A bent or misaligned needle can cause your Singer sewing machine needle not to be centered. Sometimes, the needle may not look appropriately centered due to its size. However, you don’t need to fix this if it doesn’t cause a disturbance in the functionality of the machine.
You can center the needle on a Singer sewing machine by fixing the needle position. Adjust the needle by twisting the set screw on the presser rod.
Reasons Behind Why My Singer Sewing Machine Needle Not Centered with Solutions
Needles on Singer sewing machines may not be perfectly centered. The reason is the variation in the size of the needle. Smaller needles will sit on one side of the needle hole, while the larger ones will seem more centered.
Reason 1: Not Perfectly Centered the Needle
Making the needle perfectly centered isn’t always a standard for Singer when they manufacture sewing machines. An allowable clearance is all they need so that the machine can function without any problem. Hence, it should not be an issue if the needle isn’t in the exact center position while it enters the needle plate’s hole.
But sometimes, there are other reasons for the needle not to be in the center position. Some don’t need fixing, as they don’t hamper the sewing operation. However, if the needle touches the side surface of the needle hole or one of the presser-foot toes, you will need to fix it.
Reason 2: The size of the Needle
In some Singer sewing machines, especially in the Featherweight variants, the size of the needle causes it to move away from the dead center. It is because the smaller size needle is positioned left at the needle hole. Larger size needles fill the hole more perfectly so they seem more centered.
For example, a size “9” original Singer needle will sit on the left of the hole. As the needle size is increased, the gap in the left size remains the same while the gap in the right lessens. Larger size needles, such as size “16” has almost the same gap on both sides. This is normal, and no needle adjustment is required in this case.
Reason 3: Misaligned Needle | How to Re-Align a Needle
Sometimes, the needle of your Singer sewing machine can get misaligned. It can cause your needle to hit the presser-foot toes or the side of the needle hole while sewing. Luckily for you, it can be adjusted easily.
The process of re-aligning a needle may slightly differ depending on the model of the Singer sewing machine. Nonetheless, a generic step-by-step guide is given below:
Step 1: Remove the Face Cover
First, you need to remove the face cover of the sewing machine. Find a proper screwdriver and use it to remove the cover.
Step 2: Find the Adjustable Screw
Once the face plate is removed, look at the presser bar. You will see that the whole bar, which runs from the presser foot to the top of the machine, is made of two parts. A little bit above the joint of the two parts, there should be a screw facing toward you. This screw is used to adjust the alignment of the needle.
Step 3: Remove Any Obstruction
Check if you can access the screw properly. If it is obstructed by any parts or some other screws, remove them.
Step 4: Adjust the Needle Using the Screw
Now, twist the screw very slowly to the left or right to adjust the position of the needle. Keep twisting the screw until the needle no longer touches the presser-foot toe. Turn the hand wheels carefully and let the needle descend to the needle hole to check if it’s properly centered.
Step 5: Reassemble the Parts
Once you are done positioning the needle, reassemble the parts you have removed to access the screw. Finally, reinstall the face cover once everything is in place.
Reason 4: Bent Needle
There is a possibility that somehow the needle of your Singer sewing machine is bent, causing it to move away from the center. To find out whether the needle is bent or not, first, turn the hand wheel to draw out the needle from the needle hole. Then turn the hand wheel again slowly and watch the needle carefully.
Watch out for any change in the gap on either side while the needle goes down the hole. If the gap at any side reduces, as in the needle moves closer to the side of the hole while sinking in the hole, and then moves away while you draw it out, your needle is bent.
How to Fix a Bent Needle
The only way to fix a bent needle is to replace it. To replace a bent needle, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Loosen the screw that holds the needle set using a proper screwdriver.
- Step 2: When the screw is loose enough, move the needle slightly at an angle and then pull it out.
- Step 3: Insert the new needle properly.
- Step 4: Finally tighten the screw.
- Step 5: Check Stitch Width is Not Set to Zero
Check if you have forgotten to set the stitch width back to zero after switching to a straight stitch after a zig-zag stitch. Set the width to zero using the stitch width dial to center-align the needle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my needle hitting the throat plate?
Answer: This may happen due to multiple reasons. Such as the needle may not be installed properly, the needle may be misaligned, the needle may be bent, etc.
2. What moves the needle to different positions center right and left?
Answer: Use “+” and “-” on the stitch width keys to move the needle to the center, right, and left. Pressing “+” moves the needle toward the right while pressing “-” moves it toward the left.
3. How Do You Fix a Needle Position on a Sewing Machine
To fix a needle position on a sewing machine, first, remove the face cover. Then twist the set screw on the presser rod and adjust the position of the needle. Lastly, reinstall the face cover.
4. How Do You Adjust the Needle Bar
You can adjust the needle by turning the adjustable screw. To access the screw, you will have to remove the faceplate of the machine. You will find the screw located on the presser rod.
Final Thoughts
As stated in the article, there can be many reasons for the needle not to be in the center of Singer sewing machines. If you still cannot fix the needle positioning after this, it is better to take the machine to a repair shop.
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