Quick Navigation
Sewing “machine”. Sewing machines like any other machine consists of different small or large tools that are combined using screws and hooks.
The machine is prone to errors and issues as any of the tools can have problems and this thing is not an exception in sewing machines as well. You will face many kinds of problems while doing your sewing projects on the machine and some may make you so frustrated that you start thinking of throwing away the machine.
Although many issues come over time, the major problem is when sewing machines stop stitching. This is the point where you ask, why the sewing machine does not stitch.
Just continue reading this article as it will mention all the factors that can be a cause of your sewing machines not stitching. We will also give you a proper solution for each of the causes so that you can easily resolve the issues and get back to completing your sewing projects.
Why does the sewing machine not stitch?
These issues can happen due to many reasons but the good thing is that most of the causes can be resolved with simple techniques.
However, you may also come to a point where you need some special tools or professional help to get your sewing machines back to their working position.
Some of the most common causes behind sewing machines not stitching include the following:
- Bent of wrong needles
- The top thread is loaded incorrectly
- Thread is twisted or tangled
- Bobbin is malfunctioning
- Too tight top-thread tension
- The needle hole has scratches
How to fix sewing machines not stitching?
Just like any other problem in this world, you can fix sewing machine stitching issues as well, no matter what is its root cause.
All you need is to identify the actual culprit behind the issues and you will be able to resolve it in no time. Below are the best suitable solutions to fix sewing machines not stitching.
Use a new and right type of needle:
Always use a new and the right type of needle for your specific sewing project. Sometimes needles tend to bend a bit or they are not suitable for your project and this can lead to sewing machines not stitching properly or mostly stopping stitching all the way.
As far as the right needle is concerned, you should search for the best suitable needle type for your fabric or sewing style. When it comes to a damaged needle, it is highly recommended to follow the procedure below:
- Stop sewing as soon as you notice the issue.
- Loose the screw and remove the needle.
- Put it in a separate box so that you don’t use it again and it can be thrown away properly.
- Take a new needle.
- Take a look at the sewing machine manual for installation instructions.
- Install the new needle on the machine.
- Put on the thread and start your sewing project from where you left.
Load the top thread correctly:
When a thread is loaded on top of the sewing machines, it passes through 3-4 different places until it is ready to stitch your fabric through a needle.
Missing any single point or loading thread in the wrong way can cause the sewing machine to stop stitching.
This thing occurs because the thread doesn’t move freely and makes it difficult for the machine to pull it and stitch fabric. This thing can also cause the thread to break frequently.
- Take a look at the sewing machine’s manual.
- Follow the described path step-by-step and load the thread properly.
Untangle the thread:
This issue usually happens right at the bobbin or the needle. In this case, the thread cannot move through the needle eye which results in sewing machines not stitching.
This thing can also cause thread breakage but if it doesn’t happen automatically, you need to get that done by yourself.
- Move your finger on the whole thread in the path to identify the tangled thread if it’s not visible to the naked eye.
- Cut the thread where it is tangled.
- Remove it from the needle eye or bobbin if it is stuck.
- Re-thread the needle and get things going.
Double check bobbin:
Incorrect insertion of the bobbin could be a major reason because the thread has to come from the bobbin and it will only happen if it is rotating freely.
Placing the bobbin in the wrong manner or having a thread or something stuck in it can cause clogging which will force the sewing machine to stop thus stopping the stitching as well.
- Firstly remove the bobbin and re-insert it into the right place.
- It should be flat on the bottom while placed in the inner rotary hook.
- Make sure there are no scratches or dents on the bobbin as it can catch the thread and cause it to break or stop stitching.
Loose top thread tension:
As said earlier, the top thread passes through many hooks and holes until it is loaded in the needle eye. When you pass the top thread from hooks, there are also tools and screws to calibrate the tension for the thread.
If this tension is calibrated too tightly, the sewing machine will face difficulties to pull the thread and feed it for stitching.
- Set top-thread tension at a position where threads can be pulled and fed to the needle without any disturbance.
- You may look at the sewing machine manual to determine the best suitable tension for the top thread.
Repair or replace the needle plate:
The needle plate is situated right under the needle and there is a hole from where the needle passes and pulls thread coming from the bobbin.
If you ever use a bent needle or because of any other issues, some scratches occur around the needle hole and they can catch the thread while sewing. This thing can also cause the sewing machines to not stitch.
- Take a thorough look at the needle plate, especially the needle hole area to see if there are any scratches.
- If there are any, replacing the needle plate is the only option that can easily be done by removing the two screws and putting the new one on.
Why has the sewing machine stopped working suddenly?
Although there could be many causes behind these issues, if you use advanced sewing machines, it could be a technological factor. New sewing machines have a feature to turn OFF the machine if you are operating it at a very low speed for a long time.
This feature is to make sure that sewing machines don’t overheat and catch fire. If this is the reason, simply unplug the sewing machine and let it cool down for about 20-30 minutes. Then you can turn it ON again and start your sewing activities.
Why do stitches form loops?
This is a common issue that can happen if you have made any errors while wounding thread on the bobbin of the machine. If the thread is loose in the bobbin, the machine may not pull the thread properly and extra thread can cause loops in between.
Wrong stitch tension and top thread not threaded probably can also be a reason behind these issues. Some fabrics also cause this issue especially if there is loose tension while feeling it under the needle.
Why can’t I thread a sewing machine needle?
This thing can mostly happen if you don’t have a needle eye in the right position. The needle eye should be high enough that your hand has good space to move and insert the thread in the eye. Another reason is if a needle is inserted incorrectly.
These issues can also be removed easily as all you need is to remove the needle and insert it again. If you feel dizzy or your eyes start hurting while you try to thread a sewing machine, it could be an indication of weak eyesight. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.
FAQs:
Why do needles keep unthreading while sewing?
When you start the first stitch, the thread from the needle goes into the bobbin and the thread coming from the bobbin is twisted together to make a stitch. So, if you don’t have extra inches of thread out of the needle, the thread will end before the needle reaches the bobbin thus resulting in unthreading.
Why are sewing machines not sewing reverse stitches?
The first thing is to look into sewing machine manuals or search online to verify if your sewing machine has the features and capabilities to sew a reverse stitch. It is essential because not all sewing machines come with this capacity.
If this is not the case, make sure that you are sewing straight stitches before you switch to the reverse. This is necessary because many sewing machines only reverse stitch in a straight manner while it will not reverse sticth while sewing stretch, buttonholes, or any other complex stitches.
