My worst fears for a while now have been that I’ll have sewing machine problems and as a result, I’ll not be able to do all 52 episodes of Stitch the Sketch as planned.
More and more, this fear has been haunting me. Recently, I’ve often found myself drifting off and wondering what I’d do if I started having some terrible sewing machine problems or worse still if my sewing machine completely broke and I’m unable to use it.
Well, it happened – my worst fears were realized. I’ve got sewing machine problems going on right now. As a result, this week, I haven’t been able to stitch any of my sketches.
Sewing Machine Problems Arise
I started noticing sewing machine problems last week when my upper threads will shred and break while free motion stitching. Initially, I was very frustrated because I couldn’t figure out what the matter was. Everything seemed quite the same to me, nothing had changed with my setup. So I just couldn’t imagine where the sewing machine problems stemmed from.
At one point, I thought it might be that I was using bad thread. Although it seemed far-fetched, I was more willing to grab onto anything as a solution rather than the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what the cause of my sewing machine problems was. But when I’d changed thread many times to no avail, I was finally willing to accept that there was more to my sewing machine problems than bad thread.
A Good Sewing Machine Dealer is Important to Have
The kicker is that; I don’t have a dealer for my sewing machine within a reasonable distance. The nearest sewing machine dealer and repair shop for my JUKI sewing machine is more than an hour drive from where I live. I knew this going in to buy my sewing machine. Because as I said, having sewing machine problems that will put me out, has been one of my fears for the longest time.
After chatting with the very helpful Thomas – a technician from Ed Raichert, the online store where I purchased my JUKI sewing machine, I learned yet another new thing. The cause of my sewing machine problems and breaking of my threads is simply this; I’ve got a burr on either my throat plate or in the bobbin assembly. This happens when the needle accidently hits the throat plate or bobbin assembly or some other metal along the path of the thread causing nicks.
DIY Solution for Nicks & Burrs
The solution is to use fine sandpaper or crocus cloth ( which I don’t have) to sand the nicks out. Or send it in to the technician (which I’m still considering) or order another throat plate ( which in my case will take at least 2 weeks to receive).
So for now, my sewing machine problems have put me out of commission and I haven’t been able to create anything new this week. At least now I know what to troubleshoot for next time the upper thread on my sewing machine keeps breaking and I hope you do too.
Warmest Regards,
Yep, I have this problem more than once, sad to say! You can. indeed, sand that down to make it useable; but if it’s a bad one, you may need to send it out. I’ve bought 2 throat plates!. It happens when I’m unconsciously pulling on the fabric too much. You may want to order 2 new plates, so you don’t get held up with it next time! And ask them to send you a piece of crocus paper too!
Thanks for the suggestions. I’m in paralysis mode right now, Janis. I haven’t ordered a throat plate neither have I sent the machine out.
I have two different sewing machines now, so that I never have to be without a machine if one is in for repair or cleaning. I found a used Janome on a yahoo group a few years ago that someone local was selling at a great price and am so glad I did. My other machine is an older mechanical Pfaff. It’s great knowing I can switch from one to another if I need to. I used to think people with more than one machine were a little crazy!
Laura, it’s funny you bring up the issue of a spare sewing machine. As a result of this machine problem I’ve started thinking of getting a second machine. Probably a used one just for situations like this. So yes I understand why people have more than one sewing machine.
You really should get a spare! I keep both of mine set up now, one in my sewing room and the other on a sun porch, and can sew on one and free motion on the other without having to change feet, threads, etc.
You’re right. I really should get a spare. It was never an issue until now. Because in the past, I could always wait the week or two that it’ll take to get it back from the repair shop but not anymore.