For every sewing machine to sew or stitch a piece of fabric, it has to run at a specific speed, but what happens when your sewing machine runs too slow?
Sewing on a machine that runs too slow isn’t fun and there can be many reasons for that. In this article, we will explain why your sewing machine runs slow and possible ways to fix it.
Sewing Machine Runs Too Slow and Other Common Problems
Most of the time, when your machine starts running slow, it might be poorly lubricated or jammed. Asides from these, it could also be mechanical faults, electrical faults or rusty parts. Here are possible reasons why your machine runs too slow:
– Dirt
Fabrics particles and dust can get accumulated in the machine over time, especially when you do not clean it regularly. And if this happens, these particles will likely clog the machine and slow it down.
– Lubrication and oil
A sewing machine has mechanical parts and most of these parts are metal. A sewing machine has to be lubricated regularly. Without frequent lubrication, the metal will rub on each other and friction will hinder their movement thereby causing a machine that runs too slow.
– Jamming
This is another reason why your machine might run too slow. A thread might get jammed in the bobbin, bobbin case and it might make the machine run slow.
– Motor
If the motor is malfunctioning, sewing machines may also run slowly. The pedal that regulates the motor is the simplest approach to make sure it functions properly.
Your sewing machine’s speed is influenced by the amount of pedal pressure you use. You must fully depress the pedal to get your top speed.
– Switch
Most modern machines come with a switching regulator that controls how fast you want your machine to run.
Sometimes, your machine might not have any internal fault, the switch could be set to slow. Check the switch before concluding on what is making your machine run slow.
– Tension
Increasing your thread tension can make your machine run slow. If your machine not running slow, you might want to check your thread tension settings and reduce the tension to low.
– Drive Belt
The more you use a drive belt, the faster it wanes. As a drive belt becomes looser, the transmission also weakens thereby resulting in slower machines.
Make sure your drive belt is always tight and firm to allow a fast running machine.
– Presser Foot
A presser foot is designed to apply additional pressure to your cloth as you sew in order to keep it in place while the machine works. However, the speed of your machine can also be impacted by the pressure on the fabric.
Because of the increased friction between your presser foot and the cloth when the pressure is too high, your machine may operate slowly. In addition to slowness, fabric puckering indicates that your presser is applying too much pressure.
How Can I Speed Up My Sewing Machine?
It is very important that your machine runs fast while sewing or making a stitch, but if you ever find out your machine is running slow, follow these tips below and your machine should back to its normal speed.
- Check that the speed switch is not set to slow.
- If it is an electric sewing machine, check the plug for proper connection.
- Make sure that the thread tension is not too tight.
- Be certain of the pressure from the presser foot.
- Check everywhere the thread passes through for thread jam.
- Make sure every part of the machine is well lubricated.
- Inspect the machine’s part for dirt and lint.
- Check that the motor is working properly.
- Check that the drive belt is tight and firm.
- Inspect the pedal for obstruction and dirt.
After following all these steps, if your machine’s speed is still not back to normal, you may have to call an expert to fix it.
Can I Slow Down My Sewing Machine?
On digital machines, it is possible. Many modern models have a switch with many speed settings. This gives you more control over your sewing and aids in preventing errors that occur when you sew too quickly.
You might need to perform a little more manual labor while using non-computerized sewing machines. The pulley can be altered to be smaller. That will reduce the machine’s speed, but it’s a fix that should be left to a qualified repairman.
My Sewing Machine Runs But It Is Not Sewing
Every sewer’s worst fear is that they want to start sewing but nothing happens despite the fact that the machine’s motor is operating as it should.
The bobbin area should be examined first. Your machine won’t stitch or move unless the bobbin winder was left on.
You must move that lever to the sewing position in order to proceed. Then, the issue might not be so straightforward. The bobbin gear can be broken, worn out, or malfunctioning, do not necessitate calling the repairman as they are usually complicated to fix.
Additionally, ensure sure your handwheels—both the large and little ones—are correctly engaged. While tightening the little wheel, you will need to grip the larger wheel with one hand.
Finally, you should look to see if a minor thread ended up in the wrong location. If it has, you must take it out and thoroughly clean the machine. The first place to look is the machine because it is the most likely source of issues. Keep a cleaning schedule to serve as a reminder of when you last cleaned the machine.
Can I Change The Speed Of My Sewing Machine?
With the speed control button, you may adjust the sewing machine’s speed to suit your demands. Slide the slider to the right to speed up the sewing machine. Slide the slider to the left to slow down the machine.
Also, you can use the foot pedal to change the speed, the more you press it, it faster it goes and the less you press it, the slower it goes.
What Are The Common sewing machine problems
Here are some of the common problems that affect sewing machines
- Inability to wind the bobbin
- Accumulation of thread under the needle plate.
- Needle break.
- The motor belt getting slacked.
- 400;”>Skipping stitches or not making stitches at all.
- Inability to make straight seams.
- Missing seams.
- Upper and lower thread breakage.
- Weak thread tension.
- Runs slow or makes too much noise.
- The fabric is slipping or holding.
- The machine cannot follow the guidelines.
- The threads get tangled under the fabric.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sewing machines can run slowly for a variety of reasons. However, with a little troubleshooting, most issues can be fixed. Considering the cost and features of a machine, fixing a slow sewing machine is often a small cost and hassle that is well worth it.
There are several causes for sewing machines move slowly. The secret is to have a checklist on hand so you can quickly identify potential causes of the issue and eliminate them. Keep a routine for cleaning and maintaining your sewing machine so that you can rule things out if it starts to slow down.