My sewing machine is stuck in reverse...

[stirlingstar]

Do you know how I could fix it?

It's a Brother basic model. There's a lever on the front that you usually use to make it run backwards, but that's gone slack and the thing only runs in reverse.

Local shop said they'd service it for £50 but not guaranteed to fix and I think it was less than £100 when I bought it (from memory). I don't use it much, but it's v handy to have working.

Any ideas?

Cheers!

Hmmm, annoying for sure. I don't really know how the innards of sewing machine works (although I've had mine for a while). I guess the reverse lever is probably spring loaded? So it usually stays up? Have you got any handy friends who could carefully take the cover off and take a look? Otherwise just use it the other way around and hand finish the starts and ends?! The Brother website might help? I don't think I'd pay £50 for a service (unless you're a serious sewer) - you can get a new machine from Lidl (from time to time)for £60!
Hope you get it sorted

I think I'm going to take the main cover off and have a look. Haven't done this yet as worried about breaking it more - but have tried the "using in reverse" thing and it's not great.

And if I can't work it out, freecycle it to someone more expert and look for a Lidl special, I guess!

When did you last oil the machine? I had a few problems with mine a few months ago, so sat down with a screwdriver and the remains of the instruction manual and the sewing machine oil, and got oiling.
It did work. Mine wouldn't do zig zag and then it did.

However, it finally gave up the ghost today and I am in the same situation as you - pay for a service - min charge £50, or buy a new one!

I went for the latter....!

Try taking cover off and giving everything a blast with a hairdryer to heat it up a bit - might free it. Def oil all the points in the book. Look out for anything that looks in the wrong place.

You've got nothing to lose by taking it apart - i personally wouldn't pay for the service. If you've got a mechanically minded mate then ask them to have a look. Just be careful to unplug it before you remove any covers etc, and keep fingers out the way when you take the cover off and turn it - easy to catch yourself. You might even find you enjoy a bit of fixing! Loads of tips on the net.