What are the common sewing machine problems?
There’s nothing more frustrating than unwillingly working with a sloppy sewing machine! Broken or tangled threads, missed stitches, broken needles – it can be a painful experience. However, the majority of problems can be solved without having to take your machine in for costly repairs. We’ve put together the top 10 of the most frequently encountered sewing machine issues and the solutions for them to assist you in identifying the issue during the course of your project!
1. Thread getting tangled underneath your fabric while sewing
If you notice knots of extra thread on the bottom of your sewing machine, there could be a variety of reasons. Start by removing your sewing machine from its position. It may be necessary to cut through the thread to make it off. Do not just pull it off; otherwise, you could damage the mechanisms of the machine and your fabric! After the project has been removed, be sure to remove all the thread pieces that were cut and also. You’re now able to pinpoint the problem. Keep a piece of your fabric to try out solutions when you test them.
- Remove the top thread, then re-thread the machine, taking care not to violate the threading diagram included in the machine’s manual. Make sure your presser feet are up to when you are threading. A lot of machines will lock the tension disks once the presser foot is off, and it is impossible for the machine to be threaded correctly through the disks.
- Re-thread and remove your bobbin. Certain machines are specific regarding the direction in which the bobbin comes off. Check your manual to make certain that it’s been inserted correctly.
- Be sure to use the same thread in the top thread and the bobbin. The difference in thread weight is a common cause for the machine to draw threads at different speeds, which can cause tangles and knots.
- Make sure you adjust your setting for the tension. This is a frequent issue that can arise when you change from working on a bulky fabric to one with a soft texture (or reverse) without noticing to adjust your settings. Try your tension settings with an unused piece of the fabric to ensure that all is in order.
Most importantly, your sewing machine must be durable enough to handle no matter you make a mistake! For example, you can read the singer 1234 reviews to find out how durable this model is!
2. Broken or bent needles
This is a serious issue that can be risky and also annoying. Always use a brand new needle for any new project. This will prevent needles from becoming dull or hooked at the point and causing damage to the fabric. Be sure to use the 100% appropriate needle for the task you’re working on. Knit fabrics are best suited to the ballpoint or jersey needles, while vinyl, leather, and denim require sharp, strong needles.
If your needle breaks or is bent, cease sewing immediately. Remove the damaged needle and place it into a container that can be properly removed. Replace the needle with the appropriate type of needle for your project. Be sure to set it up according to the instructions in your sewing machine instructions. Continue to thread, and then continue your project. If you’re using the right needle but are still experiencing issues with cracking or stretching, you could be experiencing mechanical issues that are underlying the timing mechanism. This requires expert repair. However, your machine’s durability again is essential! Therefore, opt for a model such as Janome Magnolia 7318 to ensure the machine remains all perfect!
3. Fabric is not feeding
If there is a drop feed setting that is not activated and there’s no darning or embroidery plate covering your feed dog. Also, make certain that the presser foot is down and set at the proper pressure for the fabric. Too little or excessive pressure will result in insufficient feed. When beginning a seam, ensure that your fabric is fully underneath the needle prior to lowering the presser foot.
4. Thread keeps breaking
Make sure you know the kind of thread which you’re using. The threads made to be used for hand sewing aren’t appropriate for use with machines for sewing. The threads on your top and bottom must be of identical weight. Rethread your top thread making sure your presser’s foot is in the right direction while you thread. If you’re still experiencing issues, decrease the tension settings for your top thread.
5. Machine is moving stitches
There are many possible causes that your machine might skip stitches. The first step is to ensure whether your needle is set correctly, is not bent or damaged in any way, and that you’re using the appropriate type of needle for the project. In the event that the needle’s top thread isn’t reaching the bobbin, then the threads will not secure properly, which could result in the stitch being skipped. Re-thread the machine, both bottom, and bobbin threads, and then test. If your machine is moving stitches in a jiffy, it could be a problem with the timing, and this may require professional repairs.
6. Bobbin tension not constant
If you’re constantly changing the tension of your thread for the bobbin, take a look at the bobbin’s structure. The plastic bobbins are particularly susceptible to wear, causing them to get loose in the bobbin’s housing, creating a problem in maintaining the right tension. Consider switching over to a metal bobbin to check if this resolves the problem.
7. Seams in stretch fabric coming out as wavy
It could be an issue with your sewing machine, or it could be due to the way you’re sewing. Start by adjusting your sewing technique. You must ensure that the whole of your work is supported when you sew. The weight of the fabric on its own can cause knits and other stretchy fabrics to stretch when you’re sewing. So don’t allow your fabric to drape across the table as you work. Allow the dogs feeding you to do the work, and refrain from pulling your fabric in order to make it straighter while you stitch. Make sure you pin the fabric well before beginning! If you do not see any issues make adjustments to the tension of your presser foot or even switch to a walking one that feeds the upper and lower sections of your garment beneath the needle in the same way, which will prevent distortion.
8. Sewing machine stops working or doesn’t sew.
It’s not unusual to offer your machine some assistance through the turn of the wheel, especially when you’re getting the seam going. If you have to make the wheel turn or your machine does not respond after a little small amount of help, then stop the sewing! Most likely, the fabric is too difficult for the machine you’re using to stitch, so attempting to sew it can cause damage to the machine. If you’re not sewing with tough material, be sure the needle, you’re using it correctly, and that it is the correct one. Unplug it to make sure it’s not bent. If you’re still experiencing issues with the device, not sewing, refer to the manual for maintenance and cleaning suggestions. The accumulation of lint and fuzz can make it difficult for the machine’s mechanism to function properly. However, such issues you won’t counter if you read Janome Memory 200E Craft Review as this model is fabulous at working non-stop and has great durability.
9. Needle is unthreaded prior to sewing
It’s so annoying! You’ve just spent hours trying to get that thread into an eye on the needle, and when you start sewing, it stops threading itself. There’s a simple solution to this. Before you thread your machine, be sure your needle’s at its most high level. You can accomplish this by winding the handwheel in the direction of yourself (always turn it towards yourself as this will advance the machine; winding it backward can result in threads tangling) while paying attention to the needle. Certain machines also come with an “up/down” feature that lets you elevate or lower the needle in a controlled manner to the highest or lowest point.
10. Threads or fabric are clumping at the beginning or end of seams
The seams of your garment should lie perfectly flat from one side to the next. However, it’s not unusual to find threads tangled or bunched up on the edges. This happens due to the process of backstitching (or back-tacking) across the edges of the fabric. This alters the tension your machine is exposed to and creates knots. Make sure to sew an extra few millimeters in your fabric prior to backstitching the seam’s beginning to ensure that the backstitches are completely through the fabric and not across the edge. When you are closing a seam, backstitch prior to securing the edge, then stitch straight across the edge for a neat edge.
Read : Sewing for Beginners
