Troubleshooting 3 Common Sewing Machine Problems | Sew Simple Series Lesson #7

Are you having sewing machine problems? We are going to be troubleshooting 3 of the most common sewing machine issues in this video tutorial. This is lesson #7 of the Sew Simple Series.
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[@desultorybagel]

‘Rethread your machine’ is the sewing version of ‘have you tried turning it off and on again?’

[@JanHowell]

😉

[@JoaquinParker]

😂

[@eddymison3527]

Yes 🤭

[@elainefagin513]

Not quite. Although in computerized machines the “turn off and on” trick does work for many jams.

[@user-rw7fi4qv8j]

finally some one who gets to the point without a big long intro. Thank you

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@patwilliams5366]

I really need to thank you. I've been trying to get rid of this bird nesting for 4 hours. I rethreaded, I threaded a new bobbin etc. It was so simple what was happening. I did not thread the up correctly. I followed your guide and it was magic. Thank you so much.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it helped!

[@NickDiLello]

Thank you, this guide was VERY helpful 😊 I finally broke out the book (the thread kept breaking at the needle). I found I had it threaded all wrong 😂 Singer 1408, I threaded it correctly, then was able to fix my wife's dress. She was so happy! I took sewing in school, but that was SO many years ago. I did a zigzag to fix the shredded material, then folded the seam and ran a straight stitch over that. It's hardly detectable now 😊 Thanks again for going over the basics!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@marytaelliott]

Thanks!!! my bobbin was bigger for my machine!!!! Praise the Lord for people like you to help us out!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful :)

[@lynnelowe8461]

Thank you. I was getting bird nesting. I learned to sew in a Spanish sewing class (I don't speak Spanish 😆🙈). This is great! 😁🙏

[@JanHowell]

You’re welcome 😊

[@candipill]

You are such a great teacher - thank you for all the time and effort you put into helping us resolve these problems

[@JanHowell]

You're very welcome!

[@sandramichaud8033]

Holding the thread to prevent nesting. Will save me so much trouble with nesting. Never knew that. Thanks so much.❤

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful.

[@lionzgirllisa]

Just changing the size of the reel holder circle thing changed everything. I had not heard this tip anywhere ever. Thank you

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@mrkaye4266]

It’s been ages since I’ve sewn, so I’m really rusty. This is so helpful! I definitely will be doing this as I troubleshoot and figure this all out. Thank you so much!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yovettehardy1533]

I have re thread so many times.watch videos for my type of machine and according doing top threading correct. Bobbin checked out fine. I can pull the thread and then nothing or breaks. I haven't use my machine in awhile but was service 2021. Just pulling it out 09/10/22 what am I doing wrong I'm in tears new grand and just learned to hand quilt

[@avelinadamian157]

​ Sir/maan. Pkeaae help me to fix my sewing machine. The dogfeed is not movibg i already changed it but its still rhe same. It doesnt move. Please help me. THABK YOU.

[@malekakapuswala9162]

Upper thtead breaking often Pl. Help.😊

[@diamondangel3442]

​@@malekakapuswala9162 Check its tension :) It might be too tight. Try a lower setting on upper thread tension.

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

Bobbin case very similar to my old Kenmore ultra stitch 6. I’d want less fuss machine. My Husqvarna 400 is simple to use. Glad I saw this video.

[@wayracerda8608]

I just have to say may Thank you so so much for this video oh my gosh I was losing my mind because my machine kept doing the bird nest thing and finally after hours it’s working again thanks to your advice !!

[@JanHowell]

Glad I could help!

[@toniwilson8212]

Threads & needles makes a big difference when it comes to sewing , it even stop making the buckling sound

[@preetikadevi3611]

@@toniwilson8212i

[@lindaanderson2072]

Such a great help ! Thank you !

[@666ghouly]

I had some of the WORST bird nesting I have ever seen. You helped me so much!! Thank you

[@JanHowell]

Glad it helped!

[@xeno6875]

Thank you so much!!! My sewing machine kept doing the bird nest thread and it made my beginner projects so ugly. Looking back, I sure am glad that I discovered this video. Thank you again!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@user-bw2cr9qo9b]

Thank you. My sewing machine and I are again friends.

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@djalals.moharrer5510]

Thanks so lot for very clean,clearly and well detailed informations! As you nice lady mentioned that every small point is important and affects the results!!!✊👍👏

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ceritanobi]

Thank you so much for this video, I've been watching a lot of videos about why the thread always breaking and getting tangled. I didn't realize I put the flat of my needle in front and not in the back! It's all fixed now. I just learned to sew; my late mother-in-law has 2 vintage sewing machines.

[@JanHowell]

Glad you figured it out. Keep sewing!

[@toniwilson8212]

It was the thread , thank you ❤ , I sure thought my sewing machine was broke , it surely cleared up my problem

[@JanHowell]

Glad it helped!

[@thefashionalchemist]

I ran into this problem today and thanks to your video it was the bobbin that was the issue for me 🤦🏻‍♀️. When I saw the stitches normal again I literally shouted JAN YOU LEGEND🤣❤️🙏🏼. Saved me from potentially spending more hours of frustration trying to trouble shoot my machine! Thanks for this easy and straightforward video ❤️

[@JanHowell]

LOL glad it was helpful!

[@melindapadgett8653]

I only see about once a year. Always have to relearn the process. Thanks for the tips. It makes things go faster

[@JanHowell]

Happy to help

[@Valentina-cr1si]

This is so useful, i appreciate you sharing your knowledge - have a happy week!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind

[@veevee111]

I'm so happy to have come across this video, thank you!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kenlomer2036]

Y

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Thank you Jan, very clear and helpful💕

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@stephanietula9205]

Thank you so much! The tip about holding the threads on the first couple stitches fixed my issue.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@2510aggie]

Oh thank you sooo much!!! Mine was bird nesting and was making me feel frustrated. I rethreaded it and it's working! YAY!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@veronicamalo870]

Thank you. Very well explained and you helped me fix my problem. I am new to this and learning on my own, so I appreciate you for putting this information out there.😊

[@JanHowell]

You're very welcome!

[@utukaashanteoceansashante4150]

I am using my empisal for years today this bunch of cotton under stressed me out whole day ,thanks to you now i fixed it working again ❤❤❤

[@cornelialebogo122]

I have a new empisal it's been humbling us we almost returned it🙆‍♂️😭

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful

[@user-kk7cz1sc8r]

This video is help me lord. Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@farhanaalam8529]

I’m Appreciate it and your support. From Canada 🇨🇦

[@JanHowell]

Hope it was helpful.

[@user-df8et8hv7y]

Thank you so much. In less than 5 minutes you solved a problem that has frustrated me many times--bird nesting. You said to rethread my machine, which I had done many times, but my thread spool holder was not keeping my spool of thread tight. A tiny piece of masking tape solved the problem until I can get a replacement.

[@JanHowell]

glad you figured it out!

[@winona7836]

Very helpful info. Now I know what I was doing wrong. Thank you for sharing

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lalagamma4452]

Thank each and those are all great tips I saved it for future use..🐞 I hope you are having a very Merry Christmas holiday! ❄🌲⛄

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@ferimahani]

Thanks a ton! I was struggling with bird nesting and no idea what to do!

[@JanHowell]

Glad I could help!

[@amandadavie1]

Awesome! You just helped me fix a nightmare! Thank you so much! ❤

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful

[@noorkhawaja]

Excellent video. Thanks for solving my issue.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome, glad it was helpful

[@LEDewey_MD]

Very helpful video! Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@imanessaira785]

thankyou so much for this video !!! it’s really helping me since im new to all this hahahaha i’ve only started doing it for 2 weeks and this video was really simple and helped me to understand alot of things❤️🙏🏻

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sherryannjames9075]

Thank you 💕. I just bought a new machine and was having this problem. Eventually I changed the thread and problem solved. It is frustrating when this happens.

[@DaleKnutson]

I was being totally confused untill you mentioned thread has a shelf life. Some of mine was purchased over 40 years ago at Woolco. And it breaks about every 3 feet of stitching. Thanks. I would have never figured it out.

[@annis8692]

Thanks for the tips. Got a perfect stitch from my machine. 🇹🇹

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful

[@AnjaOtter]

Hey Jan! Thank you for all the effort you put in these videos, I learned some much! My issue looks similar to what you have on your fabric with the blue thread. There’s no bird nesting or puckering when I sew, but whenever I do a backstitch it starts getting tangled and loopy 😔 any advice?

[@JanHowell]

Yes, in most of my tutorials I show how to not get the nesting at the first of your stitching. CLICK ON THIS LINK AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO THAT TIP kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH6zmYVvaqiHgck

[@bestillandknow2986]

Good info Jan. I keep my needles in one of those plastic divider cases with a closing lid that has multiple sections (1x1 or 2x2) & I put the different needle cases (jersey, universal, denim or serger, embroidery etc) in it’s own section so that they are all located in one place & that I can tell when my supply is running low. But the best part is that when I go to change the needle, that needle case is left at the front/center of the divider in it’s own section so that I always know (later when I’m distracted or haven’t sewn for awhile-lol) what kind of needle is in the machine. It works great & hope someone can find this tip useful.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks so much for sharing. Great idea!

[@juanarospigliosi5261]

Thanks a lot for helping, you are so kind

[@JanHowell]

So nice of you and you are so welcome.

[@summisherchan5783]

Thankyou Jan, I was looking help for zig-zag stitch .which still does not work. But the alternative one did work. It was simple but very effective tip...

[@JanHowell]

Glad it helped!

[@julialaud4991]

Thank you so much, the solution turn out so simple, your video just save me a lot from headache. Who knew rethread can solve my problem. Thank you againn.

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome!

[@J_L970]

Nice tips Jan!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks Jaye!

[@christinaaa_xo]

I am SO thrilled I found this channel. It's hard to find a sewing channel out there that actually gives helpful tips, tutorials, and PDFs. And your website is WONDERFUL! No long stories to scroll through, just straight to the point and information! Thank you for the time you put into helping others learn how to sew. You are greatly appreciated!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome and kind. Enjoy your day!

[@marinazagrai1623]

I got rid of a machine about 10yrs ago because it was doing the “nests” and I really couldn’t think of this in a “mechanical manner” so I became frustrated…my sister who is mechanically inclined told me it was a tension problem. I needed some lessons to understand the solution to these problems, but there was nothing like we have now….so thanks! I am a visual learner.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@darleneappleman3911]

Very clear good instructions thank u

[@JanHowell]

You’re welcome 😊

[@matthewbowns4959]

Many thanks, Jan. Knots, loops etc until I carefully watched your video.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@shellywoore9647]

Thank you! This helped me so much! 🙂

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@allswellinendwell6957]

Yep, thanks just rethreaded... worked like a charm.

[@JanHowell]

Excellent!

[@lucylisy]

For me it was the rethread (2:37) that fixed the problem. At that fourth step shown labeled on the machine I didn't have it hooked to that little metal thingy, and it caused the whole bottom thread to be shred into pieces and some ended up entangled at the bottom and if not that it caused the whole machine to buzz loudly and stop. I'd taken some sewing classes but admittedly it's been 10 years since then !

[@JanHowell]

Glad you figured it out.

[@thecreepycavelilac]

Thank you so much! I tried following some other videos but I got so confused.

[@JanHowell]

Glad I could help

[@mandamoo8746]

Great vid & perspective! 👏👏👏

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@OrethaNeblett-eb6ee]

Thanks, I just tried it, and it works.

[@JanHowell]

wonderful

[@vich2859]

Thank you so much and God bless you.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome, and God bless you!

[@karonwostenholme6533]

Thank you for your help x

[@JanHowell]

You’re welcome

[@jordnando263]

very helpful, thank you!!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mostlypeacefulcerealkiller2145]

Thanks for saving me from freaking out that I broke the near new machine! I just changed the bobbin, started sewing & it was clattering loud & like the feed dogs were going crooked or something. I rethread the machine & did that fiddly bobbin again & it was working fine. Phew! I've operated & stripped down big machines with many parts but a sewing machine gives me the horrors for sure

[@JanHowell]

Glad you figured it out!

[@mostlypeacefulcerealkiller2145]

@@JanHowell I just did what you said & it worked. KZbin people like you teach me a lot of things that I would never figure out. Thank you 🤠

[@m.junaidmahmood4209]

We had an old Singer Machine (vintage style). It was causing the same issues and the issue was that the teeth that were supposed to forward the cloth were not engaging properly. That is they were not coming up properly. Being an old singer machine, it had screws and adjuster for everything. Fixed the teeth issue and now its sewing new.

[@JanHowell]

wonderful

[@keemlahurry758]

Thank yoy so much. You were very helpful.

[@JanHowell]

I'm so glad!

[@ritamartinez3540]

Thank you, very helpful

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome.

[@user-jc8tu6lz4f]

Thank you for the imformational video! If I may ask a question, what does it mean when your thread nots up on the string attached to the bobin?

[@JanHowell]

Sounds like an issue with the bobbin. I would make sure the bobbin has been threaded correctly and even the top of the machine threaded correctly. It may also be due to the quality of thread you are using.

[@user-jc8tu6lz4f]

@@JanHowell Thank you, I will try that.

[@diannefrench9550]

Very helpful info... Could you let me know how or where can I print out sewing machine needle guide

[@JanHowell]

youmakeitsimple.com/product/pdf-sewing-machine-needle-sorter-pincushion-chart-document-iron-on-ready/

[@Catbox124]

Thank you this did help me 🙂

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@mariareyes-ku6194]

Hi Jan. I will try this all over again. I haven’t been able to fix it. Does the type of thread can make this first issue?

[@JanHowell]

Yes it can be an issue, but most likely its not just the thread.

[@not_a_fpe_shipper]

I watched seven other videos before yours and I had a problem with bird nesting after I had been sewing just fine for 45 minutes or so fucking long and then I was in Wham!. Everybody said to mess with the Bob and first everybody you’re the only one that said not to, and by golly it was what you said thank you so much I just had to simply re-thread my machine if I would’ve messed with my tension, I would’ve been so mad, I have a memory craft 6000 that is way over my head and I would’ve been in trouble. Thank you so much 😅😅😅😅ma’am.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@susanwilson3654]

Thank u so much u help me with those tip I am from Jamaica

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful, so glad it was helpful!

[@chubbo2234]

So helpful ❤

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KM-yw2yb]

Thank you for this.

[@JanHowell]

My pleasure!

[@nadinec3609]

Thank you. I’m having a problem with tthe top thread breaking off during sewing. Rethreaded a hounded times and bobbin too.

[@JanHowell]

The upper tension may be too tight. Be very careful when adjusting the tension however. There may also be some lint or something in the tension.

[@vickybrown5047]

Thank you so much, problem solved !

[@JanHowell]

wonderful

[@ramyasreekanth2289]

Thank you solved my problem 🥰🥰🥰

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful.

[@disneypinsomniac3942]

So helpful!!

[@JanHowell]

Glad you think so!

[@michelledechaine3259]

I have a Verve as well, my top stitching is not looking stitched, more like a straight line. It used to have the stitched look, and my bottom stitching looks perfectly stitched. Any ideas? I already brought the machine in to service and checkup in January. My machine sometimes also makes a loud clunking noise when I’m sewing. Thank you for the video!

[@JanHowell]

Sound like a bobbin issue. Have you rethreaded the machine and made sure the bobbin is threaded and in correctly?

[@michelledechaine3259]

@@JanHowell thank you for the reply! I was actually going back and forth with Babylock, they are so patient and helpful. Apparently my Babylock Verve doesn’t like Coats & Clark thread 🤪 so I’d send pics and tension adjustments and we got it just right with a different thread. Gutterman, Medeira, and I know my Brothread embroidery thread all seem to be my machine’s favorites lol

[@rula7792]

How to fix the small stitches? I’ve a heavy singer machine and what number I set it it gives me small stitches Any ideas?

[@susanho9821]

How to troubleshoot singer needle hitting the metal plate

[@dollygrace54]

Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome!

[@MariaDavids-db2pt]

Many thanks❤

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@user-ed8so6yw8t]

I'm really thank you for these wonderful tips on troubleshooting ❤❤❤❤❤❤I'm having the same problems with all of my machines. Thanks a lot 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻👍🏻

[@JanHowell]

Happy to help!

[@rijckewaertmarnix9879]

Thank you so much!

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome!

[@teamlink316]

I love your easy tips. I have a problem that I haven't seen. I'm missing a bottom Stitch occasionally, not at regular intervals. On top it looks fine but underneath there are places where it didn't catch the top. I can pull it loose on the top in those places, but it looks like it went fine. That's actually what happened. I finished sewing, turned out over & wanted to cry. Any thoughts are welcome.

[@JanHowell]

You may want to check to make sure the needle is put in all the way. If its been a while since you changed your needle, you may want to do that and sometimes the timing can be off on your machine, which a mechanic can do really easy.

[@donnasmith2834]

Learned when yaking thread out, pull from the needle. If you pull up you will get lint... 😊

[@JanHowell]

thanks for sharing

[@DreVeis1]

Hello again 😂 I have another question, how do I select the correct needle for sew denim to Sherpa fleece?!

[@JanHowell]

You may find this post very helpful youmakeitsimple.com/2019/10/05/sewing-machine-needles-why-choosing-the-right-one-matters/

[@milliecontreras-5160]

I still have the bottom stitch doing bird nesting? What should I do? I have changed the needle! Millie

[@JanHowell]

Have you tried re-threading the top thread. Make sure the thread is going through the tension correctly. Also check to make sure the bobbin is loaded and threaded correctly.

[@gillmahoney4742]

Yes bird nesting but worse the spool will not allow the thread into the little notch and under the metal slice which normally allows the thread through a little space at its end. I have put the spool in every which way and it just wont go in that notch. Had spool facing backwRds forwardsm upside n et

[@JanHowell]

Yes that will cause problems

[@jeliqueen4341]

thank youuuu sooooo much!!!❤❤❤❤

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome!!

[@vaedonia]

Thank you!!!

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome!

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love your tips .How can I see your other tips videos?

[@JanHowell]

Here is a link to my sewing and crafting playlist. I also have a website. youmakeitsimple.com/

[@annwalters5761]

@@JanHowell hi Jan can you help me to thread my frisser Rossmann overlocker

[@daisy1240]

Thank you so much

[@JanHowell]

You're most welcome.

[@eyjayy]

super helpful

[@JanHowell]

wonderful

[@tamilray3322]

t Thank you for your valuable video

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@loriadams8914]

Thank you!!

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome!

[@dannabradford3533]

Does the smooth side. Of the needle go in the front or back to tread it.

[@JanHowell]

Back

[@melissaengland5364]

Well this probably save about $150. Thank you so much!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@car_oline8]

I’m sewing a circular appliqué, the thread is very loose and bird nesting above the fabric. I’ve tried rethreading a number of times, thread and bobbin. I’ve also pulled out scrap fabric to try to trouble shoot. It’s fine on the scrap and when I get back to my project, it’s fine for a couple minutes and then the same thing.

[@JanHowell]

Kinda sounds like the bobbin thread is not going through the tension correctly. Try that.

[@s8moneperch374]

Best tutorial

[@JanHowell]

Why thank you!

[@luciaparker389]

Thank you for this video I was so frustrated until I watches it.

[@JanHowell]

Glad I could help

[@NickDiLello]

Thanks!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@lenayazzie4599]

I have an LS-1217 sewing machine .. Bobbin thread keeps breaking .. Reinsered bobbin so many times .. Rethreaded machine.. Cleaned out all lints but no success..can you help?

[@JanHowell]

Here are a couple more things to try. Make sure the bobbin itself is threaded correctly. Has it been a while since you've used your machine? Do you have a top loading or side loading bobbin? If you haven't changed the needle in a while, that could be a problem as well. I hope that was helpful. Let me know if you have further questions.

[@angeliavalencia2809]

This video really help me a lot, iam a beginner in sewing and i keep wondering why it went wrong ( the stiches loss ), thank you so much for sharing this video 😭💕

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome