My Sewing Machine is Not Working:( How to Fix ?

During my years of learning to sew, teaching sewing and making fashion clothing as a career.  I like most other budding dressmakers and textile craft people have had to overcome issues when using a sewing machine.  Sewing machines are temperamental; they will jam easily if treated incorrectly and have a habit of when you are just about to finish a dress repeatedly knotting the threads up making it impossible to continue sewing.

Through trail and error, teaching other people to use a sewing machine I have began to notice the main reasons as to why a machine will stop sewing and jam.  More often then not it is something the sewing machine user is doing to cause the machine to jam.

Here is my guide to why your sewing machine is not working, what you can do stop the machine knotting the threads and jamming. 

1)      The machine may not be threaded up properly, this maybe the top spool or the bottom bobbin.  Re-thread the machine even if you think it is threaded up properly.

2)      The bobbin needs to be wound on correctly; the thread should be smoothly, tightly wrapped around the bobbin.  If the thread is bunched up, loose or close to running out this will create problem.

3)      The tension dial on the machine should be set the machine default setting, depending on the thickness of the thread, this is usually 3 – 4.  Check your instruction manual if you are unsure.

4)      The needle on the machine can become slightly bent; this sometimes is not noticeable by the human eye.  Change the needle and check if this makes a difference. 

5)      After stitching on the machine and removing the fabric, always trim back any stray threads.  The stray threads can be sucked back into the machine creating a jam.

6)      This may seem an obvious one however I have seen it done, never, ever stitch off the end of the fabric.  Stitching without fabric is a complete no, no!

7)      Always turn the handles on the machine towards you when raising the needle to remove your fabric.  Turning the handle backwards will always cause the machine to jam.

8)      Start with the needle raised; turning the handle, starting with the needle in the fabric can sometimes be an issue depending on the machine. 

9)      Dust or threads the bobbin case at the bottom of the machine, however small needs to be cleared away.  Use a paint brush to clean and then apply a little machine oil.

10)  If none of the above works your machine may need a professional service.  Beginners when using a machine due to inexperience maybe too rough with the machine, use fabrics that are too heavy and knock the machine out.  Look for a sewing machine shop in your area!

Remember the old machines are the best, to make clothes you only need a straight stitch and maybe a zigzag stitch if you have no over locker.  The old machines are strong, robust and with a good service will be better then any modern plastic machine.