If you have ever tried sewing and failed because of your sewing machine’s presser foot, don’t worry, as with a few simple steps, you can easily fix it. The presser foot is an essential part of a sewing machine and helps hold the fabric in place while you operate the machine. It prevents the fabric from bunching and shifting, thereby giving accurate results. Here’s how you can fix the presser foot of your sewing machine.
Important Tips on Troubleshooting
Before starting to fix the presser foot, read the instructions manual that came with the sewing machine. If you are dealing with an old sewing machine, make sure to use appropriate tools and spares as too much force shouldn’t be applied. When handling the screws, be sure to be precise and precise as any wrong step can potentially damage the machine.
Check Position of Presser Foot
The presser foot should lay flat without any gaps in between the sole of the foot and the platform. If the presser foot isn’t firmly in its seat, the machine won’t work properly and hence, you will get unexpected results. To check for loose connections, press the presser foot lever, if the foot moves up and down without pressing the lever then it’s a sign that your presser foot isn’t tightly fitted. A small Phillips screwdriver should be used to fix the issue.
Check Level of Presser Foot
Once the presser foot is fixed, the next step is to make sure that it is at the right level. An ideal level should be slightly above the material and not lower than it. If the presser foot is too low, the material won’t move as you sew and this can ruin the project. To ensure that the presser foot is at the right level, use the presser foot lever. If it’s too low, use the adjustment screw at the back of the machine to level it.
Adjust the Presser Foot Tension
At times, the presser foot can be too tight. If the presser foot is too tight, it won’t glide evenly and you won’t be able to sew the fabric properly. In order to check the presser foot tension, take a thread and wrap it around the presser foot tension wheel. If the thread is too taut then the tension is high, and if the thread is too loose then the tension is low. To adjust the tension, turn the wheel in the direction that reduces the pressure.
Clean The Presser Foot
After every couple of uses, it’s important to clean the presser foot of your sewing machine. If the presser foot erodes, it won’t move smoothly and it can damage the material when sewing. You can clean the presser foot with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. Simply dab the cloth with alcohol and rub it on the presser foot, you don’t have to worry about the sharp edges as the alcohol won’t damage them.
Check the Presser Foot Spring
The presser foot moves up and down as a result of a spring. If the spring isn’t working properly, the presser foot won’t move. To check the spring, you’ll need to take out the bobbin and ensure that no lint or dust is blocking the spring. As the spring is delicate, be gentle while cleaning it, use a soft cloth to remove dust and debris from the spring.
Conclusion
Fixing the presser foot of your sewing machine is a simple task, but it is important to make sure to follow all the instructions carefully to maintain its efficiency. If you are unable to fix it, contact a professional service as soon as possible. With the help of these steps, you can maintain the presser foot and make sure that your machine is always ready for your sewing projects.
Check for Debris in the Mechanism
Check the mechanism within your machine to make sure that it is not clogged with debris. Even small particles of dust can cause problems and make the presser foot stick. It is important to clean the mechanism regularly and make sure that there is no debris clogging it. Use a damp cloth to wipe the mechanism and make sure it is free of any dust particles.
Balance the Pressure of the Presser Foot
The pressure of the presser foot has to be well balanced so that the fabric being worked on does not get stuck or distorted. To check the balance of the presser foot, press it against your fabric and observe the result. If the pressure is too high, adjust the screws located below the presser foot until it matches the desired pressure. This will ensure accurate results while sewing.
Use Right Accessories
If you want to ensure that your presser foot functions properly, you must use the right accessories. A universal presser foot attachment should not be used as it won’t fit your machine properly. Instead, buy original accessories which are specifically designed for your sewing machine. This will ensure that the presser foot is secured correctly and won’t cause problems.
Replace Old Parts
It is also important to replace old parts which might have become worn out or damaged. For example, if the foot control is damaged or spiraled, then it needs to be replaced with a new one. Most of the parts can be bought relatively cheaply and using them with your sewing machine will ensure that the presser foot functions effectively.
Frequent Maintenance and Servicing
Regular servicing and maintenance of your sewing machine is important for it to work efficiently. A regular service will identify problems with the machine before they erupt, and this will prevent you from dealing with a malfunction later. It is recommended to service the machine once a year so that you can identify any issues with the presser foot.
