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Troubleshooting and problem solving
30 Years of tips troubleshooting and sewing machine technical advice
Sewing Machine Problems
What are the most common sewing machine faults written by experienced mechanic
Use this section of Q & A's to find the cause of an error, then use the technical repairs section to help fix the problems.
Most computerised or ...
Most computerised or ...
Sew a sample to help diagnose the problem
Sew a seam on regular cotton using the same type and colour of thread top and bottom. Don't forget, always use two layers! Often we have customers...
Looping under fabric and Irregular stitches?
Is the thread bunching and looping under the fabric while stitching a seam. How to fix these Irregular stitches under the fabric.
Stitches that have a small loop protruding on the top or bottom of the fabric often are caused by incorrect tension settings...
Needle breaks or gets bent while stitching
Needle breaks or gets bent while stitching. First check to see if the needle is fully inserted and that the needle clamp screw is tight. Is the needle the correct size and type for the material being sewn? Other causes are a bent needle.
It is very difficult...
Accessories are missing from new machine
This can be quite a common issue which customers do contact us about all the time.
If you can't find the accessories in the box when you recieve a new machine then chances are they are stored somewhere within the machine, the user manual will normally...
Needle Threader Not Working
We ofter hear customers telling us that their automatic needle threader is not working.
To ensure it operates correctly, please follow these helpful tips. There are a couple of things you can do if you are still having a problem.
1. Please make sure ...
Fix Steam Press Issues
The jaws of the press must be closed but for how long when pressing?
The jaws of the press must be closed but for how long when pressing? How long should you press the fabric when you close the pressing plates?
Good question!
Whilst using a steam press it is not required to keep the pressing plates closed for more than...
What temperature setting should you use for different fabrics?
What temperature setting should you use for different fabrics? The temperature control settings are a good starting point to use for ironing different types of fabric.
For example; the cotton setting is a guide to iron cotton but there are other factors...
What are the pressing cushions for?
What is this tiny pillow, that was included with my new steam ironing press?
What are the pressing cushions for? Most steam presses include a small cushion or two, that are far to small to use on your sofa! The longest pressing cushion is ideal for shirt...
Do I have to keep the press flat for storage?
Do I have to keep the press flat for storage? The answer to that question is, no the press is easily stored upright. It takes up much less space when positioned upright and can be simply placed a cupboard.
Make sure the handle is down with the lock in...
Cleaning the heating plate?
My steam press silver plate has become dirty and has a logo on it from a t-shirt I previously ironed!
Cleaning the heating plate.
As with a normal iron DO NOT press directly onto printed t-shirts or you'll find your t-shirt motif or transfer will be...
Quick tip for people who have a new press and have not read instruction book!
Quick tip for people who have a new press and have not read instruction book! Do read it, its worth it... that would be my first piece of advice.
After opening the box it go's without saying that the instruction book must be flicked through if only to...
Updates & Software
Where to update my older Pfaff embroidery software?
Pfaff Software Help and Updates. If you have Internet access on the computer you will be able to update quickly and easily. The 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D or the PREMIER+ version software by Pfaff and Husqvarna can quickly be updated. We highly recommend using Smart...
Learn about Janome file formats and transfer designs to machine
Learn about Janome file formats and transfer designs to machine
Machine embroidery design formats are very interesting! Janome machines can accept two file formats mostly JEF format is used of the modern machines like MC550e, Atelier 9, M17. Or even...
Machine embroidery design formats are very interesting! Janome machines can accept two file formats mostly JEF format is used of the modern machines like MC550e, Atelier 9, M17. Or even...
What about special files used for Pfaff machine embroidery?
What about special files used for Pfaff machine embroidery?
Pfaff's newest embroidery format is VP3 which holds lots of extra information compared to older formats! pcs vip and vp3 Pfaff embroidery formats have their own profile settings that determine...
Pfaff's newest embroidery format is VP3 which holds lots of extra information compared to older formats! pcs vip and vp3 Pfaff embroidery formats have their own profile settings that determine...
How will I receive the designs I have ordered?
We have for sale four different types of machine embroidery designs.
Sold on a CD.
Sold on a USB memory stick.
Sold on a memory card available for specific embroidery machines.
Sold as an Instant download.
Items 1, 2, and 3 - ...
How to update the internal software inside my sewing machine?
Do you own a Singer, Pfaff, or Husqvarna computerized embroidery model? If so it may need to be updated from time to time. It is always best practice to keep the internal software of your sewing machine up to date. Keeping it updated will remedy bugs...
Overlock Problems
Tensions are out on my overlocker.
Quite often tension issues on overlockers especially new machines are simply down to the machine having been miss-threaded.
For a newer overlocker, or where the user is classed as a learner!
When threading an overlocker always make sure...
How to thread an overlocker
Tips For Threading An Overlocker!
Where would you start? There is a huge range of different overlockers available. There are many similarities between overlockers however each one is different to thread, particularly when it comes to...
My overlocker was working well, but suddenly it now has loose stitches?
We are often asked...why is my overlocker tensions loose and very uneven? Last time it was stitching well, now the stitches are awful...it must be broken!? It keeps missing stitches, why will it not overlock? Its not my fault, the overlocker sews irregular...
How does an overlocker form a stitch, while using different threads?
One of the most clever and simple stitches an overlocker can sew, must be the chain stitch. Its clever because it only uses one thread to form a stitch, that can attach two pieces of material together.
One thread interlinks with itself in the ...
Explain more about an overlocker, why so many moving parts?
The household overlock sewing machine is the general name for overlockers, or serger, used for clothing repairs or manufacture, capable of trimming the fabric edge and making a chain stitch type of stitch, along the cleanly cut edge, which stops seam...
Stitches looping, how to reset the tensions on my overlocker after it goes wrong?
Getting your overlocker tensions set up correctly can be a dark art for most people. We hope that while you are following our guide, it will bring new light and understanding to your quest for perfect overlocker tensions.
Overlockers are well engineered...
Knitting Machine Troubleshooting
Explain the difference between knitting machines?
Compare knitting machines. How do modern knitting machines compare with the older models? Which ones takes fine wool? Which one can I knit lace on? How wide are they? Does it do fairisle knitting?
Comparison Chart...
My knitting machine is dropping stitches?
Dropping or missed stitches whilst using a knitting machine is quite common and can be solved by simple fault finding.
There are three main actions that can cause dropped stitches; Is it missing on the same needle every row? or is it...
Explain the anatomy of a knitting machine needle?
Knitting Machine Needle Types:
Knitting machine needles are made from stainless steel, they are very hard wearing and can last for many years if looked after.
The various parts of a knitting machine needle can be seen in the image ...
Which knitting machine to choose Brother or Silver Reed?
Knitting machine shootout Silver Reed vs Brother.
We will take two of the most common knitting machines... the Brother KH836 and the Silver Reed SK280. Both are standard 4.5 mm gauge and what’s more important, both are exceptionally...
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