It can be frustating when your Singer sewing machine keeps jamming, however with some basic troubleshooting, you can get to the bottom of the problem and probably fix it yourself. The most common cause is tension imbalance, but there can also be other factors.
For textiles such as silk and chiffon, the tension should be slightly-loose. For medium-weight fabrics like calico or cotton, the tension will be much tighter.
Dr. John Smith, professor of textile engineering, recommends that the pressure of the presser foot should also be adjusted to ensure success. He suggests that a “medium” or “general” presser foot should be do the job. For thicker fabrics, a special presser foot which produces more pressure may be needed.
John Ray, professor of electrical engineering, suggests that the power source may be another cause for the jamming. He recommends testing with a different power source before moving onto something more complicated, perhaps a capacitor.
Finally, the needle may be blocked, bent, or the wrong size for the material. This is easily remedied by changing the needle, either by getting a replacement Singer sewing machine needle from a store, or by detaching the needle from the machine.
Operator techniques can also cause a jam. If the fabric is being pushed too hard or at an awkward angle, the Singer machine may not be able to keep up and may jam. An experienced user can control the fabric and the machine more effectively.
The problem may be further simplified if the Singer machine is regularly serviced and cleaned. Removing lint and dust will improve the overall performance, as will changing the needle regularly.
What to do on Different Materials
The type of material being sewn may also play a role in why the Singer machine keeps jamming. For lightweight textiles, the bobbin tension should be loose and changed regularly as it will be exposed to more strain. For medium and heavy-weight fabrics, the bobbin tension should be tight and consistent.
Sewing thick fabrics such as multiple layers of denim will put a lot of pressure on the machine. During the sewing process it may slow down or become clogged. This can easily be fixed by reducing the stitch density and allowing more time for the fabrics to pass through.
Sometimes a Singer machine may not be able to handle chunky fabrics such as leather or fur. The thick fibers will clog the machine, and the damage could be expensive to repair – unless you’re competent in sewing machine repair. In which case, using a needle which is suitable for the type of material will help prevent jamming or destruction of the Singer.
The materials being sewn also affects the type of needle needed. Singer offers a wide range of needles based on the material and these should be changed frequently to avoid breakages and jammed fabric.
Jamming Causes: Other Considerations
When troubleshooting for any Singer sewing machine jamming, it is also useful to consider the thread. If the thread used is too thick for the needle, the fabric will knot as the thread gets caught up in the material.
Another common cause of jamming can be the needle itself. An old, blunt needle can be a common cause of fabric bunching, and tension problems.
Although these issues can be annoying and time consuming, it is possible to fix them. If any of these issues have been identified and still the Singer sewing machine is jamming, it may be time to consult a professional for more specialist advice.
Troubleshooting and Repairs
The majority of problems can usually be resolved with a little troubleshooting and patience. However, some problems may require the assistance of a professional. If the machine is jamming due to a failing motor or electrical components, then a repair specialist may be needed.
It is also worth remembering that even with regular cleaning, eventually the Singer sewing machine will need servicing. Specialists can also perform basic repairs and maintenance. This way, any problems can be identified and solved before bigger issues arise.
In most cases, however, basic components such as a needle, belt, or motor can be replaced on a Singer sewing machine. Physically replacing parts may be relatively easy, although the power should be switched off and unplugged before starting any repair.
Maintenance and User Technique
Keeping the machine clean and waxed helps to ensure it runs smoothly, and this should be a regular practice throughout its lifetime. Singer recommends that the machine is serviced once a year by an authorised dealer, to examine the parts and the machine in general.
Operator technique is also important for any Singer sewing machine. Educating users about the correct position of the fabric and how to handle the machine can help to reduce the chances of a jam.
It’s also important for users to remember that taking care of the Singer machine does not involve randomly finishing off incorrectly-created seams. If the seams and stitches being produced do not look as expected, it may be worth looking into why and looking for faults, instead of finishing the work and risking regular problems.
Overlocking, Hemming and Repairing Stitches
Regular users of the Singer sewing machine will find it beneficial to practice and master certain finish looks. Many machines, including the Singer models, offer overlocking, hemming and repairing of stitches as a standard feature. This will ensure that the seams and stitches produced are strong and keep their shape.
It is also important that users can differentiate between a complete stitch and an incomplete one. If an incomplete line of stitches is produced, this can cause jamming and fabric damage.
By learning how to use the Singer sewing machine properly, users will be able to give fabrics the correct amount of tension, stitch length and presser foot pressure. This will make sure that the problems of jamming become much less of an issue.
In Summary
Thorough troubleshooting and regular maintenance can help to reduce the chance of Singer sewing machine jamming. If any of the basic components of the machine need to be repaired or replaced, it is important to seek professional help. Being able to master the basics of user technique and finish looks will also support the Singer machine in running correctly and without problems.
