Trouble shooting Guide for the Domestic Sewing Machine...general sewing problems, will be basically the same (with a few minor variations between the different manufacturers) for most

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Trouble shooting Guide for

the Domestic Sewing Machine

£1.99

All profits from this booklet go to

AUTHOR - IMLOCKSTITCHSERVICESLTD

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 3

STARTING TIP ............................................................................................................ 4

1. Needle bar does not move or the machine will not run / sew .............................. 5

2. The needle thread keeps breaking ....................................................................... 6

3. Wrong, Bent, or damaged needle ........................................................................ 8

4. Thread tangles ................................................................................................... 10

5. Fabric not feeding .............................................................................................. 11

6. Not stitching correctly! ....................................................................................... 11

Quick Troubleshooting Guide .................................................................................... 12

IMPORTANT

Always follow your machines manual Safety instructions. And

Switch OFF your machine at the socket before attempting any of the

rectification activities as described herein.

WARNING

Never plug a sewing machine into your electrical supply socket if the plug

or power cable appears to be damaged

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INTRODUCTION

Using this booklet This booklet aims to provide you with a basic guide, with easy to follow steps (we hope), for addressing many of the common problems that domestic sewers may encounter.

It should be noted that this booklet, does not provide a dedicated guide for one specific make or model of machine. However, we have tried to write it as generic as possible to provide you with a ready-reference guide for all domestic sewing machine users.

Whilst sewing machines come in many shapes and sizes and the working features may vary in complexity (especially on some of the newer high-end digital machines), they will all have the same basic parts. Therefore, the processes as described herein, for helping to overcome

general sewing problems, will be basically the same (with a few minor variations between the different manufacturers) for most domestic lock-stitch machines.

Owner Manuals

We recommend that you use this booklet in conjunction with your machines owner’s manual and if you have not got one, try and get one via your local dealer or the internet, they are readily available for most makes even vintage models and some web-sites provide free

down loads.

Your owner’s manual will describe how to operate the machine. It also explains how to care for it. Some will also show all of the possible functions and additional optional extras that

your model offers.

In addition, there are also a large number of sewing enthusiast videos and tips on the internet which are often easier to follow than the simple words and diagrams in your

manual.

Cleaning You should always try and keep your machine and sewing working area as clean and tidy as

possible, discarding any bits of fabric, fluff or thread that might inadvertently find their way into the bobbin, threading or working parts of your machine.

You should exercise caution when using any domestic cleaning products on your machine

and lubricate only using Sewing Machine light oil / grease and then only on the manufactures designated lubrication points / ports. Please try to avoid using commercially available spray-can lubricants as these can get all over the machine and your fabrics.

Always test a small area of your machine when using any new cleaning product for the first

time. Some fluids can damage the machines plastic or metal finishes. Often a clean damp cloth can remove the dirt without damaging your machine. A small nylon brush in key areas also helps to keep the machine in tip top condition.

Tools Typically we recommend you buy a small selection of dedicated sewing machine tools (if they have not already come with your machine) to support fixing some of the problems we

have described herein. Keep them clean and include:-

• Small screw drivers • Small nylon brushes • Pipe cleaners • Cotton buds and balls

• Small Tweezers • Cleaning cloth • Reading eye glasses or magnifying

glass (if you can’t see well like us) • Small hand held light (for seeing into

hard to reach areas).

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• Small Sewing scissors

STARTING TIP

Fixing most sewing issues can be resolved by a simple process of working your way back to

the point you (or the last user) performed the last change or adjustment to the machine. Perhaps you had simply changed the thread or bobbin or needle, or are now using a

completely different type of fabric material or a combination of these?

Often it is highly likely that the problem was caused by something you did or missed doing in setting up the machine. (We can all do it at times, especially when we have not used that

particular machine for a while).

As an initial starting tip we highly recommend checking or changing the needle and then carefully followed the re-threading sequencing instructions as detailed in your user manual

for both the needle thread and the bobbin thread/case, then try some test stitches on a scrap piece of material.

Whilst many machines provide an auto-wined bobbin shut off function, you should always

check that the bobbin has been loaded with thread properly and not over wound.

NB:- Not all machines are the same so it really does pay to check your manual for the needle and bobbin’s orientation and double check it they are both properly

inserted and threaded correctly.

Often you can quickly get your machine sewing again with these simple checks.

However,

If the issue(s) continues then we suggest you try and work through the faults rectifications

as described in the following pages of this booklet and always use your machines owner’s manual as your specific model guide.

There is a quick reference guide provided at the back.

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1. Needle bar does not move or the machine will not run / sew

1. Is the machine plugged in and wall socket switched on ? – If not Plug the machine in!

2. Is the machines power switch turned on ? – If not switch the machine on!

3. Is the stop motion screw tightened up from the last time you wound a bobbin? – If not

tighten up!

4. Is your machine set in bobbin-winding mode? - Check that the lever or winding post for your bobbin is in the “off/sew” position.

5. Do the lights and motor run? If not check electrical connections and change plug fuse.

6. Did you press the foot controller properly?

7. Is there an electrical smell of burning from the motor – If so unplug it immediately and

do not leave it unattended until you are sure it has cooled down and is is safe to do so. Seek expert help from your local dealership or service engineer.

8. It is highly likely, that your fabric may be too heavy/thick for your machine to sew, and

if you do continue to attempt to sew then it will most likely damage your machine.

If you are not sewing with a heavy/thick fabric, make sure that your needle is installed correctly and is the right type etc. Go back to the basics again check that it isn’t

damaged and everything is threaded correctly. Missing one of the threading sequences / guide points can often jam the machine.

9. Machine making strange noises

Stop sewing - As soon as you hear unexpected noises take your foot off the pedal!

In the majority of occurrences it highly likely that your machine just needs a good old fashion cleaning. Even very small deposits and build-up of fluff, lint, fabric and/or thread

pieces can often make your machine’s mechanisms malfunction or make strange noises.

Check your user’s manual for the correct cleaning, oiling, lubricating and general maintenance instructions and then try a sewing test on a bit of scrap fabric.

When cleaning most manual recommend using a small brush or vacuum to remove bits

of material and threads from the mechanism working areas, however please avoid using cans of compressed air as they have a great tendency to blow stuff at great force into the inner workings which can cause even more problems, ultimately requiring a major

strip down of your machine by a qualified engineer.

If you are still experiencing odd noises we recommend taking it to a repair shop to have a full service and check.

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2. The needle thread keeps breaking

1. Firstly check that the needle is not bent or damaged and that it is the correct class and

size for the type of sewing you are undertaking.

2. Next check that you have inserted and threaded the needle correctly in accordance with

the sequence steps described in your machines owner’s manual.

NB:- Not all machines are the same so it really does pay to check your manual especially if you have not used the machine for a while!

If you missed or did not properly fit the thread into one of the threading guide points then it causes the thread to miss-feed and it can often break or jam up.

3. When you re-thread the needle, always making sure that your presser foot is in the UP

POSITION* while threading.

NB:- nearly all machines lock the thread tension disks when the presser foot is in the down position, hence making it impossible to thread the machine properly

through the tension disks.

4. Check the type of thread you are using:-

• Generally delicate hand sewing threads are not suitable for machine sewing.

• Your top and bobbin bottom threads should be of the same weight. • Cheap threads are often not the best thing to use in your sewing machine.

o Whilst those “4 for a £1” spools of thread may seem like a great way to save

money at the Pound shop, you will most likely wish you had not bothered when they keep breaking later!

• Also thread can deteriorate over time; it often frays and builds up fluff. o So if you are trying to use your great grandmother's 1920s spools of thread...

it may actually be the root cause of the problem.

5. If you’re still having problems try lowering the thread tension settings for your top thread (your machines manual will explain how to do this for your specific make and model).

To regulate your upper thread tension on older machines you simply need to adjust the thread tension dial with

your fingers after lowering the pressure foot. NB: The Higher the number on the dial setting the

tighter the upper thread tension.

Also, if you have changed thread weight from your previous project you may need to adjust the thread tension settings for your upper thread.

6. Check that there are no bits or dirt on the thread tensioning wheels or any other part of

the upper threading points. If so clean it off with a small brush or gently run a pipe cleaner through the wheels and re-thread. Use caution so as not to damage the spring!

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7. Lower thread tension will have already been pre-set for general sewing use at the factory but when sewing extremely thin or thick heavy material it often requires minor

adjustments (see below).

First step is to remove the bobbin case and check the bobbin has been inserted and wound correctly. Then check the tension as per the instructions in your manual (general setting advise shown in the picture above). Generally if your top thread is showing on

the bottom of the fabric then your bobbin tension may be too tight or top thread too loose.

8. Check that there is no dirt or bits under the dog feeder plate or any part of the bobbin case / threading points. If so clean it off with a small brush and re-thread.

TOP TIP

When changing the needle thread it is always advisable to cut the thread from the top and pull thread from the needle eye end to prevent lint and fabric debris from getting into the

mechanism and tread tensioners.

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3. Wrong, Bent, or damaged needle

All sewers know that our Fabric is too precious to risk damaging at the start of the project.

That’s why we always recommend that you try to use a new needle whenever you are starting a new or big sewing project, this is especially important if the existing needle has been used for a considerable time or previously used on heavy work. Some sewing web sites

even recommend changing the needle ever six hours or so.

At the start of a project fitting a new needle will ensure that it is definitely not blunt or even slightly damaged, both of which can damage your fabric and create problems for the

stiches.

It is also important to remember that different fabrics require different needles. The weight and type of fabric you are working with will determine the correct needle.

Check your Owner’s manual but some examples are shown in the table below for general guidance:-

Fabric Type Needle Style Needle Size Fabric Examples

Light weight woven Regular Point 11/80 Voile, Organza, light linen

Light weight stretch Ball point 11/80 Jersey, Lingerie, T-shirt fabric

Medium weight woven Regular Point 14/90 Craft Cottons, medium linen, satin, silk

Medium weight stretch Ball point 14/90 Ponte knit, sweatshirt fleece, synthetic suede

Heavy weight woven Regular Point 16/100 Denim, Canvas,

Heavy weight stretch Ball point 16/100 Polar fleece, double knit, faux fir

The most common sign that you need to change the needle is usually skipped stitches however, if your needle breaks or appears bent, stop sewing immediately and try the

following:-

1. Turn off the power, just in case you inadvertently hit the foot pedal or go switch- we don’t want any blood on that fabric!

2. Carefully remove the broken / damaged needle and put it in a container, keep out of the reach of Children and Pets and dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner.

3. Replace the needle with the correct type for your fabric (as per the examples in the table above) and ensure that you have installed it correctly in accordance with your machine’s

manual. Make sure it has been fully inserted to the needle stop, it is the correct way around and that you have tightened the needle retention screw.

4. Re-thread the new needle in accordance with the sequences and steps as described in

your machine’s manual, and continue your sewing.

NB- always making sure that your presser foot is in the UP POSITION while threading.

5. If you are guiding the material from behind the needle make sure you are not pulling it too quickly.

6. Make sure that the presser foot or other attachment is securely fastened to the presser

bar.

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7. Clean and make sure that there is no lint, thread or other material trapped under the throat / dog-foot plate.

8. Try lowering the needle by the hand wheel and check it does not foul with the throat / dog-foot needle plate.

9. If you continue to have issues with the needle breaking, hitting the bobbin or bending,

you may have a needle height issue (check it is properly and fully inserted to the stop), you may also have a mechanical setting or timing issue with the machines mechanism, which will require specialist repair action – ask your local fabric shop for help.

10. Another common fault is damage or burrs on the needle plate as a result of previous needle contacts. Check the plate and replace as necessary.

TOP TIP

Reading up about your sewing machine’s needle options will help resolve many problems.

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4. Thread tangles

There are a number of possible causes for this.

The first step is to remove your sewing from the machine. To do this you may need to cut all of the extra thread above and beneath the materials to get it freed from the mechanism

using suitable pair of sewing scissors.

MOST IMPORTANT -

Do not forcibly pull your sewing out, as you risk seriously damaging your

machine not to mention your fabric!

Once your sewing has been freed remove any of the bits of cut thread, do a general tidy up and clean the sewing area.

For each of the next steps you are recommended to get some scrap bits of fabric and test

the fix as you work through each of them.

1. Remove your top thread and re-thread the machine, being careful to follow the

threading schematic provided in your machine’s manual. Make sure your presser foot is up while threading — as most machines lock the tension disks when the presser foot is down, making it impossible to thread the machine through the disks correctly.

Try some stitches

2. Are you are using the same type of thread in both the needle top thread and the bottom bobbin ? A small difference in thread weights can cause machines to draw threads at

different rates, leading to tangles and knots.

Try some stitches

3. Is the bobbin threaded and inserted correctly? Remove and re-thread your bobbin. Some

machines are very particular about which way the bobbin unwinds. Consult your user manual to be sure it’s inserted correctly i.e. some unthread clockwise others anti-clockwise.

Whilst rethreading and/or re-fitting the bobbin ensure that any dirty or lint is removed from the inner working areas of the bobbin case.

Try some stitches

4. Adjust your tension settings. This is a common issue, especially if you have gone from working with a heavy fabric to a delicate one or vice versa.

Try to test your tension settings on a scrap of your project’s fabric to make sure everything is correct before starting back on the main sewing project.

TOP TIP

When you have threaded your top needle and loaded the bobbin threads ends please ensure

that the ends of the two threads are held away from the sewing until a few stitches have

been made. If you don’t the loose ends can get caught-up in the fabric / sewing action and

cause thread to bunch up under your sewing.

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5. Fabric not feeding

There are several possible reasons for feeding problems and usually the main culprit is the feed dogs.

1. Make sure that your presser foot is down, and that it is set to the correct pressure for

your fabric.

Too little or too much pressure results in a poor feeding. Try to make sure that your fabric maintains even contact with the feed dogs.

2. Make sure you don’t have an embroidery or darning plate covering the feed dogs.

3. Remove the needle/throat/feed-dog plate(s), clean all of the dirt from around the mechanical working area.

4. If your machine is older, it’s possible that the feed dogs are badly worn and therefore they will not hold the fabric properly no matter how much pressure you apply.

Visually check and if worn get them replaced.

6. Not stitching correctly!

There are several reasons why your machine misses or does not stitch correctly.

1) First, check that your needle is installed correctly, not bent or otherwise damaged, and that you’re using the right type of needle for your project.

2) If your bobbin thread is being pulled through to the top of the material either your Top

thread tension is too strong or your bobbin thread tension is too loose. Check Top and Bobbin tensions.

3) If the top needle thread is not reaching the hook, the threads may not create a lock stitch properly, resulting in a skipped stitch.

Re-thread your machine, both top and bobbin threads, and test. If your machine is still

skipping stitches, or the needle hitting the bobbin case there may be an issue with the timing or needle height which will require expert adjustment / repairs.

4) Decorative stitch not working

Check your stitch length and width settings.

Double check your user’s manual and make sure that you are using the right setting e.g. length and width for that type of stitch.

5) If you find yourself constantly adjusting the tension of your bobbin thread, check the

bobbin itself.

Some cheap Plastic bobbins can wear quickly, causing them to become loose within the housing, this can cause repeating tension problems.

Install a new, newer or metal bobbin and see if that resolves the issue.

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Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom Possible cause How to put it right Reference in this booklet

Machine does not work

The machine is not plugged in

Plug the machine in

See section 1

The main power switch is turned off

Turn on the main power switch

The bobbin-winder shaft is pushed to the right or not tighten up

Move the bobbin-winder shaft to the left and/or tighten up as per your model

You have not used / depressed the foot controller properly.

Try to press the foot controller properly

Upper needle thread breaks.

You have inadvertently not threaded the upper thread properly.

Re-thread the needle ensuring that it is fitted through each of the guide areas properly

See section 2

The needle is not appropriate for the thread you are using.

Choose a needle that is appropriate for the type of stitch and thread

The upper-thread tension is too tight

Loosen the upper-thread tension

The thread is tangled, for example in the shuttle

Remove the tangle thread and clean the shuttle / bobbin area.

The needle is bent or blunt

Replace the needle

You have not fitted the needle properly

Fit the needle properly

The area around the hole in the needle plate is scratched

Replace the needle plate.

The area around the hole in the presser foot is scratched.

Replace the presser foot.

The shuttle is scratched, or has a burr on it.

Replace the shuttle.

You have not used a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.

Incorrect bobbins will not work properly. Only use a bobbin that has been designed for this machine.

Thread tangles

You have not fitted the bobbin thread properly

Fit the bobbin properly.

See section 4

The bobbin is scratched or does not turn smoothly

Replace the bobbin

The thread is tangled Remove the tangled thread and clean the shuttle



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Thread tension

You have not threaded the upper thread properly

Correct the upper threading

N/A Check your user manual

You have not wound or not fitted the bobbin thread properly

Ensure thread levels is just below the sides of bobbin and fit the bobbin properly into the race

You have not threaded the right combination of thread and needle for the fabric you are using.

Choose a thread and needle that are appropriate for the type of fabric

You have not fitted the presser-foot holder properly

Fit the presser-foot holder properly

The thread tension is incorrect.

Adjust the tension of the upper thread



Missed or stitches

You have not threaded the upper thread properly

Correct the upper threading

See section 6

You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle.


The needle is bent or blunt

Replace the needle

You have not fitted the needle properly

Fit the needle properly.

Dust has accumulated under the needle plate or in the shuttle housing

Remove the needle plate cover and clean the plate and the shuttle.

Noises coming from the machine

Dust which has built up in the feed dogs

Clean the feed dogs or

See section 1

Needle not threaded correctly

Re-threaded the upper Needle thread properly

Incorrect or damaged bobbin / shuttle

Check and replace the bobbin and shuttle

Contact your retailer or the nearest service center.

Not feed.

Dirt around feed bogs Clean the feed dogs

See section 5

The darning plate is fitted on the needle plate.

Remove the darning plate

You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle

Choose a thread and needle that are appropriate for the type of fabric.

The thread is tangled, for example, in the shuttle.

Remove the tangle thread. If the thread is tangled in the shuttle, clean the shuttle.

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Needle breaks.

The needle was bent or blunt

Fit a new the needle properly

See section 2

The needle was not fitted properly

Fit a new the needle properly

The needle clamp screw is loose

Use the machines screwdriver / tool to firmly tighten the screw.

You have not used the right combination of fabric, thread and needle.


The presser foot you are using is not appropriate for the type of stitch that you want to sew.

Attach the presser foot that is correct for the type of stitch that you want to sew.

The upper thread tension is too tight.

Loosen the upper thread tension

You are pulling the fabric too much

Lightly guide the fabric

You have not fitted the spool properly

Fit the spool properly

The area around the hole in the needle plate is damaged or scratched

Replace the needle plate.

The shuttle is damaged or scratched.

Replace shuttle

Needle and shuttle timing is out of sequence

Contact your retailer or the nearest service center.

Sewing light bulb does not come on.

The sewing light bulb is probably blown

Unplug the machine, remove cover plate and replace the sewing light bulb

Use your manual

Documents

Trouble shooting Guide for the Domestic Sewing Machine...general sewing problems, will be basically the same (with a few minor variations between the different manufacturers) for most