Troubleshooting – Logically
Troubleshooting sewing problems requires a logical approach to rule out what is not causing the problem. Emotions do not deal in logic. Remain Calm When Troubleshooting is just the opposite of being logical. Which are you really?
Step One – Identify Sewing Problems by Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting sewing problems requires looking at and identifying the problem. It could be one or several things. At the bottom of this post is a link to how I start my troubleshooting process.
Is it a stitch problem?
Stitch quality is bad. In what way is the stitching bad? Do you see it only on the bottom or only on the top? Is the machine skipping stitches? Are the stitches irregular in length? Maybe you will find your answer at /skipped-stitches/
Is it a thread problem?
You are stitching and the thread breaks. The thread is shredding and breaking. Bobbin thread breaks. Bobbin thread not being picked up by the needle.
Could it be the needle?
Needle inserted correctly. Is the needle and thread compatible? Needle bent or damaged. Does the needle keep breaking? Breaking threads and poor stitches perhaps?
Tension adjusted correctly?
Stitches on top lay on the fabric? Stitches on back lay on the fabric? Are those eyelashes you see on the back? Or, are the threads making big loops on the back? Is it the bobbin tension or top tension?
Maybe the problem is operator error –
Operator error is not all that uncommon. Maybe you simply forgot to lower the foot and low and behold there are loops and nests on the back. Oops! Also, have you ever found the machine is not making stitches because you put the bobbin in the case wrong or did not put a bobbin in at all? How about when you have been chain stitching and buzzing right along when suddenly you realize there is no chain? You have been sewing without bobbin thread!
Fixing the problem –
The next step in troubleshooting sewing problems is how to fix the problem. The best piece of advice I can give you is to adjust/change one thing at a time! Multiple adjustments need to be done logically. You may need to start by rethreading the machine to find the tension should be adjusted. You may even have to change the needle.
Step 2 – Where to Find the Help
This link, /rethreading/ will take you to a post where I talk about my first step in troubleshooting.