Troubleshooting; What Do I Check When The Thread Breaks?; What Do I Check When The Needles Are Breaking?; What Do I Check For Skipped Stitches? - Strongarm Walking Foot Sewing machine User Manual

Troubleshooting

What do I check when the thread breaks?

Make sure the machine is threaded correctly.
Check the thread section of this manual to make sure you're using the right thread. For reliable
sewing, use bonded polyester or bonded nylon.
Check for defective needle/needles (bent or blunt).
Make sure you are using the correct needle system, See the needle section in this manual.
Make sure you're using the right needle size for the thread- check needle size table.
Check thread tension. It could be too tight or too loose.
Check for sharp parts or edges on the cap spring.
Check to see if thread has jumped out from between the tension dial.
Is the sewing area very dirty? Remove needle plate and clean.
Check bobbin and bobbin case for damage, replace if needed.
Bobbin case may be very dirty; clean the inside of the bobbin case.

What do I check when the needles are breaking?

Select correct needle size for the type of work being done. Thick fabric needs bigger needles.
Make sure you are using the correct needle system. Try a Serv 7 needle.
Make sure the needle is inserted correctly.
Check pressure foot is inserted correctly, and lined up with needle hole.
Needles can break when changing the zig zag or needle position setting while the needle is in
the fabric. Make sure to raise the needle when changing the zig zag or needle position setting.
Check machine timing.
Why are there are loops on the underside of the fabric?
This usually means there is insufficient needle thread (top thread) tension. This is often
because the foot has not been lowered when sewing thick assemblies. It can also be
because the needle thread is not seated between the tension discs.

What do I check for skipped stitches?

Select correct needle size for the type of work being done.
Make sure the needle is inserted correctly.
Make sure you are using the correct needle system.
Make sure the machine is threaded correctly.
The foot pressure may not be sufficient. Thick or heavy fabric requires more foot pressure.
Check the cap spring for burrs.
Is the sewing area very dirty? Remove needle plate and clean.
Check bobbin case for defects, replace with new one.
Check the timing.
Why do three threads come up when I finish?
Multiple threads appear from the throat plate when the machine hasn't finished completing its
stitch. Turn the balance wheel until the needle is in the vertical position to finish the stitch.
Then remove the fabric and cut the threads.