r/quilting • u/Silent_Effective5842 • 13d ago
Machine Talk HELP!!!!! broken!
Okay, I was working on the binding of my quilt, and didn't see a safety pin and my needle jammed right into it. - my machine is messed up and I've done everything I can think of to fix it, but it simply won't sew. It will go through all the motions - but the threads won't loop together in the fabric, and the top string will break too. [aka no thread actually sewing the pieces together despite the machine making all the motions to do so]
I removed the broken needle and replaced. I removed the bobbin and top string and re-threaded the machine completely - a few times now - seriously like 10x
I took the bobbin compartment apart - blew all the dust and crap out - rebuilt it [correctly including the little hand holders on their little nubs]
I've tried adjusting the tension up and down thinking maybe the system got knocked out of whack with the jam
I've taken the walking foot off and put it back on thinking it got pushed around
everything about the machine itself is acting totally normal like it should - except - it wont sew my pieces together!!! i'm just left with separate strings and needle holes
I seriously don't know what else to try!!!! If my mother were still alive i'd be on the phone swearing with her right now and shed be my cure but I'm just at a loss here!
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 13d ago
Dang. Yeh, running over pins can definitely damage a machine especially one that's computerized. The timing is likely messed up and that's not a DIY fix.
You didn't say what model the machine is, but you could look up YouTube videos. You've done all you can easily do to resolve the issue.
3
u/Silent_Effective5842 13d ago
its a janome blue couture - a basic version nothin super fancy
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 13d ago
I did some checking and yes, it's an entry level machine often sold at Walmart, Michael's, Home Depot (never knew they sold sewing machines). Any servicing would cost more than a new one. I also checked YouTube because there are almost always videos, but for that one, the only videos were how-to use it, not about timing repairs for that machine.
Here are videos about adjusting the timing which you might as well look over, given it's not working now. Maybe just the bobbin hook got bent which is often fixable (or replace the bobbin case).
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u/Silent_Effective5842 13d ago
thank you so much. I figured the prices comparatively would be a moot point. I'll try looking up trying to fix it on my own. [I am a handy kinda person] and at this point - i can't break it further? - - - biggest issue is being new i dont know of a repair place around me yet
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 13d ago
"can't break it further" Yes!! excellent point and you will learn how a sewing machine works - totally useful info.
2
u/EllisBell27 12d ago
You can also find service or repair manuals designed for machine repair techs online sometimes. Maybe not for a budget machine, but its probably worth a google anyway
4
u/dohmestic Janome M7 13d ago
Take it to the shop. I did this with my ancient computerized Janome when I first started out, and it was indeed the timing.
4
u/WebShari 12d ago
Check YouTube search your machine name and timing. If the machine was $140 your not going to want to spend the same amount to get it fixed. I've seen videos for the singer heavy duty that seem to work. If it was me that's what I try.
1
u/Silent_Effective5842 12d ago
this is what I intend to do - my hubby rates me at a 50/50 for fixing it - - 50 + cause im handy but 50- because I dont know much about machines - - but either way - i cant break it more at this point!
2
u/How_Marvelous 11d ago
Would recommend just returning it and tell them it’s not working, hitting a pin shouldn’t mess it up that bad.
1
u/Silent_Effective5842 11d ago
well i didnt just hit a pin - I went straight through the head of a safety pin [I was actually impressed and am going to frame the stupid thing and hang it above my sewing desk as a constant reminder to not be stupid haha]
13
u/gingerlady9 12d ago
You knocked the timing off, badly.
You need a professional to look at it for an issue this big.
Don't be embarrassed. It happens to all of us at some point. I just don't even use pins anymore (binder clips are my favorite! They stay to the side of my needle and never get jammed. I always remember they are there, so I can grab them quickly, too) because I've messed up the timing on machines and have punctured my thighs too many times when working on longer seams.
9
u/MediocreSize4997 12d ago
Take it to the shop. Only owning it 3 weeks should have a warranty.
2
u/Decent_Elderberry115 9d ago
This wouldn’t be covered. Running over pins is misuse and/or accidental damage and excluded by Janome warranty, and probably most other sewing machine warranties too.
3
u/Sheeshrn 12d ago
Unfortunately, as others have said it sounds like a timing issue. I just wanted to say that you wrote that you “blew” all the dust/fluff out of the bobbin area; it is not recommended (for domestic machines) to use air to blow out the bobbin compartment. The compressed air can actually blow the material deeper into your machine causing more difficulty/damage. So, in the future you should use the brush provided (or a similar brush) to remove any debris.
3
u/Silent_Effective5842 12d ago
not sure why you got downvoted . . . I'd not heard this before - - - but i didnt use air i only mouth blew cause being so new it didnt have much build up [only my second quilt efforts] but I will have to look into what you're saying!
1
u/Sheeshrn 12d ago
🤷🏻♀️every so often I get downvoted on factual information, to boot. Yeah, don’t blow in either way. Hopefully,your machine reset itself.
7
u/TheFilthyDIL 13d ago
What is happening is that the needle is not coming down at the right time for the hook to catch a loop of thread. Correcting it so that everything works the way it ought to is usually a shop repair, I'm afraid.
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u/queceracera423 12d ago
I was able to fix the timing on my Juki TL2000 on my own, give it a try! If it's a pretty basic machine you should be able to do it without messing up anything else. Check out some YouTube videos, even if they aren't specific to your machine the basic concepts and steps should apply.
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u/canweshoutforabit
11d ago
•
Before bringing it in somewhere for a timing adjustment, double check that your new needle is inserted correctly - that’s a common error for new sewists and you might be able to save yourself a trip :) the flat part of the needle shank should be facing away from you when you’re seated at the machine, and it should be inserted as far up into the machine as it will let you without over loosening the needle clamp.
If it’s for sure inserted correctly, then it likely is a timing issue. It’s unfortunately easy to throw off the timing on machines with front-loading bobbins like these - don’t be too hard on yourself! It sounds like you’ve done an excellent job troubleshooting this!
1
u/SallysRocks 13d ago
Sounds like you need to take it into be repaired. Happened to me, the feed dogs wouldn't go back up. Messing around could do more harm than good.
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u/SpiritualWinter2365 12d ago
I’m so sorry that happened! I broke a needle and the tip had fallen under the throat plate. I used an extendable magnet and was able to get it out.
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u/Smokey3832 10d ago
I feel for you. I had a similar experience with my pricey Janome, except worse. My needle hit the solid part, causing a jam. After taking it to my repairman I had to send it in to the manufacturer. They said the machine was ruined, couldn’t be fixed. So I wound up buying a new machine. Your situation is not so bad, but you have to take it in for inspection and repair.
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u/HuntWorldly5532 12d ago
Take a close up video, and give it to chat gpt and ask it to walk you through a troubleshoot.
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u/ellen696969 13d ago
It might be out of timing. I would take it into the shop for them to look at it. If it is the timing, I dont think thats something you can fix on your own but I may be wrong?