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Unit 5 Sewing Techniques
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
can also cause injury. As you begin to use the sewing machine, be sure to fol-
low these safety rules and procedures:
• Check to see that the power cord is inserted into the machine before plug-
ging it into the electrical outlet.
24-13 You can save time and frustration by learning to recognize common sewing-machine problems and knowing
how to solve them.
Minor Problems and Cures for Sewing Machines
Problem Cause Cure
1. Loud noise as you
start to sew and matted
threads in seam line.
• Machine threaded wrong. • Thread machine again.
2. Lower thread breaks. • Lower tension too tight.
• Knot in bobbin thread.
• Adjust tension screw.
• Check thread.
3. Puckered seam line. • Tension too tight.
• Thread too heavy or too light
for fabric.
• Pulling on fabric.
• Tail ends of threads caught in
presser foot.
• Check by sewing on different
weight fabric.
• Make sure threads are under
presser foot and to the back
when starting.
4. Machine locks. Needle
will not go up and down.
• Thread caught in bobbin. • Turn hand wheel backward
to release thread.
5. Skipped stitches. • Needle bent, blunt, too long or
short.
• Needle threaded wrong.
• Check needle.
• Thread needle again.
• May need a stretch needle.
6. Looped stitches. Top
line. Bottom line.
• Top tension adjusted wrong.
• Bottom tension adjusted wrong.
• Thread not fully in tension dial.
• Check tension.
7. Needle picks or
pulls thread in line of
stitching.
• Point of needle bent when it hit
a pin.
• Insert new needle.
8. Needle breaks. • Presser foot loose and needle
hit it.
• Pulling fabric while stitching.
• Tighten presser foot. Do not
pull fabric.
9. Machine runs “hard.” • Needs cleaning and oiling. • Clean and oil according to
instruction booklet.
10. Machine will not run at
all.
• Machine may be unplugged.
Cord or outlet may be
defective.
• Check to see if plugged in
tightly.
• Check another outlet to see
if cord is okay.