Did you know around 80% of all sewing issues are related to the needle? The needle is one of the most vulnerable items on your sewing machine. Anytime your machine’s needle may get stuck. So there is no alternative to being very careful. However, despite being cautious, you will see that your needle gets stuck in a down position.
No worries, where there is a problem, there is a solution. We are here to deal with this problem. You would be glad to know that this post contains both the solutions and the causes of such an incident. It will help avoid them better.
Causes and Solutions to Sewing Machine Needle Stuck in Down Position
Here we go for a detailed guide on the primary causes as well as their solutions. These will brilliantly help you accomplish your project in no time. Want to get the best part? Please move on!
Reason 1: Incorrect Needle Insertion
Sometimes we make mistakes in inserting the needle and pay for that. There is a holder in every sewing machine. When you fail to place it there, it gets stuck.
Apart from that, if you employ the wrong needle, you will see the lower and upper threads missing the line. Consequently, you will have nothing but some ugly-looking skipped stitches. It means your thread pulls short. At a stage, you will see your machine is getting jammed because of a stuck needle. As a result, there are threads below and above your fabric!
Solution
To solve this problem, you need to apply the apt procedure. Here’s how!
First, to release the current needle, you have to unscrew the holder. Remember, choosing the right size and type of needle is very crucial. After selecting one, let the flat side of the needle face the rear of your machine.
In the second step, push the needle upwards so far it can reach. Then screw the holder in a way so that the needle can get the correct position.
There are no two ways of rethreading the machine. Simply put, you have to unthread your machine and then thread it again.
Be very careful, at any point, the chances of avoiding skimming are high. Verify that the thread is running in order through tension grooves.
The thread spool may mount sideways too. In that case, it would help if you ensured that it comprises a snug fit having the right position. Also, you will have to prevent a smooth motion. For that, it will be wise to check the portions where a thread might get tangled. Especially, be careful while you are on the spool edges.
Only these two can be a sheer solution to this problem.
Reason 2: The Needle Didn’t Go Further up the Holder
This is another common issue. It frequently happens with beginners. So it would help best if you spent enough time getting accustomed. Everything will be alright!
See, to secure the correct shaft length, your needle has to go up the holder. At the same time, it should reach the farthest point. Only that? No, it additionally needs to resist the excess from getting stuck downwards in the machine.
Solution
You have to set the needle once again to get rid of this problem. How would you do that? Well, you need to follow some steps. These are as follows!
First, unscrew the holder to release it provided that you already have the needle in the machine. Afterward, look for any deformity. Do NOT use the needle if you find any damage. Generally, such a problem occurs within a minute.
Next, get another one. This time, you have to set the needle on the flat side. And don’t forget to let it face the rear of your machine. Here you need to push the needle upwards and have a quick look to monitor the process.
Finally, the needle should be at the farthest end of the holder. Then screw it to secure it and keep sewing on another piece of garment.
Reason 3: Not Oiling the Sewing Machine
You may suffer needle issues due to a lack of oiling. No matter if it is electrical or not, it needs oiling. A sewing machine has some movable parts. A case of friction may affect it which results in jamming. Oiling minimizes the rate of friction and ensures sound operation.
Solution
So you can understand that there is only one solution to this problem and it is nothing but regular oiling. In this regard, the user manual can be of great help. It vividly says which parts need oiling and how to do that efficiently.
However, refrain from over-oiling! It can cause leaks or stains on your garment. And dare not apply any lubricant to this. Rather, you will have special sewing machine oil out there in markets. It would help best if you used such a machine oil.
Reason 4: Improper Threading of the Bobbin
When you fail to thread the bobbin appropriately, you will get your needle stuck in a downward position. It happens. Sometimes we cannot figure this out.
Solution
Want to get relief? Okay, then remove your bobbin from the machine and at the same time unwind the thread. This is the only way to solve this issue. No worries, the user manual will ease the task with its clear direction.
Some machines are indeed very strict regarding this. So it will be wise to thread the bobbin on a medium tension. Following that, insert the bobbin again. Let the thread feed well through the tension slots bobbin case.
Afterward, catch your bobbin thread with the help of your handwheel. Make sure that you pull it above the faceplate. However, please don’t leave the bobbin thread beneath the plate. It will save you from jamming.
It would help if you had an additional threaded bobbin during the operation. You could have been free from re-threading then. It eases your task in a fast-paced environment. Moreover, monitor if there are any tangles and knots.
Reason 5: Dull or Broken Needle
You might have your sewing machine jammed due to a dull, broken, or bent needle. It happens because of over-stressing or hitting the pins. Else, your needle may turn into a bent needle due to very high tension or heavier fabric. As a result, it gets jammed in bobbin parts. A more terrific thing is- it can damage the other parts of the machine.
Solution
Let us tell you about the solution now. First, you have to unscrew the needle holder to release your needle. Choose a flat surface. Let lay it down there to scrutinize it for any bends.
Apart from this, it would help if you used a new needle in case of further doubt. However, ensuring the right size and type is crucial. Then it’s time to fix it on the machine. Make sure that it reaches the farthest upwards. This assurance will resist such a needle issue.
Reason 6: A Dirty Machine
Quite sure that you won’t deny this. A sewing machine gets lots of dust, thread pieces, lint, and dirt on its different parts while working. And when you neglect cleaning from time to time, you will get your needle stuck.
The fact is, a gravitational force draws the debris downwards from the garment. When they get mixed with machine oil, they give birth to such a problem.
Solution
First of all, examine your machine’s all accessible parts. It would help best if you employed a cotton swab, paintbrush, or tweezers for the removal of dirt and build-up. Remember, the cleaning process should be slow.
And if you want to clean as much dirt as possible, try to disassemble some parts. You will be able to clean thoroughly.
And coat the parts with machine oil that crystals. It will soften them and leverage you to segment and clean easily. Overall, if you don’t want to see your machine end up freezing, you better ensure regular cleaning.
Pro-Tips for Preventing Sewing Machine Needles from Getting Stuck
- Having talked to a number of sewing experts, we prepared this set of tips. Would you mind covering them one by one?
- You had better ensure a clean machine. It would help best if you cleaned it at 2\3 days intervals. This way, you can thwart the fluff, lint, dust, and dirt from getting stuck in the machine. Better secure a small rush that features firm bristles for cleaning.
- Never compromise a good-quality thread, okay! A poor-quality thread catches lint frequently and compels your needle to get stuck.
- Make sure that there is sufficient tension in the upper thread. Also, have an eagle eye to discover tangles in your bobbin. It can result in minimized tension otherwise. No worries, re-threading is a good solution if it occurs often.
- See, there are some rotatable parts in your sewing machine. It would help best if you cleaned them from time to time. It will ensure seamless sewing. For a better result, you may prioritize using canned air to say goodbye to the residues in the bobbin section.
- Verify whether the feed dog is working for you or not. If negative, then let not any dirt be accumulated in the bobbin section. Here, cleaning and adjustment are both important.
The selection of needles is also vital. It should not have any deformity. And as we said earlier that the size and type must be apt.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Question: How often should you change the sewing machine needle?
Answer: You better use a new needle for each new project. It minimizes the risk of a bent or broken needle.
Question: How to fit a new needle in your sewing machine?
Answer: You need to put a piece of paper beneath the foot of your machine to fit another needle. Then the next job is to loosen the screw-securing needle.
No worries, a new needle will easily fit due to the flexible shank model of your sewing machine. The flat portion of the shank faces the machine’s rear.
Question: What to do if my needle does not go up and down?
Answer: Unplug your sewing machine and then look at the drive belt to see any disorder. Perhaps your handwheel clutch has been disengaged. If the drive belt is broken, replace it. On the other hand, an internal drive gear failure might be the culprit.
Question: How do you unstick a sewing machine needle?
Answer: Use the handwheel to raise the needle to its farthest position. If it does not fix, get your handwheel back and forth. Chances are there- the needle will loosen.
Wrapping Up
Now even if your sewing machine needle is stuck in the down position, you don’t need to worry at all. You have some tremendous solutions.
It was an endeavor to make you thoroughly familiar with needle issues. Also, it aims to enable you to help handle your sewing machine void of some common hassles. Hopefully, you are far more confident than ever before. Stay good, and stay hassle-free! Happy sewing!
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