Why Does My Sewing Machine Keep Jamming – Depth Explain

You might be using a sewing machine for a long time. It might be for embroidery or quilting but sewing machines are built to last for a really long time. Some even last decades because of how well-built they are! But sewing machines are not immune to problems. With a lot of different moving parts in the machine, the sewing machines can come across a load of different problems. Probably the most common one of them all is your sewing machine jamming all of a sudden. One day it is fine, but the next day you fire it up and the wheel does not turn and the needle has completely stopped! And if you haven’t fixed it, your sewing machine will keep jamming.

So why does my sewing machine keep jamming? There are many ways for jamming in your sewing machine. All of them are internal issues and you cannot guess anything before your sewing machine got jammed. That’s why I will be explaining the most common reasons why a sewing machine will end up being jammed and the common troubleshooting solutions you can do to fix it and keep it from jamming in the future!  

Key Takeaways

• Sewing machines are built to last a long time, but due to the many moving parts they can become jammed and not function properly.
• Learn the 12 common reasons why your sewing machine keeps jamming, from improper threading to low-quality threads used.
• Get to know how you can keep your sewing machine from jamming in the future with some helpful maintenance tips.
• Get to know about thread tension, which is why you should learn all you can to not set the incorrect thread tension for your sewing project.
• Learn the ways that you can prevent your sewing machine from clogging with a bit of cleaning.

12 Common Reasons Your Sewing Machine Keeps Jamming

Due to the many moving parts of a sewing machine, it is really difficult to guess which one is causing your sewing machine to jam. The worst part is that all of them are hidden from plain sight inside the sewing machine so it becomes even harder to figure out! That is why I have come up with the 12 common reasons your sewing machine keeps jamming a simple solution that you can use to solve it!

1. Inappropriate threading

Thread placement is one of the main things when you are using a sewing machine. Without the right placement of the thread your machine will not work properly and It can be stuck at any time while you are already working on a project with your machine. So, you have to ensure that you have threaded perfectly in your machine. Even without a proper thread, there could be some other issues including tension issues and others. Therefore, you have to check your machine in the proper way to get the best performance from your sewing machine. Remember that, there is no other way to keep running your machine without perfect threading.

2. Not putting the bobbin properly

This is another common issue for jamming your sewing machine. It is a type of error that may cause other trouble. And immediately it will be jammed and become you will be unable to perform as you want. You need to fit the bobbin in the right way to get fluency from a sewing machine. So, you have to keep your eye on it before starting work on your machine.

3. Set thread tension correctly

You have come to know that, if you placed thread incorrectly through your machine, it will get jammed instantly. Thread tension is another thing that you have to set according to the fabric you are sewing. There are 2 different ways to set up the thread tension. You can keep it low or high. If you set the thread tension too high, then it could break your thread and on the other hand, if you set the thread tension low the thread could be all together. It is all about setting the right thread tension to avoid jamming up the sewing machine. Threading tension is a whole different section that I will come to in a bit.

4. Unclear Needle

If the needle is not clear enough then the machine is going to be jammed. Like I said before you have to recheck every single part of your sewing machine. A dirty needle can destroy your fabric completely and there is no other way to fix it if you have completed your sewing once. Even, an unclear needle is also cause your machine to get jammed. Clean your needle before you start working. That is the only way that you can solve an issue with an unclear needle. So keep aware of the needle so that it does not cause harm to your fabric.

5. Not putting oil elegantly

You have to be sensitive when you are oiling your sewing machine. Many people put oil in their machines willingly. But the rules are you have to put oil carefully and never put oil in unnecessary parts of your machine. Make sure that you are putting oil according to the designer’s instructions because they know how you should put oil into your machine as if your machine not going to be jammed for putting oil inappropriately. So, read those instructions and make your sewing machine perfect to do any project without keep jamming.

6. Feed dogs not working properly

There is a part in your sewing machine called a feed dog. Which is located right under the needle and your fabric will stay right between the needle and the feed dog. Sometimes, dust and other particles got embedded through your feed dogs. Therefore, you need to clean that part properly and check before using that is there any dust at all. If you feel that the function not giving you the best performance, then just clean it and start sewing your fabric. Besides, any kind of thread or lint is responsible to make jam your machine. And when it got jammed you cannot really find the error and it causes your sewing machine a lot of error.

7. Unfit set up of presser foot

If you are not set up the presser foot properly you cannot sew your fabric properly. You have to follow the instruction given by the manufacturers while setting up the presser foot. Presser foot is an important part of a sewing machine and you can tell that it controls the function of a machine. If you put high pressure on the presser foot and if it’s not set up properly then surely the machine going to be jammed and it will not work as you want. Even, your fabric could be harmed as well. So, keep your eyes on it while setting up the presser foot.

8. Messy sewing machine

If you are only careful about to clean your needle and dog feed, then you will be facing some trouble while sewing fabric. This is because dust can be found anywhere in your machine and every single dust is responsible to keep jamming your sewing machine! That’s why, not only care about your needle and dog feeds but also be careful about each and every part of your machine. This is how you can get a proper sewing machine without any errors.

9. Set up the fabric according to your presser foot

When you are going to sew a thick fabric you have to put the fabric in multiple layers under the needle and presser foot. Otherwise, the presser feet cannot produce the highest possible pressure on your fabric. Then your machine going to be jammed and the presser foot could be harmed as well. Hence, to keep your machine stable you have to be careful about putting the fabric in two layers. If there are no other ways to make your fabric thin enough then upgrade your sewing machine to take more pressure on the presser foot. Otherwise, the machine going to be jammed.

10. Imperfect sewing machine

If you noticed that you are having trouble with your sewing machine from a very early stage, then stop using it and consult with an expert mechanic. Never use it before repairing your machine. Because it may cause a permanent jam to your sewing machine which could end up ruining your sewing machine as well!

11. Low-quality thread

Nowadays people are not that bothered about the quality of the thread. A low quality causes a lot of trouble to your machine. Lint shredding can make your machine jammed and able to ruin your project also along with your sewing machine! Therefore, never be careless while using thread, and try to purchase a good quality thread to protect your machine and stop to keep jamming.

12. Broken needle

When sewing thick fabric, you have to keep your eyes on Needle. This is because sometimes the needle is not able to keep the pressure of thick fabrics and It going to be broken completely. If the needle has broken your machine may be got jammed. That’s why, have to check whether the needle is broken or not.

So hopefully one of these are the reasons that is jamming your sewing machine. It is best to always make sure you keep proper care of your sewing machine so that it does not jam in the future.

Keeping Your Sewing Machine From Jamming

Now that I have covered the 12 common reasons why your sewing machine might end up jamming, it is time to look at how to keep them from jamming in the future. So here is some help maintenance that you should follow between your sewing projects to keep your sewing machine running without any issues!

1. Keep it clean as possible: You have to keep clean each and every part of your Sewing machine. Without cleaning, you will face a lot of trouble while using it. Such as the needle could be broken, feed dogs will not work, and so on issues. You need to unplug the sewing machine and then remove the needle and thread. Open the bobbin then use a brush to clean it around.
2. Follow manufacturer’s instructions: You have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to last long your machine. How you can put oil and how you set up the presser foot all things you can learn from them and follow their instruction can make your sewing journey more flexible.
3. Check the needle: You need to check if the needle that is clean enough or if is it deformed or ready to use. if the needle has been dirty you can clean it immediately and if it is deformed then you can easily replace it before using it.
4. Set up the presser foot properly: Nowadays, the sewing machine provides a presser foot holder attaches to the presser foot. You can change and release the presser foot anytime with the presser foot holder which is attached to the presser bar with a small screw. without proper set up you cannot sew anything fluently. And it is the main reason for keep jamming in your sewing machine.
5. Use high-quality thread: Try to use thick or heavy thread for your fabric. It will be more visible and also increase the beauty of the fabric. Bad-quality thread is good enough to make your machine get jammed.
6. Put oil on your machine: To keep your machine fluent and get rid of the jam you can put oil on your machine regularly. You can use natural oil which is the perfect substitute for lubricant. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions before putting oil.
7. Take advice from an expert: If you face any problem like your sewing machine got jammed from a long time or got jammed regularly then show it to a mechanic. In this situation, you had better show it to an expert who has years of dealing without your particular sewing machine to get the best results.

Importance of Thread Tension to Avoid Jamming in Sewing Machine

Thread tension means the amount of thread passing through the sewing machine to make the stitch. You should use thread tension with complete knowledge. If you use more thread tension while sewing, then the stitch will be looser, and less tension used causing your stitch to be a bit tighter. Now the question is, is it really responsible for jamming in a sewing machine? The answer is yes! You should not use more thread tension than you need actually. Set the thread tension according to the fabric that you are sewing. Higher thread and lower thread tension both are harmful to your machine. You just need to set it up in keeping with your fabric. Otherwise, it may cause your machine to keep jamming in the future.

Keep Your Sewing Machine Safe from Clogging

Your machine can be clogged for any number of reasons. From dust accumulating under the machine to So here are 3 helpful ways to keep your sewing machine from clogging!

• When your thread is being trapped inside the machine you definitely going to face jamming in your sewing machine. Make sure that you are using the thread in quite an organized way.
• Sometimes, the needle could hit something inside the machine. This is one of the reasons behind your sewing machine keeps jamming.
• You have to keep clean your machine to get rid of clogging. Otherwise, you may face the clogging issue at regular intervals. Which is going to be very frustrating for a user.

Final Thoughts

The worst thing that you can do for your sewing machine is to ignore the reason why it is becoming jammed. This could ruin your existing project and potentially ruin the longevity of your sewing machine!  That’s why you should be aware of those reasons why jamming can happen to your sewing machine and how to fix it. If worse comes to worst, you should take the help of an expert who knows how to deal with the machine. I hope that you all are informed enough to detect the problem that why your sewing machine got jammed and following those guidelines you can easily solve your jamming issue properly.