Friday Fun Fact: Sewing machine troubleshooting

It's never fun when your sewing machine acts up, but don't despair! There are specific steps to take to troubleshoot when your stitches go bad.

Crappy looking stitches are the most common problem we run into. Weird thread loops, big clogs, thread barf* - they all look icky and have no structural integrity.

Sounds like you need to adjust the tension, right? Not right away! Try these other steps first; if one doesn't work, keep on moving down the list in order.

1.) Rethread the machine. Many machines are touchy about proper threading. If your thread isn't in there just right, the stitches won't turn out.

Make sure the presser foot is UP while you thread! This enables the thread to engage in the tension discs like it should. Bring the presser foot down when you start to sew. It can also help to hold the threads down when you start.

2.) Rethread the bobbin. It has a tension spring, too, and needs to be threaded properly. You should feel some resistance. For drop-in bobbins, you should see the thread on top of the bobbin when it's threaded correctly, and most should spin counter-clockwise (but always check your manual).

3.) Change the needle. If it's old, bent, or just not right for your fabric, you might get bad stitches. Replace your needle after about every 10 hours of machine use. Yes, really that often!!**

4.) Try a different thread. We recommend either 100% poly or 100% cotton thread, of a good quality. Going cheap on crappy or old thread is going to be a huge time waster in the long run.

5.) Clean your machine. Lint build-up can affect the timing of your machine, which leads to crummy stitches.

6.) Adjust the tension. If you've done ALL the above steps, then try adjusting the tension dial. Tension mechanisms are delicate so go gently, turning no more than half a number at a time. 

If your stitches aren't fixed, you may need to get your machine serviced by a professional, but 9 times out of 10, these steps will get you sewing again in no time.

Keep this cheat sheet for later!

Check out all our Friday Fun Facts in the archive here!

* yes, that's the technical term

** this is only the time the machine is running. It doesn't count if you are ironing or taking a snack break.