How to Diagnosis a Sewing Machine that is Out of Time

I know this topic is talked about a lot, and I see the word "timing" used and thrown around in different scenarios. While there are many different timings that make a sewing machine work, there is only one as a sewer that you really only need to worry about. That is the hook timing, the relationship between the sewing needle and the hook.

If you are experiencing sewing issues that aren't resolved by simple fixes like changing the needle or rethreading, your machine may be "out of time". This means the delicate synchronization between the sewing

machine's needle and its hook mechanism is misaligned, leading to a variety of problems.

What is sewing machine timing? Inside your machine, the needle and the hook (or bobbin case) must perform a precise, coordinated dance. As the needle rises after hitting its lowest point, it forms a small loop of thread. The hook is perfectly timed to catch this loop, wrap it around the bobbin case, and form a secure lockstitch. If this timing is off by even a fraction of a second or a millimeter, stitches can fail to form, resulting in chaos.

Signs your sewing machine is out of time

Before you panic, take a moment to perform a few basic troubleshooting steps, including replacing your needle and rethreading your machine. If the problems persist, look for these tell-tale signs:

• Skipped stitches: This is the most common symptom of poor timing. If your machine is regularly skipping stitches, it means the hook is missing the thread loop created by the needle.

• Needle breakage: A machine that is significantly out of time can cause the needle to hit the hook or shuttle, resulting in frequent and often loud needle breaks.

• Irregular or inconsistent stitches: Even if stitches are forming, they may appear uneven, loose, or messy, especially in zigzag patterns. With zigzag stitches, you may notice that one side of the stitch is consistently failing.

• No stitch formation: In severe cases, the machine will run, but no stitches will form at all. This occurs when the hook is completely failing to catch the needle's thread loop.

• Odd noises: A clunking, grinding, or loud thudding sound can indicate that the needle is striking the hook. You may hear this most clearly when the needle is entering the bobbin area.

What causes timing issues?

Most of the time, timing problems are not the result of everyday sewing. Instead, they happen after a sudden, impactful event. Maybe a fall or forcing a machine to move with a bad jam or misuse. NEVER force the handwheel to turn, never force a stuck knob to move, and never jam on your foot controller in hopes that your machine will break free. These are all sure and easy ways to break your sewing machine.

You are a few common ways to cause machine will go out of time

• Sewing over thick material: Trying to sew through a seam that is too thick for your machine can cause the needle to get stuck, which can disrupt the timing of the internal mechanisms.

• Broken or bent needle: If a needle breaks while sewing, the impact can knock your machine out of time. Sewing over pins or hitting a broken needle tip.

• Tugging on fabric: Forcing or tugging on your fabric as you sew can put stress on the machine's components, it can cause parts to bend and moving while they shouldn't including the needle bar and hook.

How to diagnose a timing problem

To be certain your machine is out of time, you can do a simple visual check:

1. Remove the needle plate and the bobbin case to expose the hook mechanism.

2. Slowly turn the handwheel toward you.

3. As the needle descends and then begins to rise, observe the relationship between the needle and the hook.

4. The point of the hook should pass directly over the eye of the needle, catching the thread loop. The hook should behind the scarf of needle, not above or below.

5. If the hook passes too high, too low, or strikes the needle, your machine is out of time.

6. Another way to know for sure is to put your machine on its widest zig zag, turn your hand wheel slowly and watch as the needle lowers on the right side, the hook should catch the needles thread and wrap it around your bobbin area and form a loop when the needle raises and this action should repeat on the left side, forming a perfect zigzag stitch. If the machine is not catching loops on rhe left or the right side or every couple stitches, then your machine is out of time.

What should you do next?

Fixing your machine's timing is a delicate, precise task that most manufacturers recommend be performed by a professional. It often requires special tools and technical knowledge.

If you suspect your machine is out of time, your best course of action is to stop sewing and take it to a qualified repair technician. Continuing to use a machine with timing issues can lead to more serious, costly damage. If you would like, help with your sewing machine in diagnosing and problem solving, a perk to my membership is exclusive access to repair zooms with me.

Happy Sewing,

Erin Gannon

Sewing Machine Technician

Occasional Machine Whisperor

Machine Enthusiast