Top 10 Sewing Machine Problems and Effective Solutions
Sewing Machines

Top 10 Common Sewing Machine Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Amal May 13, 2025 10304 0

Top 10 Common Sewing Machine Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Sewing machines make life easier—until they suddenly don’t. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sewist, you’re likely to run into a few hiccups while using your machine. The good news? Most common problems are easy to fix with a bit of know-how.

Table of Contents 👇🏻(Show)

Here are the top 10 sewing machine problems and how to troubleshoot them without stress.

🧵 1. Thread Bunching Under the Fabric (Bird Nesting)

Problem: A messy clump of thread gathers under the fabric.

Fix:
  • Rethread the top thread properly (with presser foot up)
  • Reinsert the bobbin correctly
  • Check thread tension and adjust as needed
Causes:
  • Improper threading
  • Incorrect bobbin placement
  • Tension issues

🧵 2. Skipped Stitches

Problem: Your machine misses stitches, leaving gaps.

Fix:
  • Replace the needle with a fresh one
  • Use the correct needle type (e.g., ballpoint for knits)
  • Adjust tension and try again
Causes:
  • Bent or dull needle
  • Incorrect needle for the fabric
  • Thread tension too tight or too loose

🧵 3. Needle Breaks Frequently

Problem: The needle keeps snapping during stitching.

Fix:
  • Let the machine feed the fabric
  • Choose the right needle for the fabric
  • Avoid sewing over pins
Causes:
  • Pulling fabric while sewing
  • Using the wrong needle size
  • Sewing over pins

🧵 4. Fabric Not Moving (Stuck in One Place)

Problem: Fabric doesn’t feed through the machine.

Causes:

Fix:
  • Raise the feed dogs
  • Ensure the presser foot is down
  • Increase the stitch length to 2.5mm or more
Causes:
  • Feed dogs are lowered
  • Presser foot not engaged
  • Incorrect stitch length setting

🧵 5. Machine is Making Strange Noises

Problem: The machine sounds louder than usual or clunky.

Fix:
  • Clean and oil the machine as per the manual
  • Remove lint from the bobbin case
  • Tighten screws or seek professional help if needed
Causes:
  • Lack of oil or maintenance
  • Debris in the bobbin area
  • Loose parts

🧵 6. Thread Keeps Breaking

Problem: The upper or lower thread snaps often.

Fix:
  • Use high-quality thread
  • Rethread the machine
  • Match needle size with thread type
Causes:
  • Poor quality or old thread
  • Incorrect threading
  • Needle-eye too small for the thread

🧵 7. Bobbin Winding Issues

Problem: Bobbin doesn’t wind evenly or doesn’t wind at all.

Fix:
  • Rewind the bobbin correctly
  • Ensure it’s properly seated on the winder
  • Replace the rubber ring if needed
Causes:
  • Not properly seated bobbin
  • Thread not wrapped correctly
  • Bobbin winder rubber ring worn out

🧵 8. Machine Won’t Sew at All

Problem: You press the pedal, but nothing happens.

Fix:
  • Check power connection and switch
  • Test with another foot pedal
  • Inspect for thread jams or motor faults
Causes:
  • Power cord not connected
  • Foot pedal issue
  • Motor jammed

🧵 9. Stitches are Uneven

Problem: Stitch lengths are inconsistent and messy.

Fix:
  • Adjust tension
  • Guide fabric gently without pulling
  • Clean the feed dogs
Causes:
  • Improper thread tension
  • Uneven pressure on the fabric
  • Dirty feed dogs

🧵 10. Machine is Jamming or Stops Suddenly

Problem: The machine freezes mid-sew or the needle gets stuck.

Fix:
  • Turn off the machine
  • Remove the needle plate and clean the area
  • Remove and reinsert the bobbin
Causes:
  • Thread jam
  • Lint buildup in the bobbin area
  • Tangled bobbin

✅ Final Tips for Smooth Sewing

  • Always use the right needle and thread for your fabric
  • Keep your machine clean and oiled regularly
  • Rethread both top and bobbin thread if problems arise
  • Refer to your machine’s manual for model-specific guidance

👉 Read our full review of the top sewing machine picks just for you — click here to explore!

our top picks

🔚 Final Thoughts

Don’t let minor issues ruin your creativity! With a little maintenance and these simple fixes, your sewing machine can keep running smoothly for years.

👉 Want help choosing a reliable, low-maintenance sewing machine? Check out our expert picks at StitchingLab.com!

Learn how to fix the most common sewing machine problems with this easy guide. Troubleshoot thread bunching, skipped stitches, and more.

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