Common Problems of Sewing Machine

Sewing machines are one of the types of machines that are widely used for sewing garments. It may seem easy to handle the machine, but these machines are very difficult to master. Because a sewing machine operates at high speeds, it is critical to pay attention to even the smallest detail that could lead to major problems.

There are various problems that can occur during the sewing process. Sometimes, due to the rush, we neglect the small details. This will ultimately reduce the quality and efficiency of the work. Sometimes, problems occur due to a malfunctioning machine. But these problems can be solved by following some tips.

Common Problems

Let’s understand the common problems that come with these small machines and how to solve them.

Thread Shredding or Breaking

If your thread appears to have been through a mill, your needle is probably the cause of the problem. In order for the thread you're using to pass through the eye of the needle without catching or pulling, it must be compatible in size with the needle. Make sure you have the appropriate tools for your materials before moving on, since if your needle and thread are incompatible, there's a good risk that either one or both won't work for your project.

Broken Needles

The breaking of needles can cause big problems. It is important to keep track of the needles nicely. If not, then it can be dangerous to work. It is very important to change the needle when starting a new project. This improves efficiency while decreasing the likelihood of fabric damage.

The type of needle matters a lot. If the used needle is broken or bent, stop sewing and remove the needle as soon as possible. Understand the project and use the right type of needle. This will minimise the chances of the needle breaking.

But even after using the right needle, if the bleeding continues, make sure to consult an expert. The machine might need a repair.

Bobbins with inconsistent tension

Bobbin plays a significant role in the sewing machine. But it can cause various problems. It is common to ignore some small warnings, which can turn into big problems. The tension of bobbin thread is important to take care of. However, if you need to adjust the tension of the bobbin thread, you must first inspect the bobbin.

Plastic bobbins lose their strength, and it becomes difficult to maintain the correct tension. Instead of using plastic bobbins, try to use metal bobbins. This can solve the tension problem.

Skipped Stitches

It is possible that the machine skips stitches. Although there could be various reasons for this problem, the first thing to do is to check whether the needle is correctly installed and not broken or bent anywhere.

Then check the type of needle. The wrong type of needle can cause the stitches to skip. The top thread should reach the bobbin; otherwise, the thread will not lock properly. Re-thread the machine, following the proper measures.

Strange Noise by Machine

Even after maintaining the machine nicely, after use, it makes noises. If this happens, the first thing to do is to stop the machine immediately. Sometimes, the machine also bumps or clunks from the downside. Remove your foot from the pedal.

The symptoms listed above indicate that the machine needs a good cleaning. It is very necessary to do the oiling and cleaning of your machine in small amounts. Do this by following the maintenance procedure.

Inconsistent Fabric Feed

It is very important to draw the fabric evenly. But it is very difficult to manage. Although it is quite common to get it uneven, this generally happens when the machine is older; the feed dogs can be so worn out that they aren't uniformly capturing the fabric. Usually, they are replaceable, and your equipment will soon be operating like new. Try cleaning the area around the feed dogs if your equipment is new. This is where lint collects, especially if your machine has a drop-feed feature. If neither of these appear to be the problem, experiment with increasing the presser foot pressure to ensure that your cloth stays in constant touch with the feed dogs.

Puckered and Distorted Seams

Puckered and distorted seams can cause sewing machine issues. To solve this, first you need to check the weight of the thread that is in use. Generally, a thick thread can cause problems in a lightweight fabric. This throws off the tension settings.

Once you are done with the thread, check the tension. If the thread is lightweight and the tension is right, then another reason for distorted seams could be an uneven feed

Sewing Machine Dimensions

When you're just starting a seam, it's pretty uncommon to need to give your machine a little assistance by spinning the handwheel. However, halt what you're doing if you need to push the wheel to turn or if the machine doesn't start up after a little help. Most likely, the cloth is too dense for your sewing machine to handle, and trying any longer would break it. Make sure your needle is installed properly and is the right type if you're not working with a particularly durable fabric. Take it off to make sure it isn't bent. For cleaning and maintenance advice, consult your machine's handbook if you're still having trouble sewing.

Conclusion

These sewing machine problems can be very common, but they are quite dangerous sometimes. But by following the right measures, you can reduce the chances of making mistakes. These issues can be resolved manually by taking proper care of the machine. But with time, small problems can turn into big ones, and then you need to go for expert repair.