Solitary chicken - need advice

[Fizzle Knit]

I think I have a problem with my sewing machine. When I start sewing a narrow seam from the edge I have most of the material on the left hand side - none on the rhs and nothing behind the foot. I press the pedal down and instead of the material feeding through it just sits there and won't go anywhere! As there's no fabric to the left or behind the foot I can't grab it and help it make its way through. That means I have to start my sewing an inch or so in, so that I have enough material to hold onto to guide it through, and then it's fine.

 

Anyway - if you've read this far! - is it a problem with the machine or quite normal? I can't recall this being a problem before when I've sewn, but I'm certainly noticing it now.

 

Perhaps I NEED a new sewing machine?

[Plum]

It should be able to sew because the feed dogs are both sides and in the middle. Perhaps you need to check they are up properly.

You could use a pin to start pushing the fabric through until the machine grips it, or take it to a friendly dealer to look at it. What make?

 

Edited to say what about checking the presser foot pressure. Mine has a dial on the side of the machine which you can adjust.

[Snowy]

I would also suggest checking that the feed dogs are up first.

One thing you can do is to place your fabric and make sure that the two threads are pulled straight out to the back. Lower and raise the needle once. You can then hold the threads and gently pull on them to get the fabric started. Once it's started, you can then see if it will push the fabric through on it's own. If it still won't, then it sounds like a problem with the feed dogs.

When was it last defluffed? Might be worth removing the bobbin cover plate and cleaning out the workings. It's surprising how quickly things can get furred up!

[Fizzle Knit]

Thanks both of you. I wondered if it was the feed dogs myself - they do feel a little low, especially when the needle is down, but never having paid much attention in the past I'm not sure how they should feel.

Don't think I can adjust the foot Plum but I'll have a look. My machine is a 25 year old Singer and pretty basic. However there is a sewing machine/repair shop not far from me and they fixed it for me once before, so I may try there.

Plus I'll try the tips with the threads and the pin. Thank you!

[Snowy]

It possibly just needs servicing Chrissie. My 24 year Jones machine gets a bit clogged up inside and needs cleaning out and oiling, otherwise the feed dogs don't come up properly. By the way, I've never had my machines serviced since we moved to Leicester - where do you take yours?

[Fizzle Knit]

Cathy,

I went to Supreme Sewing Machines - 116 Narborough Rd, 0116 254 9029. They seem OK. They're close to Mary Clare (which used to be Ryte Lynes) which is a haberdashery/knitting/patchwork/beading shop, and just down the road from me if you fancy a field trip! (i.e. just outside the city centre - near Braunstone Gate and in the West End)

[Snowy]

No! A haberdashery and knitting shop as well! Oooh errr Will have to check that one out won't I? Thanks

[Lesley]

I had to de-fluff mine the other day - it sounded like a bag of nails when I tried to use it. It wouldn't stitch at all. both threads were breaking and cobbling up. I couldn't find the little bottle of machine oil.

 

I took the bobbin out and removed all fluff, checked the manual for general settings and put them all back to average and re-threaded both the bobbin and the upper thread. I wasn't holding out much hope but as soon as I started it was as sweet as a nut!