Sewing is meant to be relaxing and creative — but when your machine starts acting up, it can quickly become frustrating. From thread bunching to skipped stitches, common sewing machine problems can throw off your project. But the good news? Most of these issues are fixable at home with little know-how.
In this blog, we break down sewing machine troubleshooting for beginners and seasoned sewists alike. Whether you’re dealing with sewing machine tension problems, stitches looping underneath, or wondering “Why is my sewing machine skipping stitches?”, we’ve got practical solutions to get you back on track.
1. Problem: Thread Bunching Underneath the Fabric
(Common search: thread bunching sewing machine, sewing machine stitches looping underneath)
Symptoms: Big loops or nests of thread forming under the fabric.
Causes:
- Improper threading of the upper thread
- Incorrect bobbin insertion
- Tension issues
Fixes:
Rethread your upper thread completely — don’t just pull and rethread from halfway.
Remove and reinsert your bobbin, ensuring it’s threaded correctly in the bobbin case.
Check your top tension setting (usually 4 is standard for most fabrics).
Clean the bobbin area — lint buildup can also cause looping.
Pro Tip: Always thread your machine with the presser foot up — this ensures the tension discs are open and thread passes through correctly.
2. Problem: Skipped Stitches
(Common search: skipped stitches sewing machine, why is my sewing machine skipping stitches)
Symptoms: Your machine doesn’t form stitches in some places — the thread seems to “jump.”
Causes:
- Dull or bent needle
- Wrong type of needle for the fabric
- Timing issues or uneven feeding
- Incorrect threading or tension
Fixes:
Change your needle — even a slightly bent or blunt needle can cause skipped stitches.
Use the right needle for your fabric (e.g., ballpoint for knits, sharp for woven).
Rethread both top thread and bobbin.
Adjust thread tension gradually and test on scrap fabric.
3. Problem: Sewing Machine Tension Problems
(Common search: adjusting sewing machine tension)
Symptoms: Stitches are uneven, too loose or too tight. The thread may pull to one side.
Causes:
- Tension dial not set properly
- Thread not seated correctly in tension discs
- Mismatched thread types/top and bottom
- Fabric too thick or too thin for settings
Fixes:
Start by setting tension to a mid-point (typically 4) and test.
Use the same thread type and weight in both the top thread and bobbin.
Make small adjustments — tightening or loosening by half a point — and test each time.
Don’t forget to match the needle and presser foot to your fabric type.
4. General Sewing Machine Troubleshooting Tips
(Common search: sewing machine problems, sewing machine troubleshooting)
- Clean your machine regularly — lint buildup can mimic major issues.
- Use high-quality thread — cheap thread frays easily and causes jams.
- Check your needle position and stitch settings — a mismatch can lead to all sorts of errors.
- Always use the right presser foot for your selected stitch.
When to Get Professional Help
If you’ve tried all these steps and your machine still misbehaves, it may need servicing. Issues like timing misalignment or motor problems are best left to certified technicians — and at Singer India, we have expert support just a call away.
Sewing should be a joy — not a puzzle. With this handy guide, you can tackle common sewing machine issues confidently and keep your creativity flowing. Whether you’re using a classic mechanical model or a modern computerized one, these fixes apply across machine types.
