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.
Interlock machine is a stretch stich sewing machine generally used in garments factory. We need to adjust different variable of a stretch stitch sewing machine like adjusting tension, adjusting needle and thread, adjusting spreader thread, adjusting stitch length, adjusting differential feed ratio, adjusting presser foot, adjusting presser foot pressure etc. We need to manage light near the sewing machine. Cleaning the sewing machine and oiling the sewing machine is very necessary.
How to Adjust Tension on Sewing Machine:
The tension of the thread should be adjusted according to:
The material type
The thickness of the fabric sewed,
The thread,
The stitch length,
If you turn the thread tension knob clockwise, thread will be tighter. If you turn it counter –clockwise, will be looser.
Adjusting Needle and Thread of Interlock Machine:
When turning the pulley and make the needle bar in the lowest position, the top edge of the needle and thread take-up (1) should remain horizontal. To adjust the position of take up if necessary, loosen the screw (4). Loosen screw (2) to adjust the length between point A and B to be about 81.5mm, then fasten it tightly. To loosen the needle and thread turns the needle and thread take up (3) toward the left. To tighten the needle take up (3) toward the right. Do not move the spreader thread take up (5)
Adjusting Needle
Adjusting Spreader Thread Take Up:
When the spreader thread take up (1) is adjusted to the top, the small hole A to the other spreader thread take up (2) must be at the same level with the long grove of the spreader thread take up (1). For necessary adjustment loosen screw (3) and (4) first, move the spreader take up (2) up and down, and then fasten the screws again.
Spreader Thread Take Up
How to Adjust Stitch Length:
Stitch length can be adjusted variably in range from 1.6mm-4.2mm or 6-16 stitch per inch. Keep pressing the push button A with the left hand, then turn the hand –wheel with the right hand until you feel the push button lick in.
Keep turning the hand –wheel for a inquired stitch length. Turn the pulley and align the inquired the button. Rotate the hand-wheel clockwise to increase the stich length and counter clockwise to decrease.
Adjusting the stitch length will change the differential feed ratio, therefore after adjusting the stitch length, please adjust the differential feed ratio.
Adjusting Differential Feed Ratio:
The differential feed ratio of this machine is adjustable from 1:0.5 to 1:1.3. To adjust the ratio loosen the nut (2), move the indicator (1) up or down. To stretch the cloth moves the indicator (1) upward. To gather the cloth moves the indicator (1) downward.
Differential Feed Ratio
Do not adjust screws freely (3)(4) to prevent the feed teeth colliding with the needle plate when the stitch length is the longest and the differential ratio is the biggest. If it is necessary to adjust, please shorten the stitch length.
Adjusting Presser Foot:
Loosen screw (1) and adjust presser foot (2) left and right to a proper position to let the needle may get into the center of presser foots eyelet.
Presser Foot
How to Adjust Presser Foot Pressure:
If the fabric is fed smoothly and has perfect sewing the pressure foot could be adjusted to be lightened.Loosen the unit A and turn the screw B clockwise to increase the pressure turn it counterclockwise to decrease the pressure
Lightening of the Operation Environment:
Provide a warning that an industrial sewing unit or sewing system must always be unplugged form the local lightening of the sewing area before relamping, the marking of maximum rated input of a lamp shall be easily discernible while the lamp I being replaced.
Clean Sewing Machine:
Raise the pressure foot.
Remove the two screws (1) and then remove the needle plate (2)
Use a soft brush to clean dust and lints on the feed dog teeth (3)
Install the needle plate (2) after doing the above cleaning.
Lubrication of Sewing Machine by Sewing Machine Oil:
Please use a Mobil #10 or sewing machine oil or its equivalent lubricant. The sewing machine oil has been drained from the machine before delivery. Therefore before using the new machine remove the oil until the oil level is between the high /low indicate lines of oil level gauge.
Before sure to check the sewing machine oil level every day and refill l the sewing machine oil if oil level is lower than the lower indicate line of sewing machine oil level gauge. When the machine starts functioning check the lubrication system to see if it is well functioned before operating the machine.
Standard Opereating Procedure of Sewing Needle:
To make sure that all metal equipment such as needles, hand sewing needles, kimball guns, scissors, snips, pins, etc. is held under control during the manufacturing processes and that all products manufactured for Auto do not contain any hazardous metal materials that could harm the customers.This procedure is applicable to all our ready-to-wear suppliers.
Responsıble Partıes:
Suppliers: The suppliers are bound to comply with all the conditions stated in this memorandum and take necessary precautions in the light of warnings provided.
Auto Auditors: Auto auditors will pay random visits to the suppliers to make sure that the suppliers comply with all the conditions stated in this procedure.
General Requırements:
The equipment that has been given to the operators by the Department Supervisors should be attached to work benches to stop accidental loss.
The supervisors must check equipment periodically and withdraw any equipment found not fit for purpose.
Only the supervisors or nominated personnel can issue replacement needles, or equipment. Spare needles, kimball guns, scissors are not allowed at the work station.
The supervisors should keep the metal equipment in secured and locked cabinets. The cabinets are always locked and keys are kept only by the supervisors or a nominated employee.
Metal Contamınatıon:
Mechanics/operators should pay extra attention to ensure that tools or instruments do not get lost in garments.
Staples must not be used in any operation or in the sewing room.
Pins must not be used in the packaging of any product.
Razors must not be used as cutters. If cutting of this type is needed, a modeling knife/scalpel with a secure blade must be used.
Scissors and clippers should be tied to the workplace to prevent potential loss within a product. If it is not possible to tie them, then they should be logged in/out at the beginning/end of each shift.
Personal items such as keys, hairgrips, jewellery, etc. cannot be placed on/near machines or/and tables.
If a product is found to be contaminated with metal fragments and the metal cannot be found after thorough inspection, then the product must be placed in a sealed locked container labeled Contaminated Stock by the Department Supervisors, and recorded in the Metal Detected Stock Sheet.
Applıcatıon Of The Broken Needle Polıcy:
All needles must be accounted for in all operations of the manufacturing process. This is ensured with the implementation of the Needle Change Report.
Whenever a needle break occurs, every effort must be made to recover all of the broken pieces before the manufacturing starts again and the products move onto the next process. Needle parts need to be checked against a profile or new complete needle to ensure that all parts are found.
If a needle breaks during a manufacturing process, machine operator should stop working and inform the Department Supervisor. The incident should be recorded with all relevant information on the Broken Needle Report and all parts of the broken needle should be collected immediately and affixed on the report with a large, transparent adhesive tape.
If all parts of a broken needle are not found, then the products on which the operator is working, and any others in close proximity to the machine and workspace must be checked. If all parts are still not found, all products must be removed and packed into a polybag and passed through the metal detector in order to isolate any products containing metal fragments. These products must be thoroughly examined in a quarantined area until the missing needle parts are found. This must be recorded in the Metal Detected Stock Sheet. If, for any reason, all parts of the needle cannot be found, the products need to be put into a sealed locked container labeled Contaminated Stock and must be recorded in the Metal Detected Stock Sheet accordingly.
New needle can only be attached to the machine when the broken needle is found and accounted for. Then the machine operator can continue working.
Broken Needle Reports must be kept for a minimum of three years, and there after disposed off in sealed containers. Auto Auditors will check these reports randomly.
Sewing machine is a machine is developed by Bernina, juki, janome, elna, pfaff which is used to stitch fabric, cards or other materials together with thread. Usually an overlock sewing machine will cut the edges of the cloth as they are fed though some are made without cutters. Overlock stitches are very versatile, as they can be used for adornment, einforcement. The people should be trained how to use a sewing machine.
List of Sewing Machine.
List of sewing machine of sewing machine is given below –
In this factory different types of sewing machine are available. By using them they perform different operations. Some of them and their purposes are mentioned below are mentioned below:
Hem
SNLS (Single Needle Lock Stitch) – Used to perform all types of tacks
O/L (Over-lock) – Used to join two part like; side seam, sleeve join, shoulder join etc.
F/L (Flat-lock) – Used to perform all forms of hem, zigzag and top stitch
Button attach- For attaching buttons
Button hole- To make hole for button
Snap button –
Bar tack – For the purpose of bar tack
Thread trimmer – For trimming thread
Piping Cutter – for the purpose of cutting piping
Back tape machine – To attach back tape
Types of stitch: Hemming: Hems give edges (like necklines and the ends of sleeves and pant legs) a smooth, completed appearance.
Zigzag: These can slow down raveling along the edges of seams.
zigzag
Basting: A longer length straight stitch, basting is faster and easier to tear out than normal stitching.
Backstitch: This classic stitch works great for holding fabric together—even large pieces that have to take a lot of strain.
Backstitch
Tacking: Tacking is any sort of casual stitch that holds small areas fabric in place, sort of like a soft, permanent safety pin. The whip stitch (shown below) works well for this.
Tacking
Other types of stitch which are commonly done are mentioned below:
Chain stitch
Saddle stitch
Slag stitch/ blind stitch
Tiny over-lock
Parts of the machine: Parts of some the sewing machines are mentioned below:
Flat-lock:
Tension post- 5
Hand wheel
Cotton stand
3/2/1 needle
Needle bar
Feed dog
Paddle
Among the 5 tension posts two for looper, spreader is attached with the top 2. Where 3 for needle.
SNLS:
Hand wheel
Stitch counter
Panel board
Handle for back stitch
Thread take up looper
Switch for back stitch.
Over-lock:
Tension post-4
Guide
Eye guard
Needle-2
Knife
Button attaches:
Tension post
Panel board
Figure of a common type of sewing machine: Guides, attachment and holder: For some specific operations, to make operations more precise and easier guide, attachments and holders are used. Some of them are mentioned below;
Parts of a sewing machine control box is stated below-
Parts of a Sewing Machine Control Box
Detection Lamp
Sensitivity adjusting knob
Operation count (rear)
Power switch
Power Lamp
Pressure foot lamp
Operation count front
Clock Lamp
Sewing Machine Installation Instructions:
Please confirm the followings to avoid malfunction or damage to this machine.
After installing the machine and before the first operation please clean it completely.
Clean all dust and overflowed oil during transportation.
Confirm the voltage and the phase of motor are set correctly
Confirm that the power plug is correctly connected to the power supply
Never use the machine when the local voltage type is different from the marked volage on the nametag attached on the machine
Confirm that the rotating direction of the machine pulley is correct
Before dong any operation or any adjustment described later in this manual, please turn the power off to prevent accidents caused by abrupt start of the sewing machine.
Sewing Machine Installation Instructions
Sewing Machine Safety Instructions:
For operating safely and getting the best functions of this machine, everybody should operate the machine correctly
When the machine is ready for operation, all the safety equipment’s must be ready. Operate the machines without the specified safety devices is not allowed.
The machine must be operated by a properly trained operator
Before using the machine, please ascertain that it conforms with safety standards and regulations of your country
For your own safety, we suggest you wearing googles.
Do not touch any functioning parts and devices. Always attend t o whether power switch is on or off before operating in order to prevent anyone from getting hurts.
Qualified technicians are required for adjustment, modification, and repair. Only use assigned parts for replacement.
Routine maintenance and service must be performed by will trained person, or qualified technicians.
Maintain and check the electronic parts must be done by qualified or malfunctioned, stop the machine immediately.
To ensure the best performance periodically clean the machine is necessary.
Select proper power plug and install it by an electrician. Please connect the power plug to grounded receptacle
Standard Operating Procedure For Sewing Machine Floor:
Need approved trim card.
All patterns should be signature by pattern manager.
Duplicate counter sample should be hanged in front of line with counter comments & sample must be signature by sample manager.
Must have country plan & shade plan in sewing line.
Garments should not keep on the floor.
Machine needs to clean in every morning before starting works. If any issue report to mechanic & solve the problem immediately or change the machine.
In-seam & out-seam should be sewing from bottom to top.
Polyester label & elastic must be cut by heat cutter.
7 pieces audit for covering all machine.
Same number parts need to be sewing for each garment.
Un-even layer should be control.
Twisting should be check/control (100% follow the cut mark).
Process QC & end of the line QC should be make report hourly.
Floor QC in-charge should be complete styling from every line with counter sample.
Needle guard & eye guard should be use for all machines sewing floor.
Foods are not allowed inside the sewing floor.
Scissors & cutters need to fasten with the machine.
All measuring tape should be caliber & need to be change in every three months.
Standard Operating Procedure For Sewing Machine Floor
Sewing Machine History:
The first sewing machine history is patent connected to mechanical sewing was a 1750 British patent issued to German, Charles Weisenthal and he trained peple how to use a sewing machine. Weisenthal was delivered a patent for a old model needle that was designed for a machine, however, the model did not describe the rest of the machine if one existed.
[1] Abdullah Al Chemi, Staff Reporter at Latest Bd News, B.Sc. in Apparel Manufacture & Technology, BUFT
