Sewing Machine Foot Control Too Fast – Reasons and Solutions
A sewing machine foot control is one of the most important attachments of a sewing machine. It is also called a pedal.
Besides, its main function is to control the sewing machine foot. Like any part, it can develop problems; for example, the speed can be too fast.
It is best to investigate this issue to find out the possible cause of the problem. Likewise, you need to know some of the common causes to identify where to start your troubleshooting process.
Also, there’s no point in knowing the causes without knowing how to solve or stop them. That’s why you also need to know the solutions to these causes.
This article aims to highlight some of the reasons a sewing machine foot control will run too fast. It will also highlight solutions to these causes.
What Makes Sewing Machine Foot Control Too Fast?
Contents
There are several reasons why a sewing machine foot control becomes too fast. And like most causes, there is a way to avoid or tackle them.
The following are some of the causes and solutions to the causes of this unique problem.
1. The Foot Pedal Might Be Unresponsive
An unresponsive pedal is one of the reasons the speed becomes too fast. What this means is that the pedal will not respond to commands you give it.
For instance, you may be sewing at high speed. Then you want to slow down the speed by pressing your foot on the pedal slowly. However, it may refuse to respond and continue running at high speed.
It is attributed to a problem with electrical parts inside the machine. Faulty electrical parts cause the pedal not to supply the correct amount of current to the motor. An example is a problem with the rheostat.
Solution – Get the Machine Repaired
Solving this problem requires knowledge of electric parts. If you have this knowledge, you can do it yourself. But, if you do not know, never go for a trial and error process because you may damage the sewing machine.
Instead, take your machine to a skilled technician. The technician can either fix the parts or replace them with new ones.
2. Irregularities in the Current
Irregularities in current from the foot control to the machine cause the machine’s foot control to run at a varying speed.
In normal circumstances, the sewing machine foot control should be able to run at any speed. However, if the foot control cannot run at all speeds, that is a cause for alarm.
But, you should not be anxious too much because the problem is not the sewing machine itself. Rather it’s the electronics inside the sewing machine foot control.
Solution – Replace the Damaged Parts that Cause Current Irregularities
The best solution for this problem is to look at the foot control or get it checked by a veteran technician to see if it has broken parts. It is possible that it is scratched and it has become loose. Then, you can either replace or repair the damaged parts.
3. Foot Pedal Not in Place
If the sewing machine foot control is not in place, it may run too fast too. That’s because the foot control moves around as you sew, or you may move out of its place by accident.
It tends to be more slippery or move around when using it on wooden floors, tiled floors, or hard floors.
Solution – Use a New Mat to Keep Foot Control
Getting a non-slip mat or non-skid pad and placing the foot control on it as you sew is a viable solution. It will help the foot to stay in one place as you sew.
Another option is to use a footrest as a sewing machine foot stabilizer. You can do this by not lifting the foot too much from the foot control. At the same time, you need to place your heel on the ground closest to the foot. So, it will help you not to lift your foot too much.
4. There Can Be Voltage Spikes in the Sewing Machine
High voltage input causes spikes on electric devices. If the power spikes are regular, they pose a huge threat to safety. That’s because they can cause a fire.
For sewing machines, the foot has a high chance of causing fire if spikes occur on the cord or the actual machine. That’s because the foot is placed directly on the floor. In addition, if there is high voltage input, the sewing machine foot may also run too fast.
Solution – Use Surge Protector
To solve this problem, use a surge protector. A surge protector limits voltage input in electric devices such as sewing machines. It blocks or shorts spikes, thereby helping you have stable output.
It will help you to avoid fires that could result from spikes caused by your sewing machine.
5. There Can Be Improper Foot Pedal Adjustments
You can make adjustments to your sewing machine foot control at any time. For instance, you may want to adjust the sewing machine foot control, so it either runs at a slow or fast speed. You can do this by turning the screw or dial on the foot control.
But, sometimes mistakes happen. For example, you may end up adjusting the speed wrongly. If you adjust this feature in the wrong way, you will distort the speed of the sewing machine. One of the results may be the foot control running too fast.
Solution – Adjust Foot Pedal Correctly
It is best to always consult your sewing machine manual before making any adjustments on both the foot and other sewing machine parts. The manual gives a lot of information about how you can go about making adjustments to certain parts.
If you suspect you made wrong adjustments to the sewing machine foot speed, still use the manual to discover how to do it properly. The manual will even tell you where to find the sewing machine foot dial or screw.
6. Your Foot Pedal Might Be Old
We sometimes hear that old is gold, but not for sewing machine foot pedals. Some people use old foot pedals for a long time such that they are almost at the end of their life span.
Such foot pedals cause problems. One example of these problems is making the foot run too fast. If this happens, the sewing process will not be effective.
Solution – Replace Old Foot Pedal
As much as you may favor your old foot pedal, the best solution for this is to replace it. This way, the sewing process will be effective.
You can get your sewing machine serviced every two or three years by a technician. It also means getting your sewing machine foot pedal checked too.
How often you should replace the foot depends on your technician’s advice concerning your foot’s functionality. It is also dependent on how you view its functionality.
But as long as you have it checked every time you service your sewing machine, you have little to nothing to worry about it.
7. Dirt Buildup in the Foot Pedal
Dirt is bound to build upon anything, including electronic devices, especially if it is constantly touching the ground or not being used or moved.
Besides, dirt or debris buildup causes a lot of issues in a sewing machine. One such issue is foot or pedal malfunction.
It’s easy for the sewing machine foot pedal to collect dirt because it rests on the floor most of the time. Dust or debris can also build up if you have not used the sewing machine for a long time.
Solution – Regular Cleaning
Cleaning is the best way to solve this problem. Make it a point to always clean parts of the sewing machine. You can do it as often as possible. You can use a mini-vacuum or small brush to remove the dirt or debris.
Besides, you can also consider covering your sewing machine when you are not using it. It will prevent dirt or debris buildup.
Are Sewing Machine Foot Pedals Interchangeable?
Yes and no. Some machines will have interchangeable pedals while others will not. The interchangeability of the sewing machine pedal is dependent on the model of the sewing machine.
One can interchange the pedals belonging to sewing machines of the same model. However, for old machines, there may be difficulties interchanging the pedal with a high-end one.
The reason is that sewing machines have undergone many changes such that old ones are quite different from newer ones. But, it is easy to interchange pedals for high-end modern sewing machines.
How Do You Slow Down a Foot Pedal on a Sewing Machine?
Slowing down the foot pedal is easy. All you need to do at this point is turn the dial or screw on the sewing machine pedal. But to avoid causing problems, you can refer to your sewing machine manual.
The manual will show you where to find the dial or screw. It will also show you the steps you should follow to adjust it. Then, if you are still unsure about the process, it is safe to consult a technician.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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