Sewing machine experts please read!

[OuchCharlie]

I bought a sewing machine last summer from argos but haven't been able to use it at all because it keeps making a loud noise and has snapped 10 needles!

I'm definitely using the right needles for the fabric and have followed the instructions regarding tightness buy it keeps happening.

I'm getting very frustrated because I have so many little projects I'd love to take on. I'm just a novice but got lots of ideas... Just no idea what I'm doing wrong with the bloody machine!

I don't have the time or money to get it looked at and I lost the receipt in a house move so couldn't take it back.

If anyone has any suggestions I'd be so grateful, I just want to start using the darn thing!

Is the loud noise bangy, or grindy, or squeaky etc?

Mine makes an awful noise when it's jammed, such as when the needle broke and it couldn't get through the fabric.

Has it ever worked? Will it work on a plain simple piece of cotton?

Have you read the manual?

If it's under a year old, the manufacturer may help.

Is the needle fitted correctly and is it the one supplied with the machine?

If it has never worked, is there some packaging in it to stop it rattling around in transit?

Is the bobbin the right way up?

I've forgotten what they're called (I have Dogs in mind but then I also have a headache so could just be mad), but I can lock those teeth things that drag the material through (though have never needed to and can't think why I might want to ) - are your's locked (again, possibly for transit) - sorry way too many brackets to make that last bit readable.

Hope some of that may help

feed dogs!

Have you got a bank statement etc showing the purchase? Tbh I'd attempt to take it back and make a fuss - you'll not be any worse off will you?

What make / model is it? If it's an own brand / cheap machine and they won't do anything about it you're probably screwed but if it's a branded make (singer, janome or whatever) and you spent a bit of money on it (more than £50!) then it's well worth having it serviced. Ask in your nearest fabric / craft shop for a recommendation.

In fact it might be worth just taking it in to your local craft shop just to see if you have missed something really simple!

If all that fails, have you still got the instruction booklet? Try cleaning out the machine thoroughly, re-assemble the bobbin casing, take the foot off and put back on etc.

As Grumpla says take in a bank statement, or print of from on line, it's proof of payment that is required not just the receipt. Hope you didn't buy it with cash! Take it back, def sounds like it's not working properly.

I did buy it with cash. DH bought be one from cash converters that didn't work and I used the money from that.

no it has never worked for more than a few stitches.

I have read the manual, checked the thread tightness and yes I was using the needles that came with it until they all snapped and I had to buy some more!

I will have a look at the feed dogs, I pretty sure I thought it was that the last time I looked at it. (my son is a year old and so with him being a baby I didn't have much time to 'fix' it, and just kept getting cross and putting it away in the cupboard for another day)

basically the fabric doesn't feed through as the thread seems to get caught underneath - the bobbin case is extremely fiddly to get in and it makes a kind of growling noise and then the needle snaps.

I can't remember the make (can't look at the moment) but it wasn't an own brand (don't think it was as good as those mentioned tho) - it was £140 reduced to £70

thank you for all your suggestions so far, I will have a look at the feed dogs when I get a minute. The only problem is I don't really know what I'm looking for! The instruction manual isn't very good, it says things like 'adjust the tension' but doesn't say how much or in which direction and although I'm pretty good with a machine that is set up, I'm a complete novice at knowing what to do when it goes wrong. I've been spoiled using my mum's Bernina I think!

The needle, bobbin and foot are all fitted correctly, I've taken it apart and cleaned it all previously but it made no difference :-(

Have you tried going back to Argos? It should have come with a guarantee. If you have checked its threaded correctly and it has been like this from the start can only suggest contacting the maker - or is there a sewing machine service place near by? Can recommend Wimbledon Sewing Center on Balham High Road in London (Tooting).

Sounds like a tension problem. Is the thread done following the diagram in the instructions? Does the bobbin case have a little screw on it? This is for tension.

I can't offer to pop over and have a look as I am on the other side of the world. Ask a few sewing machine service shops how much it would be to look at. I used to use a really good one that was cheap in Luton.

Also do you have a decent amount of thread hanging out when you start? Are you holding it when starting to sew?

What kind of thread are you using?
The kind that comes with the "sewing sets" from Argos etc tends to be really nasty, and frays and knots easily which can cause the kind of problem you're describing. Use something like Gutterman or Coats Duet.

From what you're describing, it does sound like there could be a problem with how the machine's threaded up. I don't want to doubt you saying it's correct, but just in case, it could be worth handing the machine and manual to someone else and asking them to have a go at threading it-top thread and bobbin. I know there have been times when I've been convinced I've done something correctly and it turns out I've blindly been making the same error over and over again

It sounds like its possibly the bobbin thread? Someone mentioned holding the thread that's coming out of the machine as you begin to stop it all being pulled down into the bobbin area and getting tangled. Try that if you don't already.

I got one from argos. After one go the bobbin kept jamming. it was utterly rubbish. Take it back if you can then invest in a more expensive machine . Top loading bobbins are great imo

How did you get on? I run my own sewing business [preen] and so know a fair about about sewing machines......also owning 1 behemoth and 2 vintage machines mean I'm frequently found with my head in over a machine getting it going.

Would be happy to talk through threading it up etc if you can link to the machine!

It sounds like its jamming somewhere though, so assuming its threaded up correctly (and that includes the thread spooling the correct way off the bobbin, too) then I'd start turning the wheel on the right very slowly and watching the stitch form......you might be able to see where its going wrong before it jams and snaps the needle etc.

Hope you get on ok.

Hi, it sounds to me like the Timing is out hence the noise and needles breaking.
Your manual wont cover this as its more mechanical. But is easily corrected.

As Eddie says - put in a new needle and your threaded bobbin. Keep looking at the bobbin as you turn the side wheel By Hand. Watch the needle go all the way down to it. If the needle hits the bobbin case instead of going into the gap, or if the bobbin case hits the needle before the needle moves out the way then its definetly the timing out.

If you can get a mobile repair man they usually explain everything and you will be able to pick their brains about anything else you want to know. I find they are always happy to show and explain. Worth every penny. In my work I use a variety two industrials and three domestic sewing machines and although rarely, will always call them in.