problem may also occur if the needle breaks. In this case, carefully remove the broken needle and install a new one.

● You have possibly kept the bobbin winder knob in the winding position.
● Bring the bobbin winder shaft to its original state.
● Also, do check if the presser foot is lowered properly.

● Check if your needle is positioned properly. In zigzag stitching adjustment, you can move the needle left, right, or center; check if it is in the correct position.

● The pressure foot and needle plate should be positioned securely, and the right foot pressure should be applied depending on the stitch pattern setting that you are using.
● Make sure you remove the pins when the fabric is near the needle. A needle hitting the pin may immediately break.

● You might have done the threading wrong or missed some loops.
● The thread may have a knot. If this is the case, then re-thread the needle.
● Correct the thread tension, it should not be too tight or loose.

● If the needle has a bend to it, then you need to replace it.
● Thick or bad quality thread may also be a possible cause for the upper thread to break. So, check the thread and change it, if required.

● The bobbin may not have been inserted in its slot properly, so, re-insert it in the right way.
● You may need to change the bobbin if it is damaged at the point from where the thread is pulled out.

● Check whether your fabric is free or caught in something.
● If it is a very thick one, remember to adjust the stitch length knob, change the thread and needle according to the fabric.

● Lint might have gathered in the feed dogs. Remove the pressure foot and clean with a toothbrush.
● Check whether the needle and its plate are in good condition and positioned correctly.
● This may also happen if the stitch length regulator is positioned at the lowest stitch length size.

● Check whether the upper thread and the bobbin thread have been drawn behind the pressure foot. If not, draw both the threads behind it.
● Re-thread the machine, don't miss any loop.

● Check the tension. Loose tension may be a cause of skipped stitches.
● Make sure that the bobbin thread and upper thread are of same type and good quality.
● Check the needle; if it is damaged or positioned wrongly, correct it. Use the needle according to the thickness of fabric and thread.

● Decrease the tension.
● The bobbin thread and the upper thread should be of equal thickness and good quality.
● Re-thread the machine.
● Re-wound and re-insert the bobbin properly.
● Check if the bobbin is in a good condition.

● Check the tension, as tight tension may lead to this problem.
● This may happen if the fabric is very sheer. Using a fine needle and thin thread may help. Make sure both the threads, are the same.
● Also, try sewing with shorter stitch length.
● Don't pull the cloth while stitching.

● Cut the thread and release your fabric first.
● Remove the entire thread from the machine.
● The bobbin should be removed.
● Clean the lint in and around the bobbin. Cut the jammed thread and remove all its pieces.
● Now, remove the thread completely from the machine. Again start the whole process of threading and then go ahead with the sewing job.

If you face any additional problems, call the company service for machine repair. Also, make sure you clean the lint in your machine thoroughly and get it oiled regularly to ensure smooth working.