Sewing machines are wonderful tools for a plethora of projects, from stitching together a patchwork quilt or making a new dress. But sometimes the timing on a sewing machine gets thrown off, and repairs can be expensive. There is hope, though. If you think you know where the timing on your Brother sewing machine went wrong, you may be able to fix it yourself.
First, let’s talk about why timing is so important. When it is off, the fabric you are sewing will have stitches that are loose, have skipped stitches, and may have puckering. This is caused by the needle and the hook not being in proper synchronization. The timing on a sewing machine is adjustable, which means that with a bit of patience and very elementary tools, you may be able to reset its timing and get your machine back in working order.
Before getting started, it would be helpful to take a look at the manual that came with your sewing machine. This will give you an understanding of the inner components of the machine, and how it works. The manual should clearly explain what to do if the timing is off, or if the machine is not stitching properly. And if a manual doesn’t come with the machine, or is not available online, your closest Brother sewing machine technician can often help, or you can visit the Brother website and contact them as well.
Now, if you feel like tackling the timing yourself, here’s what you’ll need to do. The most common cause for an out of sync machine is a broken or damaged needle plate. These are affordable and easy to replace, so if the needle plate is the culprit, all you have to do is buy the part, remove the old needle plate, and replace it with the new part. When you are removing the needle plate, take note of the placement of all of the parts. This is important as it ensures that when you go to replace the needle plate, you’ll have it in the right spot.
Another cause of a sewing machine being out of time could be something as small as a bent needle or a slightly misshapen hook. The needle and the hook can usually be adjusted. Again, check the manual for the specifics on how to do this. If done correctly, these two pieces of metal should line up perfectly with the thread tension when sewn. If not, the machine will be off sync and the thread will no longer catch.
In some cases, the problem can be caused by something as simple as a bobbin that’s not inserted properly. It’s best to take out the bobbin and reinsert it firmly; this is often the first thing that should be done when facing a timing issue. If all of these steps fail, the problem could be much bigger, and it might be best to contact a professional for help.
Troubleshooting a Damaged Needle Plate
The needle plate is the most important part to check when a Brother sewing machine has timing issues. Damaged or bent needle plates are the most frequent cause of some stitches being off-center or crooked, or if the machine is skipping stitches. To check for any damage or misalignment, first, look for any signs of damage on the needle plate. If damage is found, the needle plate must be replaced. To replace, the user must unscrew the plate by turning the screws in a counterclockwise direction. After the plate is out of the machine, the new one can be put in its place.
It is also necessary to check that the needles are properly aligned with the thread tension. If the plate is put back in place, and the needle and thread are still not in sync, the needle may be too high or in the wrong placement. The needle must always be lined up with the small indentation located on the needle plate. There are also flat spots on the needle plate which should line up with the needle when it is down. If the needle is too high, the screw located on the back of the machine must be loosened and the needle can be dropped down by hand to the correct placement.
Tuning the Hook
The next step in troubleshooting a Brother sewing machine timing issue is to check the hook. The hook is located on the front side of the machine and its purpose is to catch the thread from the needle. At the base of the hook, there is a small adjustment screw. By turning the adjustment screw the user can determine if they need more tension or less tension in the thread path. If the thread tension is too loose, it will not catch the needle when it passes through the fabric, and thus will cause missed stitches.
Another way to adjust the hook is to loosen or tighten the timing screw located on the back side of the machine. This screw should be turned clockwise until the timing is correct. If the timing is still not right, the needle and the hook should be in line with one another. To do this, first, raise the needle to its highest position and turn the handwheel to the right-hand side. If the needle is not in line with the hook at this point, a small adjustment must be made without moving the handwheel. Then, drop the needle and turn the handwheel to the left-hand side. If the needle is still out of place, the machine needs to be serviced by a technician.
Check the Tension and Position of the Bobbin
The majority of timing issues are usually caused by the need for re-threading or bobbin tension adjustment. While seldom necessary, in extreme cases a full service may be required to reset the timing. With a good understanding of the general principles of timing, most users are able to quickly and simply re-thread their machine and/or have their tension adjusted.
Bobbin tension is important when resetting timing. It is important to remember to keep the tension even in order to achieve the best results. To check the bobbin tension, unscrew the bobbin case, remove the bobbin and its casing, and put the bobbin back into its position. The bobbin should fit snugly in the case and make sure the bobbin casing is properly seated. Once the bobbin is in its casing, turn the tension screw clockwise to tighten the bobbin tension. The bobbin should be tight, but not overly tight. If the tension is too tight, it could cause the machine to skip stitches or create uneven seams.
Finally, make sure the bobbin is properly inserted into the case. If the bobbin fit is too loose, the machine will not function properly and may cause timing issues. Insert the bobbin with its thread running counterclockwise and make sure it is snug but not too tight. If the bobbin is inserted the wrong way, it could result in the machine jamming which will ruin the fabric.
Test the Stitches
After all these steps have been completed, test the stitches. Make sure the fabric is tightly secured in the sewing machine frame and thread the machine with a strong thread. Pull a few stitches and check for any loose or missed stitches. If all the steps were done correctly, the machine should be able to stitch properly once again. If skipping or uneven stitches still appear, it’s best to seek professional help from a technician.
Conclusion
Adjusting the timing on a Brother sewing machine can seem like a daunting task, but it is simple if you take the time to understand each step. The majority of timing issues can be resolved by evaluating the needle plate, adjusting the hook and needle, checking the bobbin tension and position, and performing a test stitch. However, if all these steps fail, it is best to contact an expert for help.
