Why Is My Sewing Machine Doing That?
Common Sewing Machine Problems (and the Easy Fixes)
Introduction
If your sewing machine has suddenly started playing up, don't panic!
The good news is that many common sewing machine problems have simple solutions you can check yourself before booking a service.
Here at Sewit, these are some of the most common questions we hear from customers. Lynette shares her tips on what might be causing the problem and when it's time to bring your machine in for a service.
1. My Thread Keeps Breaking
Possible causes
- Poor quality thread
- A damaged or blunt needle
- Burrs (small rough spots) on the needle
- Damage to the bobbin case
- A damaged hook inside the machine
Easy things to check
✔ Use a good quality thread.
Quality thread doesn't just produce better stitching, it also helps your sewing machine run more smoothly and can extend its life.
✔ Change your needle regularly.
As a guide, replace your needle every 5–8 hours of sewing.
✔ Check your needle.
If it feels rough or has even the tiniest bend, replace it.
✔ Look at your bobbin case.
If you've accidentally hit it with the needle, even a tiny nick can catch the thread and cause it to snap.
💬 Lynette's Tip
"One of the first things I do when a customer tells me their thread keeps breaking is ask, 'When did you last change your needle?' It's amazing how often a fresh needle solves the problem before anything more complicated is needed."
When to bring it in
If you've checked all of the above and the thread is still breaking, the machine may have damage to the hook or require servicing.
2. My Needle Keeps Breaking
Possible causes
- Pulling the fabric while sewing
- Bent needle
- Needle hitting the needle plate
- Incorrect needle for the fabric
Easy things to check
✔ Let the machine feed the fabric.
Avoid pulling the fabric through. This bends the needle and causes it to strike the needle plate.
✔ Replace the needle.
Even a slightly bent needle should be replaced.
💬 Lynette's Tip
"Your sewing machine is designed to move the fabric for you. If you find yourself pulling it through, let the feed dogs do the work. You'll get straighter stitches and you'll greatly reduce the chance of breaking a needle."
3. My Machine Is Skipping Stitches
Possible causes
- Blunt needle
- Incorrect needle
- Timing beginning to go out
- Bobbin inserted incorrectly
- Damage to the machine hook
Easy things to check
✔ Fit a new needle.
✔ Remove and correctly reinsert the bobbin.
💬 Lynette's Tip
"A new needle is always my first recommendation. It's a quick, inexpensive fix that often gets people sewing happily again."
When to bring it in
If the problem continues, the machine may need its timing checked during a service.
4. I Have Loopy Stitches Underneath
(Also known as "bird's nesting")
The most common cause
The upper thread hasn't been threaded correctly.
Easy things to check
✔ Completely unthread the machine.
✔ Rethread it from the beginning.
✔ Remove and reinsert the bobbin.
Many tension problems disappear simply by rethreading correctly.
💬 Lynette's Tip
"Always raise the presser foot before threading your machine. It opens the tension discs so the thread can sit correctly."
5. My Fabric Isn't Feeding Properly
Possible causes
- Lint build-up
- Feed dogs clogged with fluff
Easy things to check
Remove the needle plate and gently clean away any fluff.
Pay particular attention to the grooves between the feed dogs, as lint builds up there surprisingly quickly.
Aim to clean your machine every 5–8 hours of sewing.
💬 Lynette's Tip
"Most people are surprised by how much fluff builds up underneath the needle plate. A quick clean every few projects can make a real difference."
6. My Machine Has Become Noisy
Possible causes
- Dry moving parts
- Lack of lubrication
- General wear
Easy things to check
Some machines require occasional oiling (always check your owner's manual first).
If the noise is new or unusual, it's worth having the machine inspected before it develops into a bigger issue.
💬 Lynette's Tip
"If your machine suddenly sounds different, don't ignore it. Strange noises are often your machine's way of asking for a little attention before a bigger problem develops."
7. My Machine Keeps Jamming
Possible causes
- Incorrect threading
- Timing out
- Tension problems
- Bent needle
Easy things to check
✔ Rethread the machine.
✔ Replace the needle.
✔ Check the bobbin is correctly inserted.
💬 Lynette's Tip
"Take a deep breath and start again from the beginning. Most jams are caused by something simple, and carefully rethreading the machine often fixes the problem."
8. My Tension Looks Wrong
Common signs
- Bird's nests underneath
- Loose stitches
- Uneven stitching
Possible causes
- Incorrect threading
- Bent needle
- Timing beginning to go out
Easy things to check
The first thing we recommend is completely unthreading and rethreading your machine.
It's amazing how often this solves the problem.
💬 Lynette's Tip
"Nine times out of ten, I ask customers to completely unthread and rethread their machine before adjusting the tension. It's surprising how many problems disappear."
When Should I Service My Sewing Machine?
Think of your sewing machine like your car.
Regular servicing helps prevent bigger problems and keeps everything running smoothly.
At Sew It, we generally recommend servicing your machine every 12–18 months, depending on how often you sew.
If you're regularly:
- Cleaning out the lint
- Replacing your needle every 5–8 hours
- Using quality thread
...you may be able to go a little longer between services.
A professional service includes checking the timing, cleaning internal components, replacing lubricants where required, and making sure everything is correctly adjusted.
A well-looked-after sewing machine can provide many years of reliable sewing.
💬 Lynette's Final Tip
"A sewing machine that's cleaned regularly, fitted with a fresh needle, and serviced every year or two will usually reward you with many years of reliable stitching. A little maintenance now can save a much bigger repair later."
Quick Reference: Sewing Machine Problems & Easy Fixes
| Problem | Try this First |
|---|---|
| Thread breaking | Change the needle |
| Skipping stitches | Replace the needle & check the bobbin |
| Loopy stitches | Completely rethread the machine |
| Fabric won't feed | Clean the feed dogs |
| Machine noisy | Check if it needs cleaning or oiling |
| Machine jamming | Rethread and replace the needle |