Needle is not straight in the needle hole?

If the needle is not directly in the centre of the slot on the needle plate, the issue needs investigating.

The very first thing that must be done, and not overlooked, is to replace the needle with a brand new  needle we know is not bent or damaged. Make sure it is pushed fully into the needle clamp. Also check it is inserted the correct way round...as you know the needle shank is flat on one side. This flat generally faces away from the bobbin case but you can check this in your manual.

• Set the machine to straight stitch. Does your machine have a needle position setting? If yes, set it to the centre needle position.
• If the machine has a mechanical stitch selection, be sure the stitch selection dial is NOT set in between two stitches.
• Make sure the one-step automatic buttonhole lever is pushed fully back into its highest disabled position.
• On the Tradition, Fashion Mate, Simple or Talent ranges...dont forget after setting the stitch selection dial to straight stitch, you must also set the stitch width (the zigzag width) to the desired needle position. For example if the stitch width is on number 4, the needle will not be in the central position. 

As a last resort, the needle position can be adjusted from side to side. The adjustment can vary between models, but there is usually an adjustment higher up the needle bar shaft, which allows slight side to side adjustment.

• Remove the end cover or body panels to allow viewing of the head and needle bar assembly.
• Approximately halfway up the needle bar shaft, you will see a clamp; this clamp moves the needle bar and the needle, up and down.
• Higher up the needle bar, there will be another clamp; this is where the needle bar side to side adjustment can be made.