Sewing Machine Troubleshooter

Sewing Machine Troubleshooter

Here are some common solutions and maintenance techniques you can perform on your own machine that are relatively easy to do and may fix what ever issue you are having with your machine.

Double-check that your machine is threaded correctly on both the top and the bobbin.

I understand that threading the machine can be a bit tricky. It's always a good idea to double-check, even if you think you got it right. Make sure to follow the instructions in your manual carefully. If you can't find your manual, don't worry. You can look for it on our website or search for the manual online.

Check your needle plate or bobbin case to remove any lint

It's really important to take care of your sewing machine to keep it running smoothly. Start by removing the needle plate/throat plate and the bobbin case, and make sure to clean out any lint, threads, or any other debris that may have built up over time. Even a small bit of lint can cause big problems, especially with the more delicate computerized machines that are common today. Don't forget to check the head of your machine, where the take-up lever and light are usually located. Sometimes threads can get tangled around the take-up lever and cause issues, so it's important to clean everything thoroughly. Taking these steps can help keep your machine in great working condition.

Check the condition of your needle

Needles can degrade over time due to the repetitive nature of piercing fabric, causing them to lose their sharpness and efficiency. Additionally, even a minor bend in a needle can lead to a range of serious sewing complications, including uneven stitches, fabric puckering, or thread breakage. If you are uncertain about the cause of sewing issues, it is advisable to replace the needle in your sewing machine with a new one to determine if it resolves the problem.

Make sure you are using the right kind of needle and thread for your fabric

The quality and construction of sewing needles can vary based on the type of fabric or thread they are designed to handle. Different needles are made to work with specific fabrics and threads, so it's important to choose the right type of needle for your sewing project to achieve the best results.

Check your tension settings

When working on a sewing or stitching project, it's essential to carefully adjust the tension settings on your sewing machine. Different fabrics may require different tension settings to achieve the best results, so it's a good idea to test your stitches on a scrap piece of fabric to find the perfect tension for your particular project. This extra step can make a significant difference in the quality and appearance of your finished work.

It may not always be a timing issue

It's common for sewers and even some mechanics to attribute issues to "timing" when the actual problem may have different causes. In many cases, they later discover that timing wasn't the issue at all. Despite this, you can still evaluate whether timing is the problem by searching for a step-by-step guide on YouTube.

Rest assured that if all else fails, our technicians are just a phone call away to help guide you through a repair or you can bring your machine in for expert servicing.
We strongly advise getting your sewing or embroidery machine serviced every 12 months to prevent issues caused by lint, thread, and broken needles collecting in the machine's mechanisms.
Without regular maintenance, heavy or moderate use can lead to the removal of essential oils from moving parts, causing operational issues.
Additionally, a simple piece of thread in the tension unit can necessitate cleaning and recalibration of the tension.
Even machines that have been stored for long periods of time will need a tune-up before use to prevent potential damage caused by dried-out oil.
Your machine's wellbeing is our priority, and we're here to ensure its smooth operation.

Ready for a New Machine?

At Meissner, we understand that a sewing machine is a personal investment and that finding the right machine is critical. Our friendly staff are here to make it easy for you to find the machine that fits your needs and to learn how to use it with confidence.