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Sewing Machine Help..! Help And Advice On How To Repair Sewing Machine Problems
Do you have a sewing machine problem, or need help and advice our sewing machine knowledge base will help you repair and solve stitch looping problems
Vintage Antique Models
Where is my sewing machine model number located
Below are a number of images to help locate the model number.
Where will my sewing machine model number be located on the sewing machine...? The images below will give some indication as to where abouts on the sewing machine you may find the machine ...
Find sewing machine model number from serial number
Find sewing machine model number from serial number.
We are often are asked for sewing machine parts to fit a Singer F1234567. The problem is this long number is the serial number and we need the machine model number to be...
Dating a vintage sewing machine form its serial numbers with no letter prefix
Vintage sewing machines range from beautiful antiques to practical, usable, high quality pieces. Knowing more about your vintage sewing machine can help you make the most of this addition to your home. Dating a vintage sewing can be quite easy or significantly...
What if the serial number starts with two letters. How old will it be?
Serial numbers on Singer sewing machines manufactured prior to 1900 have numbers only. After 1900 the machine serial numbers have a single or two-letter prefix. This table will tel you the age of machine that have serial numbers starting with two letters...
How old is my sewing machine, the serial number starts with a letter
We are often asked.... I have an old Singer sewing machine and I wonder if you could help me with its value and maybe you can tell me something about its age. I can see the the series number starts with letter then a series of digits, please can you ...
Where was my Antique Singer sewing machine made, the serial number starts with two letters ?
So the argument can go on about just who invented the sewing machine and it is unlikely that there will ever be agreement. What is clear, however, is that without the work of those long-dead pioneers computerised machines as we enjoy and use ever day...
What is the history of the Singer Sewing Machine Company
Singer has a rich history spanning over 160 years. Some would argue that Isaac Merritt Singer invented the sewing machine, but one thing is curtain, Isaac Merritt Singer is renounced for being instrumental in the huge following Singer sewing machines...
Steam Press Troubleshooting
How to remove top cover on CSP1 Steam Press to get to the water tank
How to remove top cover on CSP1 Steam Press to get to the water tank.
1. To take the top cover off, there are two screws that need to be removed, they hold the top plastic from underneath.
2. The steam adjustment knob pulls off and it's best to have...
Water dripping from top pressing plate
Temperature control dial has not been set correctly - Turn temperature control to steam setting.
Pressing plate has not reached steam temperature setting - wait for ready light.
Too much steam, dial set to high - Reset steam setting to a lower steam ...
Steam Press does not heat up
Fault finding problem, why is my steam press not heating up?
What to check first.
Press not plugged into the wall outlet - Check the poswer lead is pushed in to the wall socket.
Has the power lead to the machine become loose - Check the power...
It just stopped working while I was pressing?
Dont panic, if all of a sudded your steam press stops working with no heat coming from the top plate.
Automatic safety shutoff, pressing plate has been lowered against ironing board for 30+ seconds without being raised - Reset press, turn power off ...
Heating up then stopped working
Automatic shutoff, press has not been used for 15 minutes of more - Reset press switch off the power and back on, wait till the press heats to correct temperature before pressing.
Can not open steam press
Locking knob is in locked position - turn locking knob to open.
Locking lever stiff - Slightly move the handle up and down while turning the locking lever.
Pressing handle will not move to auto pressing position
Item on pressing plate is too thick - Use a lighter pressure on thick items.
Too many layers of fabric being pressed - Unfold and press less layers of fabric.
Garment still has creases after pressing
Temperature not hot enough for fabric - Turn the temperature to a higher setting.
Pressing plate not left down long enough - Leave the pressing plate down a little longer.
No steam from my ironing press
Water level too low - Fill water tank.
Controls have not been set correctly - Turn temperature control dial to steam setting.
Turn Steam dial to more steam.
Check there is enought water in the tank.
Do you live in a hard water area? Have the tiny steam...
Garment has wrinkles after pressing
Temperature setting too hot for fabric - reduce temperature.
Pressing plate left down too long - reduce the time the pressing plate is in contact with the fabric or that type.
Manuals
Fixing problems downloading files from this website
This article gives trouble-shooting steps for downloading files.
We offer many downloadable files on this web site. PDF files are particularly useful when we want to show you information in a particular format, as with registration forms and printed...
Overlocker Troubleshooting
Fabric jams while using my overlock machine
Fabric Jams as soon as I start to overlock.
Check for tangled threads - Clean out.
Is the fabric too think for the machine to cut - Stitch over with sewing machine to compress layers before overlocking.
Irregular cutting while using my overlock machine
Irregular cutting of the fabric.
Check alignment of knives - reset knife to same height as needle plate.
Replace one or both knives - One or both knives may be blunt.
Irregular stitches on my overlock machine
Irregular stitches
Balance thread tension - check with instruction book.
Check threading - rethread machine.
Check for tangled or caught thread - Clean out.
Use the correct type of needle for the type of material you are stitching.
My Overlock machine is missing stitches
My Sewing Machine Skips and Misses Stitches.
Insert a new needle - it may be bent or blunt and Insert needle correctly.
Wrong needle size - Change needle to correct size for fabric thickness.
Check threading - Rethread with care.
Using different sizes...
My overlocker is not moving the fabric
Fixing an overlocker, which is not feeding the material properly.
Sewing foot pressure is too light - Adjust pressure on foot, using the large thumb screw on top of the overlocker head, directly above the presser foot. It needs more pressure on...
My Overlocker keeps breaking needles
Needle breaks, bends or snaps.
Needle is bent - Change needle to correct size for fabric thickness.
Don't pull fabric while sewing - let the machine feed the fabric.
Needle not correctly inserted - replace needle and tighten clamp screw.
Use larger needle...
My overlocker will not stitch or move at all
1 Check that the light comes on, if not check the fuse in the plug.
2 Make sure the power cable is correctly plugged into the machine.
3 If the machine is plugged into an extension, check the extension or plug the machine directly into a wall socket...
No light and no power to my overlocker
No light and no power
Push the foot control connection firmly into the machine socket and check wall plug fuse.
Ceck the machine is switched on.
Some machines don't work if the bulb has blown!
Make use the looper threading lid is closed fully - Many ...
Overlocker stops in the middle of stitching
Overlock machine stitch problems and snaps thread
Thread snaps for no aparent reason.
Machine incorrectly threaded - thread machine correctly.
Thread tension too tight - adjust to a lower setting.
Check for tangled threads - Clean out.
Insert a new needle - Needle could be bent.
Only use good quality...
Embroidery File Formats
Help me with Singer Futura CE and SE embroidery machine formats
Maybe Singer have had more different embroidery formats than other manufacturers..!
xxx, psw, csd, che and fhe Singer embroidery formats have their own profile settings that determine how embroidery information will be interpreted when you save design...
xxx, psw, csd, che and fhe Singer embroidery formats have their own profile settings that determine how embroidery information will be interpreted when you save design...
Sewing Machine Troubleshooting
Upper thread breaks
The most common error here is that the threading is not correct - To make sure you have this done correctly please consult your instruction book and correctly thread machine as per the books guidance.
Upper thread can also break if:
The thread...
Noise is heard, it is clicking
A very slight clicking noise while sewing a seam!
Once one becomes accustom to sewing, you get to know the sweet sound your sewing machine should make it is stitching perfectly.
On the odd occasion a very slight clicking noise...
No power machine not moving and light not working
If the light not on, and there is no power to the needle, what can be the fault? and how can I fix it?
Fault finding step be step.
Firstly, make sure it is switch is on. Check the small on/off switch near the power lead socket. The scoket will...
No light, but the machine moves
Switch the machine off/on switch to no.
Replace bulb with one know to be working. Make use light switch is on.
Through regular stitching, machine vibration or transportation, often the sewing machine bulb may have become loose. It may need to be pushed...
Thread looping, reveling or bunching under fabric while sewing
Incorrect or NO top thread tension - Incorrect threading.
Re-thread top thread, make sure the presser foot is lifted, while threading. This allows thread to locate into the correct thread tension route.
Thread has not been pulled into top tension unit...
My sewing machine is missing skipping stitches
Thread tension is too tight - Re set tensions.
Needle is bent or blunt - Replace needle.
Needle is not the correct type or size for the fabric being sewn.
Thread take-up lever has not been threaded - Re thread and check thread goes through take-up slot...
Missing stitches but only on polyester or nylon fabrics.
Needle is the wrong size or type - Use ball point sewing machine needle with good quality polyester thread.
Needle and thread does not match - Change needle to correct size for fabric thickness.
Only use good quality thread while sewing awkward to manage...
Stitches are not formed properly while sewing
Thread has not been pulled into thread tension unit- re thread, make sure thread is kept taut while threading.
Bobbin case has been threaded wrong- Correctly thread bobbin case.
Spool cap is wrong size for thread spool- Replace the cap with correct size...
Irregular stitches while using my sewing machine
Loose upper thread tension - Tighten upper thread tension.
Pulling fabric - Do not pull fabric, guide it gently.
Light pressure on presser foot - Increase pressure on presser foot.
Loose presser foot - Reset presser foot.
How to stop the fabric puckering
Stitch length is too long for material - Decrease stitch length.
Needle point is blunt - Replace needle or correct size and type.
Incorrect thread tension - Reset thread tension.
Presser foot wrong type - Check you have the correct presser foot on machine...
Machanical Fixes
How to fit the top shaft bevel gear
This information relates to most Singer 300 and 400 series sewing machines, and explains how to remove, refit and retime the machine after fitting the new top shaft bevel gear.
Lay the machine...
Sewing machine runs on its own as soon as it is pluged in
There is a very high chance that the foot speed controller has burnt out and has shorted across across its connections - There is only one option when this happens, replace it with a new foot control.
It is important you replace the foot control with...
Machine wont pick thread up from bobbin every now and again
Replace needle.
Check threading.
Check for burr on hook or on the bobbin case - Replace if there is any sign of damage or pitting.
If the above do not resolve the issue, the sewing machine timing may be out of alignment and will need to be...
Check threading.
Check for burr on hook or on the bobbin case - Replace if there is any sign of damage or pitting.
If the above do not resolve the issue, the sewing machine timing may be out of alignment and will need to be...
Machine wont pick thread up from bobbin at all
Look for a damaged gear under the machine, remove the bottom cover and look for a plastic gear that may have split or cracked. You may see a brocken gear tooth in the base on the machine. Look at the gears on the shafts while rotating ...
Hook is not rotating
Similar to the FAQ "Machine wont pick thread up from bobbin at all" however, if the hook is not rotating, we know the problem will be a split or cracked gear maybe under the bobbin area or bottom half of the machine, or the drive from the machines...
Machine is not feeding or moving the fabric
Check first that the feed dog is lifted, and under the needle plate is clean... check there is no lint between the feed dog teeth -
Rotate the machine by hand using the hand wheel -
Is the feed moving ?
YES - adjust...
Rotate the machine by hand using the hand wheel -
Is the feed moving ?
YES - adjust...
How to reset the feed timing
Replace parts as required first and reassemble. Always reset hook to needle timing first.
Select straight stitch and turn the...
Select straight stitch and turn the...
Where can I buy sewing machine parts
We have just uploaded 10% of the most popular parts, feet, gears and accessories etc, to our on-line database. We carry a huge range of sewing accessories for all sewing machines in our warehouse and have a team of engineers that can help find that part...
How do I wire a new foot control to my lead
THIS INFORMATION ONLY APPLIES TO A TWO-WIRE LEAD WHEN BEING FITTED TO THE DIY TYPE FOOT CONTROL.
Unplug the power...
Unplug the power...
How to retime a sewing machine resetting hook to needle timing
If your sewing machine is missing stitches, or the needle seems to be catching on the bobbin case or hook. Follow these instructions to reset the sewing machine needle timing.
But, first replace the needle with a size 90 brand new sewing machine needle...
Know Your Machine
Can I use screw-on foot if my machine uses clip-on feet
Can I use screw-on feet if my sewing machine uses clip-on ones?
YES! Just unscrew the foot holder (shank) and screw on the new foot in the usual way.
YES! Just unscrew the foot holder (shank) and screw on the new foot in the usual way.
Can I use the same foot for all sewing jobs
Why do you have a variety of presser feet?
Each foot is designed to be the correct tool for the job in hand. If you look at the feet supplied with your machine they all look quite different - metal, plastic, zips, spikes and prongs for over edging...
Each foot is designed to be the correct tool for the job in hand. If you look at the feet supplied with your machine they all look quite different - metal, plastic, zips, spikes and prongs for over edging...
Different foot holder or shank lengths
What about shank lengths?
Most modern machines have a low short shank length - this is approximately 12mm (1/2inch) from the thumb screw down to the needle plate.
Some older machines and/or selected new models have a long shank ...
Most modern machines have a low short shank length - this is approximately 12mm (1/2inch) from the thumb screw down to the needle plate.
Some older machines and/or selected new models have a long shank ...
What is a clip on sewing machine foot
Clip-on sewing machine feet
Machines that use clip-on feet always have an foot holder (shank) which is usually screwed onto the machine with the thumb screw.
There are one or two exceptions to this where large feet such as rufflers and...
Machines that use clip-on feet always have an foot holder (shank) which is usually screwed onto the machine with the thumb screw.
There are one or two exceptions to this where large feet such as rufflers and...
What is a sewing machine presser foot
Why do you need presser feet?
There are a variety of feet available for certain tasks, they all combine with the feed dog to control the fabric passing under the needle and to provide the correct stitch length.
When you alter the stitch length...
There are a variety of feet available for certain tasks, they all combine with the feed dog to control the fabric passing under the needle and to provide the correct stitch length.
When you alter the stitch length...
Why do some feet screw on and others clip-on
Why do some feet screw on and some clip on?
Traditionally feet screwed onto the machine and lower priced machines usually still have screw-on feet. However, over the years a quick and easy snap-on system was developed to make changing feet more...
Traditionally feet screwed onto the machine and lower priced machines usually still have screw-on feet. However, over the years a quick and easy snap-on system was developed to make changing feet more...
Will any presser foot fit my sewing machine
Do all available feet fit all types and makes of machines?
NO! but sometimes cross-pollination is possible.
Most manufacturers have a really good range of feet available but some are more limited. If your manufacturer does not make a ...
NO! but sometimes cross-pollination is possible.
Most manufacturers have a really good range of feet available but some are more limited. If your manufacturer does not make a ...
Explain the types of button hole that sewing machines can stitch
Keyhole Buttonholes
This keyhole buttonhole has a bar tack at one end and a round opening at the other edge.
The keyhole accommodates the shank of the button nicely without pulling on the buttonhole. It is a strong buttonhole...
This keyhole buttonhole has a bar tack at one end and a round opening at the other edge.
The keyhole accommodates the shank of the button nicely without pulling on the buttonhole. It is a strong buttonhole...
Which functions do I need to consider when looking to buy a sewing machine?
When buying a sewing machine, there are several key functions and features to consider based on your needs, skill level, and the type of sewing projects you plan to undertake. Examples of some important functions to evaluate:
Stitch Options:
Basic...
Overlockers Explained
Help with threading an Overlocker
Threading needles
Loosen the tensions all the way down to zero when threading. This allows the thread to properly seat itself between the tension disks. Reset the tensions after threading is completed. You have to turn those dials...
Loosen the tensions all the way down to zero when threading. This allows the thread to properly seat itself between the tension disks. Reset the tensions after threading is completed. You have to turn those dials...
Keep it clean
Too much lint
Lint from the cut fabric builds up in the machine and if not removed, will cause problems, It can soak up the oil (which lubricates the machine) and get caught under the stitches and moving parts, Use a small brush to...
Lint from the cut fabric builds up in the machine and if not removed, will cause problems, It can soak up the oil (which lubricates the machine) and get caught under the stitches and moving parts, Use a small brush to...
Overlock needles and special thread
Overlock Threads
Unfortunately, when overlockers first came on to the market, it was often thought that any old cheap thread would do. However, this is untrue. Threads that are too strong may bend the Loopers of the machine and fine...
Unfortunately, when overlockers first came on to the market, it was often thought that any old cheap thread would do. However, this is untrue. Threads that are too strong may bend the Loopers of the machine and fine...
General tips and helpful hints
Never drop another needle into machine
When removing needles from an overlocker leave them threaded up or put a piece of cloth underneath, If the needles are dropped in the process then they can be easily retrieved and so will not...
When removing needles from an overlocker leave them threaded up or put a piece of cloth underneath, If the needles are dropped in the process then they can be easily retrieved and so will not...
Tell me more about overlockers...?
What is an overlocker, why use one, what can it do?
If you need to sew stretchy seams, use fabrics that fray or just want speedy sewing, you would love an overlocker (or Serger as it is known in the USA). Think of todays leisure wear...
If you need to sew stretchy seams, use fabrics that fray or just want speedy sewing, you would love an overlocker (or Serger as it is known in the USA). Think of todays leisure wear...
Why use a overlocker and not a sewing machine
Sewing machine or overlocker ?
You can achieve similar seam finishes on your sewing machine - by using an overlock stitch or close zig zag stitch. However, an overlocker does it quicker, neater and of course, in one-step. Todays overlockers...
You can achieve similar seam finishes on your sewing machine - by using an overlock stitch or close zig zag stitch. However, an overlocker does it quicker, neater and of course, in one-step. Todays overlockers...
Overlocking Terminology
A few of the words that you will hear are as follows:
Serger - this is the American term for Overlocker. Serging is therefore overlocking. Loopers - instead of bobbins, an overlocker has loopers. The threads that come from under the needle plate ...
Serger - this is the American term for Overlocker. Serging is therefore overlocking. Loopers - instead of bobbins, an overlocker has loopers. The threads that come from under the needle plate ...
What is differential feed
An overlocker without differential feed is as much use as a sewing machine without a needle..!
Differential feed on an overlocker has two feeds, the front feed and read feed. They have the ability to move the fabric under the presser...
Explain to me about the types of overlock stitches
5-THREAD OVERLOCK:
A 5-thread stitch is ideal for sewing and finishing woven fabrics. It is the industry standard. It consists of a straight seam (chain stitch seam) and 3-thread overcast stitch. A 3- or 4-thread overcast can be used...
A 5-thread stitch is ideal for sewing and finishing woven fabrics. It is the industry standard. It consists of a straight seam (chain stitch seam) and 3-thread overcast stitch. A 3- or 4-thread overcast can be used...
Yes I know, but what is a cover stitch?
Cover stitch or sometimes called a cover hem?
A cover stitch appears on many shop bought clothes. It is a professional hem stitch that overlocks the raw edge...
A cover stitch appears on many shop bought clothes. It is a professional hem stitch that overlocks the raw edge...
