THE 7 MOST COMMON SEWING MACHINE FAULTS

Likely Causes

• Thread not seated in tension discs
• Needle is bent, blunt, or wrong size
• Thread is knotted or caught on the spool
• Needle eye or thread path has a rough edge

Quick Fix

• Raise presser foot; rethread entire machine from scratch
• Replace needle — especially after 8–10 hours of sewing
• Ensure thread flows freely from spool without snagging
• If all else fails, loosen the tension dial slightly

Likely Causes

• Upper thread not in tension discs (presser foot was down when threading)
• Thread skipped the take-up lever
• Tension dial set too loose

Quick Fix

• RAISE presser foot — then rethread upper thread completely
• Confirm thread passes through every guide in correct order
• Confirm thread goes through the take-up lever
• Test on scrap fabric; adjust tension dial if needed

Likely Causes

• Needle is bent, blunt, or inserted incorrectly
• Wrong needle size for the fabric
• Threading error in upper thread path
• Needle not pushed all the way up into the clamp

Quick Fix

• Replace needle first — this fixes skipping most of the time
• Use a heavier needle for Ankara, denim, or thick fabrics
• Push needle fully upward before tightening the clamp screw
• Rethread upper thread with presser foot raised

Likely Causes

• Fabric is being pulled through by hand while sewing
• Needle is too fine for the fabric weight
• Presser foot is loose or wrong foot for the stitch
• Needle is not installed straight or fully seated

Quick Fix

• Never pull or push fabric — let the feed dogs move it
• Switch to a heavier needle for thick fabrics
• Reinstall needle: flat side back, push it all the way up
• Check presser foot is tightened and correct for the job

Likely Causes

• Machine has not been oiled recently
• Lint or thread jam in the hook race
• Needle is bent and striking the bobbin case

Quick Fix

• Apply 1–2 drops of sewing machine oil to the hook race
• Turn handwheel by hand to distribute oil; wipe away excess
• Clear all lint from feed dogs and bobbin area (dry brush)
• Replace needle; rhythmic clicking = bent needle hitting case

Likely Causes

• Feed dogs clogged with lint and thread fibres
• Feed dogs lowered (check lever on machine body)
• Presser foot pressure is too light for the fabric weight

Quick Fix

• Remove needle plate; brush all lint from feed dogs thoroughly
• Confirm feed dogs are raised — check the drop-feed lever/regulator
• Increase presser foot pressure for heavy fabric (Ankara, denim)
• Stitch length: lengthen slightly for thick fabrics

Likely Causes

• Bobbin inserted in wrong direction
• Thread not through the bobbin tension spring
• Bobbin case not clicked fully into place
• Upper thread not pulled up before sewing

Quick Fix

• Remove bobbin; reinsert — confirm direction (see machine label)
• Pull thread through tension spring until it clicks into position
• Replace bobbin case firmly until it snaps into place
• Hold upper thread; turn handwheel to bring bobbin thread up