Sewing is, for many of us, a hobby. And because of this, it’s really nice when it’s low-stress.

I know there are adrenaline junkies out there, but even they probably don’t try to jam their sewing machine to get more of a jolt in their life.

So, if you are one of the many folks who sew, or want to sew without the stress of jamming your machine, read on for jam prevention tips.

Before I go on though, it must be said in my experience, there are two causes of jams.

The first, and what I’ll address in this article, are related to the machine and it’s operation or maintenance. Well, and some things adjacent to the machine, like needles.

The other, which I’ll cover in another article, is related to technique or procedure.

Sewing Machine Maintenance

There are two kinds of maintenance performed on sewing machines. The first is user (that’s you) performed maintenance. And the second is “professional” performance maintenance, meaning you take your machine to a certified service professional to do work on your machine. I’m a proponent of both, for reasons, but the maintenance I’m referring to in this article is user performed. That means, YOU should do it.

Before I go on even further, note that the recommended maintenance for YOUR machine should be specified in your sewing machine manual. If you don’t have a copy, you can usually (there are some exceptions) find a copy on line. In many instances you can even find them free.

There are two basic types of “maintenance” you might need to be doing on your machine: Cleaning and Lubrication. I say “might” because many modern machines don’t actually have any oil points for you to need to lubricate regularly. But, just to be sure, check your manual.

Performing the necessary lube jobs on your machine will keep it running smoothly. And you’ll have far fewer hiccups.

All sewing machines (to my knowledge) do have some recommendation of cleaning though by the user.

Usually this consists of cleaning lint out of the bobbin area and maybe some other places that are easy for you to get to.

At the most, you might be required to remove your needle plate or maybe open a door to get at something. But it is, by no means, opening the machine up.

The thing is, as you sew, lint will get in the bobbin area. It could be around the bobbin case, the bobbin assembly with the hook or it could be smashed in the feed dogs.

It’s really important to keep this cleaned as much as you can. Most machines come with a brush that will latch on to most lint and help pull it out.

You want to pull it out of the machine, and not push it in further because loading up the inside of your machine is a sure-fire way to need the “professional performed maintenance”.

This wayward lint can get in the way of the operation of the hook in the bobbin area. It can latch on to the thread as it passes through the area, and it can get caught up in the feed dogs and needle plate. All of this can increase your risk for jamming your machine.

Make a habit to clean out the bobbin area every time you have to change bobbins. OR, if you are always using the same color, make a point to clean it out at the end of your sewing session OR at the beginning. This is one of those ounces of prevention that is worth way more than the pound of cure.

Failing to clean your machine yourself, can result in either a jam or some other build-up that needs to be taken care of by the service professional. And that service can get pricey. Like It could be about the same price as buying a new machine. I mean, probably not if your machine costs the same as a small car. But If you spent less than $500 on your machine, you’ll be weighing the cost of getting a new one against fixing your old one.

Keep your machine clean.

Sewing Machine Threading

I’m putting this here because I feel like threading is inherent to the machine, not the operation. Though, it’s splitting hairs a bit.

If you don’t thread your machine correctly, it won’t operate properly, or as designed. And it could cause jams (or other just as annoying issues).

Check your manual for the proper threading path up top, and the proper insertion of the bobbin (if it’s not indicated on the machine itself).

Just putting the bobbin in the bobbin case backward, causing it to turn the wrong direction could affect the machine’s ability to make a stitch properly. And that could cause a jam.

Also, if your machine isn’t threaded properly, it could bunch up or ball up and jam. Or just fail to make good stitches.

Most machines thread about the same way, but some have guides in places others don’t. Skipping these guides or going through them in the wrong oder can make or break the operation of the machine.

So, always check your manual.

Sewing Machine Needles

I know sewing needles aren’t technically part of the machine. But they are so integral that sometimes they feel like part of the machine. So, I’m putting them here.

The wrong needle for the fabric you are sewing. OR a damaged needle will likely cause issues. And can cause jamming.

The needle needs to be able to pierce through the fabric to make a stitch. If it can’t do this, the machine could jam.

If you nicked a pin while sewing, change your needle.

If you tried to sew through heavy fabric and your machine struggled, change your needle (it might have bent).

If you’ve been sewing with that needle for a while, change your needle.

If it’s gummy from sewing through adhesive, change your needle.

Conclusion

Jams while sewing are frustrating. Reduce your stress by eliminating some of the factors that can cause jams.

The old adage applies: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure.

And lots of headaches and stress reduction.