Safety Tips for Working on Sewing Machines
If you’ve ever read your sewing machine’s instruction manual, chances are you’ve been warned against fiddling with its core mechanics. Unless you’ve been trained in the proper methods and techniques to keep your sewing machine running correctly, it’s best to seek a professional to help you with any repairs. That being said, some simple maintenance such as cleaning lint, changing the needle, or tightening and cleaning the feed dog can be done by the consumer. The feeder on a sewing machine is no exception.
The feed dog is an important component of the sewing machine as it regulates the speed at which fabric moves while being stitched. Learning how to fix a jamming feeder and performing routine feeder maintenance are imperative to continuous sewing machine functioning. Read on to learn necessary steps for feeding fix.
One: Unthread the Machine
Before you begin any fixes to a sewing machine’s feeder, begin by unthreading the machine. Turn it off first, then remove the stitch plate. If the feeder is still jammed, manually move the needle and the fabric to release any existing tension. Inspect the needle and thread – if your thread is tangled or has knots, replace it.
Two: Inspect for Any Broken Parts
Now that the machine is unthreaded, inspect the feeder and its attachments for any broken pieces such as worn gears, chipped teeth, threads snagged in the mechanism, or a misaligned feeder bar. If any of these issues are identified, contact a trusted sewing machine service center for assistance.
Three: Clean Excess Lint and Oils
Keep your machine running optimally by removing lint buildup regularly. To do this, first unplug the machine, then use a brush with soft bristles to sweep away nooks and crannies. Once clear of lint, use a can of air to blow away the remaining particles. While you’re at it, you can also use a lightly dampened cloth lightly dabbed in rubbing alcohol to clean the surface of your machine. Pro tip: feed dogs always benefit from light oiling.
Four: Clear the Stitch Plate and Bobbin Feeder
Your stitch plate and bobbin feeder should be periodically examined for any lint buildup and cleared as needed. If your feeder is consistently having trouble, check to make sure the bobbin is lined up correctly and it is securely seated inside the bobbin winder.
Five: Replace the Needle
A dull or bent needle will create many problems with a sewing machine. Make sure to use properly sized needles that are in good condition. For example, using an 80/12 needle for lightweight fabrics but then using a 90/14 for heavier fabrics.
Six: Adjust the Thread Tension
In general, most thread tensions are set correctly when the upper tension is between the numbers 3-5 and the bobbin tension is between the numbers 1-2. Remember to use the right type of thread for heavyweight or lightweight purposes. If too much tension is detected, adjust it until the stitch on the underside appears neat and even.
Seven: Test the Feeder
Once all steps have been completed, rethread the machine and turn it on. The feeder should be functioning correctly by now. If not, locate the tension screws on the plate and adjust them. Experiment with different settings to find the correct tension. If all else fails, turn the machine off and take it to a professional for repairs.
Additional Suggestions for Mending a Broken Feeder
In most cases, winding a new bobbin, replacing a needle, or oiling the parts can be helpful when cleaning a feeder or fixing a jamming feeder. If you’ve done all of the aforementioned and feel that you’ve hit a roadblock in the repair process, take a few moments to check for any trouble spots in your machine that could be causing the feeder to malfunction. It could be a tight belt, an unoiled part, or thread buildup. And, of course, don’t forget to read the instructions when fixing your sewing machine. If anything, it can help ease some of the stress the repair process can cause.
Common Feeder Issues and How to Fix Them
While exploring your sewing machine and its possibilities, you may encounter common feeding issues. Knowing how to troubleshoot the most common feeding problems can help you keep your machine running smoothly. Here are a few common feeding problems and their solutions:
- Skipped stitches – this is typically caused by an incorrect needle size (too small), incorrect thread tension (too loose or too tight), or worn needle.
- Fabric edges not matching – this is typically caused by a timing issue, too much oil, incorrect thread tension, or incorrect stitch size.
- Thread looping on the wrong side of fabric – this is most likely caused by incorrect thread tension, a dirty stitch plate, or incorrect thread path.
Steps to Take When Feeder Troubleshooting
When troubleshooting a feeder, the most important thing to do is to inspect the flatbed area of your machine for any loose parts or pieces as well as dirt or thread buildup. Next, look at the needle and thread – make sure you’re using the correct thread size, weight, and type for the fabric you are working with. Finally, adjust the machine settings according to the fabric you are working with. Additionally, make sure your machine is oiled properly – refer to the machine’s manual for proper methods and techniques.
Using a Heavy Duty Feeder When Necessary
As your proficiency and skill as a sewer develops, you may realize that your regular machine’s feeder isn’t necessarily up to par when dealing with thicker fabrics. Investing in a heavy duty feeder can greatly reduce the amount of time required to sew on thicker fabrics. Be sure to check with your machine’s instructions to verify compatibility before attempting to install such a feeder.
Following Maintenance Tips Will Keep Your Machine Working Properly
Remember, cleaning and proper maintenance of your sewing machine’s feeder is key for keeping your machine running well. Periodically check for lint buildup, inspect the parts for signs of wear or damage, and replace the needle when necessary. Any broken or malfunctioning parts should be examined and fixed by a qualified repairman.
How to Make Sure Your Sewing Machine is Running Smoothly
One can not overstate the importance routine maintenance and inspections of your sewing machine’s feeder. Moreover, the feeder should be regularly serviced by a qualified repairman to ensure it’s working as best as possible. Additionally, if your machine is compatible, you may wish to consider investing in a heavy duty feeder for better performance when dealing with thicker fabrics.
Wrapping Up the Necessary Steps
Though you may find working on and fixing a sewing machine’s feeder intimidating, one can quickly become an expert with the right instructions and resources. Before making any major repairs, begin by unthreading the machine, inspecting for broken parts, cleaning excess lint or oils, and replacing the needle as needed. Each step should be done with extreme thoughtful care as uneven threading or broken parts may lead to further complications.
