There is nothing worse than starting up your sewing machine and getting half way through your project when you start hearing a loud clunking sound coming from the machine. This noise can make you not want to continue sewing, but chances are it is an easy fix!
So, why does your sewing machine sound clunky? If you notice your sewing machine making a loud, clunky noise, it might be because the thread wasn’t put in properly. The sound could also be caused by something jammed in the machine or two pieces rubbing together. This might be likely if you haven’t oiled your machine lately.
The clunking noise might also be coming from a damaged needle or the needle plate being loose. When you hear a clunking noise, it is best to stop sewing immediately and do an inspection to see if you can find the problem.
What Tension Should My Sewing Machine Be on?
Getting the tension of your sewing machine just right can be intimidating. It is beneficial to know what tension your sewing machine should be set on for the best results. The tension of the thread determines how much thread can pass through the machine to create a stitch.
The more thread that is able to get into the stitch, the looser the stitch will be. The less thread that goes into the stick, the tighter the stitch will be. The tension settings on a sewing machine typically start at 0 and go up to 9.
For a straight stitch, the default setting is 4.5. This is typically fine for most fabrics. If you want to create a zig-zag stitch, or another stitch with a thicker width, you will want to change the tension. This type of stitch will generally require a tension of 3 to 4.
The best way to tell what tension your sewing machine should be on is to test it. It can be hard to know if the tension is right or wrong if you don’t know what it looks like on the fabric. You can test the tension by using different color thread on the top and bottom.
If the tension is perfect, the lower thread and upper thread will meet perfectly in the center of the material. If the top tension is too loose or the bottom tension is too tight, you will be able to see the top thread underneath the material.
If the top tension is too tight or the bottom tension is too loose, you will see the bottom thread on top of the material. Experimenting with the tension is going to be the best thing you can do to determine the perfect tension for your project.
How Can I Make My Sewing Machine Quieter?
Apart from a clunking noise, sewing machines are usually just loud in general. When it comes to getting your sewing machine to quiet down, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure your sewing machine is on a balanced surface. It should be flat and free from any bumps. Even the smallest bump can cause an irregularity.
You can also try to control the speed you are sewing at. It is easy to get carried away with the foot pedal when you are in the zone. The foot pedal is very sensitive, and it could be the noise issue. It is recommended to gradually press your foot down, not press it down immediately when you start.
It is also important to perform regular maintenance on your sewing machine to prevent unnecessary noise. If proper maintenance isn’t done on the machine, it will start to wear down and parts can start rubbing together.
To keep your sewing machine in the best shape and attempt to quiet it down some, you should maintain it at least once a week if you use it regularly. This includes taking the machine apart, dusting, oiling, checking for irregularities, replacing parts that are worn down, then putting it back together.
If nothing seems to work to reduce the noise of your sewing machine, you can purchase a mat that is tailor-made to absorb the noise and vibration that sewing machines produce. This will help reduce the noise and keep the sewing machine stable.
How Do You Fix a Sewing Machine that Keeps Jamming?
Jamming is a very common problem when it comes to sewing machines. It can be incredibly frustrating if it keeps happening, but there is a simple way to fix it. First, you will need to remove any fabric that you were sewing and set that to the side. This might require a little tugging and lifting so you can snip the thread.
Next, take your time to search and find all of the pieces of thread that keep jamming. This might require taking the bobbin out, removing the throat plate, and any other pieces that your thread goes through during the sewing process.
After you have removed all of the jammed thread, you can put everything back together. Before you start sewing again, be sure to check your needle. If the needle is even slightly bent, that could be the cause of the jamming. Replace the needle before you begin again.
How Often Should a Sewing Machine Be Serviced?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem. It mostly depends on how often you use your sewing machine, what you are using it for, how old your machine is, and if you do any maintenance yourself.
If you use your sewing machine several times a week, lint will quickly build up, the lubricants will wear down, and parts will need replaced more often. If you use your machine like this, it is recommended to service the machine at least once a year.
If you don’t use your sewing machine often and go months or years without using it, you won’t need to get it serviced as often. However, if you haven’t used it in a long time, you can expect the lubricants to begin solidifying and cause the machine not to work. You should get it serviced before you use it again.
When it comes to what you use your machine for, this can also impact how often your machine needs services. For example, if you frequently do patchwork quilting or work with heavy fabrics, there is a greater chance of lint build up. You should service your machine more often to avoid tension issues.
If you have an older sewing machine, it is going to require more frequent servicing than a newer machine. Older machines will need more lubrication to keep their parts in proper working order and prevent the machine from breaking down.
Final Thoughts
If you are hearing a clunking noise coming from your sewing machine, it can be a scary sound. Luckily, it could be an easy fix. The problem could be from loading the thread wrong, having something jammed in the machine, or two parts rubbing together.
To help keep your machine running quietly and efficiently, the machine needs to be serviced properly. Servicing your machine will help keep your machine in working order without worrying about if your machine is going to break because of an unknown noise.
Make sure to follow my tips and recommend products to ensure your sewing project turns out amazing! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your sewing Q&A’s. Happy sewing!