Guides · Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting industrial sewing machines

What to check, and in what order, when the machine breaks thread, skips stitches or stops sewing properly.

Here we have gathered the faults we are most often asked about by phone and WhatsApp, in the order in which they are best checked. Most can be fixed in the workshop without calling anyone: a needle, a tension or the threading. When that isn’t the case, we tell you which part to look at and, if necessary, we repair the machine. The detailed guides are in Spanish.

The interactive guides ask you questions with two answers and lead you to the cause. At the start you choose your level (beginner, expert or technician) and only see what applies to you. The others are articles to read from top to bottom.

Before you start

These guides are for detecting possible faults and operating errors. The idea is that you don’t have to call out a technician for something small that can be fixed in the workshop in a moment, such as a badly fitted needle, the threading or a tension.

They are not an invitation for someone without the necessary qualifications to repair or adjust the machine. Internal adjustments (hook, timing, thread trimmer, motor or electrical parts) must be carried out by a qualified technician.

If the machine is new and still under warranty, don’t touch it, however much you know about mechanics. Contact whoever sold it to you and ask for it to be serviced under warranty. Repairing it yourself may void the warranty.

Maquinorya accepts no liability for damage caused by repairs or adjustments made without the necessary qualifications.

Guides for sewing machines, overlockers and coverstitch machines

To startWhat are the parts of the machine called?Hook, bobbin case, take-up lever, presser foot… Each part with a photo, what it is for and its other names.See the guide → To startWhat are the parts of the overlocker called?Loopers, knives, differential and tension units. Each part with a photo and what it is for.See the guide → To startWhat are the parts of the coverstitch machine called?Needles, spreader, looper and gauge. Each part with a photo and what it is for.See the guide → Interactive guideWhy does the upper thread break?It snaps mid-seam or unthreads at the start. In three levels: beginner, expert and technician.Start the guide → Interactive guideWhy won’t the machine switch on?It won’t start, it switches on but doesn’t sew, or the motor hums. Step by step in three levels.See the guide → Interactive guideWhy is the overlocker stitch failing?Skipped stitches, loose loops or an uncovered edge. Step by step in three levels.See the guide → Interactive guideWhat do I do if the machine is jammed?The handwheel won’t turn, it stopped suddenly or it is getting stiffer and stiffer. Step by step in three levels.See the guide → GuideWhy does the machine skip stitches?The number one fault. What to check and in what order, from most to least common.Read the guide → GuideWhich needle do I need?System, size and point. The cheapest part of the machine and the one that causes the most trouble.Read the guide → GuideHow often should the machine be oiled and cleaned?The oiling and cleaning schedule that avoids the costly breakdown.Read the guide →

Guides for embroidery machines

To startWhat are the parts of the embroidery machine called?Needle case, tension units, hoop and pantograph. Each part with a photo and what it is for.See the guide → Interactive guideWhy does the thread break when embroidering?On one needle or all of them, or a break alarm with no break. Step by step in three levels.See the guide →

Guides for heat sealing machines

To startWhat are the parts of the heat sealing machine called?Nozzle, heater, rollers and tape guide. Each part with a photo and what it is for.See the guide → Interactive guideWhy doesn’t the heat sealing tape stick?It doesn’t stick, comes off when washed, bubbles or marked fabric. Step by step in three levels.See the guide →

We keep adding new guides based on the enquiries we receive. If your fault isn’t here, tell us about it.

Is the machine still the same? Tell us which model you have and exactly what it does. We will tell you what to check and, if necessary, we will repair it.

Contact Maquinorya Technical service