Handwheel will not engage needle. One of the common causes

[@amberflowers7256]

Thank you, your video helped me fix my mother-in-law‘s sewing machine. She is super thankful and so am I.

[@cat-ef7ry]

Thank you!!! New to sewing, bought an old 1960’s singer and thought I’d broken it all ready. This fixed it

[@martaigartuaarregui9823]

After having watched more than 10 videos, which never ever mentioned how important this is, you just saved our life tonight

[@sarojakariyawasam452]

I followed u instructions but it is still loose the nail doesn't tighten

[@chadblanton4865]

Hello Chad here, I followed your video by taking the screw out and sliver knob and there's supposed to be a washer behind it but don't see one but there is this bigger plate behind screw thingy and it's lose but I am afraid it may not work. I just slowly pulled that piece off I think it might the washer, it's a big metal piece, you have to pull off carefully thin with two fingers and it finally comes off but not sure what the piece is?

[@ErinBeaton]

You've helped so much. Fixed it in 10 minutes, you've explained it really well. Nice and simple.

[@hiphopwong]

Thank you so much! I tried sewing something too thick and it loosened the clutch! Had no idea what happened, I thought I broke it! You're the best!

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

That happens with some machines. I had one machine that I had to tighten often. Happy to help!!

[@noellelam3632]

Thanks so much for your explanation and demonstration !! I have been working for a whole day to make my vintage sewing machine work with no success until I watched your video.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

I am so pleased my video helped. Happy sewing!!

[@rosalindwyatt8274]

THANK YOU! I am learning to repair machines and had trouble with several vintage machines, this has completely cleared it up for me. Thank you so much

[@liyana_ngel]

I was about to leave my room now but when I found your video and touch the knob, it started working again 🤣 Thank you so much! 🫶🏻

[@sarahfrantz1771]

I just bought an Morse zig zag 4300 I know nothing mechanically about sewing machines. I watched your video and thank you so much your video worked for me. I had to try each position. And finally the 4th position I tried worked😁

[@DeathHater18]

i love you so much!!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you for making this video. i have an old singer that wasnt working and got another for parts only to find out that this video is here. i looked before and didnt know what to look for until i opened my machine and seen every thing was turning when twisted by hand. you saved me from taking my machine apart fully Thank you

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@DeathHater18 my pleasure. I am glad that you are good to go

[@nasrunasru5093]

I watch more than videos.. never mentioned this problem.. thanks for your video very helpful..💝

[@lilybrown7122]

Finally found the video that tells me what was missing inside the sewing machine 😫😫😫

[@jenniferhughes4851]

Thank you for this explanation - it has made me love my old machine again! The clutch used to loosen as I sewed & had to be tightened every few inches of sewing. What a pain! I turned that notched gasket & it solved the problem! ❤

[@thekitschsidekick]

I think this was my exact problem! I flipped my washer the other way round and now everything is working miles more smoothly! Thank you so much

[@siltandnettles]

Very helpful video. Saved me a ton of headache, thank you! Worked right away.

[@kimsemler229]

Omg you just saved my project! I could not figure it out. Thank you!! ❤❤

[@MT-zn6tc]

Thanks for the tip. Your explanation helped me fix why my c1979 Singer 6104 wasn't tightening.

[@annea6367]

Thank you sooooo much for this video! It just helped me get my 301 up and running! 😊

[@clarafarrell9393]

Omg my issue is now resolved!!! You are wonderful ❤️

[@carisalackey873]

thank you so much! I was cleaning up my old singer 127 treadle, had taken the handwheel apart...put the washer back incorrectly. So thankful!

[@hollyhock4160]

So very helpful have had an ongoing problem with it for overa year. It totally solved the problem of spinning off and on with no stitching took so long to sew anything!! You are amazing🎊😊

[@chuckemmorll2821]

TK SEWING advice; "If the clutch knob is super stuck", mine was jammed so tight, no movement, "a little percussive force with a wooden mallet might help", I did and within seconds the clutch was free!, absolutely brilliant!, thank you so much!.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

I am so glad that my advice was useful!!! Happy sewing!!

[@chuckemmorll2821]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 ❤

[@KennethKuhnAmsterdam]

Hi, I lost my clutch screw and only noticed it was missing months after I last used my machine. Do you know where I might be able to order a new one online? Or perhaps know what size the screw is? I suspect it's an imperial size because it appears to fall between the metric sizes M3 and M4.. Any tips would be appreciated 😁

[@AvantiInc]

The handwheel does not turn the needle at all just the clutch knob does. This is singer stylist 533. Thank you for getting back to me .

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

If the clutch is engaged, then the handwheel will move the needle. I dont remember if the 533 has the metal knob or not. Did you take it apart and reorient the washer as described in the video??

[@AvantiInc]

No 533 does not have metal knob and I took it apart to tighten the belt which I thought was loose but now the clutch wont engage. I did as shown in the video It is pretty simple. I cannot figure out what cane be wrong and how to fix this.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@AvantiInc IF when turning the handwheel does not move the needle, then the issue is that the clutch knob is not engaging with the handwheel. Do you have the lock washer? However, if now neither will move the needle, you will need to look and see if you have a broken gear. Take the top off and look, make sure all of your gears are intact. Also, check the bottom gears. I do offer video diagnostics. We can do a live video meeting with eachother. $25 for an hour. Thanks

[@BramptonGardener]

OMG I have spent a few hours online trying to figure this out. Took my poor machine apart ahahhaha. What a simple solution thank you so very much wow. Now I have a lovely old back up machine. Now to figure out how to thread this old baby.

[@mom2jad]

the very best explanation! thank you very much!

[@alisoncoates8874]

Thank you Tania, I was getting so frustrated, but you've fixed my problem ❤

[@forcozying8549]

This was exactly the issue I was looking yo fix and your solution worked, thank you for sharing!!!

[@sallys.garden]

Thank you so much for this video! Wasn't sure what had gone wrong but this was the fix!

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Awesome. Glad it worked for you!!!

[@mikeadriano3330]

Brilliant and to the point!! It helped me out a ton. Thanks so much 🙏

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

so glad!!

[@carol-uc6me]

Thank you!! Exactly what I needed. Perfect instructions. Short and sweet too ❤

[@lindal7412]

Fixed it thank you. I thought maybe it was the belt but nope.Thank you for easing my frustration.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Awesome

[@channelle221ify]

This video saved me money !!! Thank you

[@channelle221ify]

Awww it’s not working now

[@yuri-ge9ey]

Thank you very much. You have another follower.

[@kaleykaye8211]

I have singer simple 2263 should there be thread inside the hand wheel? As i am having the same problem it move if i spin the wheel but not when i try ro sew something i have to be knocking the wheel. Thanks for this video

[@cathyhaoda2906]

Thank u so much madam... i was worried about my machine why it wasnt working. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@mrupholsteryman]

So...Just bought a used Necchi Nova BU and it is missing the bobbin winder wheel as well as the part it attaches to... the other issue I'm having is that even after messing with the washer in all 4 positions...(didn't change anything)...is that the crank while engaged does not allow the needle to come up from it's bottom position...and there also seems to be some confusion between the needle position and the zig zag width?

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

From your description of the problems, it sounds like the machine is locked up. That needs to be addressed first. Before putting the washer in correctly to make sure the needle bar moves. If you need parts, I do have a few left on Ebay for this machine. www.ebay.com/itm/115228121199

[@mrupholsteryman]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 So... I WAS able to use an adjustable wrench pipe wrench with a cloth between the clutch portion.... The washer didn't seem to make a difference at all. I only have to figure out how to make the zig zag stitch... I'm able to get the needle to line up in the various positions and I've not sewn anything with it at the moment cuz the wires are shot.... I'll check out your listing to see if you have the bobbin winder deal and another feed dog tab... There is enough left that zi might be able to drill some very small holes and use some finishing nails and treat them like dowel rods and epoxy it back..just to try to keep original with original....but IF that fails and I take more time than what it's worth....then maybe I'll just buy another. Mine is green.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@mrupholsteryman the novas are great machines. Good luck

[@sherrieh847]

Thanks! Was looking for a solution for my antique handcrank Singer. Clutch won't tighten all the way. Probably got the washer in the wrong position when I put it all back together after cleaning. Will try this to see if it's the problem. Handcrank sews great until it comes to four layers of poly/cotton mix sheet material (like where double seams overlap). It should be able to sew right through--these machines are tanks!

[@joeyjackson6224]

My needle wouldn't move at. Thank you, thank you for your video. My machine is now up and running.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Awesome!!! Thank you for the feedback!!

[@martaigartuaarregui9823]

Thank you thank you thank you! Clear and to the point, wonderful! did I say thank you?

[@poppy998877]

Thanks for the advice much appreciated x

[@bolajijolaiya6042]

Thank and God bless you. This was so helpful

[@Inaneassylum]

Thank you. How do you keep track of the positions you have already tried once you take the clutch wheel off. I feel like I’m putting it the same way over and over!😅

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

LOL.....Maybe use a sharpie to mark one ear on one side? Then try all 4 positions. Good luck!!

[@singingtick]

Hello, I have a JCPenney model 6520 I picked up at a yard sell (in great condition). I have a couple of questions since I am unfamiliar with this machine. 1 - Yhe sewing mechanism will not disengage when I follow the directions to wind a bobbin. What could be the issue? 2 - Do you know if the straight stitch meedle position always on the left, or is there a way to position it to the middle? Thanks.😊

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

HI. It could be several reasons. Have you watched this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4S1p2SPpZlorac IF that is not the issue, it could be a mechanical problem or maybe there is not a winding tire? Hard to say. IF you would like to send me a video, [e-mail]. In regards to the needle position, after I get the video, I will be able to tell you if it is adjustable or not. Some machines of this era, were 'left homing' needle positions. IF this is your 2nd or 40th machine, you will get used to it. Send me a video.

[@bria2596]

Fantastic. We appreciate your TIME. Thanks so much.

[@susanlehnen593]

I picked up a vintage Kenmore 158.16250, which I have thoroughly oiled. The belts are clean and not showing signs of wear. The hand wheel was incredibly stiff prior to oiling the machine. There was some improvement but hand wheel is still tight, particularly so as the needle reaches its highest point. It’s better when I pull the wheel out (clutch?), but still stiff at the needles highest pint. I would guess the belts could be tighter but the wheel is still stiff at the point when they are not engaged. The machine is otherwise spotless. I used Tri Flow lubricant where required and any other moving part (except belts). Please advise if I’ve missed anything. Thanks so much.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@susanlehnen593 have you oiled the needle bar and underneath the bed? I wouldn't tighten the belt. A tiny bit of slack is optimal.

[@susanlehnen593]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 yes, I’ve oiled every point where metal moves against metal. I’m not sure how much oil to put in bobbin area. The stiffness begins right where the groove begins for the needle insertion. If anything, this machine was rarely used. Perhaps it was a bad day at the factory in Japan ;). There was no build up of oil or loose threads anywhere. I was hoping it was simply “frozen” and needed some oil and TLC.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@susanlehnen593 sometimes carefully placed heat from a hair dryer or heat gun, in the needle bar area, or in the area where the shaft goes through the machine will help loosen the dried up oil and lubricant. Just assess where, if any plastic parts are. these will need to be avoided.

[@susanlehnen593]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 thank you for the quick response. I would blame the belts, as there is perhaps a little too much slack, but when they’re disengaged the problem persists.

[@gloriaomamuyovwi6350]

3:47 I have watched the video twice now and did likewise, but the needle is still moving slowly and did not engage the handle wheel 😢😭😭. I don't know what to do again 😭

[@Worship_Place]

Thank you, this worked on a toyota 2400!

[@spalty]

And I took the whole damn machine apart. It was a little set screw all along!!! TY

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

I am glad I could help!!! Happy Sewing!!

[@rebeccagammelgaard7066]

Can you do another video to explain how to fix it when if a person loosens the clutch to allow for bobbin winding, but the loosened clutch does not then also release the needle from operating as though sewing. I know to loosen the clutch is to disengage the needle operation but in my case my loosened clutch does not stop the needle from moving.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Hello Rebecca...Often times when this occurs is one of two reasons. First, the handwheel needs to be removed. The main shaft needs to be cleaned along with the hole in the handwheel. I would use alcohol and a papertowel. If you have some very fine steel wool, use that too. After you have cleaned both, put some sewing machine oil on the shaft and in the handwheel. When you spin the handwheel on the shaft, it should turn freely. What occurs over many years is that the oil and dust form a shellac that seals the two together. The other cause could be that the washer is not inserted correctly as demonstrated in the video. My money is that your handwheel is stuck to the shaft.

[@rebeccagammelgaard7066]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 Thank you! Yes that was the issue, it was very lightly stuck the hand wheel to the shaft, Mine is a Bernina 810. This was so easy to fix!!! You gave me the confidence just to go ahead and do it. The clutch screw although upon inspection it had an odd section missing out of the bottom 1/3 of the threads missing but only on 1/4 side of it, not sure if that means its a defective screw from the factory. I did also follow the advice of the you tube video called "Part 2 of How to Fix a Vintage Singer when the Needlebar Still Moves in Bobbin Winding Mode". Whcih although a Singer this helped me a lot. The Bernina 810, the belt is attached to the hand wheel, so I only slid it 1/4 out and dropped only one drop of oil there then worked it back & forth. I very slightly oiled the washer on the side noted in the Singer video. Reassembled and its perfect now. Now I have only one more issue, on the Bernina 810, there is a feed dog lift and lower knob and that probably needs oil as it wont lift and lower the feed dogs. I just have not figured out how to get at that part. Thank you so much!

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@rebeccagammelgaard7066 That is awesome news. If the machine is mounted into a table, you should be able to tilt it up and see where the knob on top is connected to a linkage on the bottom. Most of the time, not all of the time, at the end of the linkage, near the bobbin assembly, there is a bullet shaped cam. That gets stuck just like your handwheel. Since there is more than thing stuck, I suggest you oil the entire machine, where ever metal meets metal. And do that regularly. These old machines need it. Good luck!! Oh, if your machine is table top, you may to remove the base.

[@donnascher3690]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 How do you remove the handwheel? I have the same problem (needle keeps moving even when I loosen the clutch)

[@donnascher3690]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 is there a video to show this?

[@mercedesglover7816]

Thank you so much for the video !!

[@akinloyezuliat1547]

Hello thanks for this. I will give it a trial. I also want to ask why my metal body riccar machine could be electrifying

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

There is probably a bare wire touching the metal

[@akinloyezuliat1547]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 ooo okay thank you I will troubleshoot

[@akinloyezuliat1547]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 ooo okay thank you I will troubleshoot

[@thedelacruz1991]

Hi I have a sears kenmore and the motor is turning but it's moving the belt. Do you have a video on this or any advice

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

It is not moving the belt??? Could be that the tension on the belt is not tight enough. And you may need a new belt.....if it is old and stiff

[@rajashreechetia87]

Thank you so much for the video ❤️.

[@roeibarel3307]

Such a good video. Thank you so much

[@Mavourneen-MOE]

Does the clutch also have anything to do with threading the bobbin? When declutched, my needle is still going up and down, and the bobbin is not spinning to thread the bobbin. Thank you.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Yes. It does. If the needle is still moving, then it is likely the handwheel is stuck to the shaft. You will have to disassemble, take some steel wool and clean the shaft. Put some oil on it and reassemble. Depending on the model, you may need anew bobbin tire, and may have to clean and oil that assembly too

[@Mavourneen-MOE]

Thank you for taking the time to help.

[@Mavourneen-MOE]

Thank you for taking the time to help me. Not looking forward to disassembling the clutch.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@Mavourneen-MOE you can do it!!

[@SusanSteinway]

How would the washer have moved if the clutch has never been removed?

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Good question. Did you try and did it fix your problem?

[@SusanSteinway]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 Yes I tried it and No it did not fix the problem. The wheel will turn away from me freely, but it's hard to move it toward me.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@SusanSteinway You may need to clean and oil your machine. Older sewing machines in particular, need to be lubricated.

[@bethanyreiss2516]

Thank you so much 🤍, I thought I would have to take it somewhere to get fixed but your video was so helpful ✨

[@ALFREEDATV]

I have a Bernina 730 and I have this problem that it does not open, I disassembled the screws but I could not remove the piece and I was afraid to break it, what to do please?

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Can you send me a picture of it? [e-mail] Berninas are a little different

[@Salmawatches]

Thank you so much for this!

[@melissacorn6315]

What does the screw in the hand wheel clutch do? Mine is missing. I've tried finding one on Amazon but I'm not sure what it looks like.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

IT keeps the clutch knob from rotating off of the shaft. It is kinda important. What model machine do you have??

[@lorainecross]

Any idea what size screw? Asking for a friend.

[@mtnmonamona842]

I ‘ve got a Kenmore 158.14000, tried all 4 positions, and moves needle but when clutch knob is turned counter clock to wind bobbin , the needle still moves, shouldn’t that stop the needle for winding?

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

IF your neeedle still moves when the clutch is disengaged, You need to oil your machine. You may need to dissassemble the handwheel from the shaft, oil the shaft. if you have some steel wool work it around the shaft. then oil and reassemble

[@mtnmonamona842]

Thx but it is well oiled, another site said if needle still moves it cou,d be that the washer is ‘glazed’ and should catch after awhile. Thxs again@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243

[@lisapagliaro2982]

Hi there! I just got a Singer Featherweight and when I turn the hand wheel, the needle will move a millimetre in either direction, but that's it. When I disengage the clutch, the clutch will not move the needle. What could the problem be?

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Sounds as though your machine needs to be lubed up. Try oiling it thoroughly with sewing machine oil. Where ever metal meets metal. Only use sewing machine oil. If the machine has not been used in a long time, the oil turns to varnish and everything sticks together. Let me know if you get it unlocked.

[@lisapagliaro2982]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 Thank you!! I will try it and get back to you.

[@ryanboeding1318]

Oh my gosh I wish I would have seen this and known about how this works before I took it to a shop. Newbie here and all night I was saying to myself "why is this little screw here".

[@elleloves1453]

Thank you so much for this video. ❤️ It helped me a lot

[@pur3chao56]

I just got a et 10 machine and the turning wheel is super tight and can hardly move to the point I can't even unlock it. I am not sure what is wrong because I looked all over the internet and there doesn't seem to be a tutorial on how to do so.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@pur3chao56 are you speaking of the handwheel? If so, the machine most likely needs a good luring. Particularly if ot is a vintage machine. Sewing machine oil. Take all the covers off. Clean out all the lint. Then oil it and keep trying to get her to turn over.

[@pur3chao56]

@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 ok! Thx!

[@noluthandonako5104]

Thank you darling for these videos. My questio. Is : When presskng the food os the sewing machine the lever does not move in order for me to sew. What could be the proble.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

It could be a number of things. I would start with cleaning and oiling the machine. I am assuming that you have an older model machine with metal gears.

[@mfiola13]

Hi Tanya. I have the opposite issue: I can not get the handwheel to disengage. I can even completely remove the the motion knob and washer and the needle is still engaged. This is on a White 999. The mechanism looks identical to yours in this video.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Can you get the handwheel off the shaft? The handwheel may be shellaced on with old oil. ??

[@mfiola13]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 Thank you for your reply. Yes, I managed to get it off and added some much need grease. The handwheel easily rotate independent of the shaft now but I still can not get it to disengage with the motion knob.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@mfiola13 If you can get the handwheel off, I think your problem is the clutch washer. There are 4 positions for that washer. You could also back out the screw on the clutch knob. See how much you have to turn the clutch know to get the needle to disengage.

[@angiecatalano5074]

Thanks for this. My problem is when I tighten the clutch, the needle bar engages only when I turn the handwheel away from me. When I turn the handlwheel toward me, the clutch loosens and the needle bar disengages. I have tried oiling, but no results. If I overtighten the clutch then nothing moves. Loosen a little and it disengages. Any ideas? Either way, when I press the foot pedal, the motor runs but no needle bar. It's like the clutch can't stay engaged enough to trigger the needle bar.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Your issue may still be the washer behind the clutch knob. Try all 4 positions. If you have the patience, you can also loosen the motor mount, remove the belt, remove the handwheel from the shaft. clean the shaft and the inside of the handwheel with alcohol. put some sewing machine oil on the shaft, then put everything back. Also, what is the model brand of your machine??

[@bookbeing]

Same problem here on necchi supernova straight stitch

[@kathleenanderson33]

Help can’t stop the needle wheel moving when trying to disengage with the clutch to try and fill my bobbin on 185K ?? Thank you

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

This problem can be several issues. Most likely, the handwheel is shellaced to the shaft because of old oil. In order to resolve this issue, you will need to take the handwheel off. loosen the motor mount, remove the handwheel. Clean the shaft and inside the handwheel with alcohol. reassemble

[@ezeblessing3821]

This was helpful, thank you❤❤

[@sweetiekjj]

I am not sure what is happening to my machine. The plate is not picking up the garment and bringing it along. The area you spoke of in this video, even when I spin it myself and let it go, it still does not work. I did what you said twice but it still does not work. I am wanting to adjust two dresses.

[@ginosalvi7690]

Hello, I have a 1947 221 singer machine and the problem is that when I tried to make it work by changing washer position, needle still does not move. Any suggestions? Thanks Vicki.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

does the needle move at all? If not, oil the machine real good. Inside where metal meets metal and underneath. Let it sit. then keep trying to make it move.

[@KelseaEdwards]

I have a 1972 Singer 248 need instructions on cleaning the handwheel. Do you have one? When I release the clutch it still moves the needle.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

If you want to clean the handwheel, then you can remove it and clean the shaft and hole of the handwheel with alcohol. However, you will also need to refer to this video to insure your washer is in the correct position.

[@AvantiInc]

After watching your video I got the clutch on right but the knob does not lock it (I tried every possible way) just gets tight the handwheel turns but does not engage the needle. So I took out the handwheel cleaned up and noticed from inside when the screw touches the ear of the clutch it turns the cam it does not lock it. Is that what it suppose to do. If not what could be wrong.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

the clutch knob should tighten beyond the tab that the screw hits. Does the needle move when you turn the handwheel? What model machine do you have? If the handwheel turns, and the needle does not engage, it could be another problem. If you provide the model number, I might be able to provide some insight. Thanks

[@christineshepler5677]

i followed your direction but i think my problem is different. the fly wheel isn't moving the needle up and down like it's stuck or ceasing up. the needle moves just slightly with pushing the foot pedal. i oiled the machine carefully. any other suggestions would be appreciated. haven't used this machine in a while just trying to see if I can get it to work again. its a white 426K. OLD!

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

YOu will need to oil this machine with sewing machine oil. whereever metal meets metal. then wiggle wiggle everyday till it loosens up.

[@botflyguy7814]

I have a similar problem except my machine is nearly brand new -_____- I oiled it but the needle still frequently disengages while im sewing

[@pretoriacouture]

Thanks very much, I’ve already lost 2 machines due to this common mistake

[@marybost6400]

Why would my clutch change if I have never taken this out before and it was working to make the needle bar go up and down but now it does not it just spins there

[@botflyguy7814]

I think I have a similar problem however the clutch wheel will tighten (and very easily become over tightened and stuck despite not turning it THAT hard) but my needle stops and starts sporadically when I press the pedal or use the handwheel. Its like the clutch is slipping or something.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

it could be both. I would oil the machine. and check the belt.

[@botflyguy7814]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 the belt is good with good tension and spins smoothly when in bobbin winding mode (clutch disengaged?) But when it comes time to sew, it frequently locks up, gets going again, then locks up again. The hand wheel locks up when the needle does but spins with it otherwise so the two are definitely engaged with eachother. Even when the needle/wheel is moving I can feel a 'hill' of resistance as I hand turn it. It occurs at the same part of the rotation each time. I oiled it wherever metal was touching metal and didn't see any fabric or thread jammed anywhere either. I forgot to mention the machine is not vintage, it's a nearly brand new Janome HD1000be. It's kind of acting like trying to sew through material that is too thick except it does it even when there is no fabric... And my machine is a heavy duty but I haven't even had a chance to sew anything heavier than thin denim yet. BTW thanks for the replies to me and others and all the helpful videos! It's incredibly appreciated. I might have to just bring my machine in (assuming I didn't void the warranty by trying to fix it myself LOL) but I like tinkering and learning to fix things... Plus I have 2 big holes on my fave pair of pants I want to patch up asap I'm really hoping it just needs to be oiled somewhere but the machine is relatively new and I oiled the ever living crap out of it myself.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@botflyguy7814 You are most welcome. If it feels like it is bogging down when the clutch is engaged, there is definitely a problem somewhere. When the clutch is disengaged, it is not running the main shaft of the machine. I am not familiar with newer machines, as I specialize in vintage. The newer machines have alot of different mechanisms, servo motors and worst of all, plastic gears. I wish you luck. IF all you need to to is repair some pants, find yourself an old Kenmore or Singer. They are simple to work on and almost indestructible.

[@aitabefornes6237]

Thank you! So helpful!

[@KatePedersen-c2y]

Hello there. I reassembled the clutch and hand wheel on my Bernina 730. But it remains frozen. Nothing moves. I tried the hair dryer method to no avail. HELP!!!

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

the machine may need to be thoroughly oiled, then use heat. It can take awhile. just keep moving the handwheel, if it is just frozen, it will eventually move.

[@AvantiInc]

I have the lock washer ofcourse The bottom gear are fine since I just replaced them, but I will again take the top down and recheck for broken gears. Thank you

[@abdulraheem8788]

It helped me a lot Thanks

[@corinnewong1664]

A part of the handwheel on my Bernina 1130 is missing. A repair shop stole it from my machine!!! I hope I'll be able to replace it, but I don't know what it's called, and whether it is available, since the Bernina 1130 is very old. Can you help me? Thanks.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Do you know which part is missing? Is it the part that locks the handwheel for the bobbin winder?

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

You can send me a picture of the handwheel. [e-mail]

[@bookbeing]

How terrible!!!

[@Neddoest]

Oh my gosh… Thank goodness!! This helped me perfectly 👌

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Awesome!! Thank you for letting me know!!

[@Neddoest]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 absolutely… we just averted a bit of a panicked meltdown lol I’ve never sewn on a machine newer than 30 years old but I’m wondering if they’re anything like cars, computers completely changed the way they’re repaired? I tell myself it would be even more frustrating when a newer machine has issues to make myself feel better about not being able to afford a fancy new machine

[@kahliainglis71]

I picked up a Janome Decor Excel II 5024 yesterday from marketplace, had some big issues when I set it down to fiddle around with it (I'm unfamiliar with this model, wanted to get an understanding of it) but when I first set it down the handwheel was entirely stuck, as was the entire machine. My boyfriend and I got the rest of the machine sorted, but now the handwheel spins really loosely and doesn't move the needle. How would I fix this issue on this machine? It doesn't have the screw to get a look inside and I'm totally lost. Thank you!!

[@gracedanyeba5734]

Please I’ve been able to remove the screw buh I can’t unwind the clutch, I’ve tried for days now and I still can’t. Please I need your help

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

I would advise using some sewing machine oil to lube it up. I would also gently tap it with a mallet, dont take your aggression out on it. Just some percussive persuasion. When I get a tough one that does not respond to the above, then I will use a strap wrench to hold the handwheel, and channel locks on the knob. Good luck

[@gracedanyeba5734]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 Aww thank you so much😅 the mallet worked. I’m glad you helped.

[@remorrey]

Perfect fix! Thanks so much.

[@martinwhitehurst9893]

Hi, so I found a sewing machine kinda like yours. So I think I figured out the clutch but it's still very very hard to turn. Any idea ?

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

MOst likely you need to disassemble it, clean and oil.

[@martinwhitehurst9893]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 I was wondering. Ok Thank you

[@donnascher3690]

I have the opposite problem (Singer 247 - old). I loosen the clutch wheel (I'm trying to load a bobbin) and the needle keeps going up and down (so the bobbin won't fill up).

[@sandall100]

I have this problem too.

[@chadblanton4865]

Hello my name is Chad, I followed your video about the clutch sliver thing and unscrewed the screw and noticed there is no washer at all that maybe why it's not turning at all?

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

That would be a problem. What model sewing machine is it? I sell parts

[@omorogieesther6990]

Hello Tania, My machine sews but when it’s a bit thick layer, the neddle freezes even when the wheel rotates, it doesn’t move the needle, then it moves up again and freezes and when I take out the cloth, it moves freely Will this method also fix it?

[@lungilenxumalo4746]

Thank you so so so so much 😊

[@siyasangamhlekwa8360]

My machine works but it skips the stitches I don’t what could be the problem

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

First thing I would do is clean under the feeddogs in the bobbin area. then change the needle. Let me know if that helps.

[@siyasangamhlekwa8360]

@@tksewingmachineandrepair4243 thanks a lot it worked 🙏🏻

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

@@siyasangamhlekwa8360 awesome

[@wideopenzxi]

I have an older Singer Professional XP 50 and today the needle will not go up or down and wheel will not move the needle either. Is there a clutch in this machine?

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Not familiar with that machine. Sounds like it needs to be oiled all over

[@deejoseph9024]

U r great thank ❤

[@obg7310]

Hi mi 328k machine is still locked I think something got loose w the wheel itself. Can you help ?

[@nancyb1252]

After watching your video I played with the clutch washer but still could not engage the needle with handwheel. The needle turns when I turn the handwheel knob but not when I turn the handwheel. What am I missing

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

I am not sure what you are trying to tell me. However if the needle moves when the clutch is NOT engaged with handwhell, then your handwheel is stuck onto the shaft. I use a pulley puller to remove the handwheel from the shaft. then clean the shellaced oil off, reoil, reassemble. If that is not your problem, let me know what is

[@jenniferandtan]

The clutch was stuck, i could not release it,what can be done to release it please

[@najaahisaacs1158]

Hi Tania... My name is Najaah. My handwheel not moving the needle. I've removed the clutch knob and took out the washer and put it back on but it's still not moving the needle up or down...

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

Does the handwheel move at all? If not, then the machine is seized up. My reccomendation is to oil all areas where metal meets metal. Everyday try to move the handwheel.

[@najaahisaacs1158]

Thanks for the reply but the handwheel does move...

[@najaahisaacs1158]

When I turn the handwheel, which moves. The needle not moving up or down. That's my only problem.

[@tksewingmachineandrepair4243]

does it just spin on the shaft?? @@najaahisaacs1158