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Sewing Machine HELP Please!

I have a mini sewing machine from tesco - very similar to the janome sew mini.

I have just come to make arm covers for sofa and it's like it's jammed. The needle will sort of move manually, but with the foot presser thingy pressed it just buzzes and doesnt move at all.

I have taken the bobbin out and brushed in the hole with old paint brush but no success. It has taken me weeks to finally get around to making these things and now my machine won't work!!

Ive also tried the troubleshooting guide with no success - any ideas for me please
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Comments

  • have you tried typing the problem into google? maybe there is a sewing machine forum somewhere?
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  • In my experience, when this has happened, you need to unplug the machine from the mains and then gently wiggle the item back and forth while also wiggling the threading dial at the side (I've forgotten its name). If that does not work, snip the needle with an appropriate tool (we have pliers that do this) but watch your eyes by wearing goggles as the needle is sharp and can be dangerous.

    You might find it more easy to sew if you use needles designed for heavy gauge fabrics and then sew slowly. I don't think mini-sewing machines are designed for upholstery weight materials, sadly!
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  • valk_scot
    valk_scot Posts: 5,290 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    A mini sewing machine hasn't a hope of getting through layers of upholstery fabric. Even the average budget full sized machine will struggle with thick fabric. You need either a modern machine with a good strong moror (read "expensive" here) or an older all metal machine. Your gran's old black Singer handcrank would absolutely whizz through this tbh.
    Val.
  • lolly_896
    lolly_896 Posts: 1,058 Forumite
    I havent even started sewing there is nothing under the foot - just the needle doesnt move - TY
    DFW Nerd #awaiting number - Proud to be dealing with my debts!

    Dont cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

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  • Is your needle bent? Are you SURE it's threaded correctly? (I don't mean to sound funny - but soe machines can be devilish to thread!!!)
  • lolly_896
    lolly_896 Posts: 1,058 Forumite
    sure it's not either - with or without thread it doesnt move.

    And i changed needle...
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  • gibson123
    gibson123 Posts: 1,733 Forumite
    it sounds like you have thread caught around the tension wire, unscrew the cover with the little screw-driver that comes with the machine and see if there is thread wrapped around the inside.
  • Have you wound a bobbin recently? I'm just wondering whether there's a "stop motion" switch (which stops the needle going up & down when you are winding the bobbin) that's accidentally got left on? On some modern machines engaging the bobbin winder is enough to stop the motion; maybe check that the winder isn't just on still?

    Otherwise I'm afraid the belt inside may have broken, which is quite expensive to get repaired, though if you haven't had it for long, Tesco might take it back. Definitely a job for Granny's old handcrank or treadle!
    Angie - GC Nov 24: £233.17/£450 - botheration!: 2024 Fashion on the Ration Challenge: 24/68: (Money's just a substitute for time & talent...)
  • It sounds to me like you have thread jammed around the bobbin case which has jammed the needle. Try and cut any free that you can get at and turn the knob which moves the needle in an up and down motion until it frees. To begin with the needle won't move but turn the knob a bit each way and it should eventually free it. Clean out the bobbin case, rethread and you should be ok.
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  • I'd be looking underneath - I don't know the correct term - but underneath the metal cover the needle goes into.

    Reason being, if there's a tangle, it's somewhere like that which can jam the thing up.
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