Helpful Tools

Essential tools to make your
next sewing project a success!

Knowledge Center

Learn everything there is to know about needles.

Video Resources

Check out our SCHMETZ Needles Instructional Videos!

Rhonda Pierce, Marketing Director and Spokesperson for SCHMETZneedles.com discusses Home Sewing Machine Needle Basics in six videos. Topics include: How to open the needle pack, How to insert the needle, and How to thread the needle.

Join Rhonda Pierce on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST for informative Facebook live sessions.

Problem Solving

Solutions to common sewing problems.

-Incorrect threading
Re-thread the machine

-Knots or twists in thread
Replace thread

-Tension too tight
Adjust bobbin and thread tension

-Damaged or old needle

Replace needle

-Needle too small

Use correct needle for thread and fabric

-Bobbin case incorrectly threaded
Remove bobbin and re-thread

-Bobbin case incorrectly inserted

Remove and re-insert bobbin case

-Bobbin not turning smoothly in bobbin case

Check that bobbin and case are not damaged

-Lint in bobbin case

Remove and clean bobbin case and machine area

-Bobbin tension too tight

Adjust bobbin tension

-Thread tension too tight
Adjust needle and bobbin tension

-Needle damaged
Replace needle

-Wrong size needle
Replace needle with correct size

-Sewing machine out of adjustment
Have sewing machine adjusted

-Wrong needle for fabric

Use correct needle for your chosen fabric

-Needle too small
Use a larger sized needle

-Tension too tight
Adjust needle tension

-Damaged or poor quality thread
Replace thread

-Thread not in top tension
Re-thread the machine with presser foot "up"

-Thread not in take-up lever
Un-thread the machine and carefully re-thread

-Machine incorrectly threaded
Un-thread the machine and carefully re-thread

-Top tension too loose
Adjust needle tension to a higher number

-Burr on hook or bobbin case
Have machine serviced

-Incorrect needle size
Use the correct needle for your chosen fabric and thread

-Incorrect threading
Un-thread the machine and carefully re-thread

-Upper (needle) tension too loose
Adjust needle and bobbin tension

-Operator pulling fabric
Check presser foot pressure

-Fabric not feeding well
Check feed dogs, use even feed foot if needed

-Bobbin wound unevenly
Insert properly wound bobbin in machine

-Excessive stitch length
Shorten the stitch length

-Needle point is blunt
Change needle often

-Excessive thread tension
Check bobbin and needle tension, adjust if needed

-Fabric is too soft
Use stabilizer

-Damaged needle plate
Repair or replace needle plate

-Too much embroidery thread in a small area
Decrease embroidery density, adjust size or replace design

-Fabric not feeding
Check presser foot, needle plate and feed dogs and/or use even feed foot

-Dull needle
Replace needle

-Incorrect needle for chosen fabric
Use correct needle for fabric choice

-Damaged needle plate
Repair or replace needle plate

-Bent or damaged needle
Replace needle

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