FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions Why does my top thread keep breaking?

0 The most likely cause is the machine needle or thread; you need to check that; 1. The needle is inserted correctly (see below). 2. The needle is the right type and size for your fabric. 3.

Check the top tension is not too tight. The thread should slide through the tension disk easily. 4. Check you are using good quality thread. You can tell if your thread is suitable by pulling it through the tension guides. If your thread is of poor quality it will catch as you pull it through and may break. If this happens you will need to buy better quality thread.

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Why is my thread looping under my fabric?

This usually indicates that your machine has been threaded incorrectly. 1. Check that your machine is threaded correctly. (See PDF guide 'Threading up your Machine') 2. Check that your thread is around the tension guide correctly.

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Why is my thread looping on top of my fabric?

Your bobbin may not be inserted correctly or you have not wound your bobbin with the correct tension making the thread on the bobbin too loose. 1. Try reinserting the bobbin. (See PDF guide 'Inserting a Bobbin into a Bobbin Case') 2.

If the problem persists unwind the bobbin and rewind taking care to wind it evenly.

(See PDF guide 'Winding a Bobbin')

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Why is my machine skipping stitches?

Skipped stitches indicate a needle problem. 1. Your needle may be blunt or damaged and need replacing. 2. You may not be using the correct needle for the type of fabric you are sewing. 3. Your needle is not inserted correctly (see below).

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Is my machine needle inserted correctly?

The sewing machine needle is one of the most important components in garment construction. Inserting it correctly is vital to the quality of the machine stitch. The Scarf or small groove is located on the right side of the needle just above the needle eye. This groove helps form the stitch by acting as a hook to pick up the thread from the bobbin. The Long Groove is located on the left side of the needle.

It provides a protective channel for the thread to run down. When the needle is inserted, the long groove should lie towards the left of the sewing machine.

Needles are available in a range of sizes with several types of points. Industrial machines are capable of great speed so the choice of needle size and point need to be correct to avoid breakages. The size and type of needle is also determined by your fabric choice. Ensure you always sample your thread, needle and stitch before beginning to sew your garment.

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Why won't my needle insert into my machine?

You may be trying to insert the wrong needle. 1. Ensure you have chosen a needle which is compatible to the model of machine you are using. 2. Check the needle screw in the needle holder has been loosened enough to remove any broken needle shaft. 3. Check the needle screw in the needle holder has been loosened enough to allow for the thickness of the needle shaft.

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Why is my bobbin not winding evenly?

If your bobbin is winding unevenly, it is possible that you have not placed the thread correctly around the tension disk, spring and winder. 1. Check that you have threaded up properly (See PDF guide 'Winding a bobbin') 2. Check that the bobbin is placed centrally on the winder pin. 3. Ensure you wind the bobbin using a consistent speed. Winding too fast can cause the thread to stretch which can cause puckering on delicate fabrics.

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Why won't my machine pick up the bobbin thread?

1. Ensure you have threaded the machine correctly and that the thread is through the take-up leaver. 2. Check you have loaded the bobbin into the bobbin case in a clockwise position. When loading the bobbin into the make sure the bobbin clicks into place. (See PDF guide 'Inserting a Bobbin into a Bobbin case')

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What foot should I use to sew in a concealed zip?

You should change the foot on your lockstitch machine from the standard sewing foot to a concealed zipper foot. This foot has 2 grooves in which the teeth of zip sit. The foot then helps roll the tape back and enables you to sew close to the teeth so that when the zip is closed it remains invisible.

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What needle size should I use?

This depends very much on fabric choice: Universal needles are available in the widest size range and are suitable for synthetic, woven and knits. Sizes range from 60/8 – 120/19. Ballpoint needles have a rounder tip, this is so the needle can pass through rather than pierce the fabric preventing damage to fine fabrics, heavy knits and some coarse fabrics, sizes range from 70/10 – 100/16. Leather needles have a wedge shaped point that penetrates leather, suede, and vinyl without tearing, sizes range from 80/12 – 110/18

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Why does my needle keep breaking?

1. Check that the top tension is not too tight. The top tension should be set at a medium number for regular sewing. 2. Check the needle size is compatible with the thickness of your fabric. Using a needle that is too small for the type and thickness of fabric you are using will cause the needle to bend and hit the hook. 3.

The hook timing may be out. Insert a new needle and carefully turn the hand wheel towards you. Check that the needle is not hitting the hook as it goes through the needle plate.

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Why won't my fabric feed through the machine?

1. If using a domestic machine, check that the feed dogs are up. Some domestic machines have a drop feed feature for darning. 2. Check that lint is not clogging up the grooves in the feed dogs. Lint can build up over time and push the feed dogs down below the needle plate. 3. Check the pressure on the pressure bar.

Foot pressured is essential for feeding the fabric through the machine. No pressure and the fabric will just sit in one spot.

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