You can fix many common sewing machine problems yourself. Learning how to troubleshoot issues means less time waiting for repairs and more time sewing. This guide will help you understand why things go wrong and how to get your machine working smoothly again. We will look at typical problems like thread breaking, skipped stitches, and tension troubles. We will also cover simple steps for maintenance that keep your machine running well.
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Comprehending Your Sewing Machine’s Parts
Knowing the basic parts of your machine helps you find problems. Every machine is a little different, but they share key parts.
- Spool Pin: Holds the thread spool.
- Thread Guides: Lead the thread from the spool to the needle.
- Tension Discs: Control how tight the upper thread is.
- Take-up Lever: Pulls thread for each stitch.
- Needle: Pierces the fabric.
- Presser Foot: Holds the fabric down.
- Feed Dogs: Move the fabric under the needle.
- Bobbin Case: Holds the bobbin (or is built-in).
- Bobbin: Holds the lower thread.
When something goes wrong, the problem is often in the path of the thread or around the needle and bobbin area.
Sewing Machine Troubleshooting Steps
Finding out what’s wrong is the first step to fixing it. Use these steps for general sewing machine troubleshooting.
- Check the Easy Stuff First: Is the machine plugged in? Is the power switch on? Is the light on? Is the foot pedal connected right?
- Look at the Threading: This is the most common issue. Rethread both the upper thread and the bobbin thread completely. Make sure you follow your machine’s manual exactly.
- Check the Needle: Is it put in the right way? Is it bent, dull, or broken? Use a new needle often.
- Clean Your Machine: Lint and old thread bits can cause many problems. Clean the bobbin area and around the feed dogs.
- Test on Scrap Fabric: Use a piece of fabric like the one you are sewing. Sew slowly at first. See if the problem happens again.
Let’s look closer at common sewing machine problems.
Thread Keeps Breaking on Sewing Machine
It’s frustrating when the thread snaps while you sew. This is a frequent issue.
Upper Thread Breaks Often
If the thread from the spool keeps breaking, check these things.
- Bad Threading: The thread must pass through all the guides and the take-up lever. If you miss a guide, tension is uneven. Rethread carefully.
- Tension is Too Tight: If the upper tension is set too high, it pulls the thread too hard. Lower the upper tension dial.
- Wrong Needle Size or Type: A needle too small for the thread size or fabric can cause breaks. Use a needle that fits your thread and fabric. Needles for denim are thicker. Needles for knits have rounded tips.
- Bent or Dull Needle: A damaged needle catches the thread. Put in a new needle.
- Lint in Thread Path: Lint can build up in the tension discs or thread guides. This stops the thread from moving smoothly. Clean the thread path with a brush or threader tool.
- Old or Poor Quality Thread: Cheap or old thread breaks easily. Good quality thread is stronger. Use new thread.
- Spool Cap Issue: Is the cap on the spool pin the right size? It should hold the spool on tightly but let the thread unwind freely.
- Thread Catching: Check if the thread is catching on the spool, the machine housing, or anything else as it unwinds.
Bobbin Thread Breaks Often
Problems with the lower thread (bobbin thread) also happen.
- Bad Bobbin Winding: The bobbin must be wound evenly. If it’s loose or lumpy, it won’t feed right. Rewind the bobbin. We cover bobbin winding problems sewing machine later.
- Bobbin Case Threading: Is the bobbin in the case the right way? Is the thread in the tension spring of the bobbin case? Follow your manual.
- Bobbin Case is Damaged: A nick or scratch on the bobbin case can cut the thread. Look closely at the case. If it’s damaged, get a new one.
- Lint or Thread Bits in Bobbin Area: This is a very common cause. Remove the bobbin and bobbin case. Clean out all the lint and old thread around the bobbin case and hook area.
- Tension is Too Tight (Bobbin): The bobbin case also has tension. It’s usually a small screw. If it’s too tight, the thread breaks. Adjust this screw only a little bit at a time. A general test is holding the bobbin case by the thread; it should hang but slowly drop a little if you give it a gentle tug.
Sewing Machine Tension Issues
Getting the stitch tension right is key for nice looking seams. Both the upper thread and the bobbin thread need to pull evenly. When the tension is off, the stitch looks wrong.
Signs of Tension Problems
- Loops on Top: The bobbin thread (lower thread) is pulling the upper thread to the top of the fabric. This usually means the upper tension is too loose or the bobbin tension is too tight.
- Loops on Bottom: The upper thread is pulling the bobbin thread (lower thread) to the bottom of the fabric. This usually means the upper tension is too tight or the bobbin tension is too loose.
- Wavy Seams: Tension can cause the fabric to pucker or stretch.
Adjusting Tension
Most machines have an easy-to-turn dial for upper tension. Bobbin tension is usually adjusted with a small screw on the bobbin case itself (on machines with a removable bobbin case).
- Always Test: Use two layers of your project fabric and the same thread. Sew a few lines. Look at the stitches.
- Adjust Upper Tension First: This is the easiest to change. Turn the dial to a lower number to make tension looser. Turn it to a higher number to make tension tighter. Make small changes. Sew another test line. Keep adjusting until the stitches look balanced on both sides. The stitches should look the same on the top and bottom of the fabric. The two threads should meet neatly inside the fabric layers.
- Adjust Bobbin Tension (Carefully): Only adjust the bobbin case screw if you cannot fix the issue with the upper tension dial or if you suspect the bobbin tension is way off. Make tiny turns (like a quarter turn) of the screw. Righty-tighty (tighter), Lefty-loosey (looser). It’s easy to mess up bobbin tension. Mark the screw position with a pen before you start so you can return it to the original spot if needed.
Reasons for Bad Tension (Besides the Dial)
Even if the dials are set right, tension can be off.
- Threading Issues: Missing a thread guide is a big one. Rethread completely.
- Lint and Debris: Lint in the tension discs or bobbin case spring stops the thread from moving freely. Clean these areas.
- Incorrect Bobbin Winding: An unevenly wound bobbin causes tension problems.
- Different Threads: Using different types or weights of thread in the top and bobbin can cause issues. Use the same thread in both or threads made for machine sewing.
- Presser Foot Pressure: Sometimes, pressure foot pressure affects how fabric feeds and impacts tension appearance. Check your manual on adjusting this if your machine allows.
Skipping Stitches Sewing Machine
When your machine makes stitches but misses some spots, it’s skipping stitches. This makes weak seams.
Why Stitches Skip
- Wrong Needle: The most common reason. Using a universal needle on knit fabric, for example. Or using a needle not meant for your machine type (like a regular needle in a ballpoint needle machine). Always use the right needle type for your fabric. Ballpoint needles work for knits. Sharp needles work for woven fabrics.
- Bent, Dull, or Damaged Needle: A damaged needle can’t grab the bobbin thread correctly. Change the needle. This solves skipping stitches very often.
- Needle Put in Wrong: The needle has a flat side (or sometimes two). This flat side must face the correct direction (usually towards the back of the machine). Check your manual.
- Incorrect Threading: The thread path must be correct. Rethread the machine completely.
- Low Quality Thread: Weak or fuzzy thread can break or not loop correctly with the bobbin thread. Use good quality thread.
- Fabric is Pulled or Pushed: Don’t force the fabric through the machine. The feed dogs should move it. Pulling can bend the needle or mess up stitch formation.
- Lint or Oil Build-up: Debris in the hook area (where the bobbin thread meets the upper thread loop) can stop stitch formation. Clean and oil this area.
- Timing is Off: This is a less common issue for home sewers to fix. It means the needle and the hook are not meeting at the right time. If nothing else works, the timing might need adjusting by a professional.
Bobbin Winding Problems Sewing Machine
A properly wound bobbin is super important. If it’s wound wrong, it causes tension issues, thread breaks, or even jams.
How to Wind a Bobbin Right
- Put the empty bobbin on the bobbin winder pin.
- Place the thread spool on the spool pin.
- Guide the thread through the specific bobbin winding thread guide on your machine.
- Put the thread end into the small hole on the bobbin.
- Place the bobbin onto the winder pin. Push the winder pin over (if your machine has one that moves) so it touches the stop.
- Hold the thread end sticking out of the bobbin for a few turns.
- Start the machine slowly. The thread should start winding evenly.
- Let the machine wind until the bobbin is full but not overflowing. Most machines stop automatically when full.
- Cut the thread. Push the winder pin back.
Common Bobbin Winding Problems
- Bobbin Winds Unevenly: The thread piles up on one side.
- Cause: Thread not through the winding guide, speed is too fast, or something is blocking the thread path to the bobbin.
- Fix: Check the thread path to the winder. Try winding at a slower speed. Make sure the thread comes straight to the bobbin winder.
- Thread is Too Loose on Bobbin: The bobbin feels soft when wound.
- Cause: Not enough tension during winding.
- Fix: Make sure the thread is correctly through the bobbin winding tension disc/guide.
- Bobbin Winds Too Full or Overflowing:
- Cause: The auto-stop isn’t working, or you didn’t push the winder pin all the way over.
- Fix: Ensure the winder pin is pushed over to engage the stop mechanism. Stop winding when the bobbin is just full.
- Thread Breaks During Winding:
- Cause: Thread catching on the spool, winding too fast, or poor quality thread.
- Fix: Check the thread path. Slow down. Use better thread.
Always use bobbins made for your specific machine model. Using the wrong size or type of bobbin can cause many problems.
Sewing Machine Needle Breaks
Needles are supposed to break sometimes, but not often. If your sewing machine needle breaks often, something is wrong.
Reasons Needles Break
- Bent or Dull Needle: A weak point on the needle makes it snap. Change needles often, especially before a new project or after sewing thick seams.
- Wrong Needle for Fabric/Thread: Trying to sew heavy fabric with a thin needle. The needle can’t handle the force. Match the needle to the fabric weight and thread size.
- Needle Not Inserted Fully or Correctly: If the needle isn’t all the way up in the needle clamp, it can hit the bobbin area parts. The flat side must face the correct direction.
- Pulling or Pushing Fabric: Do not force the fabric. Let the feed dogs move it. Pulling on the fabric bends the needle and can make it break.
- Sewing Over Pins: This is a major cause of broken needles. Remove pins before sewing over them.
- Struck Something Hard: The needle hit the presser foot, bobbin case, or throat plate. This can happen if parts are loose or out of time.
- Machine Timing is Off: The needle is hitting the hook or other parts when it goes down. This needs a professional repair.
What to Do When a Needle Breaks
- Stop the machine immediately.
- Carefully remove all pieces of the broken needle. Check the needle clamp, the throat plate, and the bobbin area. Small pieces can cause bigger problems later.
- Put in a new needle correctly.
- Test on scrap fabric before sewing your project again.
Sewing Machine Jams Up Fix
A jammed machine means the needle won’t move, the handwheel is stuck, or everything just stops. A sewing machine jams up fix often involves cleaning and removing tangled thread.
Common Causes of Jams
- Thread Nest (Bird’s Nest): A big tangle of thread under the fabric, often under the throat plate, around the bobbin.
- Cause: Usually caused by incorrect upper threading, wrong tension (especially too loose upper tension), or not holding thread tails when starting to sew.
- Fix:
- Lift the presser foot.
- Turn the handwheel slowly by hand backwards (towards you) to try and loosen the jam a little. Do NOT force it.
- Cut the threads above the fabric.
- Remove the fabric carefully, pulling it towards the back of the machine if possible. You might need to cut threads under the fabric too.
- Remove the needle plate (throat plate).
- Remove the bobbin and bobbin case.
- Carefully pull out all the tangled thread. Use tweezers or small snips. Clean out all lint and thread bits.
- Clean and oil the bobbin area as needed.
- Put everything back together.
- Rethread the machine completely, both top and bobbin.
- Test on scrap fabric. Hold thread tails for the first few stitches.
- Needle Hit Something: If the needle hit the bobbin case or hook, it can cause a jam. Follow broken needle steps, then check for jam.
- Upper Thread Wrapped Around Handwheel: If the thread comes off the spool path, it can wrap around the handwheel shaft behind the wheel.
- Cause: Incorrect threading or thread jumping off the spool.
- Fix: Find where the thread is wrapped. Cut it carefully and pull it all out.
- Mechanical Issue: Less common, but internal parts can get jammed. If cleaning and rethreading don’t work, there might be a deeper problem.
Remember, never force a jammed machine. You can cause bigger damage.
Sewing Machine Maintenance
Regular care is the best way to prevent problems and keep your machine running smoothly. Sewing machine maintenance includes cleaning and oiling.
Cleaning Your Sewing Machine
Lint, dust, and old thread bits are the enemy of a sewing machine. They build up and cause friction, tension problems, and jams.
- Unplug the Machine: Always unplug before cleaning.
- Remove Needle and Presser Foot: This gives you better access.
- Remove Needle Plate (Throat Plate): Use the screwdriver that came with your machine.
- Remove Bobbin and Bobbin Case:
- Brush Away Lint: Use the small brush that came with your machine. Brush out the feed dogs area, the bobbin case area, and the hook race. Be thorough.
- Use Tweezers: Pull out any stubborn clumps of lint or thread.
- Avoid Canned Air: Canned air can blow lint deeper into the machine, making problems worse. Use a brush. A small vacuum attachment designed for electronics can work well.
- Clean Tension Discs: With the presser foot up, thread a piece of unwaxed dental floss or thin cloth between the upper tension discs and pull it through. This removes lint stuck there. (Putting the foot down closes the discs, making cleaning hard).
- Wipe Down Outside: Use a soft cloth to clean the exterior of the machine.
Clean your machine after every project or every 8-10 hours of sewing time.
How to Oil Sewing Machine
Oiling reduces friction between moving metal parts. Check your machine’s manual! Not all machines need oiling, and the spots to oil vary greatly. Modern machines, especially those with plastic parts in the bobbin area, may not need oiling there or anywhere.
IF your manual says to oil:
- Use Machine-Specific Oil: Only use sewing machine oil. Do NOT use WD-40, cooking oil, or any other oil. Sewing machine oil is lightweight and won’t gum up the works.
- Clean First: Always clean the areas to be oiled before adding oil.
- Find Oil Points: Your manual will show you exactly where to put oil. Common spots are the hook race (where the bobbin case sits and spins) and sometimes upper shafts or gears.
- Use Just a Drop: A tiny drop of oil is enough for each point. More is not better and can get on your fabric.
- Run the Machine: After oiling, sew on a scrap piece of fabric for a minute or two at different speeds. This spreads the oil.
- Wipe Excess: Wipe away any oil that comes to the surface. Sew another scrap piece to make sure no oil stains your project fabric.
Only oil your machine as often as the manual suggests. Over-oiling attracts more lint.
Getting a Smooth Stitch
A well-running machine makes sewing a joy. Here’s a summary of key checks for smooth sewing.
| Problem Type | Quick Checks | Common Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| Thread Breaking | Upper or lower? Quality of thread? | Rethread carefully, check tension, change needle, clean thread path. |
| Skipping Stitches | Needle type, size, condition, insertion? | Change needle (very likely the fix), check needle position, rethread, don’t pull fabric. |
| Tension Issues | Loops on top or bottom? | Adjust upper tension dial, rethread, clean tension discs/bobbin area, check bobbin winding. |
| Bobbin Problems | Winding uneven? Threading bobbin case right? | Rewind bobbin properly, rethread bobbin case, use correct bobbin type, clean bobbin area. |
| Machine Jams | Stuck handwheel? Tangle of thread? | Identify jam area (usually bobbin/under plate), remove all thread/lint carefully, clean, rethread. |
| Needle Breaking | Hitting something? Fabric/thread too heavy for needle? Pulling fabric? | Use correct needle, put needle in right, don’t pull fabric, sew carefully over seams, avoid pins. |
| Noise/Rough Sound | Needs oil? Something stuck? | Clean and oil machine (if manual says so), check for thread bits or lint in moving parts, especially hook. |
| Fabric Not Moving | Feed dogs down? Lint blocking feed dogs? Presser foot pressure? Stitch length? | Raise feed dogs, clean feed dogs area, check presser foot lift, check stitch length setting. |
When to Call a Professional
You can fix many things with sewing machine troubleshooting and regular care. But some problems need expert help.
- Timing is Off: If the needle and hook are not meeting correctly, this requires special tools and knowledge to fix. Signs include persistent skipping stitches even with a new needle, or the machine making loud knocking sounds.
- Bent or Broken Internal Parts: If a plastic or metal part inside the machine is broken, you likely need a repair person to replace it.
- Motor or Electrical Issues: If the machine won’t turn on, smells like burning, or the motor sounds wrong, this needs professional repair for safety reasons.
- Problems After Cleaning/Oiling: If you’ve done all the troubleshooting steps and the problem is still there, a deeper issue might exist.
- You Don’t Feel Comfortable: If you are unsure about taking apart a part of your machine, it’s okay to take it to a professional.
Regular sewing machine maintenance prevents many of these issues. Treat your machine well, and it will serve you for years of happy sewing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I clean my sewing machine?
Clean your machine after each project or after about 8-10 hours of sewing time. If you sew with fabrics that create a lot of lint (like flannel or batting), clean more often.
How often should I oil my sewing machine?
Check your machine’s manual. Many newer machines need very little oiling. If your manual says to oil, it might suggest oiling after every few projects or hours of use, or even just yearly. Only oil the spots shown in your manual.
Can I use any oil in my sewing machine?
No! Only use specific sewing machine oil. Other oils are too thick, will gum up, or can damage parts.
Why does my machine make loops on the bottom of the fabric?
This is usually a tension problem. It means the upper thread is too tight or the bobbin thread is too loose. Try lowering your upper tension setting. Also, make sure your upper thread is correctly seated in the tension discs and that the bobbin is wound and inserted correctly.
Why does my machine make loops on the top of the fabric?
This also means tension is off. It usually means the upper thread is too loose or the bobbin thread is too tight. Try raising your upper tension setting. Check that the bobbin is not wound too tightly and that the bobbin thread is correctly in the bobbin case tension spring.
Why do I keep getting a tangle of thread under my fabric?
This ‘bird’s nest’ is most often caused by incorrect upper threading or having the upper tension too loose. Rethread your machine carefully, making sure the thread is fully in the tension discs with the presser foot up. Hold both thread tails behind the presser foot when you start sewing.
Do I need to change my needle often?
Yes! Change your needle for every new project or after about 8-10 hours of sewing. A dull or slightly bent needle causes many problems like skipped stitches, thread breaks, and fabric snags.
What type of needle should I use?
The best needle depends on your fabric and thread.
* Universal: Good for many woven fabrics.
* Ballpoint/Jersey: For knit fabrics.
* Microtex/Sharp: For very fine fabrics, silks, or microfibers.
* Denim/Jeans: For heavy fabrics like denim or canvas.
* Quilting: Special taper for going through layers.
* Embroidery: Special scarf to protect embroidery thread.
Always match the needle size to the fabric weight (smaller numbers for lighter fabrics, larger numbers for heavier fabrics).
My handwheel is stuck. What should I do?
Do not force it. The most common cause is a thread jam, usually around the bobbin area. Unplug the machine. Remove the needle plate, bobbin, and bobbin case. Carefully remove all tangled thread and lint. Clean and oil if needed, then put everything back. If it’s still stuck after clearing debris, there might be a mechanical issue needing repair.