April 19, 2023

Sewing Machine: Why does my sewing machine lock up?

Thread bunched up in the shuttle race often causes the sewing machine to lock up.

Work the needle up and out of the shuttle race by rocking the hand wheel back and forth. You may be able to remove the needle from its clamp if you're not able to raise the needle out of the shuttle race using the hand wheel. Pull the fabric away and clear the bunched thread out of the shuttle race. Clean lint and debris out of the shuttle race; they can prevent the needle from hooking the thread, resulting in thread bunching up in the shuttle race and jamming the needle. Cleaning the shuttle race may prevent the sewing machine from locking up again once you resume sewing.

If thread bunches up again immediately after you start sewing and you thoroughly cleaned the shuttle race, then needle and shuttle hook synchronization may need to be adjusted. Adjusting the needle timing typically requires service by a technician, who has special tools to synchronize the shuttle hook with the needle.

sewing machine

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR SEWING MACHINE PROBLEM

JC-SEW-Clean-the-sewing-machine

Clean the sewing machine

Clean lint and debris from the shuttle race every 3 months because it often attracts lint and dust. Clean the feed dogs at the same time because they also attract lint and dust. Clean those areas more often when using the sewing machine regularly. Oil the sewing machine after cleaning.

Clean the sewing machine

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JC-SEW-Adjust-the-sewing-machine-needle-timing

Adjust the sewing machine needle timing

If the machine won't pick up the bobbin thread because the shuttle hook isn't synched with the needle, adjust the needle timing. Adjustment of the needle timing usually requires service by a technician. Using special tools, the technician positions the needle and loosens the shuttle drive gear set screws then adjusts the shuttle drive gear to synchronize the shuttle hook with the needle.

Adjust the sewing machine needle timing

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Most common symptoms to help you fix your sewing machines

Choose a symptom to see related sewing machine repairs.

Main causes: dirty shuttle race, improper thread routing, incorrect thread tension…

Main causes: dirty shuttle race, wrong thread tension, bad needle timing, damaged needle, using the wrong type of needle…

Main causes: thread bunched up in the shuttle race, bad needle timing, internal drive gear failures…

Main causes: machine needs lubrication, internal gear failure…

Main causes: problems with the feed dogs, setting stitch length to 0…

Main causes: lack of lubrication, lint buildup, worn drive belt, faulty drive motor…

Main causes: disengaged clutch, broken drive belt, internal drive gear failure…

Main causes: faulty foot pedal, locked drive gears, wiring failure, bad drive motor…

Main causes: power supply failure, bad power cord, faulty On/Off switch…

Most common repair guides to help fix your sewing machines

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your sewing machine.

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Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your sewing machine.

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