Presser bar adjustment/alignment. What to do & not do. Understanding how it works. (Video 271)

A few quick pointers to get you back in sewing action, after you’ve adjusted the screw that you shouldn’t have adjusted.

[@bldann]

I have a Sears Kenmore 385.1653 that I recently purchased. The presser foot barely touches the base, depending on the foot I have on it, and the one snap connect low shank foot that came with it, makes my needle appear off center by about one needle width, though the pressure with that one is good. I feel that with your detailed and concise information, I should be able to get both issues resolved. Thank you so much for sharing these helpful and informative videos. My nearest service center is closed, likely for good, and then next closest is a hour away and backed up for months! I have no desire for a new computerized machine, so I'm happy I was able to find this beautiful vintage Kenmore and make the minor repairs with the help of people such as yourself.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Glad to help and thanks for watching. 😎👍🏼

[@AudreyDean-qv7pp]

You saved my day! My Mom gifted me a Singer 9034 several years ago when she upgraded to a new machine. I hadn’t used it in some time and when i brought it out the lift lever would not work. It was just floppy. After inquiring with a shop and hearing the cost estimated I hit youtube to search for someone who could provide some insight. Im so thankful for knowledgeable people who take the time to share what they know. Turns out when i opened her up the screw had loosened so the tiny block was moving around. Following your video i was able to align it correctly and tighten it down and shes working like a dream again.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Excellent. Your comments made my day. You’re the reason I’m here. Thanks again. 👍🏼😎

[@nikkiadkin4414]

Thank you for your video! Within 57 seconds of watching I managed to fix my presser foot on my serger. It was stuck, and simply putting a screwdriver in the screw to adjust it, was enough to knock it unstuck. I would have not thought to even look at that screw

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Excellent. I’m glad it helped. Thanks for watching. 😎👍🏼

[@cynnden5132]

The pressor lever suddenly stopped lifting the foot pressor on a 1980s Singer. I took the case off and looked at the mechanism with no clue what was wrong or how to fix it. Your video explained the parts and what not to do. I tried a bit of sewing machine oil, maneuvered the screw and bar, and got it working again! Your video made it easy for me to fix the problem. Thank you!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’re welcome and I appreciate you sharing your good news. Thanks for watching.😎👍

[@vic222221]

Thank you! You saved me with these thorough instructions! I’ve been using my Elnita for 25 years and never had an issue with the pressure foot being misaligned with the feed plate until it happened suddenly today mid project. I’m so glad I watched this first so I could attend to that screw delicately!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’re welcome and I’m glad to help. 😎👍🏼

[@shumpytastic3577]

Thank you so much! Everywhere I looked I only talked about lever foots! I’ve been so worried and I was going to take it to a shop tomorrow but now I don’t need to! Thank you!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Excellent. Glad to help.😎👍

[@theprojectproject01]

A Chapman screwdriver set is an absolute game-changer. When you feel that machined tip click into the machined slot... all of a sudden, slotted screws become positive to drive and easy to deal with.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Quality tools net quality outcomes. 👍🏼😎

[@theprojectproject01]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I have never once regretted the money I paid for tools that were actually good. Never once in my life. I've cursed plenty over cheap ones, though.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@theprojectproject01 that is 100 percent fact for most of us. 👍😎

[@theyarnbadger7374]

Thank you I have a Pfaff 955 and it has a walking foot built in so I think I’ll take it to the dealership. Useful info thank you

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Good decision. 😎👍🏼

[@kingkill440]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’re welcome. I enjoy working on sewing machines, especially the classic masterpieces. 😎👍🏼

[@kingkill440]

A very worthwhile interest! So glad you're helping to preserve the history of it all@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954

[@SleeperBBQ]

any suggestion? I have a brother Project runway and I'm trying to sew the sides of unsewn drink koozies. I purchased these as an embroidery project. So when I go to sew the sides, it appears to me the presser foot is just too tight /pressure but I'm a beginner at sewing.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

If you get a roller foot it might help. That’s really not the correct machine to attempt such a project, but who knows. A roller foot is about all I can recommend.

[@SleeperBBQ]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thank You so much Randy, I picked it from a lady that was closing shop. I'll look into that roller presser foot. I did the google and You Tube search and found you Thank you again Lance

[@lindamorgan2678]

Thank you good explanation. My new ate 60's Japanese sewing machine the foot does not touch the feeders by more than a 1/4 of an inch. I am checking with all my other machines for a foot and none work and I thought maybe it is out of adjustment. I can see it dropping lower but not higher. Maybe it is a odd ball and needs a higher shank. Thank you

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

It could be a “high shank” machine.

[@lindamorgan2678]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 You must of brought me luck Randy, I just came back from the basement and there was one old 50's machine that I did NOT check and sure enough it worked. Thanks for your reply and your video. Will try to fix the alignment on another

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@lindamorgan2678 👍😎

[@lindamorgan2678]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I fixed the alignment on my Bernina 600 Thank you. did not have to unscrew it just put some deep creep on it and then gave it a turn and it moved back in place. Thanks again ! Now to struggle with the combo stitch width and needle positioner dial seized to gether but it seems from the Bernina group it is a common problem. Have fun today Randy

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@lindamorgan2678 very good job. Oil and patience make an effective combo. Oil you can purchase, patience is acquired by trial. Thanks for watching.

[@cynthiaoverland3840]

I have a Necchi 884 FB. It's been serviced recently. Since I changed the thread last time, it seems the pressure foot lost all it's pressure. I've tried tightening and loosening the pressure but the material just slips around under the foot. What do you suggest?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Make sure that the pressure button is all the way down. Make sure that the bottom of the pressure button is screwed down all the way and tight. Make sure that your feed dogs are in the raised position.

[@cynthiaoverland3840]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 , How do I raise the feed dogs?

[@deborahessary7542]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have a brother XR1355. The presser foot bar appears to be frozen. The lever works but no movement. I have taken off the front case to take a look but nothing obvious jumps at me. Any ideas to put me back in business?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

The only thing that will freeze them is lack of oil or rust. Spray some penetrating oil on the presser bar and work it up and down. A lot.

[@deborahessary7542]

The lever moves up and down but has no effect on the bar itself. I will use the penetrating oil and hope for a “defreeze” 😏

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@deborahessary7542 tap gently with the plastic handle of a screwdriver on the presser foot attachment screw to get it moving downward. Pry up gently under the presser foot to get it moving upward.

[@deborahessary7542]

She’s up and going. I’m so pleased. This model did not have a screw. I took my very small hammer and screw driver and consistently tapped on the bar that the lever did not budge adding tiny drops of oil on going. Took some time but finally voila back in business. Thank you so very much!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@deborahessary7542 the screw that holds your presser foot on, is the screw I was referring to.

[@donalsteinbach7034]

July2023-I'm so careful with my sewing machines but while running med speed on one layer of a jean leg material with my brother serger 1034Dmachine it came to a seam, stopped I than stop asap! but the foot pressure bar that holds the foot was slightly turned to the left out of alinement. I was sewing 😮only one layer, no folding no 😮 layers. How can I fix it. no places where I live.Is there a way I can just twist the bar (its about 1/8" off) back in alinement? oh help😢

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

First make sure that it’s not a malfunction of the snap on presser foot if that’s what it has. There is a set screw on the left side on your presser bar that you can loosen to realign it. Sometimes the light bracket has to be loosened and moved out of the way to access the set screw that’s on the presser bar . It’s a pretty simple process, and I’m sure you can do it.👍😎

[@user-iv6yd6ns2q]

Can you tell me why my foot won’t go down? The lever on the back goes up and down but the foot seems seizes.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I don’t know what machine you have, but almost always it’s a lack of lubrication of the pressure bar shaft. It has at least two oiling points where it slides up and down in the machines frame. Oil both ares by putting the oil directly on the presser bar, above the point of contact on both top and bottom. You may have to tap on the presser foot screw, lightly, in a downward motion, to get it to move initially. Tap. Lightly. Use the plastic handle end of a screwdriver to do the tapping.👍😎

[@TheKatie287]

I have a domestic white sewing machine, likely late 60’s early 70’s. Got it as a junk shop. The old owner had the needle set left of center and I cannot for the life of me find any video explaining how to center the needle. The foot is centered. I’m making it work, but it’s really frustrating. I have to kind of guess on placement at first and it’s not good for the fabric I’m using, which will show every single removed stitch. Do you have any advice? I would be willing to email photos of the darn thing.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

There is such a thing as a left needle position machine. It was predominantly in the 60’s and 70’s. You just might have one. If it’s a side load, I would Almost bet on it. If it came with a straight stitch foot and straight stitch needle plate, that will solve the mystery for certain. Just attach them and see where the needle lines up. 😎👍

[@honestreviews2321]

My Brother XL3010 I was gifted from my grandmother years ago has a very strong tension. It slams down when releasing. She's no here with me so I can ask her if it's normal to be so aggressive. Should I oil it? Could it have rusted while in storage?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Turn the pressure down a bit by turning the knob to the left a couple turns. A drop of oil at the top and bottom of the presser bar will help it release smoothly. 👍😎

[@honestreviews2321]

@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thank you very much

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@honestreviews2321 you’re welcome 👍🏼😎

[@honestreviews2321]

@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I didn't find a knob unfortunately but I did oil it and it helps it not be so stiff to lift.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@honestreviews2321 excellent. 👍🏼😎

[@mariatarlentino6981]

How should the pressure Botton stay up or pressded down while sewing

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Press it all the way down for heavy fabrics All the way up for free motion and darning. Half way down for normal sewing. 😎👍🏼

[@heartbroken3350]

Hi .hope you good ,my foot hight is to high ,how do I make it right plz

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@heartbroken3350 other than the instructions in the video, I don’t know what to tell you. Make sure you have the correct presser foot. Be sure to check the presser foot pressure adjustment and set it to maximum. (If your machine has one)

[@freebird6686]

Can you help me by linking a suitable video to my problem My needle moves all the way into the bobbin case and comes back up again The needle bar upper hook the one that is like a crochet needle also moves abnormally Please help me how do i fix it ?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

If your needle is going down far enough to enter the bobbin case, you will need to raise it incrementally until it’s at the right height. I don’t know what kind of machine you have, but if it’s an early Singer, it will have timing marks. Sometimes you can shine a bright light on the needle bar and see where the wear marks are. Set the needle bar to the wear marks and you’ll get close enough to begin.

[@freebird6686]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I have a brother ja1450nt. I don't know how to lift it up The needle bar is fixed in place and I don't know which part should I unscrew to fix it

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@freebird6686 they all have a height adjustment screw.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@freebird6686 if your machine is a side load, the adjustment screw is in the right side and is accessible via a hole on the casting to the right of the assembly. It takes a special screwdriver and a special skill set to adjust it. It’s rarely out of adjustment, so you might want to check the take up assembly for a loose set screw. Make sure that none of the take up assembly components are rotating when they shouldn’t.

[@susanneahlman]

My foot vill not go down, it goes slowly then I have to push it down. What can I do, I have a pfaff 919-1

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

The presser bar assembly needs to be oiled by a competent professional.

[@susanneahlman]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thank you, I oiled it myself and now I can not put the cover back again 😳everything is open all screws, the lamp and god know what. Can I use what we call ”silvertejp” in Sweden. Just so I do not put my fingers there and get electrified. Wow I can really mess things up. At least the foot gets down again

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@susanneahlman turn the machine off when you are reassembling it. Use an auxiliary lamp for illumination. Take your time and it will go back together. Just look at it as a puzzle to solve.

[@susanneahlman]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thank you but on my machine pfaff 919-1 there is only one single piece on the left side and that I can not place in. Sorry my English is not good

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@susanneahlman the top must come off and the side cover also. The area that needs oiled is at the top of the presser bar. If you’re not sure of how all that works, I would advise against you doing it yourself. It’s a very minor problem that can be made much worse if you don’t take great care.

[@FilthySoapCore]

I so wonder why my foot handle isnt working It does nothing

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

The set screw probably needs tightening. It’s a common occurrence.

[@katynewt]

Unfortunately, my sewing machine's got a tiny allen adjustment screw, and we all know how notoriously weak allen screws are...

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I’m not aware of them all being weak. The ones I’m most familiar with are made from hardened steel. That’s what they used on the classic Singer machines etc. The Allen screws from China-made machines are pretty sad, along with the rest of the machine. So, use caution on those.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

And….. I should add that an Allen screw is easily compromised by a worn or cheaply made (Chinese)Allen wrench.