Sewing machines are great when they work, much quicker than sewing by hand. Yet they can be a real pain to learn how to use and to fix when they break.
Why Wont my Sewing Machine Sew?
When a sewing machine won’t sew it is usually due to the same faults. Below are my top 10 fixes, to get your machine working again.
Top 10 Sewing Machine Fixes
If your sewing machine isn’t sewing, there are a few things you can check to try to fix the problem. Here are my 10 fixes for a sewing machine that won’t sew.
- Check the needle, it maybe bent, dull, or damaged. To replace, put the needle in the machine with flat side facing the back
- Check the top thread, is threaded correctly. That is goes through all the holes and between the tension plates.
- Set the tension, for standard sewing set to between 3-4. Check your instruction manual for other settings.
- Release the bobbin winder. Check the bobbin winder is reset, as this will stop the needle in the machine moving.
- Insert bobbin correctly. Check the bobbin has been placed in machine correctly. The thread on bobbin should unwind anti-clockwise.
- Check thread. You thread maybe too thin for the project. Metallic threads are prone to breaking easily.
- Clean the Machine. Use a small brush to remove dust and threads from the bobbin case.
- Change fabric. Domestic sewing machines struggle to stitch through many layers and thick fabrics such as denims.
- Check machine timing. Tired everything, machine still not working? A professional service will be needed to check and fix any timing issues.
- Take regular breaks when sewing to avoid making mistakes. Machines do have a knack to stopping working when your stressed, only to start working again the next day!
For more sewing tips: