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Reverse sewing is for securing the ends of your threads and reinforcing seams. It’s an important feature that was added to sewing machines decades ago. However, you’d never want to sew your entire project in reverse.
I’m sorry you’re having issues with your reverse lever. Here are five reasons why your sewing machine can get stuck in reverse, and what to do about each one.
Your Feed Dogs Are Jammed
Thread, lint, and dust can get stuck in your feed dogs and cause them to get jammed. When this happens, sometimes you can’t sew forward, but you can still sew in reverse. The thread and lint can also cause your feed dogs to get stuck in the reverse setting. Clean your sewing machine, paying special attention to your feed dogs and bobbin case.
Your Backstitch Lever Is Broken
Your backstitch lever is durable, but it can break and make your machine get stuck in reverse. The spring on your backstitch lever can also get bent. This repair is complex and best taken care of by a sewing machine repair technician.
Your Backstitch Lever Is Jammed
If a loose thread has gotten inside your machine, it can wrap around your backstitch lever and prevent your sewing machine from sewing forward. This is rare, but it’s possible for both thread and lint to jam your reverse-stitching mechanism. Open your sewing machine panel and make sure it is clean of thread, lint, and dust.
You’ve Selected a Buttonhole Stitch
Buttonhole stitches typically start by sewing in reverse. If you are not creating a buttonhole, make sure that your sewing machine stitch is not set to buttonhole. You might have forgotten to switch it back to a standard straight or zigzag stitch.
Your Computer Software Is Malfunctioning
Just like all computers, computerized sewing machines can have software problems. Turn your sewing machine off and then back on again. Sometimes this hard reset of the software fixes the problem. If your computer software continues to malfunction, you’ll need to take it to a sewing machine repair technician or back to the manufacturer to have the computer software reinstalled.
Did you find this article helpful?
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Thanks for explaining that computer software can cause issues for the sewing machine. I have a sewing machine that I bought a few years ago, and I noticed that the needle isn’t moving even when it’s on. I’d like to get it repaired, so I’ll try taking it to a shop.
I just cleaned my sewing machine and when I trsted it, it would only sew in reverse. I was SO confused. 😫
Thank goodness I found your article and figured out that I had changed the stitch to ‘button hole’ when oiling it…
Something so simple!! 🤣
Thank you so so much, saved me loads of time and money.