What to Do if Your Sewing Machine Needle Hits the Bobbin Case

If your sewing machine needle keeps hitting the bobbin case, then you must first stop the machine and follow the steps that have been outlined below.

But before we get into all the details, you must keep in mind that the steps given below are for needles sized 75/11 and 90/14. For bigger needles, you may have to adjust the needle bar:

  • Switch off the sewing machine
  • Take the needle to its highest position
  • Slide forward the needle plate cover release towards the outside
  • Remove the needle plate cover
  • Detach the bobbin case
  • Inspect the bobbin case for any signs of damage, such as scratches or dents. If there is any damage, then you need to replace the bobbin case.
  • Put the new bobbin case into its correct position and ensure that the marks are properly aligned. For reference, triangular and circular marks have been outlined.

If the problem is still not resolved, then you should seek customer support from the manufacturer.

There are also several other similar problems that you should be aware of. Here, they are along with their solutions:

sewing machine and thread

The Bobbin Case Is Damaged. How Do I Fix It?

All parts of a sewing machine must be properly aligned and should work exactly as they were designed without any change. However, with the passage of time, your machine may undergo wear and tear, which can take a toll on its parts and cause the machine to malfunction.

Remember that the bobbin, bobbin case and needle should all feed and turn at the precise rate and in synchrony with each other. Otherwise, the sewing machine will not work properly.

The bobbin case is a circular component of the sewing machine that supports the bobbin. Bobbin case issues can often be resolved by adjusting the hook and making sure that the bobbin case is clean.

To carry out these tasks, all you need is a screwdriver and methylated cloth. As an important safety precaution, make sure that the machine is switched off and the power plug is detached from the electrical outlet. Here are the steps involved.

Step 1

Rotate the wheel on the far end of the sewing machine so that the needle rises to the highest level possible.

Step 2

Detach the metal plate positioned on the feed dog. Do this by pushing down the raised ridge and pulling the plate forward.

Step 3

Pull off the bobbin case by pulling the lever that is located at the front of the case. You may then remove the bobbin.

Step 4

Use the methylated cloth to clean the bobbin case. Make sure that you clean it well to remove all thread pieces and lint.

Step 5

You must now take out the shuttle hook. Do this by loosening the screw with the help of a screwdriver. The tool kit that came with the sewing machine will have a screwdriver. Clean up the region beneath the hook. Reattach the hook by tightening the screw back according to its original condition.

Ensure that the hook is located precisely along the center. Otherwise, the needle will hit something along the way and break.

Step 6

Use the methylated cloth once more to clean up the region within the sewing machine where the bobbin case is positioned.

Step 7

Put the bobbin back in the bobbin case. You may then position the bobbin case back in its original position.

Bobbin and bobbin case problems are often resolved by carrying out the aforementioned maintenance procedure. In case, the issue is still not resolved even after cleaning and adjusting both the bobbin and bobbin case, you should then inspect the shaft crank that supports the bobbin case. Take a close look at it and adjust it so that it is not misaligned.

Why Is the Bobbin Thread Breaking Frequently?

One reason for this may be that the bobbin may not be inserted fully into the bobbin case. Check the bobbin case to make sure the bobbin is inserted completely.

Upon inspection, you may find that the bobbin may not be threaded correctly. You must then ensure that the bobbin is correctly threaded.

Take a closer look to check if the bobbin is rotating smoothly. If it is not, then ensure that it has been wound properly to turn without problems.

Inspect the shuttle and the bobbin case for lint. If you find any, then you must clean up and remove the lint from both the shuttle and the bobbin case.

Why Does the Sewing Machine Stop Working in the Middle of Sewing?

One possible cause for this problem is that the machine has been running at low speeds for a long time. You should take precautionary steps to ensure that the motor is not overheated. In case the machine has been operating for long, then the motor will by default shut off to prevent the buildup and accumulation of heat, which will permanently damage it.

If the machine switches off suddenly and does not operate, then there are two things that you must consider. First, you must think about how long you have been sewing. If you have operated the machine for 20 to 30 minutes without a break, then this is the likely cause of the stoppage. Second, you should switch off the machine, pull out the power cord from the electrical outlet and take a look at the motor housing. If it is warm or hot to touch, then you can be certain that the stoppage is due to heating problems.

The solution is easy. Make sure that the machine is off for up to half an hour. This will give it time to cool off. The safety mechanism will then automatically reset so that you can continue sewing. After 30 minutes have elapsed, you may resume working.

Why Is the Needle Not Moving?

There are several possible causes for this issue. One possibility is that you have simply run out of thread. The solution, in this case, is simple. You’ll just need to thread the sewing machine properly.

Another possibility is that the presser foot is raised – the sewing machine will not work if the presser foot is in this position. You can resolve this issue by lowering the presser foot.

Another common cause is that the bobbin winder shaft remains in the winding position. This problem can be resolved just by moving back the bobbin winder shaft to its correct position.

Finally, it is also possible that the buttonhole lever was not depressed when the buttonhole mode was activated. Make sure that the buttonhole lever is lowered.

Why Is the Sewing Machine Not Running?

You may have to consider a number of possible causes for this problem.

One common factor is that you may have installed the wrong presser foot. The needle may then strike the presser foot and bring the machine to a halt. You can solve this problem by replacing the presser foot.

Another reason the machine is not running might be that the needle is now loose and remains stuck within the hook. To fix this issue, detach this needle and place a new one in its position.

Why Is the Upper Thread Breaking?

One factor behind this issue is that threading has not been done properly. You should check the threading and ensure that the thread passes through all required points without hindrance.

Another reason may be that the thread may have a knot on it. Simply cut off the part that has the knot and threads the sewing machine back properly.

It is possible that the thread tension may be too high. The thread may break as a result. Ensure that the thread tension is fine.

If the needle has a sharp eye or is bent, it may break the thread quite often. Inspect these possibilities and if found, simply replace the needle with one that is not defective.

The thread may also break frequently due to a needle of the wrong size. For this, you must check the size of the needle and see if it matches the specifications in the user manual. If the size is incorrect, replace it with a needle of the right size.

The needle may also be clamped improperly. If you find that the needle has not been inserted correctly, then do so.

The thread that takes up lever may not have been threaded at all. This is a case of improper threading. Ensure that this lever is threaded correctly.

Our Final Thoughts

These were some of the main issues associated with the use of sewing machines. By keeping an eye on them, you can save yourself a lot of trouble. We’ve shown you what to do if your sewing machine needle hits the bobbin case so that you can take care of the problem.

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