Some Signs That Your Sewing Machine Needs Repair
Given that a sewing machine has many moving parts, things can often go wrong. Whilst the majority of problems can be quickly and easily fixed, there are some cases where a sewing machine will need to be professionally repaired. Accordingly, we have compiled a list of the signs which may indicate that your machine needs a repair or service.
Broken Needles
When needles break, it is often not due to a mechanical fault in the machine. Broken needles may occur when:
- You accidentally hit a pin
- Your needle is the wrong size for the fabric you are using
- You do not replace it frequently enough
However, if your needles keep breaking or bending, this could also indicate that there is an issue with the feed dogs or a different mechanical aspect. In this instance, your machine will require a professional touch.
The most likely explanation is that there is a problem with the mechanical features that control the timing of the sewing needle. Improper timing places stress on the needle and can thus cause it to break. Typically, when there is an issue with hook timing, your machine requires expert repairs.
Skipped Stitches
Uneven, wavy, or skipped stitches are often the result of a simple threading problem that can be solved by rethreading the top thread. Equally, try changing your needle and see if this fixes the problem. As with broken needles, however, skipped stitches could indicate an issue with your machine’s hook timing that will need to be repaired professionally.
Uneven Fabric Feed
This problem is often related to your machine’s feed dogs: the teeth-like mechanisms that move as you sew to help pull the fabric through your sewing machine. Feed dogs can wear down over time and become less effective, meaning that your fabric will not feed into the machine at a consistent rate. A repair shop will be able to identify whether your feed dogs need replacing. Alternatively, they may simply identify accumulated fabric fluff as the cause of the inconsistent feed and carry out a deep clean of the machine’s inner mechanisms.
Tension Problems
Tangled thread on the underside of the fabric is a common indicator of tension problems. When this happens, use the tension dials on your sewing machine to adjust the thread tension. You should also ensure that the thread sits correctly between the tension discs. If this does not solve your problems, a professional may need to tweak the tension control.
Grinding Noises
If your machine has started making strange noises whilst you are using it, you should seriously consider taking it for a service. Grinding sounds tend to suggest that either the mechanical parts of your sewing machine need to be oiled or parts have shifted out of place. If you allow parts to grind against each other, they can wear down and eventually become unrepairable.
If you suspect or know that your machine needs to be repaired, contact Direct Sewing Machines today! Our repair centre in London is fully stocked with parts, we have been authorised by all the major sewing machine brands, and our technicians have over 40 years of experience. Alternatively, if you are looking for a replacement, check out our premium range of sewing machines!