Sewing Machine Troubleshooting – Fix Problems Fast
Sewing machine troubleshooting can seem overwhelming when your machine suddenly stops sewing properly. One minute everything is running smoothly, and the next you’re dealing with skipped stitches, thread nests, broken needles, tangled bobbins, or uneven tension. The good news is that most sewing machine problems have simple causes and can often be fixed without professional repairs. Whether your sewing machine is jamming, breaking thread, making unusual noises, or producing poor-quality stitches, a systematic approach can help you identify and solve the issue quickly. This sewing machine troubleshooting guide covers the most common sewing machine problems, their likely causes, and practical solutions. Use it to diagnose issues, improve stitch quality, and keep your sewing machine running smoothly for all your sewing projects.
Quick Sewing Machine Troubleshooting Chart
Regardless of the sewing machine troubleshooting problem, most sewing issues can be traced back to one of the following causes listed in this article. It is always best to start at the beginning and eliminate each issue one by one.
| Problem | Most Likely Cause |
|---|
| Thread breaking | Incorrect threading or poor-quality thread |
| Skipped stitches | Damaged or incorrect needle |
| Thread bunching underneath | Upper threading problem |
| Needle breaking | Bent needle or incorrect insertion |
| Machine won’t sew | Bobbin winder engaged |
| Loud noises | Thread jam or lint buildup |
| Fabric puckering | Tension or presser foot issue |
| Fabric not feeding | Feed dog or presser foot issue |
Start Here Before Troubleshooting Your Sewing Machine
These six steps solve a huge percentage of sewing machine problems.
- Replace the needle.
- Rethread the upper thread.
- Reinsert the bobbin.
- Clean lint from the bobbin area.
- Test on scrap fabric.
- Check the manual.
Before you start, grab your sewing machine manual, and if you haven’t got one, then try and download one. Most will have a troubleshooting section in the back. They are generally quite brief, but at least it will give you somewhere to start. Now, before you start troubleshooting the sewing machine, just make sure the problem occurs with all fabrics. If the problem is just with the fabric you are sewing, then you probably just need some fabric tips instead.
Common Sewing Machine Problems and Solutions
Here are 13 troubleshooting guides for sewing machines:
Why is Won’t My Machine Turn On
If your machine doesn’t even turn on, then check everything is plugged in correctly and switched on at the wall. Also, check if perhaps the power is actually on, but the bulb has blown, meaning the machine looks like it is off when it is not. Power issues mean a trip straight to a sewing machine technician as you should never attempt electrical work yourself.
Why Is My Sewing Machine Tension Wrong?
If your machine is not sewing nicely or is sounding strange, your sewing machine tension may be too tight or too loose. Test a scrap of fabric and see if the upper and lower threads are both even and uniformly formed. If either the top or bottom thread is loopy, you will need to adjust the tension.
This diagram should help you visualize the tension a little better for sewing machine troubleshooting.
- Upper thread and bobbin thread are balanced – no adjustment is needed
- Upper thread too loose or bobbin too tight – increase tension (higher number)
- Upper thread too tight or bobbin tension too loose – decrease tension (lower number)
When sewing machine troubleshooting, make any tension adjustments slowly until you get it right. Big turns of your tension dial can cause more problems or new problems.
Why Does My Sewing Machine Needle Keep Breaking?
Check for bent, blunt, or broken sewing machine needles. Turn the hand wheel and make sure the needle is in the top position and replace the needle. If your needle is not in perfect condition, it can cause skipped stitches and needles to break.
When the sewing machine needle keeps breaking, ensure you are using the correct type of needles for the fabric and in the correct size. For example, knit fabrics need to be sewn with stretch needles, otherwise, you will have skipped stitches. Read my full article on needle sizes and uses. Make sure the needle is inserted correctly. The flat part of the needle should be facing towards the back of the machine and the screw should be tight.
Fabric and Needle Weights
| FABRIC WEIGHT | SEWING NEEDLE SIZE |
| Very Fine | 8/60, 9/65, 10/70 |
| Fine | 11/75, 12/80 |
| Medium | 14/90 |
| Heavy | 16/100 |
| Very Heavy | 18/110 |
| Extra Heavy | 20/120 |
Fabric and Needle Types
| FABRIC TYPE | MACHINE NEEDLE TYPE |
| Lycra/Spandex | Stretch Needle |
| Leather/Vinyl | Leather Needle |
| Woven | Universal Needle |
| Knits/Stretch | Stretch or Jersey Needle |
| Denim | Denim or Jeans Needle |
Why Does My Sewing Machine Thread Keep Breaking?
Next on our list of sewing machine troubleshooting, is to check the thread used in the top spool and bobbin. Always re-thread the top and bottom and check thread tension. Read my full article on sewing machine thread keeps breaking. Don’t use cheap threads that may break or run through the tension disks unevenly. A good quality thread is a must! Also, check if your thread is knotted, twisted, or caught. The thread may be twisted and caught around the bottom of the top spool.
Did you know that there are different types of threads for different fabrics and purposes? Make sure your thread matches your fabric. Most items will be sewn successfully with a poly/cotton blend thread. Read my article on sewing thread types to match your fabric and thread type.
Why Is My Sewing Machine Full of Lint and Dust?
A dirty machine cannot function at its best, so start cleaning first when sewing machine troubleshooting. Ensure the power is turned off and the cord is removed before you start. Don’t forget the bobbin case and tension disks, as this is a common spot for thread tangles and clumps of fluff.
Read my full article on how to clean a sewing machine. In a nutshell:
- Unplug the machine. Safety first!
- Refer to the manual as it will have cleaning and oiling points marked.
- Brush lint from the machine. This includes the upper machine and inside the bobbin case. Use a stiff brush either from a sewing machine shop or an art shop. Never use canned air or blow as it can put moisture into the mechanics of the machine and cause rust.
- Most modern machines don’t require oil but if yours does, follow the manual carefully. Use a sewing machine oil only and always clean any excess. Always test a scrap of fabric first before sewing your good fabric in case some oil has been left behind.
- Clean the exterior metal or plastic with a soft cloth that won’t scratch.
Why Is My Sewing Machine Not Threaded Correctly?
Even if your machine looks correctly threaded, rethread it now. Don’t forget to rethread the bobbin at the same time and make sure the thread goes through the tension groove! Often, if I just rethread the top without doing the bobbin as well, the problem persists. When threading your machine, make sure the needle is in its highest position. The thread needs to go securely through the tension disks. Read my full article on how to thread a sewing machine.
Why Is My Bobbin Not Catching Thread?
When sewing machine troubleshooting, take a look at the bobbin. Is it wound correctly? The thread should be wound evenly and tightly around the bobbin. If you have a couple of bobbins, try using a new one and see if the problem persists.
I mentioned it in the point above, but make sure the bobbin is threaded correctly, and if a top loading bobbin, through its tension groove and joined to the top thread correctly. Read my full article on how to wind a bobbin.
Why Is My Sewing Machine Not Sewing?
If the machine is switched on, but the needle is not moving at all, check the bobbin winder is not engaged.
The bobbin winder shaft on the top of the machine should be pushed to the left. Many machines also have a clutch disengage which is used for winding bobbins. Check that also.
If little fingers have been playing with the buttons on your machine, you may have to reset this. Or maybe you just forgot to switch it back across after bobbin winding.
Why Are My Sewing Machine Stitches Uneven?
When doing sewing machine troubleshooting, check all the stitch dials. Is the stitch type correct, and is the setting locked in and not halfway between two settings?
Is the stitch length and width correct? When troubleshooting, sewing machine stitches, it is best to have your settings on a straight stitch and test a scrap of fabric.
Why Is My Needle Plate Catching?
If your throat plate has been nicked by you sewing over a pin, it will snag the bobbin thread and cause tension and sewing machine stitch problems. Your sewing may look all uneven, and certain sections may look caught and looped.
New throat plates are inexpensive and readily available from most dealers. This is a commonly overlooked sewing machine troubleshooting item. I sew a lot and probably need a new needle plate every year or so.
Sewing thicker fabrics like leather tends to cause this problem a lot as you are likely to break more needles and cause damage to the throat plate.
Why Are My Seams Puckering?
Puckered seams can be caused by incorrect tension, presser foot pressure, needles, and threads, all of which we have covered above. But they can also be caused by using the wrong sewing machine presser foot.
Some fabrics drag underneath a regular foot, and this may be helped by using either a walking foot or a Teflon foot. Fabrics that particularly benefit from using these specialty feet include stretch and leather.
If your seams are still puckering, try a narrow zig-zag stitch. It is common to need to use this stitch for stretch and tulle. Make sure you are not pulling the fabric as you sew. Let the feed dogs do the work.
Why Is My Sewing Machine Making Strange Noises?
If strange or loud noises are coming from your machine, then stop sewing immediately. You don’t want to force anything and make the problem worse. Do some basic sewing machine troubleshooting, including changing needles, thread, rethreading the top, and bobbin, and try sewing again on a scrap of fabric.
If it is still making strange noises, then you are best to take the machine to a repair shop to be safest.
Why Is My Fabric Getting Stuck Under the Needle?
Fabric at the ends of a seam can get all bunched up and puckered. This is often due to backstitching or sewing too close to the end. Instead of backstitching, try using a small stitch length, such as 1.0 at the ends. You can increase it to a normal length after a few stitches. A walking foot can also help.
Sewing Machine Maintenance Tips
- Change needles regularly
- Clean lint frequently
- Store correctly
- Use quality thread
- Service periodically
Can’t Find the Cause?
Sometimes, sewing machine problems are caused by several issues happening at once. For example, skipped stitches may be caused by a damaged needle, incorrect threading, or tension problems.
Pin for Later
Sewing Machine Troubleshooting FAQs
Thread bunching underneath the fabric, often called “bird nesting,” is usually caused by incorrect upper threading. Remove the thread completely and rethread the machine with the presser foot raised so the thread sits correctly in the tension discs. Also check that the bobbin is inserted correctly and threaded through the bobbin tension guide.
Skipped stitches are commonly caused by a bent, blunt, or incorrectly sized needle. Replace the needle first, then check that you are using the correct needle type for your fabric. Stretch fabrics, for example, require a stretch or jersey needle to form stitches correctly.
Sewing Machine Troubleshooting – In Conclusion
Successful sewing machine troubleshooting starts with identifying the symptoms and working through the possible causes one step at a time. Many common sewing machine problems, including skipped stitches, tension issues, thread breakage, and fabric feeding problems, can be solved with simple adjustments, cleaning, or replacing the needle.
Regular maintenance and proper machine setup are the best ways to prevent problems before they occur. By understanding how your sewing machine works and how to diagnose common faults, you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time sewing. If you’re still experiencing issues after working through these solutions, consult your sewing machine manual or seek professional servicing, particularly for timing problems or internal mechanical faults.
More Troubleshooting Articles:
- Sewing Needle Keeps Breaking
- How to Clean a Sewing Machine
- Sewing Machine Thread Keeps Breaking
- Sewing Machine Skipping Stitches
- Seam Puckering when Sewing
- Sewing Machine Manuals
- Sewing Safety Tips for Beginners
- Sewing Machine Troubleshooting
- Sewing Machine Tension
- How to Thread a Sewing Machine
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
Look to see if you have any nicks in the metal machine plate. If the needle has hit the side it makes sharp nicks that can snag thread. You may need a machine service.
The needle thread is catching on something and making big knots in the bobbin area. I have a brother vx1100
Hi Jean, I’m not a technician myself but I have had a few Janomes and the bobbin case has become worn. I replaced the bobbin case and it worked. Yours might be a different problem and it might just be time for a service but I thought the bobbin case was worth mentioning since I’ve had it happen on a few machines where the case is plastic.
WENE MY MACHINE IS SEWING IT IS NOT PICKING UP FROM THE BOBBIN I HAVE DONE EVERYTHINK AND WILL NOT SEW I HAVE A JANOME 150 ITS OLD BUT I LOVE IT I HAVE A NOTHER MACHINE BUT THIS IS MY FAVORITE PLEASE HELP XXX JEAN