How to Fix Loose Stitching on a Sewing Machine
Most sewing machines are incredibly reliable and last for many years, but sometimes a problem can arise with the stitching. Loose stitching, or stitch loosening, is a common issue as it can be caused by a variety of issues. Identifying the cause of loose stitching can be difficult, but making repairs, depending on the cause, can be easy and can help extend the life of the machine.
First, it’s important to understand the characteristics of a poorly stitched seam and the different causes. Loose stitch problems will cause the stitches to come undone, unravel, and create holes in the material. This can be caused by a broken needle, improper thread tension, incorrectly adjusted stitch length, incorrect needle threader, a clogged needle, or too few loops of thread in the bobbin case. The following steps will help diagnose and repair the problem.
Check the Needle
A needle that is bent, damaged, or dull will cause loose stitching and it should be replaced. Check the needle on a frequent basis to ensure it is still in working order and replace it when necessary. If the needle is bent, straighten it using a pair of needle-nose pliers, but be aware of this may weaken the needle and will cause it to break.
Using the correct needle for the job is also important. Depending on the project, fine, medium or coarse needles should be used. A fine needle is best for lightweight materials and thread, whereas, a medium is better for medium to heavy weight material, and a coarse needle is used for thick fabrics such as denim. Choosing the quick stitch option on the machine’s settings can also help ensure that the needle threader is still in working order, as this will show any thread cutting or skipping before you begin stitching.
Thread Tension
Thread tension is the amount of pressure that the machine applies to the thread as it is passing through the loopers and through the material. Having the right tension is important because too much pressure can break the thread and too little tension can lead to loose stitches. An easy way to check if the tension is balanced is to use the hand wheel of the machine and observe how the thread is running through the take-up lever. If the thread is too loose, the thread will pull apart and become too long and should be tightened until it lies flat without any loops.
It’s also important to check that the bobbin case is tensioned correctly. It should have the correct type of bobbin for the stitching job and should be wound correctly. Bobbins should also be changed when the thread is running low and kept free from dust. Tightening the screw on the bobbin case can help adjust the tension and the bobbin should move freely when it is inserted.
Stitch Length and Width
One of the fastest ways to correct any loose stitching is to adjust the stitch length. This regulates the spacing between the stitches and the distance the needle penetrates into the material. The best way to check if the stitching is loosening is to adjust the stitch length to the longest setting – 4.0mm – and check if the stitches appear to be the same length. If they are, then the stitch length can be decreased until the desired length is achieved.
Adjusting the stitch width can also help produce even stitches and reduce the chance of the stitches becoming untied. Low stitch widths will help secure the edges and applied trimmings. It’s important to adjust the width appropriately for each material type – the best results usually occur when the stitch width is slightly narrower than the finished seam allowance.
Threading
It’s crucial that the threading is installed correctly in order to avoid loose stitches. Start by determining the proper amount of thread since too much will cause a messy finish and too little won’t secure a reliable seam. After the thread is in place, the needle bar thread guide should be correctly adjusted, with the thread passing around it in a clockwise direction. Pull the thread down to the take up lever and pass it through the thread take-up lever eye, and then thread the needle.
Inspect the thread for any knots, tangles or crossed threads, as this can affect the quality of the stitches. Once the threading is done, do an additional check to make sure the needle is at the correct height and is properly adjusted as this will help ensure a consistent needle position. Lastly, the needle threader needs to be checked in order to make sure that it correctly wraps the thread around the needle and passes through it correctly.
Thread Quality
Thread quality is key when it comes to producing durable stitching. A good quality thread should be colourfast, bright, and have a smooth, shiny finish. High quality threads will not shrink, fade, or break, and should always be lubricated with thread lubricant before use. If the thread has knots and lumps, replace it immediately and discard it.
Threads come in different weights, sizes and types. Select the right thread and needle combination depending on the material and the project in hand to get the best stitching results. Always test out a stitching pattern before beginning the project to ensure it is matching the desired outcome.
Lubricant Maintenance
Regular lubrication maintenance helps extend the life of a sewing machine by preventing too much friction from occurring between the moving parts. Remove any dirt and dust with a dry cloth or brush, then add a few drops of machine oil to the front and back of the needle and shuttle hook area. This helps to prevent dirt and lint from clogging up the machine and also prevents any lint or thread from sticking to the needle.
If the machine is displaying a loose stitch issue and all of the above steps are followed, it might be necessary to take the machine to a qualified technician for further inspection and repair. Most sewing machines offer warranties that cover repairs and labour, so be sure to contact the manufacturer for more information.
Seam Finishing
Once the stitching is complete it’s also beneficial to finish the seams with a few extra steps. This is usually done to lock the seam in place and prevent it from unraveling or fraying. This can be done by adding a serged finish, a French seam, a zigzag stitch or a bound edge. All of these finishes will provide an aesthetically pleasing and durable finish and will help the seam last longer.
Finishing the seams correctly is essential and should not be skipped, as this will help extend the life of the garment and increase its durability. It’s also important to use the right stitches and needles to match the seam finish. A zigzag stitch can be used to stitch over edges, a serger can be used to neaten edges and a triple stretch stitch can be used to reinforce seams.
Presser Foot Pressure
Another thing to consider when trying to fix loose stitching is the presser foot pressure. Too much pressure can cause the needle to penetrate too deep into the fabric and will cause the stitching to be loose. This can be prevented by lowering the pressure on the presser foot, but the correct pressure should still be maintained in order to prevent the fabric from slipping.
In conclusion, loose stitching can be caused by a variety of issues, from incorrect threading to incorrect stitch lengths and widths. Once the cause is identified, it can usually be fixed quite easily by following the steps outlined above. Regular machine maintenance including lubrication and threading inspection will help to keep the machine in good working order.
