Sewing Machine Common Problems And Troubleshooting | Complete And Crucial Guide

Does your sewing machine make strange noises, run out of thread or need more frequent repairs? If so, it’s time to do some furbish up!

Sewing machines work by having you pull the needle down through fabric at a certain speed. As the needle is moving up and then back down, there is an opportunity for something to go wrong. When this happens, you will notice a loud noise that resembles someone dropping a heavy object onto concrete. This is because the mechanism in the sewing machine that keeps the shuttle smoothly operating gets jammed when the needle hits it.

The most common cause of a stuck stitch lockup is too tight a bobbin case. Because bobbins are constantly spinning while the feed dog grabs the next loop from the spool, they can get very tight. To avoid this, take off the cover (this tool comes with the handle assembly) and loosen them slightly. This may also help if the machine has trouble starting to sew after putting away the machine.

 Some common troubles are given below:

• Bobbin or looper thread breakage.
• Seam pucker.
• Skipped stitches.
• Needle thread breakage.
• Imbalanced / variable stitching.
• Variable stitch density.
• Thread fusing when the machine stops.

This article will talk about specific parts of your sewing machine and how to test each one to determine whether it needs repaired or not.

Check the battery

A dead sewing machine will not stitch, nor will it send out warning messages to indicate that it is running low on power. If your sewing machine is no longer stitching or powering up, check to see if its battery is working properly!

If you are getting very little power from the motor, then you need to replace the battery. You can find cheap batteries at most any big store such as Target or Walmart. Just make sure they work for your specific model of sewing machine!

Another way to test the battery is by using a multimeter. Most electronic devices have a setting where you can measure resistance which corresponds to how much electricity is being drawn from the source.

Check the threading

If you are having trouble stitching anywhere, check to see if your machine is out of thread! Make sure there are not clogs in the bobbin area or the needle drop off.

If one of these happens, then start over by taking out any decorations or patterns and replacing them before sewing again. This will give you new starting materials that have gone through all the settings already, so it will be more reliable.

Also, try using less bulky fabrics like cotton for starting threads to see if that helps. More delicate fabrics may need heavier amounts, however.

Is it plugged into the wall?

The next thing to check is if your machine is still connected to power! Many sewing machines have back-up batteries that keep the machine functioning in case of a battery drain or complete loss of electricity from the outlet.

If you’re having trouble stitching, this isn’t the cause of your problem. It would be impossible to stitch without power, but checking whether the needle is moving and the thread is feeding through the fabric can help determine whether the source of the issue is the machine or the supply of electricity.

It’s important to note that even if the needles are moving and the bobbin is turning, this doesn’t mean that the machine is working. You will need to confirm that there is enough power coming from the socket for the motor to run correctly before trying to use the machine again.

Can I try my other hand sewing tool while waiting for the sewing machine to work?

This is not a good idea unless you know how to do something with the other tool. Only try this if you have another similar tool that works properly and you know what to do with that.

Using the wrong tool or doing something completely different with it could make the situation worse by damaging the sewing machine even more. This could also hurt your desire to sew as much as you used to.

Is it plugged into a surge protector?

Most sewing machines have what is called an automatic power switch. This button or device switches off the machine when there is not enough electricity to run the motor.

It also helps protect your equipment from power surges, which can cause damage to your machine or trip the circuit breaker that sends power to it. Make sure your machine has this feature!

If you’re getting “no power” messages or your machine isn’t working at all, check to see if the auto-power-switch is turned on. You can also double check by testing the voltage of the battery with a voltmeter (test meter). If they are both missing, then try powering it on manually and see if that works.

Is it plugged into another appliance?

Sometimes, things get stuck in a sewing machine because there is something else using the socket as an outlet. If this happens, try switching off whatever device you are currently using to make sure the sewing machine can connect to a power source before trying to use your new tool again!

Some examples of devices that could cause this problem include: An iron, a hairdryer, or a vacuum. Make sure all of these items have completely dried out before trying to use the item again.

This is very important to do because if not, they could leave some water behind which would eventually dry and potentially damage the machine.

Replace your machine battery if it is low

If you are getting poor performance from your sewing machine, one of the first things to check out is its battery. A dead or weak battery will not able to hold a charge necessary for the functioning of the device.

If you find that the needle drops down immediately after you pull the fabric through the throat, then there is no need to worry about whether the thread cutter works or not. That part of the machine has nothing to do with the battery!

Instead, look at the position of the bobbin. Does it drop quickly as well? This could be caused by a bad capacitor in the bobbin area, so make sure to test this.

Clean the machine with a humidifier

A very common cause of poor stitch quality is dirty needles. If you are getting longer, thinner stitches, or if your fabric isn’t taking a proper amount of time to process, then chances are good that your needle is not performing its job properly.

A used sewing needle can pick up residue from past projects, which will be stuck in the threads as it moves through the material. This could affect how well the fabric adheres to the next layer of clothing or what kind of print you want to create.

If you notice that your thread breaks frequently, your needles may need to be replaced. Luckily, they are relatively inexpensive!

By using a sewing machine humidifier, you will be cleaning both your machine and your hands regularly. Many machines have an attachment for a humidifier so that you do not have to use dry towels or paper towels to wet them.

Replace the machine filter

A common cause of poor stitch quality or jamming is a dirty needle. If you are getting fuzzy, uneven stitches, then your needle is not picking up enough thread due to a clogged tip. You can test this by replacing the filter in the sewing machine and seeing if that makes a difference. You do not need special tools for this – any tool with fine tipped needles such as scrapbooking needles can be used.

If the filter does help your stitching improve, then you have found the source of your problem! Simply wash and replace it immediately to restore performance. Make sure to dry thoroughly before using the unit.

Conclusion

If your sewing machine is still not working after troubleshooting, it may be time to take it to a professional for repair. Many sewing machine repair shops offer free estimates and can quickly diagnose and repair any issues. Before you go, make sure to research the shop to ensure they have a good reputation. Congratulations on tackling the troubleshooting for your sewing machine! 

To help you out further, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to sewing machine troubleshooting.

FAQs

Q: What should I do if my machine won't start?

A: First, check that the machine is plugged in, and that the power switch is turned on. Additionally, check that the bobbin and thread tension are set correctly. If the power switch is turned on and the machine still won't start, you may need to call a technician to check the wiring.

Q: Why my machine is making a loud noise?

A: If the machine is making a loud noise, it's likely due to a problem with the motor. You should check the motor and connections for any dirt or debris that could be causing the problem. If the noise persists, you may need to take the machine to a professional to have it serviced.

Q: How can I prevent thread tangles?

A: Make sure you're using the correct needle size for the type of fabric you're working with. Additionally, check that the tension is set correctly, and that you're using the correct type of thread. This can also help prevent thread tangles.

We hope these FAQs have been helpful in getting you started with your troubleshooting.