Last Updated on February 27, 2024
Sewing Machine Problems and Remedies:There is no more annoying than machines and technology that do not work when you need to use them. Yes, I know it well. For example, a sewing machine that does not sew properly when you have finally sat down at it to sew! Yes, now you can guess exactly how annoying it can be.
Modern sewing machines are capable of performing a large number of operations. It is essential not to make beginner sewing mistakes to cope with high-tech equipment, enjoy work, and sew simple and complex products. Learn more from the following.
Common Sewing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Some Common Fact That Causes Sewing Machine Teasing. If you have tried to:
- The thread runs
- The sewing machine skips stitches
- Loops form on the back of the seam
- There are holes in the fabric
- The wire clumps down at the bobbin case
7 Sewing Machine Problems and Remedies
Always check the following 7 things before handing over your sewing machine for repair. The list here is, therefore, in random order. You start with a check on what you think is most likely.
Problem #1: Incorrect Threading
If the sewing machine is threaded incorrectly, it cannot sew. It applies to both the upper thread and the bobbin thread. It is super important that both wires are inserted correctly through the machine. If you doubt whether you have threaded correctly, take both the upper and lower thread out of the machine and thread it from the front.
You can see in the manual for your sewing machine what to do if you need a little extra support. Otherwise, on the vast majority of sewing machines, some numbers indicate where the thread should go and in what order. Once you know the basic principles, it is easier to read the manual for the individual model and get it threaded correctly.
Problem #2: Needle Maintenance and Replacement
Replace the Sewing machine needles when sewing. Countless times the needle travels up and down through the fabric at a rapid pace. It wears on the needle tip – even if you make an effort not to sew into safety pins while sewing.
Therefore, you need to change your Sewing Machine Needle at regular intervals. And what is that? Yes, it is after approx 8-hours of sewing. It means that you have to change the needle daily if you sew a lot (e.g., 8 hours a day). If you do not sew that much, you can leave the needle in.
And then, it can be challenging to keep track of how many hours the individual needle has sewn. If the needle becomes dull or frayed, it must be replaced immediately – regardless of whether it is only 5 minutes old.
Therefore, it is an excellent idea not to sew over safety pins. If you hit one, there is a significant risk that you will damage your needle so much that you will have to find a new one.
Problem #3: Choosing the Right Needle for Fabric
Use the right needle. In addition to the needle being sharp and undamaged, it must also fit the fabric. It is a whole science in itself to find out which needles fit which fabric.
If you sew in delicate fabric types, recommended universal needles size is 80 and 70, and if you sew in jersey and knitted fabric, jersey needles size is 80.
Problem #4: Proper Spool Size in Coil Housing
You must have the right coil in the coil housing. The size of spools is not universal, and your spool must, of course, fit your machine. If it is too low or high, too big or small in diameter, the machine will not work. The result is often a messy mess of Sewing Thread in lumps in the bobbin case or on the back of the seam. And believe me – you would rather avoid both scenarios.
Problem #5: Quality Sewing Thread
Just as spools are not just spools, sewing thread is not just sewing thread. Use sewing thread of good quality.
Selecting a sewing thread that is incompatible with the fabric or project can lead to various issues. Threads of poor quality or inappropriate material may break easily, result in uneven stitches, or compromise the overall durability of the finished product.
How to Avoid:
- Know Your Fabric: Understand the fabric you are working with, considering its weight, stretch, and texture.
- Thread Compatibility: Choose a sewing thread that matches the characteristics of the fabric. For delicate fabrics, opt for finer threads, while heavier fabrics may require stronger threads.
- Reputable Brands: Stick to well-known thread brands like Amann or Güttermann, known for producing high-quality threads. Avoid unknown or cheap brands that may compromise on durability.
- Consult Recommendations: Check the sewing machine manual or seek recommendations from experienced sewers for suitable thread types for your specific fabric.
- Test on Scrap Fabric: Before starting your project, test the chosen thread on a scrap piece of the fabric. This allows you to assess how well the thread works with the material and ensures compatibility.
Problem #6: Thread Tension Adjustment
You have to be a little careful with this tip. It is certainly not on all sewing machines; it makes sense to tinker with the thread tension. We practically never need to adjust the thread tension on the Brother sewing machines we have in the sewing workshop.
In addition, sewing machine brands require that you should adjust the thread tension according to the fabric. Often the machine itself suggests what you should set the thread tension. Stick to the instructions that came with the machine. Always test in a fabric residue in the right fabric so that you can get an idea of what the seams will look like.
Problem #7: Regular Maintenance
Clean the sewing machine. Whatever sewing machine you have, you will benefit from occasional cleaning. Usually also a little more often (without setting a fixed time “now and then”).
Again, your manual can be a great help. In it, you can see how to get into the bobbin case and get it taken out so you can dust it off. Pay close attention to how to reinsert the bobbin case. It may be an idea to take pictures along the way when you take it out, so you have them to use as a reference when you need to reassemble the sewing machine afterward.
Depending on what sewing machine you have, it may also need a drop of sewing machine oil. Not all sewing machines can provide oil yourself. These are primarily older models. Then check again in the manual if in doubt. Do not lubricate your sewing machine with oil if there are no instructions in the manual.
If you need to lubricate your sewing machine, remember to use sewing machine oil. It is acid-free, and the sewing machine can work with it. Just as it is best for the car to be driven in from time to time, it is also best for your sewing machine to be sewn on. If it is left for too long, there is a risk that the oil will solidify and that the machine will not work properly.
Fortunately, you can afford it. You can fix yourself completely without involving a sewing machine workshop that wants money for the inconvenience. A Sewing machines are pretty functional but can confuse even an experienced sewist.
Guide to Fix Sewing Machines Problems?
There is no specific order for you to check the sewing machine. But as you gain some experience, you will learn to judge what is most likely the problem, and then you can start there.
If you are a beginner, the fault often lies in the threading of the machine. If it is not threaded correctly, it will not sew optimally – if at all. If you are more experienced, you usually have the threading so well inside your hands that this is not where you should find the problems. Here it pays to check the needle instead. Some of us tend to forget how long we have been sewing with the same needle, and so it can backfire.
Correct one thing at a time, and sew in a piece of sample fabric. Go through the various items in the list until the issue is resolved. If you have tried all 7- items on the list here without any noticeable improvement on your seams, you must call your favorite sewing machine workshop and make an appointment to look at your sewing machine.
In most cases, the solution is here (above mentioned) on the list, and you can continue sewing. And save money on a repair that was not necessary at all. You can save that money for one of the few times when there is nothing seriously wrong with your sewing machine that requires professionalism and a good sewing machine repairer. Then, in turn, you can pay the bill without bothering yourself, knowing that you have done what you could to solve the problem yourself.
Therefore, remember to sew on your sewing machine. It’s an excellent excuse to pamper yourself with a bit of sewing time. It would be best if you had it to take good care of your sewing machine.
Advice of experienced professionals
The advice of experienced professionals will help you work without common sewing machine mistakes.
- Check the needle position: Make sure the needle is in its highest position (not in the fabric) when switching operations and adjusting the stitch width. Otherwise, you risk bending the needle and damaging the “copier,” which will result in sewing not the line you have chosen but the adjacent one. Raising the needle before changing the mode of operation will protect the machine from damage.
- Prepare the machine before sewing: To sew elements, especially from dense fabric, you must first lower the needle, which you can do with a flywheel. Preliminary preparation will protect the engine from overheating and breakdowns.
- Use Reset mode: If the machine performs loops in automatic mode, and the user needs to move on to the next one, you must use the Reset function (a special switch or button).
- The technique of free-motion stitching: After working in the free-motion stitch technique, it is necessary to return the teeth of the conveyor to their original position. Turning the flywheel counterclockwise (towards you) is enough if they remain lowered. It will correct the situation.
- Upper threading: You can only thread the upper thread when the presser foot is in the raised position. It will allow you to pull the thread between the thread tension discs. Only then can the foot be lowered.
- Use the needle in highest position: You can use this element only if the needle is in its highest position.
- Use the needle threader: The device can only be used if a needle of at least size 80 is used. Otherwise, you may break the hook.
- Use the machine that goes with the fabric: Do not sew on the machine if the fabric is not tucked into it. Otherwise, you may scratch the presser foot and dull the machine’s feed dog.
- Lubricate the horizontal hook: Some manufacturers in the instructions indicate that it is unnecessary to lubricate the horizontal shuttle. It is a mistake! Under any shuttle bushing, there is a bearing, which you must lubricate!
- Usage of the reverse: Do not use reverse stitch when sewing decorative stitches.
- Backtack correctly: Remember to switch to zigzag or straight stitch when back-tacking!
- Use special oil for lubrication: Only sewing oil can be used to lubricate machine parts. Anything else is not suitable for this.
- Do not turn the flywheel clockwise: Do not rotate the wheel clockwise. Otherwise, you can tangle the threads.
- Lower the foot after sewing: Leaving the presser foot raised can cause the spring to weaken over time.
- Don’t pull the fabric: No need to help the sewing machine pull the fabric. Excessive tension bends the needle, causing it to hit the needle plate or hook nose.
- Switching sewing operations: Before switching sewing operations, it is recommended to set the zigzag width to zero. It will allow you to easily rotate the mode switch knob and increase the life of the sewing machine copier.
- Lower the needle after you finish sewing: After finishing work, lower the needle. It is crucial, as the feed teeth will lower with the needle, and the lowered foot will not pressure them.
Sewing Machine Problems and Remedies PDF
You can save or download this Sewing Machine Problems and Remedies PDF file for furthur help.
Final Word
So always start by checking these 7 sewing machine problems and remedies. If you do not succeed in repairing your sewing machine, either with the guide here or by sending it to a workshop, then there is only one thing to do: you must acquire a new sewing machine. In the meantime, you can make some more sewing patterns and prepare your fabric, so you are ready to sew a lot when you have the sewing machine back home, and it is back in top shape.
“I like to turn a piece of string into something that I can wear.” I am dedicated to sharing knowledge on the necessary sewing equipment in The Sewing Stuffs.
