How to Fix Common Needle Plate Problems on Your Sewing Machine Full Guide of 2024

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Struggling with needle plate problems on your sewing machine? Learn how to identify and fix common issues with needle plates, such as:

• Burrs
• Nicks
• Misalignment

Thread Quality

Since thread quality can affect the performance of your sewing machine, it’s important to use high-quality thread that matches the sewing purpose.

• Use reputable brands like Isacord, Madeira, or Aurifil.
• Avoid low-quality, linty threads prone to snapping.
• Match thread type to the sewing project for optimal results.
• Discard bargain bin threads to improve sewing quality.
• Maintain an assortment of threads for various purposes.

Needle Care

To prevent thread breakage, replace the needle regardless of sewing time during troubleshooting.

Needle Care Tips:

• Use sharp, new needles.
• Avoid dull, bent needles.
• Replace needles regularly.
• Clean needle regularly.
• Oil needle regularly.

Needle Plate Examination

After ensuring that your needle is in good condition, it’s time to examine the needle plate for burrs or punctures.

Use abrasives like cords, tapes, or sandpaper to remove burrs. Be cautious to not excessively enlarge the needle plate opening.

Finish by polishing the needle plate with fine-grit sandpaper.

Bobbin Case Assessment

Once you have examined the needle plate, you can move on to assessing the bobbin case for damage.

Remove the bobbin case and inspect it for needle punctures or nicks.

Check the smoothness of the bobbin case with fingernail checks.

Smooth small burrs on the bobbin case using fine-grit sandpaper.

Consider replacing significantly damaged front-loading bobbin cases.

Troubleshooting the Shuttle Hook

After inspecting the needle plate and bobbin case, you should troubleshoot the shuttle hook.

A damaged, loose, missing, misaligned, or rotated shuttle hook can cause thread breakage, skipped stitches, and other problems.

To inspect the shuttle hook, remove the needle plate and bobbin case.

Then, use a flashlight to look inside the bobbin area and check for damage to the shuttle hook.

If the shuttle hook is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

If the shuttle hook is loose, you can tighten it by turning the setscrew on the side of the hook.

If the shuttle hook is missing, you’ll need to install a new one.

If the shuttle hook is misaligned, you can realign it by turning the setscrew on the side of the hook.

If the shuttle hook is rotated, you can rotate it back into position by turning the setscrew on the side of the hook.

Clean Your Machine

1. Clean your machine regularly to prevent thread breakage and other problems.
2. Remove lint build-up from the bobbin area, feed dogs, and shuttle hook.
3. Clean the bobbin case with a lint brush to prevent sticky bobbin cases.
4. Remove dust from the machine with a dry cloth to improve sewing quality.
5. Clean the feed dogs with a brush to prevent jams.
6. Clear the bobbin area of debris to smooth threading.
7. Avoid rust by wiping down the machine with a damp cloth after each use.
8. Extend the life of your machine by cleaning it regularly.

Other Troubleshooting Areas

After cleaning your machine, you can troubleshoot other areas such as the shuttle hook and bobbin case.

• Check the bobbin tension.
  • If the bobbin tension is too loose or too tight, it can cause thread breakage.
  • To check the bobbin tension, remove the bobbin case and thread the machine with a new bobbin.
  • Then, hold the bobbin case in one hand and the needle thread in the other hand.
  • Pull the thread taut and see if it slips through the tension discs easily.
  • If the thread slips through too easily, increase the bobbin tension.
  • If the thread is difficult to pull through, decrease the bobbin tension.
• Install the needle threader correctly.
  • If the needle threader isn’t installed correctly, it can cause thread breakage.
  • To install the needle threader correctly, follow the instructions in your sewing machine manual.
• Check the presser foot height.
  • If the presser foot is too low, it can cause thread breakage.
  • To check the presser foot height, raise the presser foot until it’s just above the needle.
  • Then, try sewing a few stitches.
  • If the thread breaks, lower the presser foot until the thread stops breaking.
• Clean the lint build-up.
  • Lint build-up can cause thread breakage.
  • To clean the lint build-up, remove the needle plate and bobbin case.
  • Then, use a lint brush to clean the bobbin area and the feed dogs.
• Replace the timing belt.
  • If the timing belt is worn out or damaged, it can cause thread breakage.
  • To replace the timing belt, follow the instructions in your sewing machine manual.

Put Your Sewing Machine Back Together

Now that you’ve fixed the needle plate issue, it’s time to put your sewing machine back together.

Step

Instructions

1

Reinstall the bobbin case.

2

Replace the needle plate.

3

Insert the needle.

4

Adjust the thread tension.

5

Oil your machine.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your sewing machine should be good as new!

Common Problems With Needle Plates

Once you’ve put your sewing machine back together, it’s time to check the needle plate for common problems.

• Look for burrs or punctures on the needle plate opening. These can cause thread breakage.
• Use abrasives like cords, tapes, or sandpaper to remove burrs. Be careful not to excessively enlarge the needle plate opening.
• Finish by polishing the needle plate with fine-grit sandpaper.

Also, inspect the bobbin case for needle punctures or nicks.

• Check the smoothness of the bobbin case with fingernail checks.
• Smooth small burrs on the bobbin case using fine-grit sandpaper.
• Consider replacing significantly damaged front-loading bobbin cases.

How to Fix Common Needle Plate Problems

Once you’ve identified the problem with your needle plate, you can fix it by:

• Removing and inspecting the needle plate for burrs or punctures.
• Using abrasives like cords, tapes, or sandpaper to remove burrs.
• Polishing the needle plate with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots.

Be sure to replace the needle plate if it’s damaged beyond repair, as this can cause further problems with your sewing machine. For more information on needle plate maintenance, please consult your sewing machine manual.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)