Sewing Machine Repair: Tips to Keep Your Machine Running Smoothly

Common Sewing Machine Problems and Solutions

When learning a new skill, it’s natural to make mistakes. However, even experienced seamstresses can experience common issues that can be frustrating and can cause distress. The sound of an abnormal noise coming from the machine can be a signal that something is not right and needs attention. Don’t let these setbacks discourage you, with the right knowledge and understanding, you’ll be able to fix these problems and continue your sewing journey.

Thread Bunching

Thread bunching occurs when there is no tension on the upper thread, causing the thread to bunch under the fabric. To fix this, rethread the machine, raising the presser foot lifter and take-up lever to the highest position according to your machine’s manual. This will help to adjust the tension.

Skipping or Uneven Stitches

Skipping or uneven stitches are often caused by a damaged or broken needle. To prevent this, experts recommend replacing your needle every 16 hours of stitching time. Additionally, be sure not to pull the fabric too hard as this can damage the machine and affect the stitching.

Continuously Breaking Needles

If the needle is breaking frequently, it could be the wrong size or type for the fabric. Be sure to use the appropriate size and type of needle for your project, such as a size 9 or 11 for delicate fabrics and a size 18 for heavy fabrics like denim.

Can't Sew Over Bulky Fabrics

If you do not have a built in walking foot and feed dogs to move bulky fabrics through, try adding a levelor to add a little height to the back end of the presser foot and level out uneven fabric through the machine.

Bobbin Won't Wind Evenly

It sounds ridiculous, but it’s worth mentioning. Take the sticker off of the top of the thread spool before using it. Often the sticker keeps the thread from turning over the spool.

Make sure that the bobbin is positioned correctly according to the machine’s user guide.

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Marjorie Vaudreuil

HI. I'M MARGIE I love creating and creations of all kinds! I love Jesus, I love my family and I love to teach! That's what makes life exciting for me and that is why I have so much to share with you. I am founder and owner of SewingPatternSecrets LLC, based in Boston, MA. I am a writer and an avid sewist with a background in fine art and design from New England School of Art and Design, Boston. Sewing Patterns Secrets was conceived with my husband (my #1 supporter), inspired partly from my grandmother, but largely inspired by my mother, who passed in 2017. She supported many decades of my artistry, including, but not limited to, sewing. Whilst my mother was indeed, an important benefactor, my husband has unfailingly supported all of my endeavours and is the Director of Sales. As the Product and Project Director, I conceptualized, developed, produced, tested, and edited all of the 125+ curated sewing patterns, instructions and ebooks, using my decades of experience. I managed a team of fashion designers to help me with the 3D software and production. I and three other master seamstresses, vector artists, graphic designers, and one amazing fashion illustrator. Production took two solid years of detail and hard work and another six months of sales funnel creation. I give thanks to: Fer, Rima, Oksana, Debbie, Kathreen, Suanne, Elizabeth, Jacki, Bronwen, Kimberly, and the many others who contributed. As such, I am gifted with the ability to share with you my expertise and everything that I have learned along the way, as relates not only sewing, but to project and product creation and all areas of design: web, graphic, fashion, pattern and product creation. This would include 10s of software, marketing and SEO tools, affiliate marketing and so much more. All you have to do is ask! In addition to writing all of the ebooks for Sewing Pattern Secrets, I am also the main writer of this blog, but looking for other (Human) sewing bloggers who would like to partner with us. We welcome guest bloggers, vloggers, influencers and also an invitation to blog for you as well. We always want your advice and we also want to hear from you regarding ideas and improvements to our blog, product, or advertising. PLEASE COMMENT. Please do write me at support@sewingpatternsecrets.com. Blessings, Margie "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you." 1 Thessalonians 4:11 www.sewingpatternsecrets.com/vsl www.thesewingbuzz.com www.marjorievaudreuildesigns.com www.buysewingpatternsonline.com (coming soon)

2 thoughts on “Sewing Machine Repair: Tips to Keep Your Machine Running Smoothly”

Jeanette Melton says:
August 7, 2023 at 9:59 pm
I bought s heavy duty Singer machine/ no one can get the needle out to replace it. I am using the same needle over and over and tried so hard to remove it that actually it isn’t straight in the machine as it should be . Where can I get help on a small town with no repairman here?
I have never written you before this time . Probably sent it twice today thinking it had not gone through?
Reply
1. Molly McGuire says:
  August 7, 2023 at 11:39 pm
  Hi Jeanette, I feel like I’m speaking the words my husband always says to me. If you need an answer, go to YouTube and search inside there. So I did find something on people having this same problem. Maybe you can check it out and if it’s not quite right, you too can search as well inside YouTube. Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/ffTfeZn7Icw
  Reply