Top Trouble Shooting Tips For Your Sewing Machine

[@1966Graham]

Using intrigue with the prospect of sharing a secret, then gaining a promise not to tell (commitment & consistency linked to childhood memory) - whilst showing a low hand power steeple … and then going on to deploy the phrase “save you money” which connects to the genetic driver for gaining useful resources. It’s the best intro I’ve seen for ages.

[@johnmulligan9526]

I work on vintage machines and really appreciated your knowledge understanding and confidence. So many people are so afraid of that Bobbin tension they would never mention it. Let alone make reference to a video you made in order to correct the situation. Plus you're very pleasant woman, thank you!

[@sandrasmith9452]

Thank you for your video. I was sewing Friday and the needle broke. I changed the needle and it started making a horrible noise so I changed it again, the noise wasn't as bad but it still knocked. After watching your video I realized these were some old needle so I changed it to a new one I purchased and it works GREAT!!! Thank you so much.

[@rachaelpooplard]

Wow! Thank you sew sew sew much!!! Number 11 was my problem. And the fix of taking off the plate to clean under the feed dog area revealed a Mass of compacted fluff and lint. Little clouds like baby blue cotton candy. Here are the tools I used: a Penny to unscrew the plate because I had lost the little flat round screwdriver thing, and even tiny eyeglasses screwdriver would not work because it was too long to get the right angle, a lintbrush, tweezers, and a long pin to bring up lint that the lintbrush could not reach! I also used a clean scrap of cotton fabric to “grab” lint, clean the lintbrush, and clean it all up! Also changed the needle to a sparkling brand new needle in a smaller size. Grateful beyond grateful and I feel empowered with this knowledge. !

[@bettymerrill9715]

I found this video one of the best (if not the best) on solving many of the issues I have encountered. I also will recommend it many of my friends that keep calling me to help figure out what is going wrong. So far it has been as simple as you need to plug in the extension cord into the wall... or turn off the bobbin winder . We always have a good laugh when it is this simple. Beside that I love the visit we have.

[@marciahighsmith4820]

I have read my manual and found a lot of your tips there. Many of my sewing friends have never opened their manuals. Thanks for the reminders.

[@justtere]

Being the person who always reads the manual, my manual is awful and the DVD as bad. This helps.

[@bonniekonjevich7574]

What I really find helpful is your organized presentation and not just chatting, which is inefficient tho some may feel it's for appearing cordial. You nailed that by the confidence in your expertise😁👌✂🌷🌞

[@jillcarthy2654]

I was having a meltdown as my sewing machine had decided that she had had enough and I was in the middle of making scrubs for the hospital. Went online and found your brilliant advice helped me to sort the problem and carry on! Thank you so so much.

[@jeramybearamy8539]

Thanks for the video, Monica. Just bought my first machine and it's good to know these things ahead of time just to prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

[@bonniemorris1458]

Thank you! My 2 week old Bernina started to buzz and I wasso upset. Your advice had me up and sewing in 2 minutes!

[@hodahamood9504]

So awesome, I have been trying to fix my sewing machine for two days and was ready to get another one, with your tips I got it working great! Thank you!👏

[@elizabethwilliams1784]

I know that this video was so long ago but it really help me. I just start again and your video really helped me to fix the issues that I was experiencing. Thank you. God bless you.

[@LilDirt12]

I absolutely LOVE YOU!! With this one informative video, you have answered the questions to my issues I have been having with my Brother PRW. Thank you thank you thank you!! Last night I was so frustrated I started crying. (Attempting to diy my vw door panels. First time. Very ambitious.) I have been pulling my fabric from behind, I've thrown off my timing! I am using old thread. And I also found out I've not only been using the wrong bobbin, but you explained that the way I should be loading the thread on it, ie:unevenly and too tightly, is messing me up!! Thank you. Your a joy to watch. You aren't condescending. Your voice is not irritating at all. Your precise, to the point, and intelligent and articulate. Thank you. I will be subscribing and sticking with you. Keep up the awesome work. I appreciate you sharing your knowlede with us. Your a breath of fresh air.

[@JCook-qc1iq]

So great and comprehensive! The upper thread breaking and dropping stitches was my issue. Had my needle in wrong. Thought I was good but when every issue you talked about had the same solution I was able to narrow it down. Thank you

[@justtere]

As a very long time sewer, I would recommend to change the needle first, not last. Just a hint that can save tons of time. At the same time, be SURE you have your machine threaded correctly. I don't mean this in a patronizing manner, just experience.

[@triciamangus3596]

Thank you for your help! I have had all of these issues at one time or another, my issue today is breaking thread. I checked the timing, changed the needle and the thread is a bonded poly for this purpose. Tomorrow, I'll try loosening the tension.Kim going through 5 layers of wool.

[@caroleanderson6442]

Showing many very helpful tips in an easily understood format ~~ even after 60+ years of sewing experience, I still learned a lot. Thank you!!!

[@justtere]

I agree, only 55 years sewing. Parts of my machine disappeared. (lots of my sewing notions, etc. Disappeared at the same time. No matter. Except some of the notions I had and loved are apparently also missing and aren't available anymore.) I borrowed another Brother, this one with a front loading bobbin. I have never used a front loading bobbin, and I am not sure I am winding the thread through the bobbin case. Stupid, huh? But once I get that figured out for sure, I think this machine should be ALMOST as good as the one with missing parts. Yes, as a good sewer with two years of home economics in school, the first thing I did was change the needle.

[@ronmisik6266]

My bobbin winder is not engaging

[@carolinebledsoe7443]

A great lesson.....helped me fix my sewing machine and saved me a long trip to town! I feel so smart!!

[@gsmees3586]

hello from Ontario Canada! Thanks for this great trouble shooting guide. Didn't know what the knocking sound was from. I have learned a few things even after 50 years of sewing! I would like to add a tip in regards to skipped stitches . I have two Singer machines and when they start to skip stitches I have to clean the bobbin shuttles. These machines are top loading bobbins and less than 7 years old. Took me a bit of trouble shooting and frustration to figure it out but now cleaning is the first thing I do and works every time.

[@bella-bee]

You taught me humility! The third needle did the trick👍🏼

[@tinkfan63]

All the tips helped but especially the jamming problem. Great resource for a newbee 😁

[@nancymcfadden1671]

your video really touched on so many issues i was having. i’m a beginner and sewing masks with quilting fabric. my machine is running much better! now if i can just get it to sew a straight line. it only wants to do zig zag but it’s better then pulling jammed thread! thank you!

[@justtere]

Make sure you have the stitch set to straight. With my borrowed machine it took some figuring out how to do it, but I found it.

[@peggyr3862]

You seem to take the fear out of touching our sewing machines. Thank you.

[@jenthomas1448]

Why am I just seeing this... probably b’cause I just started sewing... lol. Iny-who, definitely very much needed... you’re the best! Thank you!

[@tomjones2348]

I like the way you edited this video. So many people just ramble on and on. Well done.

[@1of650]

1,2,4,8,& 11! All problems I’m having. So now to try your suggestions and see what happens!

[@hatchclaudia9601]

love love how you break information down, thank you! You're real and natural, truly appreciate that!

[@mikesgracie5068]

Love your channel! I found it a couple weeks ago when I was looking for videos about thread tension. Your video was exactly what I needed and I've since watched almost all of your other videos too :) You explain so well without over explaining. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! :)

[@Westseattlefabriccompany]

+Mike's Gracie - Hi Mike's Gracie! I'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying the channel. I'm still trying to lay a solid foundation with great information before making a lot of fun projects but I'm getting closer! I am so happy that you're getting a lot out of the 'not so flashy and fun' content. I love hearing the positive feedback so thank you very much!

[@anapatriciahernandez2220]

You are the best! The tip refaring to check and change the needels before panicking is #1

[@legalsolutions07]

Very good video. I'm new to sewing and I've experienced many of the issues that you raised. Your diagnosis, suggestions and explanations are very helpful.

[@tamracardenas1268]

Thank you so much! I thought my machine was broken, but you nailed it and I'm making again. 🤗

[@ossiningsue]

My needle kept getting jammed up constantly with the bobbin thread . There was no fabric caught up, but there was plenty of lint under the plate that also covers the drop in bobbin. After a thorough cleaning, the machine is fine

[@dulcer4734]

Thank you so much! I borrowed my aunt's old sewing machine and I thought I had broken it! This helped!

[@kenhiester3396]

The information on the thread tensioner was most helpful😀

[@loriedarr2514]

All your tips were so great. Thank you.

[@thelmajohns9996]

Thank you for so many great tips!! My machine has the clanking sounds. I was ready to take to repair shop or toss!!

[@tinamcnalley2575]

Thank you for the info. Lots of good tips. Just a word on "old" thread though. I'm still using a Kenmore/Janome machine circa 1988? that NEVER had thread issues in the early years. Now, any Gutermann (type) thread (sold at JAs or H.L.) manufactured since about 2000 will shread. All of my Coats & Clark from 70's, 80's and 90's is fine. Four large cones of 100% cotton thread from Grandma's factory days in the 60's/ 70's are AMAZING! I use them for hand basting also, as they do not require waxing and they do not twist and knot. Wonderful stuff. There were nasty cheap threads sold in the 70's/80's on styrofoam spools, 10/$1, that I only bought once back then. Quite useless. Unless I have time for an online order of basic colors, I wind up at the local quilt shop paying $5-$7 per spool to color match for a good quality thread. My "old" spools of Coats have saved me some $$$.

[@IriezonaSunshine]

Thank you and you aren't boring

[@pamwilkins502]

The rogue bobbin, spent 2 hours stripping, cleaning etc, in desperation changed the bobbin, brilliant at least it`s running like a new machine after all that effort.

[@sweetpeaize]

Thank you very much!! For all the tips and explaining you did, you are very kind to help us with that. and saved me so much money.

[@LQ327]

Thanks so much for the video my machine was klunking and now I know why!!!

[@carolynthistle9658]

Thanks, the tips on thread tension issues, loopy stitches etc. Resolved my issues and frustrations with my Singer 7256.

[@aphillips8542]

My pressure foot won’t lift all the way up. Any tips?

[@marilyngehrman1701]

Thread/fabric jammed, needle locked down! Thank you for suggestions!

[@TheJudeJane]

Marilyn Gehrman Presser foot UP while threading to open tension disks to receive thread and presser foot DOWN before stepping on pedal. Use fresh thread, use needle suited for fabric. You can't sew denim with a size 11. Size matters. Fabric choice with needle size a must! Is it a knit? Can't use standard needles on knits! Wovens? Can't use blue tip stretch needles on wovens! Good habit of holding thread tails at least 5" under presser foot to back of machine and holding taut until you sew at least three COMPLETE stitches. Cleaning bobbin case, shuttle race, regularly, changing needle after 8 hrs of sewing, oiling oil ports 2 times annually, etc. Happy Sewing!😊

[@connielanecorbin579]

Great info. Delivered well.

[@lilliemcgiffert7388]

Thank you so much! I will now solve my bobbin problem!

[@angiejohn3793]

Thank you for your video, great tips for vintage and modern machines. Very grateful for the advise given :-)

[@mikelamarguerite3170]

Thank you! The trouble I have is always with button holes, they are never perfect. I end up giving the finished garment to a professional dressmaker just for the buttonholes. Very frustrating.

[@MyPoofy123]

Thank you for the videos, it really helped me out a lot! Please continue to make troubleshooting videos on how to fix your sewing machine.

[@debbiephelps6599]

Changing the needle was very helpful

[@mariapereyra7182]

Very good information! You answered multiple questions of mine! yay

[@samanthakirkpatrick8981]

What I learned from this video: a new needle can fix almost anything.

[@helenogunmuyiwa9148]

Thank you for your tips. I am very happy to watch your video. I have a Janome memory sewing machine, I haven’t use for a very long time due to illness. Please let me know how I can get your manual in writing. Regards Helen

[@kathleentalbot7051]

After jamming my machine in the middle of my project...I was getting ready to toss it! then I found your site...thank you, Thank you! I just had to rethread it!!

[@sharonnewtoncudworth8107]

Just want to add to the "repair" for the feed dogs not pulling the fabric through. I have had the feed dog teeth packed with lint, look closely and clean out with a tooth brush. Easy at home fix.

[@oliviamangiapane1994]

My bobbin does not wind

[@keno77]

Tip #6 skipping stitches, I can add that the tread quality is also a big issue, I was ready to take the machine in for service (only 1year old) since it was missing a lot of stitches, finally I changed the tread and the machine is sewing perfectly again. It was a big surprise that the tread could make such problems. Gess where the old tread ended up.

[@mickigarvey7608]

Very helpful. Thanks so much.

[@ShellyAuen]

These are great tips, especially regarding vintage machines. Thanks.

[@madelinewindsor815]

Awesome video thank you ❤️

[@Pulsejxse]

Yes it did solve my problem. Who knew a needle can cause a problem thank you thank you thank you

[@ericfile]

Thank you so much for such an informative video!!

[@pammcintyre9488]

Thank you this truly helped!

[@ArcanePath360]

I'm too lazy to do any sewing today but I really need to get some done. Please help.

[@Sparklingchina]

I agree you are the best. Thank you.

[@baxter3877]

All ways make sure you use the correct bobbin for your machine as it can screw up thing royally.

[@teresasanchez756]

my needle keep hitting metal- i plan to try ur idea. do u have any ideas- it only sews on straight line ( no designs. ur helpful with all ur ideas!!!! ur such a angel 👼

[@Westseattlefabriccompany]

If your needle is hitting metal, it typically means your machine is out of timing. this will required a trip to the sewing machine repair man. First, before you go to the repair shop, just take out the bobbin casing and shuttle below to see if you can re-insert it and NOT hit metal. That would be my recommendation. It's happened to me many times before! Best of luck.

[@emilymawalal1349]

YOU ARE A LIFESAVER

[@jadinesimpson]

This is the best video on cs6000i I owe u big love ur video,thanks you

[@pamelaranney9932]

On a vintage machine the tension dial was screwed too far & came off. Putting it back to gather the wire for your thread to go thru...is now on the extreme right. Could you please show a video or tell step by step how to reposition...on the left hand side behind the tension dial & how to reassemble the right way the tension dial assembly? I thank you

[@robertstrzalka9210]

This was great answered a lot of questions.

[@beckyhuston97]

Thank you very much... very helpful.

[@atouchofhoney9038]

Thank You 🙏🏽 So much for this Awesome information. TFS 👏🏽👏🏽🤗❤️❤️❤️

[@brendathompson3608]

Thank you

[@pickmepam3768]

All great tips! Unfortunately, none of them are my machine's current problem!

[@Westseattlefabriccompany]

Hey Pickmepam! What's up with your machine? I'm not sure if I can help but I might be able to tell you if it requires a trip to the sewing machine doctor. Give me some details and let me know what kind of machine you have.

[@roselinedugas5666]

Thank you vert much for going threw all the possible troubles we can encounter in so many different occasions. It was really very helpful and I did save that video in an easy accessible place. I will subscribe to your channel . Roseline

[@elainewinkel7883]

Nice job on the video - I may still have to google it though. Sigh

[@itzkellysalt]

Thank you so much!

[@jazzyclemmons]

Why don’t newer machines have adjustable presser foot tension? I miss that for different fabric weights

[@magggie22]

Hi Nice to meet you :) I found your tips very helpful, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge :) As for which one I found most helpful.....All of them lol.... just great thank you again :) I am a beginner at sewing so all help and advice, greatly appreciated :) have a nice day :) stay safe and well :) magz :)

[@vanessaabisai4300]

Thanks

[@wingoclips]

Hi, my Singer Debutante sewing machine sews in reverse, do you know what could be this problem?? thanks for your comments...

[@akhilaradhakrishnan3233]

Can you explain & show to use the embroidery designs in the Brother machine. Explain slowly& show which one to change, the number, pressure foot. Please thank you

[@tokyorosa]

Terrific video!

[@Melendon44]

Thank you for a very good class.

[@mariacerda7985]

Great advice! Thank you..

[@leahhubbard2001]

life saver. thank you!

[@adelleellis619]

Any ideas on fixing a jumping bobbin case? Only had my machine a month and followed the cleaning recommendation?

[@monkeyvshark5575]

You answered three or four things thanks so much

[@sylviacontreras419]

I recently bought a singer 57817 in a garage sale and it works pretty good but sews at a very slow pace and it's very frustrating to me can you be able to tell me what's the problem thanks beforehand

[@viviennebinge7040]

Thanks for this. It is all very useful information

[@marlenesylvester3746]

Machine will stitch about 6 stitches and then locks up. A terrible noise accompanies the locking. Any help with this one" I have taken bobbin casing out and cleaned. Thank you.

[@cocoaberry7795]

This video was very helpful. Do possibly know why the pressure foot lever would suddenly stop raising the pressure foot? This suddenly happened with my machine. I have the Brother CS 6000i

[@aphillips8542]

I’m having the same issue currently... any ideas for repairs?

[@cocoaberry7795]

S Phillips I did get my issue resolved. It was very easy. There was a small screw near the pressure foot that just needed to be tightened. I called a sewing machine repair place and he told me that would be the first thing they would check if I brought it in. It took me a minute to find it. Once I found the screw, I think I wiggled the foot around a little bit while turning the screw and that fixed it. It immediately fixed it. So check for screws above and around where the pressure foot connects.

[@aphillips8542]

Cocoaberry77 ok I’ll give it a try. Thanks!

[@DavidLebold]

Thanks, my top thread kept breaking.

[@vzielomaria6778]

Thankyou so much too 🤠

[@joshuapadua436]

My sewing machine’s upper tension is set to 0 and i can still see the bottom thread being pulled up

[@thesandhya9]

Same here..

[@TheJudeJane]

Nest of thread problem? Hold thread tails prior to lowering the needle bar and presser foot! No more problem!

[@TheJudeJane]

DOROTHY ECHOLS Where is your manual? Get it and read it because it will be your best sewing buddy.😊TIPS: Make sure your machine is not in the "winding the bobbin" position, first of all. Then put a new needle in and make sure it is all the way up in the shaft in the correct position before tightening. Rethread your machine in the correct order and make sure your presser foot is all the way in up position while threading to open up your tension disks. Make sure your bobbin case is correctly threaded also. When you pull the bobbin tail up from the race shuttle, put the bobbin thread and the needle thread under the presser foot and pull until you have at least 5" "tails" behind your machine. HOLD those tails back while you lower presser foot and then your needle into a fabric scrap making sure your fabric covers the holes of your feed dogs so the fabric doesn't get caught in it. With more experience, you can maneuver your fabric so that the holes are exposed, but for now make sure fabric is over the feed dogs (part that is under the presser foot that moves the fabric as you sew). Read your manual. Read it as if it is a friend speaking to you. It is a part of your machine that must never be overlooked. No manual? Get one online by typing in "(brand of your machine), model #, manual". Hope this helps, dear.😊

[@micheleaurelio2120]

So sewing with the thread from my Grammy’s sewing kit... on wooden spools isn’t the best choice? There’s soooo much of it

[@carolelucielortie8679]

All tips your helpful..ty

[@kristengibson277]

Thanks!

[@ChellieGlentz]

I can't find a resolve for my issue anywhere. I have a Singer 2662 with a drop-in bobbin. The only thing i can think of is that the race for the bobbin casing got shifted somehow and now the face plate won't stay down, the bobbin pops right up during a rotation, and the machine won't sew because the threads get caught. I've taken the screws out of the face plate, feed dogs, etc and tried (with no avail) to see where exactly the jam (the push, actually) is coming from but i can't find it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@sheilariley1261]

These are good tips but my machine needle holder won't run. It powers up but nothings going on. I can't lower my bottom feed dogs. When I quilt I put a plastic square on the feed dogs and it works. I've never oiled my machine as I was told newer machines don't need it.

[@itsyoboioliver987]

Good day, my sister gave me a silver crest sewing machine and my problem is the hand wheel is not functioning, it doesn’t rotate and i also found out that one of the thread guides is not protruding, it is inside the machine. What will i do?