Troubleshooting

Whether you have a new or used machine, there usually comes a time when your machine either will not come on or it just will not work properly.  Keep in mind that most of your operating problems arise when your machine has either not been threaded correctly, or there is a minor adjustment that needs to be made.  Taking this into consideration, we have provided, to you, a Troubleshooting List for you to refer to as needed.  (Your machine should have a troubleshooting checklist, as well.).

PROBLEM                                                                               CAUSE AND SOLUTION                 


Bobbin thread breaks                                                         1.  Bobbin tension too tight.
                                                                                             2. Bobbin too full.
                                                                                             3. Dirt in bobbin area.

Fabric doesn't feed                                                             1. Presser may be down or loose.
                                                                                             2. Stitch length may be set at 0.
                                                                                             3. If fabric is heavy, more pressure 
                                                                                                   may be needed.
Fabric layers feed unevenly                                               1. Pressure too heavy.
                                                                                             2. Fabric may need to be pinned
                                                                                                   together every 3 or 4 in.
                                                                                             3. Lightweight or sticky fabrics may need
                                                                                                   layer of tissue paper underneath next to
                                                                                                   feed teeth.
Hand wheel won't turn                                                        1. Thread or lint caught in bobbin area. 
                                                                                                    Turn hand wheel back and forth to
                                                                                                     loosen thread. Pull out with tweezers.

Machine doesn't run well                                                    1.  May need cleaning or oiling.
                                                                                              2.  Bobbin winder may still be engaged.

Motor won't run
2. Faulty electrical outlet.
Needle breaks
presser foot.
2. Pesser foot or throat plate may be loose.
3. Needle may be inserted wrong.
4. Needle might be too fine for fabric.
5. You may have pulled too hard on fabric while sewing.
6. The wrong throat plate may have been used
(some zigzag machines have a special throat plate for zigzag stitching).
No stitch is formed
2. Needle may be threaded in wrong direction.
3. Needle may be in backwards.
4. Needle may not be pushed all the way up.
5. Machine may be threaded incorrectly.
6. Bobbin may be empty or inserted incorrectly.
Needle doesn't move
Skipped stitches
2. Blunt or bent needle.
3. Needle inserted improperly.
4. Not enough pressure.
5. Pulling too hard on fabric.
Thread breaks
2. Needle threaded backwards.
3. Thread caught on spindle or elsewhere.
4. Needle too fine for thread.
5. Rough edge on needle.
6. Blunt needle.
7. Thread old and brittle.
8. Knot in thread.
Uneven stitches
2. You may be pulling or pushing fabric while sewing.
3. Presser foot may be loose.1. Pressure may be too light. 1. Needle in backwards. 1. Wrong size needle. 1. Inner wheel on hand wheel needs tightening. 1. Thread may be out of needle. 1. Needle may have been bent and hit the throat plate or 1. Machine not plugged in.1. May need cleaning or oiling. 1. Thread or lint caught in bobbin area. Turn hand wheel 1. Pressure too heavy. 1. Presser foot may not be down, or may be loose. 1. Bobbin tension too tight.