Troubleshooting
Please use this basic troubleshooting guide as a tool to diagnose your machine's problems.
Needle thread breaking.
Use the same good quality thread weight for top and bottom threads, older thread may be dryer and more brittle and may break much easier.
Tensions are too tight. (see balancing tension guide)
Damage to the needle plate hole, needle, or bobbin case.
Needle may not be inserted correctly.
If thread is getting caught around the spool, use a larger spool cap.
Too Loose
Tighten the top thread tension or loosen the bobbin case tension.
Perfect
Top thread will slightly show on the underside of the zig zag stitch.
Too Tight
Tighten the bobbin case or loosen the Thread tension.
Bobbin thread is breaking.
Bobbin may not be threaded properly. (Place bobbin in holder so that thread spools off counter clockwise.)
For a top loading machine, pull thread clockwise in the direction of A to B, you should feel it click into place and begin to feel some tension on the thread. Pull towards the back.
For front loading machines, ensure the thread spools off clockwise.
Pull thread into the slot and pull it towards and through the openning.
Hold the latch open when inserting the bobbin case and will lock into place when the latch is released.
Ensure the correct size of bobbin being used.
Check for damage in the needle plate hole.
Machine is skipping stitches.
Check needle for bends, burrs, change to a fresh needle.
Remove both the top and bobbin threads and rethread the machine.
Presser foot pressure may not be strong enough.
Check for tensions and adjust as needed. (See tension adjustment guide)
If skipping is still present, may require you should seek expert repair.
Needle is bent or broken.
Replace needle every 6-8 hours of sewing time.
Use the correct needle for your thread and fabric selection.
Needle may not be inserted correctly and/or the needle clamp is not tightened properly.
Needle tension may be too tight.
Pulling or pushing the fabric.
Loose presser foot.
If needle continues to break there could be an underlying mechanical issue that you should seek expert repair.
Needles that are (A) Bent, (B) Blunt, or (C) Damaged points can affect the stitch out greatly.
Always use a needle in good condition. You can check this by laying it on a flat surface and visually checking that the needle is perfectly straight.
Thread bunches up when sewing or seam puckers.
If there are bunches of thread on the underside of the fabric or knots, carefully cut the threads to free your work, then remove all the pieces of threads.
Remove both the thread and bobbin and carefully rethread the machine.
Check for damage in the needle plate and check for burrs on the needle.
Adjust the presser foot pressure. Turn counterclockwise to lower and clockwise to increase the pressure.
Make sure thread is through the take up lever.
Use the proper needle/thread for your project. (See needle guide)
Here are examples of placement and style of the presser foot pressure knob.
Fabric is not feeding.
Check to see if the drop feed has been activated. If it has, raise the feed dogs, usually located behind the feed dogs.
Ensure that the presser foot has enough pressure, and that the presser foot is in the down position when sewing.
Feed dogs might be packed with lint or debris.
Stitch length set to "0".
Some machines may have the feed dog lever on the right hand side of your machine either in front or by the power switch. Always best to check your manual for full instruction.
Machine seizes or becomes hard to move.
Stop what you are doing and get your machine oiled and serviced. You may cause damage to the machine by forcing it.
Error Codes.
Check your manual for error code meanings. Typically turn the power off for 10-15 minutes then power back on and see if the error message has cleared.