Sewing Machine Troubleshooting Tips

As you become more experienced with using your sewing machine, the easier it becomes for you to troubleshoot problems that come up. As a beginner though, troubleshooting can take longer and even leave you feeling frustrated. Here are some tips to help you with troubleshooting basic problems you can experience.

Needle Stops Moving

One of the most common and potentially baffling problems that can occur is the needle stops moving while sewing. If you have thread in the upper spool and you have not applied the presser foot, check the bobbin winder shaft. Ensure that the shaft is pushed back into position and not in the winding position. You should also check the buttonhole lever if you are attempting to sew a button. The lever needs to be lowered to properly function.

Stitches Are Skipped

Skipped stitches usually occur when the machine is not properly threaded. Check your threading before proceeding to sew. If the problem persists, remove the thread completely and rethread it. You also need to ensure that the spool cap is the right size. 

Your needle could also be the source of your problem. Ensure that it is the correct size and that it is not bent. If it is the wrong size or bent, simply replace it with the new needle. While sewing, the amount of pressure you place on the presser foot could cause stitches to be skipped. It is most likely that you are not putting enough pressure on the foot. Slightly increase the amount of pressure on the foot and test the results. 

Needle Breaks

A needle breaking mid-project can be frustrating. In some instances, the needle breaks if it is too thin for the material you are sewing. Switch out the needle for a thicker, more durable needle to solve the problem. You can also check the needle bar to ensure that the needle is correctly in position. It needs to be fully inserted to properly function. 

As you are sewing, it is easy to slip into pulling on the fabric while sewing as opposed to merely guiding it. If you pull the fabric though, the needle can break. Remember not to pull on the fabric to help keep your needle intact. 

Once you gain more experience with using your sewing machine, many of these problems will seem elementary to you. However, while learning, it is important to keep these troubleshooting tips in mind.