There's nothing worse than working with an uncooperative sewing machine.! Broken or tangled threads, skipped stitches, snapped needlee it can make for a very frustrating experience. But most of these issues can be resolved without taking your machine in for expensive repairs. We've assembled a list of some of the most common sewing machine problems, and their solutions, to help you troubleshoot even while mid project.
1. Thread bunching up under your fabric when sewing
If you're seeing knots of extra thread on the underside of your sewing, there are several likely culprits. First, remove your sewing from the machine. You may have to cut through all the extra thread to get it free. Don't simply pull it loose, or you risk damaging the mechanism of your machine, not to mention your fabric.! Once your project has been freed, carefully remove all the cut bits of thread as well. Now you're ready to identify the issue. Keep a scrap piece of your fabric on hand to test solutions as you try them.
- Remove your top thread and re-thread the machine, being careful to follow the threading schematic provided in your machine's manual. Make sure your presser foot is up while threading many machines lock the tension disks when the presser foot is down, making it impossible to thread the machine through the disks correctly.
- Remove and re-thread your bobbin. Some machines are particular about which way the bobbin unwinds. Consult your manual to be sure it's inserted correctly.
- Make sure you are using the same type of thread in both top thread and bobbin. A difference in thread weight commonly causes machines to draw threads at different rates, leading to tangles and knots.
- Adjust your tension settings. This is a common issue, especially if you go from working with a heavy fabric to a delicate one (or vice versa) without remembering to adjust your settings. Test your tension settings on a scrap of your project's fabric to make sure everything is correct.
2. Bent or broken needles
This is a problematic issue that can be dangerous as well as annoying. Always use a new needle for a new project. This prevents needles from getting dull or hooked at the tip, which can damage your fabric. Make sure you're using the right type of needle for the project at hand knit fabrics do best with a ballpoint, or jersey needle, while leather, vinyl, or denim will need sharp, sturdy needles. If your needle breaks or bends, stop sewing immediately. Carefully remove the broken needle and put it in a container to be disposed of properly. Replace the needle with the correct type for your project, being sure to install it according to your sewing machine's manual. Re-thread, and continue your project. If you're using the correct needle, but you continue to have issues with breaking or bending, you may have underlying mechanical issues with the timing mechanism, which will require expert repair.
3. Thread keeps breaking
Check the type of thread that you're using. Delicate threads designed for hand sewing are not suitable for use in a sewing machine. Your top and bottom threads should also be of the same weight. Re-thread your top thread, making sure your presser foot is up while threading. If you're still having issues, lower the tension settings for your top thread.
4. Fabric not feeding
Make sure if your machine has a feed setting that it has not been activated, and that you don't have an embroidery or darning plate covering the feed dogs. You'll also want to be sure that your presser foot is down, and is set to the correct pressure for your fabric too little or too much pressure results in a poor feed. When starting a seam, make sure the fabric is all the way under the needle before lowering your presser foot.
5. Machine is skipping stitches
There are several possible reasons for your machine to skip stitches. First, check that your needle is installed correctly, not bent or otherwise damaged, and that you're using the right type of needle for your project. If the top thread is not reaching the bobbin, the threads will not lock properly, resulting in a skipped stitch. Re thread your machine, both top and bobbin threads, and test. If your machine is still skipping stitches, there may be an issue with the timing, which will require expert repairs.
6. Bobbin tension not consistent
If you find yourself constantly adjusting the tension of your bobbin thread, check the bobbin itself. Plastic bobbins especially can wear, causing them to grow loose within the bobbin case and making it difficult to maintain the correct tension. Try switching to a new metal bobbin and see if that resolves the issue.
7. Seams in stretch fabrics coming out wavy
This one may be a sewing machine issue, but it can also be a problem with your technique. First, adjust the way you're sewing. Make sure the entirety of your project is supported while you're sewing. The weight of the fabric alone can be enough to cause knits or other stretch fabrics to stretch while you're sewing, so don't let your fabric drape off the table while you work. Let the feed dogs do all the work, and avoid pulling on the fabric to straighten it as you sew. Pin well before you start.! If you're still seeing issues, adjust the pressure of your presser foot, or better yet, switch to a walking foot, which will feed the top and bottom layers of your fabric under the needle at the same rate, avoiding that distortion.
8. Sewing machine seizes up or won't sew
It's not uncommon to need to give your machine a bit of help by turning the handwheel, especially when you're just getting a seam started. However, if you need to force the wheel to turn, or the machine doesn't pick up after a bit of assistance, stop what you're doing.! Likely, your fabric is too tough for your machine to sew, and continuing to try will damage your machine. If you're not working with a particularly tough fabric, make sure that your needle is installed correctly and is the right type. Remove it to check that it isn't bent. If you're still having issues with your machine not sewing, check your manual for cleaning and maintenance tips. A build up of fuzz and lint can make it tough for your machine's mechanisms to work correctly.
9. Fabric or threads are bunching at the start or ends of seams
Your seams should lay perfectly flat from one end to the other, but it's not uncommon to see bunching or tangled threads at the ends. This is caused by backstitching (or back-tacking) over the ends of the fabric, which changes the tensions your sewing machine experiences and causes tangles. Avoid this by sewing an extra few millimetres into your fabric before backstitching at the start of seams, so that the backstitches are all made through fabric and not over the edge. Similarly, when ending a seam, backstitch before you hit the edge, and then sew straight off the edge for a nice clean finish.
10. Needle comes unthreaded before sewing
How annoying.! You just spent ages getting that thread through the eye of the needle, and as soon as you go to start sewing, it unthreads itself. Luckily, there's an easy fix for this one. Before threading your machine, just make sure that the needle is at its highest point. You can do this by winding the handwheel toward yourself (always wind it toward yourself since this advances the machine winding it backward can cause threads to tangle) while watching the needle. Some machines also have an "up/down" function that allows you to raise or lower the needle automatically to its highest or lowest point.
11. Thread fraying, shredding, and breaking
If your thread looks as though it's been through the mill, it's probably an issue with your needle. Make sure that your thread and needle sizes are compatible your needle needs to be large enough for the thread you're using to pass through the eye without catching or pulling. If your needle and thread are incompatible, there's a good chance one or the other isn't right for your project anyway, so start by making sure you've got the right tools for your materials.
12. Fabric feed is inconsistent
Even seams are the mark of a good sewist, but it can be terribly difficult to manage if your machine isn't drawing the fabric evenly. There are several possible reasons for uneven feed, and the culprit, not surprisingly, is usually the feed dogs. If your machine is older, it's possible the feed dogs may have worn down enough that they aren't catching the fabric evenly. They can typically be replaced, and your machine can be running good as new in no time. If your machine is new, try cleaning around the feed dogs. Lint tends to build up in this area, particularly if your machine has a drop-feed function. If neither of these seems to be the issue, try increasing the pressure of your presser foot to make sure your fabric maintains even contact with the feed dogs.
14. Machine is making strange noises
Step one: stop sewing.! As soon as you hear unexpected thumps or clunks coming from your machine, take your foot off the pedal. It's likely that your machine just needs a good cleaning, so check through your manual for the recommended maintenance procedure. Clean and oil your machine according to the instructions, and then give it test on a bit of scrap fabric. If there are still unusual noises, it's best to take it to a repair shop to have it tuned up.
15. Decorative stitch settings aren't working
If your machine has a variety of decorative stitch settings, but they don't seem to be working, the first step is to check your stitch length and width settings. Many decorative stitches require specific settings in order to appear properly. Double check your manual to make sure that you're using the right length and width for the stitch you're trying to create.
UPPER THREAD INTERRUPTION
One of the most common problems and causes can be the following: badly placed needle, upper thread too tight, badly placed thread in the machine, inappropriate thread against the material, error at the thread, needle crooked or blunt, machine put into operation too fast, too weak thread, piece of thread in a grapple (hook), etc.
NEEDLE BREAK
Needle fracture is also one of the more common problems and the causes can be different, some of them would be, say:
Pulling the material manually forwards or backwards so that the needle strikes the puncture plate, curved needle, passing over a large amount of material (thickening), too thin needle in relation to the material, blunt tip of the needle, too strong material in relation to the machine, incorrectly adjusted grapple, the hook of the grapple-loop grips the tip of the needle, too small a gap between the grapple and the needle, incorrectly placed needle, poorly tightened needle...
LOWER THREAD INTERRUPTION (lower thread breaks)
Causes that could lead to this are: The lower thread is too tight, the spool-spool is poorly wound, the spool is too rewound causing it to move hard in the spool case, various impurities and pieces of residual thread in the grapple, the spool is not placed well in grapple.
SKIP SKIPING
Skipping points on a sewing machine is a problem that can cause too many headaches :) and can occur for many reasons: First of all, incorrectly placed needle, crooked needle or blunt needle, inappropriate thread in relation to the needle and inappropriate needle in relation to the material, completely inappropriate needle, too elastic and thin material with poorly adjusted grapple (microfiber, stretch, knitted material), foot does not press enough or too thin material, foot too wide, material unsuitable for machine, slightly shorter needle, loop-grapple not adjusted properly , or a combination of several of these problems - "failures".
When sewing elastic, thin, stretchy knitwear materials; the overlock machine is irreplaceable.
UNEQUAL SEWING
This problem occurs due to insufficient pressure of the foot on the material, the teeth of the conveyor are either worn or too lowered, the foot is partially raised from the conveyor, occasional pulling of the material by hand, too thin needle in relation to the material, too small step-point ...
THE GRAY MACHINE IS HARD TO WORK AND STOPPED
A problem that most often requires an examination by a professional, but is sometimes caused by:
pieces of thread in a grapple-loop, overstretched belt on smaller machines, ungreased and neglected machine in every respect, bad one or more bearings, faulty engine ...
THE UPPER AND LOWER THREAD IS NOT CONNECTED AT ALL
(the machine does not sew at all, the thread does not tie)
This could be a more difficult situation and the cause could first be an unadjusted grapple, a short and inappropriate needle, unprofessional overhaul of the MACHINE, incorrectly placed needle ..
Of course, it is not possible to list all the problems that arise when working with a sewing machine, but there are comments and questions, so we will try to solve it together :)
In general, the above-mentioned problems - "failures" are nothing special and can be considered a normal and relatively common occurrence in the work with sewing machines.
The upper-needle thread catcher (grapple or hook) is responsible for a lot of problems on sewing machines.
Pozdrav! Moja draga Bagat Ruza Step s rukavnikom malcicu zeza, sije krasno, sve funkcije rade osim pozicioniranja igle. Kad je podesena da stane gore sve ok, kad ju stavim da se igla zaustavi na donjoj poziciji sve je moguce,malo je dolje, malo je negdje na pola puta, ne moze se odluciti. Mislim nije neki veliki problem spustiti ju rucno, ali me ipak zdere. Ima li jednostavno rjesenje za donekle sposobnu "kucnu majstoricu" ili da ju spakiram i posaljem profesionalcu?
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