Common Sewing Machine Problems

Whether you sew for work or face Sewing Machine Problems do it as a pastime, you are bound to run into an issue with your sewing machine at least once. This doesn’t mean that you need to start looking for a new one, though.

In fact, there are many common sewing machine issues that you can solve on your own. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common sewing machine problems and how to solve them.

Knotting or Inconsistent Threading

One of the most common reasons for this is the use of thread that isn’t quality. Your thread needs to at least match the quality of the sewing machine you are using.

This is because cheaper threads shed lint and fibers which affects how your machine stitches. You might also want to check and make sure that your bobbin is threaded correctly. If your machine is threaded inconsistently or incorrectly, try re-threading it entirely.

Breaking Thread

If you are having a problem with thread breaking, you might have an issue with the bobbin. Specifically, you might have issues with the bobbin shaking in its case or cause a change in tension.

This is particularly problematic with cheaper, plastic bobbins. With a plastic bobbin, you might want to check and make sure that you don’t have any abrasions on the sides of the bobbin.

General Maintenance Issues

If you are having multiple, general issues with your machine, you might want to think about when you last ran regular maintenance on it.

Your sewing machine may not be as complicated as a car but it is still a machine. Your machine’s specific maintenance should be described in its manual and you should make sure to complete this process regularly.

Breaking and Bending Needles

This has to do with your machine’s feed dog. If you are fighting against the feed dog on your machine, you can cause the needle to hit the metal plate and break or bend. So, make sure that you are working with your machine rather than against it.

A Loud Machine

One common problem is the presence of banging or grinding noises when you sew. Step one to solve this is to stop sewing! Usually, something is jammed in your machine and continuing to sew like this can cause you to do permanent damage to your machine.

First, this takes us back to general maintenance. You should make sure that your machine is regularly oiled and cleaned. Once again, refer to your manual to get specific tips for your machine.

The problem here is usually lint or thread that has gotten stuck somewhere along the line. As said before, make sure to keep your machine clean. This is a preemptive measure that will help keep your sewing machine running longer.

Machine Won’t Run

This is crucial. If your sewing machine won’t sew, there isn’t much else that it’s good for. There are a couple things that could be causing your machine to fail to sew.

First, check your manual. If you skipped an instruction during setup, it could prevent your machine from running.

Next, make sure that the bobbin winder shaft isn’t pushed to the right. Simply pushing it back to the left will help to fix this issue.

Make sure the bobbin itself is correctly set in the machine and make sure the machine is properly threaded. The presser foot should be lifted as you thread the machine or it will cause you more problems.

Conclusion

Finally, if you have a mechanical-style machine and Sewing Machine Problems make sure the foot is lowered before you try to sew. Some newer machines will remind you to do this but older machines won’t.