Sewing Machine Jams After Few Stitches – Causes and Solutions
While using a sewing machine, individuals face significant difficulties when the machine jams after a few stitches. Sewers try all the possible solutions available but could not fix this specific issue.
Different causes are there which leads to this problem, and sometimes individuals cannot figure it out.
Suppose you are also going through the same hustle-bustle. Then, not to worry about it because we are now exploring the factors related to the jamming of sewing machines.
Stay tuned with us till the end as we will be going to explore all the related aspects. Moreover, this post will help you know about the causes and solutions to fix the issue.
Why Sewing Machine Get Jammed After a Few Stitches?
Contents
Let’s examine all the major causes and solutions behind sewing machine jams after a few stitches. We suggest you check out every point we discuss here to get the answer and fix the problem.
1. Your Feed Dogs Are Not Operating Properly
The tiny teeth known as feed dogs located underneath the needle are why the sewing machine is not functioning correctly.
Sometimes the feed dog stops working because of dust particles and other debris present in it.
Solution – Clean the Feed Dogs
If this problem arises, an individual needs to stop work for a while and lift the presser foot. Now make sure that it is in the appropriate position and clean the feed dogs.
Adjust them correctly according to the project. Because there is dust and debris in a place, the machine will not complete stitching seamlessly.
Thus, don’t forget to clean the entire machine to the core. It is essential to keep the feed dogs free from all such accumulated particles.
2. Wrong/Damaged Needle
The scenario is that needles are available according to the fabric you are using. Sometimes we don’t pay attention to the needle and start stitching.
At such moments, the sewing machine jams after a few stitch issues arise due to ignorance.
Solution – Change the Needle or Choose the Right One
We suggest you check out the fabric and the needle required. The complete list is available for checking out the needle according to the fabric you are using.
Don’t go for such needles which are not according to the fabric. Moreover, if the needles are damaged or broken at that point, you need to pay attention and replace them immediately.
If you wish to continue with the same needle, you might fail to complete the task at all.
3. Improper Upper Threading
Threading is an integral part whenever you are using the sewing machine. First, check out that you are correctly threading the machine as specified by the machine manufacturer.
If you do improper upper threading, it will lead to a jam. Likewise, if sufficient tension is not there in the upper thread, it will also lead to this problem.
Solution – Ensure Correct Threading
A necessary tension is essential to pull up the thread throughout the fabric whenever you use a sewing machine. In this case, remove the thread and put it again.
Check out all the instructions mentioned in the machine manual, and then try to use it again. When you perform the correct threading, it will be easy for you to use the machine efficiently.
Along with improper threading, sometimes, when the individual uses an inferior thread quality, the problem will arise. Thus, according to the fabric, pay attention to the quality of the thread as well.
4. Improper Bobbin Threading
Improper Bobbin threading is also the reason behind machine jamming. Bobbin appears to be simple, but this reaches a significant problem if you don’t do proper threading on it.
Solution – Inspect the Bobbin
Check out whether your machine has the front loading bobbin or any other type. Then, insert the bobbin and make sure that the thread has sufficient tensions available and it is working accordingly.
Use the handwheel and get to the bobbin thread. It will come out of the faceplate and leave the thread. Make sure not to leave the thread because it may cause jamming.
5. Wrong Presser Foot
A good working presser foot is essential in most sewing projects, but some special treatment is a must in some instances. For example, you need to check it out if you are using multiple layers or dealing with heavy layers.
Solution – Use Hump Jumper
You can use a handy tool known as a hump jumper. It comes with almost every machine to work in such activities.
Use this tool so that the problem of jamming will not arise. Additionally, the presser foot has a unique bottom quoted for reducing the friction on different kinds of fabrics. Check out the specifications of the machine and then fix the problem.
6. Poor Thread Quality
Never settle on low-quality because if you compromise with thread quality, it will reach unnecessary troubles. In the end, you will feel irritated while using the machine.
All threads have different textures available, and according to the fabric, you need to choose it.
Solution – Use the Right Thread of High-Quality
If it is of inferior quality, it begins to break under normal tension and makes you feel irritated. That’s why according to the project, choose the quality of the thread and then start using it.
If you have no clue about the requirements, you can check out the detailed guide available on online portals.
7. A Dirty Machine Jams Quite Often
Dirty machines are also the contributors to multiple problems. For example, sometimes, the sewing machine freezes after a specific use. So, if you neglect it and let the debris accumulate on machine parts, the sewing machine will start jamming.
Solution – Keep the Machine and Nearby Area Clean
Don’t set the machine in such surroundings where dust and debris factors can contribute to problems. Also, if you are using the machine regularly, you need to use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to remove the dust.
Essential areas to look for while cleaning your sewing machine include the following.
- Underneath the needle
- Bobbin area
- Handwheel section
- Other important parts
So, using the machine will not be your cup of tea until you reform all these factors.
8. Short Trailing Thread
We often use trailing stitches to create outlines. But if you use a short thread for trailing, it may jam your machine right after you make a few stitches.
Solution – Take Out and Resettle the Bobbin
Make sure to pull the bobbin thread over the faceplate and leave it several inches behind. Besides, ensure to leave sufficient thread to prevent it from being pulled down.
In case pulling happens, then also jamming will take place. So check it out and try to fix it immediately by removing the bobbin and putting it again at the place.
9. Machine Clogged at Some Point or Place
Multiple machine-specific issues are also there which reach this condition. For example, sometimes, the machine clogs at some point or place. At that moment, check it out and fix the issues.
It usually gives birth to many issues, like reverse function stuck in bobbin mode, software issues, foot pedal stuck, and hand wheel stick issues.
You need to check them out accordingly and then perform the solution available.
Solution – Fix Individual Parts
According to the problem arising, there is a specific solution available. For instance, if the handwheel is not working correctly, you will need to remove it and fix it again.
Sometimes, the threads occupy a place in it which reaches such a condition.
So, now you know the solutions to fix the sewing machine jamming issue. Grab any of the solutions according to the issue that arises and fixes your jamming machine immediately.
If not even a single solution works in your favor, approaching the sewing machine professional is the solution. The professional is aware of all the aspects from basic to advanced level.
How Often Should You Oil Sewing Machine?
Oiling your sewing machine is also an integral part of maintenance. You cannot use the machine without oiling because other parts of the machine get jammed and will not let you work appropriately.
Therefore, try to oil the machine after a couple of weeks. If you are not doing it, your machine might jam more often.
Also, if you are not a regular user, you can do oiling every four months. After oiling, use it for a while to check out whether it is working well or not. You can also approach a sewing machine professional to fix the issues arising.
How to Maintain a Sewing Machine to Prevent Jamming?
If you wish to prevent jamming, we suggest you oil the machine regularly. Remove all the dust so that it can work properly. Always use good quality sewing machine oil and remove all the dust deposits accumulated in it.
If you are not paying attention to the same, this is of no use for you, and you can’t use the machine like before. Also, make sure to put a protective cover on the sewing machine to prevent dust and debris which causes jamming.
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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