No matter the model, the age, the type, all machines “mess up” once in a while. And that “messing up” is usually in the form of tension problems, skipped stitches, or bird nests under the fabric. Occasionally it is the fault of the sewing machine, but often it is what I loving refer to as OMF (operator mal-function). Most of the malfunctioning occurs because over the years we have acquired bad habits, and, until it is pointed out to us, we continue making the same mistakes expecting better results (isn’t that the definition of insanity?). Before you panic as you are trying to finish that birthday gift for a party 2 hours later, take a deep breath, unthread the machine, and go down this list:
- While it is tempting to play with the tension dials, DON’T! Look to see if you have accidentally hit it out of the mid-number range, but the tension just doesn’t go out on a well made machine. Basic tension range is 3 to 5. The dial is there to adjust for different types of threads or fabrics.
- Replace the needle, and in quilting, use a sharp or a microtex, or a jeans denim. Quilters rarely sew knits so there is no need to use the less sharp universal needle.
- Lift up the throat plate and clean between the toes of your feed dog – not just with a brush, but stick a pin in there and really ream them out.
- Take a piece of dental floss or an index card and swipe it like a credit card through the tension slots to loosen any errant dust and/or thread pieces.
- Completely rethread the machine, top and bobbin, with the presser lift in the up position. If the presser lift is down, the tension discs are clamped closed and thread cannot enter them.
- Make sure the bobbin is inserted in the correct direction – does it unwind clockwise or counter-clockwise?
- Now stitch with the thread you were using. Still not okay? Ditch that spool and try another one, a basic quality poly or cotton. Match it with the bobbin. Older thread loses its elasticity, cheap thread is fraught with slubs that cause tension problems and breakage, and specialty threads usually need special needles (metallic for metallic, topstitching for heavy weight cottons and woolies, embroideries for rayon, etc.)
- Stitch again. If it is still skipping stitches or making a mess of the tension, it probably needs to be seen by a technician.
