Before You Start

Countless sewing machines are taken to the repair shop every day for minor problems that have been overlooked by the person using the machine. The next time you have a sewing machine problem, don't panic. Relax and take the time to check the following items. You just might save yourself a trip to the repair shop and some money too!

Listed Below are the most common sewing machine problems you will encounter. Before attempting any adjustment or repair, be sure to unplug your sewing machine.

Common Sewing Machine Problems

1. Breaking needle thread or skipping stitches
   Is the needle bent, burred or installed incorrectly?
   This is one of the most common sewing machine problems, and one of the easiest to take care of. Get into the practice of changing your needle at the first sign of trouble. Sewing machine needles are not that expensive and changing them regularly can save you a lot of headaches.
2. Breaking bobbin thread, inconsistent tension
   Remove your bobbin and inspect it carefully. Is the bobbin bent? Run your finger across the outer edges of the bobbin. If the edges are sharp, replace the bobbin. Is the bobbin thread wound evenly on the bobbin?
3. Tension problems
   Before you adjust your tension, be sure to check the threading of your machine. If you are unsure how to thread your sewing machine, refer to your manual. Unthread the needle, lower your presser foot and pull on the needle thread. You should feel a consistent moderate drag on the thread as you pull it. If not, make sure that the needle thread is seated between the tension discs. Also check between the tension discs and remove any lint or dirt that has accumilated between them.
4. Feeding problems, short stitch length
   Another common sewing machine problem occurs when lint has built up between the top of the feed dog and the bottom of the needle plate. If the material is not feeding through the sewing machine properly, remove the needle plate and clean the lint from the feed dog between the rows of teeth. Also check the pressure on the presser foot. With the presser foot down, grab the presser foot and try to raise it with your fingers. There should be moderate pressure on the presser foot.

These are the most common sewing machine problems encountered, and as you can see, most can be easily repaired yourself.