My sewing machine is locked up, help!!

1. 91

   Jamie Brockposted 11 years ago

   My sewing machine is locked up, help!!
   
     I was sewing today and right after I adjusted the tension to a higher number, it all the sudden locked up.. I slowly turned the manual knob and it freed itself.. so started sewing again and it did okay for a minute and then locked up again except this time, it is completely stuck with the needle not wanting to go up. I can turn the wheel a short amount of ways either way but it just will not go past a certain point. 
   
   I took the bobbin out and everything was fine there.   It's just so frustrating.. does anyone know what this could be? Any help would be greatly appreciated

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2. 61

   lindalou1963posted 11 years ago

   Mine does that sometimes too. I'm not sure of the cause, but to fix it, i remove whatever I am sewing and use a piece of scrap material .... lower your presser foot and turn the wheel until the needle is down as low as it will go... then sew a couple of forward and backwards lines .... this seems to do the trick.
   I remember years ago, Mom told me to always start with your needle in the lowest position... it does seem to help!!
   Hope this helps! Good luck.
   Linda

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      Jamie Brockposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, Linda.... I would try it but it's completely locked.  I can't even get it to a single stitch. Didn't know about starting out with needle down though.. will keep that in mind if it ever gets fixed! Thank you for the suggestion

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3. 71

   4wardthinkerposted 11 years ago

   Depending on the age and model of your machine, you may be able to find a YouTube video that can demonstrate how to fix the problem. You may find the manual online if you don't have it also. I had an older machine with that problem and it was the bobbin tension. I had to loosen a screw a tiny bit. Hope this helps.

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   1. 91

      Jamie Brockposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      First thing I did this morning was Youtube.. didn't have much luck.  It is a Singer Ingenuity, I will have a look at the manual again, good suggestion.  I feel like it shouldn't be messing up like this.. but I bought it used so go figure

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4. 67

   lpanfilposted 11 years ago

   I agree with the others who gave some input. Also try a new needle and cleaning out your bobbin area. You may want to check that you are using the right size needle and thread for your project. Good luck!

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      Jamie Brockposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Ipanfil- Thank you for the suggestions.. the bobbin area looks good, no loose strings or tangles that I can see. Needle is good.  I'm afraid it's something on the inside. Thank you for the suggestions.

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   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   Not sure if this is relevant but my older serger would do that. I finally took it apart and lubricated "stuff" and it worked great after that.  Could that be the problem?

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   1. 91

      Jamie Brockposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am quite sure that it probably needs a good lube... I don't think that's the main problem though.  It is just completely locked and won't rotate to do a single stitch.  I'm going to get some oil as soon as I can.  Thank you for reminding me!

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6. 61

   Pollyannalanaposted 11 years ago

   Yes I would take it apart and reassemble, that fixes about anything. My Mothers would do that now and then and I think it was a loose screw  or tightening device but it sure wouldn't hurt to oil it as you go.

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   1. 91

      Jamie Brockposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yep, I took the cover off and sure enough the thread uptake was stuck inside the machine..  am going to get some oil and take it for a tune up.   Thank you for your reply

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7. 91

   Jamie Brockposted 11 years ago

   Just wanted to let everyone know...I finally decided to take the cover off and look on the inside.  I saw immediately that the thread uptake was stuck back within the motor somehow and unable to come up like it normally does. Not sure what I did but finally manipulated it into the position it was normally in. It seems to be sewing just fine now but I'm planning to take it to get a tune up and make sure everything is fine with it. Thank you everybody for your help

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   gingerkaposted 11 years ago

   "The thread may be stuck too tight in the tension dial.  Also, you can try reducing the tension, because if the tension is
   too tight, the thread won't slide through.

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   1. 91

      Jamie Brockposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I actually took the cover off and discovered the thread take up was stuck inside the machine- I got it loose but I'm still taking it in because something still doesn't seem right. thank you for your reply- I will keep that it mind for future problems

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