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You can’t finish your sewing project if your sewing machine won’t work. I’m sorry you’re having issues! Here are six reasons why your sewing machine can stop working suddenly, and what to do about each one.
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Your Thread Has Snagged
If your upper thread or your bobbin thread gets a knot or snags on something, this can make your sewing machine stop and jam up. This is especially true if your bobbin thread gets jammed. Check your bobbin case to make sure no thread or lint is blocking your hook. Clean your sewing machine frequently to get rid of any lint and thread.
Your thread is more likely to snag if it is thicker than standard thread, it is poor quality, or you wound your bobbin by hand. Always use a high-quality thread and make sure you don’t create knots while threading your sewing machine.
You Are Almost Out of Bobbin Thread
Newer sewing machines automatically stop when your bobbin thread is almost empty. If you have a computerized sewing machine, you will see a notification on your screen. Otherwise, wind a new bobbin and insert it into your bobbin case before you try sewing again.
Your Bobbin Winder Is Engaged
If your bobbin winder is engaged, your sewing machine will not sew. Be careful not to bump your bobbin winder while you sew because your sewing machine will stop working suddenly. This is more likely to happen on older sewing machines that have an inner wheel on the handwheel to engage your bobbin winder. It can come loose while you’re sewing.
Your Cord Is Loose
Your cord can come loose as you sew, especially if your table is vibrating a lot. If your cord is barely in, your sewing machine might work sometimes and not others. A tell-tale sign that your sewing machine cord has come loose is that your lightbulb will flicker or not turn on. If your sewing machine is running slowly, check your cord. There are two connection points to check — at your outlet and at your machine. Make sure that neither connection has come loose.
Your Belt Is Broken
It’s not common for the belt in your sewing machine to break, but it can happen. You can check for a broken belt by taking off the main panel of your sewing machine. The belt is much more likely to break on an old treadle sewing machine. Take your sewing machine to a repair technician to have your belt replaced.
You Are Overworking Your Sewing Machine
When the motor on your sewing machine gets too hot, it automatically shuts down to prevent damage to your machine. Your motor might be overheating if you’ve been sewing nonstop or sewing fast. Simply unplug your sewing machine and wait one hour or more to let it cool down. This is a good reminder to let yourself rest, too.
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I found it interesting when you talked about how a belt breaking in your sewing machine is something that isn’t very common. My wife is wanting to fix a couple of my jeans that have some tears in them, but her sewing machine isn’t working properly for her. It might be a good idea for my wife to find a professional to check if there is a problem with the belt.
It’s nice that you talked about how it is not common for the belt of the sewing machine to break, but it could still happen. My mother’s sewing machine stopped working earlier and we couldn’t figure out the exact reason. To be fair, we don’t exactly know how sewing machines work, so we should probably just let Brother sewing machine repair services handle it.