My brother’s sewing machine has been around for a while – but it recently stopped working. In the past, I’ve had luck just cleaning it with compressed air and doing minor repairs and adjustments. But this time, I’ve gone back to square one and want to fix it properly. If you’re in a similar situation and want to learn how to fix a sewing machine yourself, here’s what you need to do.
Inspect the Electricals
The first step is to inspect the electricals. Most sewing machines have an electric cord and plug – these should be examined for any signs of wear or damage. Any frayed or damaged electrical cords should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid an electric shock or fire hazard. Additionally, check to make sure the electrical connections are securely done and not loose. Once you’ve established that the electrical portion is safe, it’s time to move on to the other components.
Check the Bobbin and Needle
After the electricals have been inspected, it’s time to check the bobbin and needle. To do this, open the bobbin case and remove any lint or thread that’s built up. Make sure there are no tangles or knots as well. Once the bobbin case is clean, replace the bobbin and check if the needle is correctly threaded and correctly installed. If not, re-thread the needle and make sure it’s in the correct position. For best results, use a new needle when sewing. Additionally, use the right type of needle for the fabric you’re sewing.
Test and Clean the Feed Dog and Throat Plate
The next step is to test and clean the feed dog and throat plate. The feed dog is the metal piece that pulls the fabric through the machine while sewing. The throat plate is the piece below the needle – it helps guide the fabric through the machine. To test the feed dog, turn the handwheel and observe the motion. If it’s not moving smoothly, you may need to clean the underside of the feed dog and the top of the throat plate. To clean these pieces, use a soft cloth and a sewing machine oil.
Clean and Lubricate the Machine Parts
After the feed dog and throat plate have been tested and cleaned, it’s time to clean and lubricate the other machine parts. This can include the bobbin case, the shuttles, the presser foot, and other metal parts. Again, use a soft cloth and a lubricant specifically made for sewing machines. Make sure to avoid any areas where you don’t want oil and lint to build up. Once you’ve cleaned and lubricated the parts, you’re ready to reassemble your sewing machine.
Reassemble the Sewing Machine
To reassemble the sewing machine, start with the bobbin case and the needle – make sure they’re correctly installed and firmly attached. Additionally, check that the needle and the presser foot are securely fastened. Once everything is in place, test the handwheel and make sure it’s turning freely. Next, check the belt, the pulleys, and the gears – make sure they’re securely in place and that the belt is properly aligned on the pulleys. Lastly, make sure all the electrical connections are securely done, replace the power cord and plug, and you’re ready to go.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even after you’ve fixed a sewing machine, you may still experience issues. To help troubleshoot common problems, check out the manual for your machine or search online for tips and tricks. Additionally, if your thread keeps breaking or knotting, make sure you’re using the right needle for the fabric and the right size of thread. If you still experience issues, it’s best to consult a professional.
Carry Out Maintenance Regularly
Once you’ve fixed your sewing machine, carry out maintenance regularly. Keep the electrical cords in good condition, clean and lubricate all the parts, and make sure the needle is correctly threaded and installed. Additionally, clean out the lint and thread accumulate inside the sewing machine. All of these actions will help keep the sewing machine in good working order and help prevent future issues.
Do Not Force or Overwork the Machine
Lastly, do not force or overwork the machine. Sewing machines are machines and will eventually wear down if you use them too much. If you experience difficulty with a particular task, it’s best to take a break or give the machine a rest. Additionally, never try to force a piece of fabric through the machine – it will lead to damage, misalignment, or even a breakdown. Be careful, be patient, and don’t overdue it.
Check Aggregates and Feed Gears
After all these steps have been followed, it is also important to check aggregates and feed gears. This can be done by removing the belt and pulleys on the sewing machine and inspecting for any signs of damage or wear. If the gears look to be in good condition and are not worn out, the belts should be connected and adjusted properly and the machine put back together. Additionally, a lubricant should be applied to these parts as needed.
Tension and Balance the Thread
For a sewing machine to function properly, it is critical to adjust the thread tension and balance the thread. To adjust the tension, turn the tension knob located on the top of the machine, while steadily running the wheel. The thread should be at a medium tension so that the machine runs with the proper ‘give’ of the fabric. To balance the thread, the thread should be pulled taut as it is threaded through the eye of the needle. This will create more even stitches and prevent any misshaping of the fabric.
Proper Cleaning of the Sewing Area
In addition to the mechanical servicing, proper cleaning of the sewing area is critical for a successful and safe experience with a sewing machine. Fabric scraps, dust and dirt can jam up the mechanical parts of the sewing machine and cause damage to the internal parts. It is therefore important to regularly clean the area around the sewing machine with a dust cloth or vacuum cleaner to avoid any malfunction of the machine.
Repair or Replace as Needed
When trying to repair a sewing machine, it is important to identify whether or not the issue can be repaired. In some cases, the issue may be due to a small fix that can be easily completed. However, in other circumstances the parts may be too worn and need to be replaced in order to ensure the machine is running correctly and safely. With this in mind, it is important to determine the best path of action based on the condition of the sewing machine.
