20 Common Sewing Machine Problems & Simple Fixes

Sewing for Beginners can be exciting… until your machine jams, skips stitches, or refuses to start. 😫 Sound familiar?

I’ve been there many times. When I first started learning Basic Sewing Skills, I felt defeated every time my sewing machine acted up.

But over the years, through trial, error, and countless hours spent under the machine’s hood, I learned how to troubleshoot and fix the most common issues myself. In this post, I’ll walk you through 20 common sewing machine problems and how to fix them, step-by-step, just like I would if I were sitting right beside you.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or trying to master Sewing for Beginners, this detailed guide is your lifesaver.

1. Thread Bunching Under Fabric (Bird Nesting)

Problem: Ugly thread tangles underneath the fabric.

How to Fix It:

Re-thread the top thread (not just the bobbin).
Make sure the presser foot is up when threading.
Check tension settings; adjust to default if needed.
Clean lint from the bobbin case and throat plate.

Real tip: When I first started using my sewing machine, bird nesting made me cry. The fix? I simply wasn’t raising my presser foot before threading.

2. Skipped Stitches

Problem: The needle pierces fabric but doesn’t catch the thread.

How to Fix It:

Use the correct needle size and type.
Replace dull or bent needles.
Rethread both top and bobbin threads.
Check if the fabric matches the needle type.
Inspect timing (consult manual or technician).

For Sewing for Beginners, knowing the right needle-fabric combo is a vital Basic Sewing Skill.

3. Needle Breaking

Problem: The needle breaks mid-seam.

How to Fix It:

Do not pull the fabric while sewing.
Use the correct needle for the fabric.
Tighten the needle screw securely.
Ensure the needle is inserted correctly (flat side facing the correct direction).

From my personal experience, most needle breaks happened when I was sewing thick fabric with the wrong needle. Always check compatibility.

4. Machine Not Sewing

Problem: The machine is on, but nothing happens.

How to Fix It:

Check if the presser foot is down.
Make sure the bobbin winder isn’t engaged.
Ensure the feed dogs are up.
Rethread everything.

5. Thread Keeps Breaking

Problem: Frustrating thread snaps every few inches.

How to Fix It:

Replace the needle (burrs can cut thread).
Reduce top thread tension slightly.
Use good-quality thread.
Check the thread path for burrs or sharp edges.

My low-budget thread used to snap constantly—switching to a quality thread was a game-changer.

6. Uneven or Loose Stitches

Problem: Stitches look messy or inconsistent.

How to Fix It:

Balance the tension (start at default settings).
Keep pressure even on the fabric.
Clean lint and re-oil the machine.
Match the needle and thread type.

Learning to balance stitch tension is a foundational Basic Sewing Skill every beginner must learn.

7. Fabric Not Moving

Problem: The fabric stays stuck under the needle.

How to Fix It:

Engage the feed dogs.
Check the presser foot pressure.
Don’t force fabric; guide it gently.
Clean lint under the throat plate.

8. Machine Making Loud Noises

Problem: Clunking, rattling, or grinding sounds.

How to Fix It:

Stop and unplug the machine immediately.
Remove the needle plate and bobbin.
Clean and oil as per the manual.
Replace broken needles.

Loud noises = STOP. A little oil and cleaning fixed 80% of my noise problems.

9. Bobbin Thread Not Catching

Problem: You lower the needle, but no bobbin thread appears.

How to Fix It:

Rethread the top and bobbin completely.
Make sure the needle is installed correctly.
Clean the bobbin area.
Reset timing if needed (seek help if unsure).

10. Needle Won’t Move

How to Fix It:

Check if the machine is in bobbin winding mode.
Remove and reinsert the bobbin.
Reset or reboot the machine.
Seek technical help if frozen.

11. Presser Foot Issues

Problem: The Presser foot doesn’t lower or apply pressure.

How to Fix It:

Check the presser foot lever.
Adjust pressure settings.
Make sure it’s attached properly.

12. Feed Dogs Not Working

Problem: The Fabric isn’t feeding through.

How to Fix It:

Check the feed dog switch; raise it.
Remove the plate and clean the lint buildup.
Apply sewing machine oil.

13. Machine Won’t Turn On

How to Fix It:

Check the power switch and cord.
Try another outlet.
Reset the circuit breaker.

If all else fails, it could be a blown fuse or internal wiring—contact a technician.

14. Fabric Gets Stuck

Problem: The Material is trapped under the needle.

How to Fix It:

Stop immediately.
Raise the needle and presser foot.
Gently wiggle the fabric free.
Clean under the needle plate.

15. Tension Problems

How to Fix It:

Set to factory tension settings (usually “4” or “auto”).
Test on scrap fabric.
Rethread completely.

Sewing for Beginners tip: Always test tension on scraps before real sewing.

16. Bobbin Winding Issues

How to Fix It:

Use the correct bobbin size.
Make sure the thread is properly tensioned.
Engage the bobbin winder.
Don’t overfill.

17. Needle Threader Not Working

How to Fix It:

Use a magnifying glass to check alignment.
Clean it.
Manually push the threader into place.

18. Inconsistent Stitch Length

How to Fix It:

Adjust the stitch length dial.
Test before sewing your main project.
Check feed dogs and tension.

19. Machine Sewing in Reverse

How to Fix It:

Check if the reverse lever is stuck.
Reset machine.
Clean and lubricate mechanisms.

20. Buttonhole Malfunctions

How to Fix It:

Attach the correct presser foot.
Set the machine to buttonhole mode.
Don’t skip any steps.

Sewing for Beginners often gets stuck here—watch YouTube demos from your specific machine brand.

Mastering Basic Sewing Skills Starts With Troubleshooting

Sewing isn’t just about fabric and threads, it’s about patience, persistence, and problem-solving. When you learn how to fix your sewing machine issues, you’ll feel more confident, save money, and enjoy your craft even more.

If you’re just starting your journey with Sewing for Beginners, tackling these common problems is a big step toward mastering the Basic Sewing Skills that will serve you for life.

Conclusion

Whether you’re just beginning or working to improve your Basic Sewing Skills, this guide will help you troubleshoot 90% of common issues. Don’t give up—your sewing journey will get easier with time, and knowing how to fix things gives you a huge boost in confidence.

Got questions about any of the steps above? Leave them in the comments or share your biggest sewing machine headache—I’d love to help!

FAQs

1. Why is my sewing machine skipping stitches?

Skipped stitches are typically caused by a bent or dull needle, an incorrect needle for the fabric, or incorrect threading. Make sure the needle is sharp, the right type (ballpoint for knits, sharp for wovens), and that you’ve rethreaded with the presser foot raised to ensure proper tension.

2. What causes thread bunching underneath the fabric?

Thread bunching (aka “bird nesting”) usually happens when the top thread isn’t threaded properly. Always thread your machine with the presser foot up, which ensures the tension discs are open to receive the thread. Check for lint in the bobbin area and adjust the upper thread tension if needed.

3. Why does my thread keep breaking when I sew?

This can happen for several reasons:

The needle is dull or nicked.
You’re using a cheap or old thread.
Tension is too tight.
The machine has a burr or rough edge along the thread path.

Try switching to a better thread brand and a fresh needle, and double-check tension settings.

4. How do I fix sewing machine tension problems?

Tension issues are a common headache, even for experienced sewists. To fix them:

Start by resetting the tension to default (usually around 4).
Rethread both the top and bobbin completely.
Test your stitches on scrap fabric.
If problems persist, your bobbin tension might need adjustment (rare, but possible).

5. Why does my sewing machine needle keep breaking?

The most common reasons:

Forcing fabric through the machine.
Using the wrong needle type or size.
Hitting a pin.
Misaligned needle insertion.

Always let the feed dogs do the work, never yank the fabric, and change the needle when switching fabric types.

6. How often should I change the sewing machine needle?

A general rule is every 8–10 hours of sewing, or at the start of a new project. If you hear a popping sound or see skipped stitches, change it sooner. This simple habit helps maintain good stitch quality and protects your fabric.

7. Why is my bobbin thread not catching?

Your needle may not be threaded correctly, or the needle may be inserted incorrectly. Also, make sure the bobbin is wound properly and inserted correctly, and that your needle is sharp and facing the right direction.

8. What should I do when my sewing machine won’t turn on?

First, check:

The power switch is on
The cord is plugged in
Outlet works (try a phone charger to test)

If all looks good, the problem may be a blown fuse, loose connection, or foot pedal malfunction. Try a different power source and inspect the pedal cord for damage.

9. How do I clean my sewing machine?

Here’s a beginner-friendly cleaning routine:

Unplug the machine.
Remove the presser foot, needle, bobbin, and plate.
Use a soft brush or mini vacuum to remove lint (avoid canned air—it can blow debris deeper inside).
Oil only where the manual recommends.
Clean every 2–5 projects or once per month.

10. Can I fix the sewing machine timing myself?

While advanced users may attempt this, timing issues usually require a technician. Signs of timing problems include:

The needle is moving but not catching the bobbin thread.

Loops or skipped stitches, no matter what you try.
If you’re mechanically inclined, YouTube tutorials exist—but if unsure, get professional help to avoid causing damage.

RELATED:

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I trust and believe will bring value to you.