Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I have a Designer 1 embroidery sewing machine. I replaced the belt on the motor and now when the sewing machine starts to get warm then a little while later it shuts off. Can anybody give me any ideas?
It sounds like a frayed or broken wire, might be in the connection point area where the foot pedal and power cord join the sewing machine but it also might be along the main power shaft - it usually runs lengthwise from the belt and hand-wheel area.
If you can change the belt you've demonstrated you have a basic knowledge of sewing machines. So...
First roll the machine over and see if the underneath is 'exposed' (no cover to remove); some sewing machines carry the electrical wiring along the underside of the machine. If yours does, look for obvious problems, and decide if you have the skills and tools to do the repair yourself.
If the wiring isn't visible from the underside of the machine, try the following - after taking extreme care to discharge any static electricity, take the head cover off. ***Be sure to take photos, and to put ALL the screws, etc, into a muffin tin - you can follow the photos to put your machine back together and all the bits will be right there in the muffin tin.***
Using a mini-torch with an LED bulb (sharpest viewing with one of those), see if you can locate the machine wiring then trace along the wiring with the torch and look for a fray, bent, burnt, or outright break in any of the electrical wires. If you find something, decide if your skills and tools up to the repair.
If you can't find an obvious problem, or if the problem looks hard to reach, take your machine to a professional. I'm not familiar with your machine so I can't give you a 'ballpark' figure for the repair.
I do vintage domestic sewing machine repairs for my sewing students here in Scotland where I now live after 50 years in the US, but am not at all experienced with embroidery machines, so have no idea what the cost would be for a re-wire/repair.
I have a Montgomery Ward Signature 285 sewing machine, from the 1970s maybe. The stitch regulator works fine in reverse, but going forward I can't get any variety in stitch length at all, and it is too small for most of what I want to do.
I can't see how to get in and fix anything on that part of the machine. Ideas?The problem with your MW machine (your very vintage MW machine!) is that one or more of the silicone bits (aka gear teeth) have worn, crumbled, and fallen off the mount - this is NOT a repair job for the home handyperson, you really need to take this machine to a trained professional repair tech.
Look for someone adverting they have experience with White, NewHome, Brother, Jones, or Janome machines. The MW machines were usually one of the five rebranded to MW and anyone who can work on one of those can fix your machine. He/she will also have the right tools, and access to the vintage parts needed to get your machine back to sewing.
I do vintage repairs and refurbs for my sewing students here in Scotland. Tbh, I usually try to steer them to a comparable new modern machine - one with a warranty, owner guide, all the intended attachments, and oh hey BONUS - no previous owner's dodgy sewing hours on the machine.
I'm usually willing to go the extra mile (I use a lot of salvage parts but those don't come with any real reliability so be sure to be wary of the tech using those on your machine) but only if the machine has extreme sentimental value and/or repair parts are being new-milled (because those DO come with a bit of a guarantee), or if the student is skint (on a really tight budget) or isn't sure he/she even really likes sewing.
If you can possibly afford it, buy a new machine - one with new parts, and a warranty - polish up your MW vintage and display it in the sewing room but try not to fall into the money pit a dying vintage machine becomes. Once you start replacing parts (especially if the replacements have to be salvage parts) on a vintage the age of yours, it becomes a very real money pit. Please believe me.
I have a Husqvarna Rose 600. The needle is in line with the stitch plate, but the presser foot is off by 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch. I believe I have a shaft problem. I possibly moved it by accidentally hitting a pin. When the needle comes down, it is not in line with center of the foot. Is there something I can do myself to fix this problem? My dealer is an hour away and would probably charge me $100 or so, and have the machine for a week or two.
It is almost as if I need the needle to click over to right 1/32 from left position to right. I even bought a new ankle thinking the old one was worn out, but to no avail. I would like to fix it myself if possible and wondered if it is not fixed soon, is it OK to go ahead and sew with it?By rnoble19617
I am wanting to fill a bobbin, but the clutch release wheel on my old Singer sewing machine will not turn. What can I do?
By Helen
The best thing to do is take this vintage Singer to a repair tech - he/she will have the tools, knowledge, and access to replacement parts needed to make the repair (could be a number of things from a worn belt to a worn silicone gear, none that can be done at home without proper training and tools).
Please don't try to look inside - but if you do (I know very well how tempting it is:) be sure to take step-by-step photos as you take the machine cover off so that at least you'll have a guide putting it back together.
I have Singer 413; the needle is hitting the plate. What do I do? How can I stop the needle hitting the plate?
By Tish
try a new needle, also make sure the needle bar is in the correct position, if this doesn't help then having the machine check for a adjustment may be needed.
You must special order the needles, which are a tiny bit shorter. The 319W uses a 206x13 needle, not what we think of as "standard" sized needles.
I have a Viking, Emerald 116. The sewing needle broke. I replaced it, since then it won't stitch even the lightest garments. I have the bobbin correct for machine and spool both the same thread, twitted the tension over and over again, yet it will not give me a stitch. It does not need fixing. I cannot find my booklet for the machine. Help!
By Jane
The company has a website with customer service email and phone # for assistance.
Yes, actually, your machine DOES need repair. Something has caused the needle to break and that needs to be seen to, and too, a tiny piece of the needle may have sheared off to become lodged in the area of the machine you can't reach safely with home tools.
Any sewing centre adverting repairs for Viking machines will be able to sort your problem, and that's where you need to take your machine - this is not something you can deal with at home. I'm sorry to be so blunt but I've had to rebuild soooo many of my sewing students vintage machines after they tried to fix a problem like yours - their home fixes have knocked out timing, destroyed bobbin casings, and one girl killed her machine using a magnet to try and fish out needle bits.
The needle broke on several of the machines because gears had worn, and the machine wouldn't stitch on others because minute pieces of needle bits or lint and fluff were jamming gears - both types of problems require specialty knowledge and tools to resolve.
I have a Janome Memory Craft 4000. When winding a bobbin the bobbin spindle is moved to the right to disengage the clutch, but the flywheel/spindle is still turning.
By MHK99
Do you have a smaller wheel inside the flywheel that you can turn? That is what mine does to stop it from turning. Then, when the bobbin is full, I have to turn the small wheel back to its original position.
I have a Singer sewing machine, model 3116. When the setting has been changed to wind the bobbin, the machine stays in sewing mode and will barely move the bobbin winder. Is there a fix?
By LJ
Here's a link to a free download of your models user manual from the Singer (US) website:
www.singerco.com/
Have a look at pages 17-19 to ensure you are following the directions carefully. Most important, is the presser foot completely raised, are the feed dogs fully up, and is the pin snapped completely to the right?
Have you used a light to check all of the external thread path areas for bits of lint and thread? Is there any thread caught or wound on the winding pin (not on the bobbin but rather on the pin/spool)?
If this doesn't help (and I honestly think it won't because it does sound as though you've followed the directions correctly) you need to take your machine to a Singer repair tech - I think there is thread and lint caught in several internal gears+possibly a broken gear/part.
I do some modern machine repair work (self-taught, lol, don't bring me a machine under warranty because whilst good, my work would void the warranty) and that is usually the problem. Depending on your location the work should cost you under $60USD/£40GBP.
I'm a very new sewer and I was experimenting with my brand new sewing machine. Well my long needle got caught in the bobbin area and I cannot get it out. I've tried turning the bobbin wheel, turning the machine upside down, nothing works. Help!
By Tahirah
Uh oh, that doesn't sound good or fun!
What kind of machine is it - brand, model, and is it 'mechanical' or computerised? (If it is computerised DO NOT try to use a magnet to remove the needle if you get that far in following the helps below!)
What kind of bobbin system do you have - do you load the bobbin from the top (called a top-drop in system) or is the bobbin case loaded from below the sewing surface (either a front load as you face the machine, or a side load)?
Did the needle fall completely out of the upper needle insert slot and into the bobbin case area or is it still attached at the upper insert area?
**If the needle fell completely out of the insert, next time you insert a needle be sure to A-fully open the insert area by turning the screw more than you think you need to, B-push that needle all the way up and use the flat edge of the screwdriver or tightening tool supplied with the machine to be sure the needle is 'fully seated', and C-tighten that screw back all the way so that your needle stays seated! Don't feel bad if this is what happened - I've been sewing (and I teach, too) for over 50 years, it happens to all of us:)
Can you see the needle?
Can you remove the bobbin (and case if a front or side load system)?
Let's try to solve your current situation:
Step One: Turn off the machine and disconnect from the power point. Trust me. It's important - this protects you from accidental injury from either a power surge/static electricity or sudden motion on the machine.
Step Two: Raise the presser foot. This action disengages the tension system on both upper and lower tensions, and may solve your problem right there - give a very slight tug on the needle if it is still attached at the upper insert area and it may come right up. (MAY. Key word.)
Right, so let's assume the needle is still in there:
If you have the top-drop in system and the entire needle is lost in there somewhere: remove the bobbin and shine a light down into the bobbin case. If you can see the needle, use a pair of tweezers to carefully remove the needle from the case. This should solve your problem, but be sure to follow the starred tip above to avoid a repeat.
If you have the front or side load bobbin system and the needle is lost in there somewhere: remove the bobbin and case, shine a light as above...
If the needle is still attached at the upper insert area and releasing the tension didn't get it out of the bobbin area, OR if completely lost in there and the above didn't help: you need to carefully pack it and go back to the store where you bought it (unless you got it at a big-box like WalMart or Target) and throw yourself on their mercy. Because it's a brand new machine the store will help you, usually free of charge, and will also help you figure out how it all happened so that it doesn't happen again.
But if you got it at a big-box, you're going to need to take it to a real sewing centre. Their on-site techs will charge you a small amount to retrieve your needle and figure out how it happened. They'll also try to sign you up for one of their classes - if you can afford it, do sign up, those classes are wonderful, you get so much more from your sewing machine if you take the classes offered, you really do.
Er, btw, if you did buy your machine at a big-box and then have to take it to a sewing centre, be prepared for them to sneer at your 'cheap' machine, and try to push you into one of their more expensive machines.
Their machines are great but I sewed for over ten years on a 'cheap' WalMart Singer (built and bought in early '94), and nearly all the things I sewed on that machine are still in my wardrobe or in my home! My daughter-in-law is now sewing on that 'cheap' WalMart Singer and wouldn't trade it for the world.
I needed to take my 'cheap' Singer to a centre a few months after I started using it (um, I ran it way too fast and broke the needle off into the bobbin casing.) The tech dissed my little darling but I held my ground lol! The same man praises that machine to the heavens when my DIL takes it to him now for an annual service, lololololol!
Great information in this answer. I can't improve on it. I just have a suggestion..... when I change my needle I place an index card or a piece of fabric over the area covering my feed dogs. That keeps it from slipping into the nether parts of the machine.
I have an American Home machine and need to work on it. I would like to have a manual so I can order a belt for the bobbin winder, and a full size belt. Also I'm not sure, but part of my tension assembly is missing, so I need to figure out how to fix that. It was handed down to me by my aunt Loma and I want it to work again.
By Dolly from Butte, MT
I found a few websites for what you might be looking for. Manuals for your sewing machine. Good Luck! pages.sewing-machine-manuals.com/
Found this manual for sale on Ebay. www.ebay.com/
That Manual sounds like what you are looking for and its under $10.00. Hope it helps. Myra
Dolly, Did you find the manual? I just bought this exact same machine. I don't know anything about it. Glorianne
I have a Singer Futura CE-200 and it jammed and since then it has been sewing in the wrong direction (fabric feeds towards me not away from me) if that makes sense. Any ideas how to fix this or where to go for help? I appreciate any help with this. Thanks in advance :)
By tterrim
Have you done the safe reboot recommended in the manual? If yes and that didn't solve the problem, you need to take your machine to a Singer dealer and have the brand certified tech fix it. The reboot is the ONLY user approved 'fix attempt', anything else will kill your installed software AND void your warranty.
I am not able to give you an answer but If your sewing machine is feeding fabric in the wrong direction, isn't it the same problem as a machine stuck in reverse ? And in this case, there is a Thriftyfun guide about this problem. I hope it will help you.
Catherine
The foot pedal on the machine works, but causes the machine to make a humming sound. I tried a different one and it doesn't do that. What's causing it?
Because of thread jammed around the hand wheel after I took off the clutch knob and cleared it out I'm unable to put in back together. There is an "o-ring" thing that won't stay in place while I screw it back together.
My Cooper Pro 6000 sewing machine has suddenly run away with itself! I switched it off and removed the clogged thread, switched it back on and it started racing off without me touching foot control or anything else. Any suggestions?
There could be a short in the wiring of the foot pedal.
I've just picked up an older sewing machine, a Brother Pacesetter, and the stitch regulator knob needs to be put back in with a small screw which came with the machine. How do I reattach it?
If you are having a problem with this sewing machine I would suggest that you download the manual. Inside the manual is the different parts of the machine and how to assemble the machine. You can find the manual in a PDF file here:
www.manualslib.com/
I have a Euro Pro sewing machine, model 9106. My machine was just serviced and oiled. It has been back 1 day.
Now the fly wheel will not advance forward to pull the bobbin thread up. What is wrong?Do you expect the service shop to warranty their work? If you can't get the machine to work take it back and ask for their expert to fix it. Perhaps an apprentice did the service job? Don't leave the shop until you're sure the machine is working properly.
I have a Veritas 8014/26. It was the first sewing machine my mother ever got, so I love it really much! It seems that the "zig zag" feature has a problem. When you choose the zig zag stitching, the needle does not seem to cover the right distance (from left to right and backwards).
Where should I look to find the problem?Does your machine have a stitch width dial? If so check that it's a distance that you want or require. Hope this helps!
My machine keeps stitching 2 stitches forward and 2 back. It is almost like back stitching. It does it in every stitch setting. It will not stitch just a basic straight stitch.
I originally had it in the straight stitch setting then switched to a different stitch and when I went back it started doing this. Help!Your machine is a 'mechanical' machine - it may be something inside has worn or snapped. It's not a very old model machine, I think Elna began making these in the very late 90s or early 2000s, and while in most minds that doesn't actually make it a 'vintage' machine, and while Elna are is one of the best sewing machine manufacturers today, parts do wear with time and sewing hours, and it sounds as though that's what is causing your problem now.
I could be wrong, though, about it being a worn part...Do you have the instruction manual? I tried to find a free download - no joy - so without the manual about all I can suggest is for you to check ALL your settings to be sure you've not accidentally left one setting unchanged back to forward straight sewing. Next would be to be sure there is no obvious lint or thread fluff clogging the bobbin or tension discs (doubt that the problem but it can't hurt to check:). If that doesn't get your machine back to straight, forward stitching, it's time for a visit to the repair tech. Be sure you use one adverting he/she is experienced with Elna machines, and it would be best if the tech can prove he/she is 'factory trained/authorised' for best results.
I do repair refurb on Singers for my Sewing 101 students here in Scotland where I live - I don't have any experience at all on an Elna and sewing machines DO vary between makers.
I just purchased a Brother sewing machine and it will not keep the presser foot in the upright position. Any suggestions? It has been working great and I changed the presser foot today and now it won't stay up.
It will let me sew, but is a pain to move the material around when the foot won't stay up. Thank you.As this is a recent purchase, you should contact the seller or the Brother website to correct the problem.
On my White 505, to fill the bobbin I turn the clutch nut counterclockwise, put bobbin on spindle and push bobbin winder to right and then fill bobbin. When the bobbin is full, I push the bobbin winder to the left and turn the clutch nut clockwise to engage the sewing mechanism.
Now the clutch nut will not turn back and catch, so the sewing mechanism cannot engage. Can I fix this myself? I had the machine overhauled last year. I haven't used it a lot, but it worked fine and now this.Good to hear you take your vintage White sewing machine for regular servicing:) Among other things, the repair tech would have checked your machine over for potential problems in addition to the servicing he/she performed for you last year. Unfortunately what you're describing (a worn/broken bobbin gear assembly) is next to impossible to see coming.
You're going to need to do one of two things - first, take the machine back to the repair tech to have the gear and/or assembly replaced. Or two - decide if you want to spend the money to have the machine restored to sewing condition or replace the machine with a comparably-featured new machine under warranty.
Vintage machines are wonderful for so many reasons (your gran sewed your christening dress on it, your mum sewed your wedding dress on it, you've been sewing your children/spouse/friends gifties on it...) but most vintage electric machines have a very real drawback - parts wear out or break under use, and like 'classic' cars, once the parts start to go it's usually better to replace the money pit, er, vintage machine for something newer. Understand the new machine will eventually become vintage and go through the same money pit problems as the one you replaced - it's the nature of machinery since silicone, plastic, and rubber parts started going on sewing machines in the mid-late 60s.
Vintage non-electrics are different in that all the parts except the belts are made of steel and/or iron, and service manuals to maintain-repair-refurbish-restore are available online for free downloads. Tools needed are inexpensive and usually right there in your household toolbox. Service manuals for 'modern' electrics can cost high three and four digit figures in every currency (I live in the UK after several decades in the US) and require specialised tool kits.
I teach Sewing 101 here in Scotland and do repair-refurb work on my student's machines but prefer to avoid the 'modern' vintage electrics as those do have a tendency to become money pits for their owners.
Best wishes no matter what you decide - think on this, though, if you see repairs as a money saver - repairs on a money pit are never a money saver. If you have sentimental attachments to your current machine, put it on display in your sewing area or family room, and sew on a new, under warranty machine.
I have a Brother Project Runway limited addition sewing machine. The top of the machine has a plastic bobbin on it. I want to change the bobbin, but for some reason it won't come off please help.
It won't come off, nothing is working.You can contact the manufacturer for help for your problem. This website address takes you to the Brother project runway customer service page:
www.brother-usa.com/
After I use the scissor feature on my machine, there's a clicking sound as I take the very next stitch. What am I doing wrong? Is there something wrong with my machine?
I am having trouble with my sewing machine. I just was given a Spartan 192k. I am just learning. It was working great until I had to put new thread on the bobbin. I did that by following the instructions and watching a youtube video.
Now when I go and put everything like it should be and try to sew my needle arm won't go up and down. It does manually, but won't move an inch when I use the foot pedal. Please help.Oh you lucky sewer! I've been looking for a Singer Spartan for YEARS!! I live in Scotland where the Spartans were made at the Kilbowie plant (near Glasgow) and while the 99s (which is identical to the Spartan except the 99 is larger; the 99, btw, is the 3/4 version of the 66!) and 66s are everywhere to be found, the Spartans are rarer than hen teeth. You lucky, lucky sewer!
Now, look for a repair tech who understands these glorious ladies and has access to parts - you need a new rubber bobbin ring, and possibly a new belt as well. Both parts are inside, and a repair tech will usually be able to find the rings and belts at a better price than you can find on the retail market.
Still, if you Google (or Bing or whatever you prefer for a search engine) you may find a refurb how-to to do the work yourself, and links to the parts available in your area too. I do refurb work here in Scotland and as a 58yo woman with little mechanical skills I can tell you this IS a do-able bit of work if you are interested. Be warned, it's addictive:)
I had recently detail cleaned my Brother model ce-5000prw Project Runway machine a few weeks ago. And had just started sewing projects, by my second project my bottom stiches are loose and messy tangled bunches. I'm positive it's the tension, but I went to turn it down and it's stuck on 8. I can turn it up to 9. I've read the manual several times, but I haven't found a resolution.
I've put the foot down and I've turned it on/off. Please don't tell me I have to take it apart again. This is my first Brother, it's 5 years old now I did buy it new. But all my life I only owned Singer so I'm kinda lost on fixing it. Please help. I've got small kids and I swear they rip up there clothing hourly. lol
How frustrating! One thing I find on my own machines when they are doing this is that usually something is threaded wrong. You may want to try step by step re-threading everything, including the bobbin, making sure that it is not in backwards. It may also be a good idea to use some canned air around the feed dog/ bobbin case to blow out any stray lint you may have missed as this can also cause the bobbin thread to wad up like this. If this does not fix your problem, you just may need to take apart the tension mechanism and make sure that you have put it together correctly.
I have a Brother PS-35 sewing machine which I've had for twelve years. It hasn't been used for approximately nine years so I thought it was in good condition. I was going to use it, but once plugged in the light did not work and it didn't operate at all. Dead. 
I have replaced the amp in the plug hoping that would fix it, but it still doesn't work. I then noticed a crack by the pedal's port on the machine and one of the pins has dropped (see pic).
Any ideas how much this would cost to repair? I'm in London, UK.
I'm in NE Scotland where the repair would cost you around £80 - the going rate on vintage machines is £40 just to have a look (usually collected from a sewing centre collection point once a week by a repair tech, very few centres have on-site techs anymore) and then another average of £25-£40 for parts and labour.
As you're in London, the cost will be higher, especially if you chose a reputable, quality repair tech to do the work - figure on at least £100. Be sure to enquire if the estimated cost will include a full servicing. Most reputable repair techs will do a full service on machines requiring repair as a courtesy but you must ask for the servicing and enquire if there will be an additional cost.
Of course, you can always choose to go with a bargain repair tech - in which case you can expect your vintage Brother to have become a money pit requiring ever increasing repair work.
Why is my thread trimmer clutch getting stuck with my thread trimmer clutch lever assembly?
I do vintage standard domestic machine repairs here in the UK for my sewing students and so don't have any real experience with sergers - that said, have you made sure you've cleaned ALL the lint and fluff you can see without taking anything apart from the clutch area?
Use the maintenance pages from your user guide to do a thorough cleaning - it might just be what gets your machine back to sewing.
Don't use canned air to attempt a clean, btw, you'll just force those minuscule bits of fluff and lint deeper into places you won't be able to see and likely don't have the tools or expertise to reach.
If a careful clean-up doesn't solve your issue it's time to take the machine to a repair tech with experience with sergers.
My Memory 7 model 5001 sewing machine seems to be locked up. It powers up, but the wheel will not turn the needle. I cleaned the dust out by the needle. It has been sitting a while. I hope you can help.
By Kathy H.
Make sure you don't have a wadding of thread down under the bobbin area. And you also may need to oil it if it has been sitting very long.
I do wonder if anyone out there can help on this one. Why has my grandmother's 80 year old hand-crank 'Kenbar' sewing machine suddenly started 'skipping' stitches and puckering up the material? It's been an absolute treasure until now!
By CK
Try to adjust the tension. Also check that the foot feed is moving properly.
I have an Empisal Dressmaker 328D. The feed dog is not working. I opened the machine and found that a spring was broken. I can replace the spring myself, but I cannot figure out where the spring goes. Can anyone assist?
By Adrian
