Brother SE400 Embroidery Sewing Machine stuck in reverse - How to fix only sewing backwards

Why is my brother sewing machine sewing backwards? Are you having reverse sewing problems? How to fix a sewing machine stuck in reverse. Fix the feed dogs and feed dog repair. Sewing Machine Problems? How to fix a sewing machine only sewing backwards
Fast forward to the conclusion at 19:20
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[@surgemas]

You video was very helpful. the conclusion I came to is that the white geared arm that makes the machine go forward and backwards is sticking. If you look closely, the geared arm is actually two separate pieces with a spring that provides tension to keep the arm tight against the gear driving the arm. This keeps the arm from having any looseness. I'm thinking that the arms 2 pieces are not moving freely and the arm is stuck against the gear. Like you explained, a little lubricant that gets between the 2 pieces makes the arm move freely. Great video!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Thanks for the explanation - I'm in total agreement with you. I hope this helps someone else and thanks for sharing that.

[@AAAAAMMM]

thank you for leaving this comment! i came here with the same problem and even on the same machine, and upon closer inspection i have the same problem. I checked it against my mom's brother sewing machine as well. The hammer will go down for a reverse stitch and never comes back up to its fully upright position afterwards. At least, not up enough for it to start working again. I've oiled my arm and left the machine sideways, hopefully this fixes mine as well 😬

[@sandyechev]

I bought a Brother CE4000 computerized machine from a second hand shop and when I tried out it sewed in reverse! Thanks to your video I fixed it to go forward because the machine is very similar there. However, I didn’t put oil in that plastic piece. I just pushed it back like you said but the reverse button wasn’t working. I watched your video again and wiggled that lever quite a bit and sewed for a couple of minutes and it works! Today, I finished my first project using the machine: a sewing machine cover. Thanks again.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

😄Glad it helped, good luck with that

[@andersbjerin]

Excellent - the white lever for the feed dog was my problem. As you recommended, I cleaned and oiled it, and it started to work. However, my stitches were too short. They should be 2.5mm, but mine were only 1.2 mm. The solution was to move the white lever towards me as far as I could push, then press it away from me with four "clicks".

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Excellent!

[@Maga-Muffin.59]

Awesome video! Thanks to you I fixed my own machine. It was only going backwards. I did as you instructed and now it works perfectly. You save me alot of money and time at the shop. Our shop here is at least 1 month out. I was going to buy a new machine but remembered seeing your video. We heavily into the craft season and not having my machine was not an option. THANK YOU SO MUCH! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Fantastic! Glad it helped

[@padunson57]

I have this same machine and same problem and this video was the only one that helped! It was indeed the white lever inside that was stuck in the wrong position, thanks for the help and saving me about $100!!!!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Glad it helped!

[@bpdesigns4u]

I took my brothers cs6000i apart oiled and clean and it still sewed backwards it still went backwards. I watched your video and did the same thing that you did. It worked! Yippee! Thankyou for posting your video!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Happy to help

[@LucyGrullon]

I think you just saved me! 🥹 my Brother Project Runway Limited Edition was having the following issue; whenever it was on the longest straight stitch and you tried to go backwards it would do it but when you tried to go forward again it would be stuck in backwards! so by watching your video I wiggled that little white piece a couple of times and after several tries it finally fixed the issue i’m so happy 🙌🏻❤️ thank you so much!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

You are welcome

[@dixonnegron1083]

Oh wow my se 400 was stuck on reverse n thanks to you it now works. This was so helpful. I moved the white piece into place n oiled it.Must be somewhat a design flaw of some kind. Thank you for making this video!!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

You are welcome, happy it helped

[@elizabethholtsclaw8161]

A US nickel is the best screw driver I've found for those two screwa.

[@leticiaespinosadelosmonter5305]

Thanks a lot for your clear explanation! I fixed my brother machine with the same problem thanks to your video. Regards from México. 🙂

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

So happy it helped

[@greatlakezgirl649]

Thank you so much. I have a brother SQ 9050, and you saved me money and a trip to the repair shop. I could work it where I could get it to stop going in reverse by holding the button for 10 stitches, but I couldn't get my decorative stitches to work. I oil it as you recommended, and the straight stitches and my decorative one work now. 🥰

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

I am so glad to hear that it worked for you

[@vk7178]

Thanks a lot Trish.I have a Brother 155 computerized sewing machine which had the same problem.Now It's working fine, thanks to your video.God Bless💞💐🙏

[@vk7178]

Brother FS 155

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

You are welcome 😊 I am happy it helped someone. Such a frustrating exercise when it happens.

[@cedar6amanda]

Brilliant! I've been so frustrated and this totally worked with my machine. My lever was stuck and gunky. I cleaned it, pushed it back into place and she's good as new...so far. Thank you again!!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

My pleasure, I'm happy to help

[@misssocialdeb3777]

Thanks so much for posting this video! I have the same machine and it was stuck in reverse. With your help you saved us time & money. So much appreciated. Now my little darling machine is running ever so nicely! Thank you Thank you!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

You are welcome!

[@alicialinton3897]

Thanks so much for this. I just fixed my se400 because of this video. Regards from Trinidad.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

So happy to hear that, glad it helped

[@melodyz2724]

Thank you so much! my sewing machine didn’t work on reverse, your video help me to solve this problem 👍

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Glad it helped!

[@TKBauder]

Thank you! I was having issues with my machine & just watching someone more at ease with the inner workings helped me fix my problem! My machine is a smaller model, bother CE5500PRW, & has been stuck in reverse off & on all day. Turning my machine off/on helped fix the issue but then my feed dogs stuck in the down position & a good cleaning didn't seem to help. Oil added, feed dogs fixed!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

I’m happy it helped

[@terryqubick9750]

Great video - solved my problem- that little white plastic thing was the problem plus some oil! Thanks so much

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Glad it helped!

[@swapnaj.8422]

Thank you, u saved lot of time today, pressing revers button 5 to 6 times worked for me

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Great to hear!

[@deborahrecord534]

I’ve had a problem with the feed dogs twice with SE600. Both times was when I was doing button holes and buttons. The bobbin was blocked this time , but it does seem to be a weakness of this machine. Am frightened to lower the feed dogs now!! A very useful video

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Yes I agree with you. Happy it helped

[@kerryward2896]

You have saved my sanity. I am so relieved to have found your video. I bought my machine as a demonstration model about 10 years ago and in that time I have NEVER been able to make buttonholes. I am about to follow the process you recommend and hopefully, fingers crossed, I too will have my machine humming both backwards and forwards so that I can sew buttonholes too!

[@kerryward2896]

Unfortunately it isn’t fixed yet. But I haven’t given up hope. So thank you for the head start anyway, it is much appreciated.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

How frustrating. Sounds like it's time to send it for a service...but keep trying...good luck :)

[@kerryward2896]

Thank you. Yes I took it in yesterday for repair. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome, because my “repair” job made ordinary sewing impossible after I had finished. 🤭 Well at least I had a try. 😊 I will be fascinated to find out what the actual problem is with these machines and what fault they have that stops them sewing zig zag in reverse. If I find out, I’ll let you know. Thanks again.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Please share if you do - I would really like to know the answer to that as well

[@tillyvanhorn3404]

Thank you! Had the same issue with the same machine. Took it apart like you did and it was that white piece that was the issue. Now working like normal.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Great to hear!

[@huiling5820]

Thank you so much for this great video. I finally fixed my machine!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Glad it helped

[@bonnieyamada5012]

Thank you. My machine is working beautifully. 🎉

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Welcome 👍

[@jeansanders7131]

My Brother CS600i gets stuck in reverse every time I make a button hole. What has fixed it for me each time is to pull the power cord out of the machine, count to 10 and plug it back in. I do not disconnect the cord from the wall, just from the machine. Since this has happened a few times I thought it might help you save time in the future if it also works for you.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Thank you for sharing

[@claireheit]

Thank you- I was able to find a fix with your video!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Glad it helped!

[@hopemurphy9093]

Thank you so much! I have the same machine with the same problem. I did all of your suggestions and now it’s working perfectly! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

I'm so happy it helped

[@sarajohanna6474]

woohoo! I will try that!! Thanks for your beautifully explained video too!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

You are so welcome!

[@aidanhoman]

Thank you!! Have been trying to fix this for SO long :)

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Glad I could help!

[@fu5125]

Omg thank you so much for this video i almost broke my backwards stitching button out of anger :)

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Bahaha….been there, so happy it helped

[@tedescomclean3390]

XR3117 had the same problem almost out of the box and again after repair - going to give it a go thanks to your efforts!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

I hope it helps

[@adamzick3318]

I had the exact same issue, thank you very much!! My se600 is working again :)

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

:)

[@chaosmuppet363]

this was super helpful, thank you for helping me fix my machine!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

My pleasure

[@tonigayleuk]

Brilliant video and so very informative! I’m going to give this a try now! Thank you! 😊

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bernadettekennedy9053]

My Brother NS50 is stuck in reverse so I'm going to go now and have a crack at fixing it. Thank you!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Hope it worked for you - good luck

[@reneehughes7860]

Mine just started the same problem. I'm going to try your fix. Same machine, same problem. Hope it works for me. Mine had been sitting. I initiaally embroidered my initials as a check. I then set it up to sew and it worked fine. I decided to clean and oil it because it had been sitting. I took off the plates and throughly cleaned it out just like you did except I didn't blow it out. I reassembled it and it immediately started sewing backwards. I tried pushing the buttons, etc. I'm now going to go in and try and do what you did. I don't need it to sew but I'd love for it to do the embroidery. I think the oil on it hardened up from sitting 14 yrs. It was covered but only with the cover that came with it. I'm going to oil it well and let it sit 24hrs and see what happens. I'll let you know. Should you discover anything else that helps please let me know. I just don't have the funds to get it serviced ($139.00) and the cost of repair as well (unknown). I'm recovering from serious health issues that almost killed me and this is part of my therapy. Sew on.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Oh gosh you have been through a stressful time. Nothing like sewing to take your mind off things. I think you are onto something with thinking the oil has solidified. It makes sense with the amount of dust these catch that the oil has gummed up. If I find another solution I'll let you know - I do know someone else in this thread found another video on KZbin that helped them with this machine too - I hope you find it, get it working and good luck.

[@reneehughes7860]

Update: Thank you for your kind words. I'm healing every day. I followed your lead this morning and got it to sew forward but when I tried reverse it sewed in one place. So I oiled it well and turned it like you did and I'll let you know if it solved it. I primarily use it for embroidery because I use my Singer for clothing. I found another video that says that Brother's also get stuck in reverse when you try to do a button hole, especially if the grease had dried. I remember pulling the button hole tab down and that's when it messed up. Also, it will still embroidery whether it's stuck in reverse or not. Again, thanks to your video you saved me some serious money.

[@pedrosmith1394]

watched this vid and u wer spot on. thanx!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Happy to help

[@elizabethholtsclaw8161]

screws. I finally got my machine out of reverse by changing the default stitch length. I'm not going to turn it off. Let's see how that works because I'm in the middle of a big project 🙃.

[@dollyalice7141]

I have had this machine sitting in my closet for probably ten years because I could not get it going forward again after I hit the feed dog button one day just out of curiositiy, and I am nearly crying because I got it working again after moving that white lever 😭

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

I can't tell you how happy I am to hear your comment - because that was me too once - tearing my hair out because I had a machine that wouldn't work. Glad it helped, and happy sewing.

[@rcc619]

I had the same issue, I assumed it was a computer issue since after turning it off and back on a few times it would sew forwards. The amount of times I had to turn it off and on was increasing rapidly so I bought a new sewing machine.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Did you buy another Brother?

[@rcc619]

@@TrishNewberyDesign yes, I got the SE630 which is a bit bigger and a bit upgraded a few more stitches but very similar to the 400. I've had the SE400 for close to 10 years and it has developed a couple more issues like skipping stitches on zigzag, no matter what I do.

[@michellemar21]

Need to open the back and lubricate the screws. There’s a video on KZbin a guy shows how to do it and I did it myself it worked

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Thanks for the headsup - nothing more frustrating than when this happens - good to know if this doesn't work there are other options

[@bethclimie9694]

Thanks

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

No problem

[@Valentina_Sparkles]

What did you do exactly with the white gear part? I saw you moved it forward and back. Which way is the right way?

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

If you want to sew forward, it should be forward, then when you use it (you sew) and then try reverse it should automatically go to the back position

[@KayInMaine]

My Brother SQ9285 would not go in reverse, so I gave it a really good cleaning by removing the plate and getting all the fluff out. I noticed when I was taking the plate off that it was somewhat loose and reminded myself when I put the plate back on to put it on tighter (too tight made it so I could not move the needle with the hand wheel...make sure when you out the plate back on to make it snug). I unplugged the power cord and waited for probably a minute before plugging it back in. Not sure what was the fix was out of those three steps I took, but it now goes into reverse. 😎

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

That’s a great tip, thanks for sharing, hopefully it will help someone else too

[@KayInMaine]

@@TrishNewberyDesign you're welcome! I thought I would share it here because my problem was my machine had the opposite problem of not going into reverse.

[@nyetloki]

Bless you!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

😀 Happy to help

[@eyeonart6865]

on ebay they sell mini screw drivers that fit perfectly under machine

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Great to know - thanks for sharing :)

[@shirleeallen2966]

My experience yesterday mirrored yours up until about 15 minutes in . . then I quit. Today I found your video and am off to attack the feed dog lever with oil. Wish me luck.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Good luck :)

[@carolinagrijalva9618]

Thank you very helpful.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

My pleasure

[@Doorknobs11]

lol Just realized mine was going the right direction - I'm new to sewing hahahah

[@suehollingsworth9372]

Mine does the same thing. After I turn it off and on several times it works fine

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Good to know - thanks for sharing - I'm hoping it will help someone one day

[@jadenmose5867]

Hey just wondering What kind of oil are you using?

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Synthetic machine oil

[@jodiethuy4122]

Thanks for showing

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

No problem 👍

[@MabedeBabe]

THANK YOU!!!! That did it!!! 👏

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Glad it helped!

[@therosscreativellc5820]

I tried what you did and it only worked for about 3 tests and started going backwards all over again. I can seem to figure this out!

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

I feel your frustration. Someone else posted on here that there is another video somewhere mentioning screws on the back of the machine - perhaps try to find that one? Good luck

[@kiarazhafira]

thankyou :)

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

My pleasure

[@abbyharpur8752]

Ok new problem. Now machine will not go backwards. But I suppose going forward is better than being stuck in reverse.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Before you give up on it, it could be an idea to just check that lever position again - at the back position it will force it backwards, at the front position it will force it forwards

[@Chopper894]

Well done you x

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Thanks :)

[@laurenreynoldsd8079]

I can get mine to work like this but if I shut it off and try hours later or days later same problem happens

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

Sounds like it's time to pay for a service. The repair shop should be able to help with that

[@elizabethholtsclaw8161]

Mine did get stuck after making some button holes.

[@TrishNewberyDesign]

That's what started mine off getting stuck too - I could then get it to work for a while and it would get stuck again