Be sure that your needle is not bent or broken and that it is inserted completely and screwed down tightly. Check that your bobbins are installed correctly. If they’re upside-down or backward, your machine might not work correctly. Check that your needle, thread weight, and fabric are compatible. A heavier fabric requires a larger needle and thicker thread.
Leave the needle threaded, but remove the switchplate, base cover(s), and bobbin case. Turn the hand wheel slowly to ensure that the shuttle hook is smoothly catching the thread. If it does not, you may need to adjust the timing. Use a ruler to measure the timing settings. Use the hand wheel to put the needle in the lowest position, then raise it 3/32 of an inch. The shuttle hook should meet the needle just above the eye while it is in this position. If it does not, you may need to adjust the timing.
You may need move the stitch position to a straight stitch, ensuring that the needle descends through the center of the switchplate hole, or you may need to move your needle to the widest zigzag position. Check with your manufacturer’s guidelines. If you haven’t already, remove the needlebar cover, the switchplate, the bobbin, and the cover from the base of the machine. [1] X Research source Gather any tools you may need, such as a small screwdriver, sewing machine oil, and a bright work light.
If timing marks are present, loosen the needlebar and slide it up or down to align the top timing mark just below the bottom of the timing bar bushing. If timing marks are not present, lower the needle completely with the hand wheel, then raise it 3/32 of an inch (2. 4mm). Adjust the needle’s height so that the needle eye is 3/32 of an inch below the point of the hook. [2] X Research source
Using the handwheel, lower the needlebar to its lowest position. Loosen the gears in the base of the machine. Make adjustments until the hook and needle are an appropriate distance apart, anywhere from 0. 04mm to 0. 1mm [3] X Research source or 0. 01-0. 16, depending upon the machine.
If you removed the thread from the needle, re-thread it. Continue to work with the bobbin area exposed. Turn the hand wheel slowly to ensure that the shuttle hook is smoothly catching the thread. If the hook catches the thread every time, your timing has been fixed.
Remove any lint or debris from gears and feed dogs. Consult your manual to find the specific areas that require oiling. Only use sewing machine-specific oil on your sewing machine.
The stitches should be even, with no skipped stitches or broken needles. If the problem has not been resolved, you may need to make further adjustments or consult a sewing machine repair person.
