Anyone know how to fix the timing on sewing machines????

[Gamom3]

I think my timing is off on my sewing and my dd's. Does anyone know how to fix it?
The sewing machines didn't cost that much so paying someone to fix them is not worth it...I spoke with someone that said she had called and they wanted to charge her $65 just check and fix the timing. So there is no telling what they would charge me to do 2 machines.

This is why I think the timing is off...when we start sewing the first few stitches underneath are bunched up and then it will skip everynow and then when we sew....hope this makes sense.

Thanks!!

[freethinkermom]

Have you tried cleaning and oiling it really well. A good cleaning and a fresh needle can do wonders. Also if it is a belt driven machine, simply replacing the belts (after cleaning) can fix a lot of what appears to be timing issues. You can buy belts at the fabric store for two or three dollars. There is also an inexpensive lubricant you can buy for your needle called Sewer's Aid that can help keep things running well after it is cleaned.

I have always maintained all my machines myself. While your timing may really be off and need professional adjustment, I have found that "timing" is tha catch-all phrase the places that charge for a tune-up use to convince you that you should bring it in.

[Deece in MN]

Have you tried replacing the needle? Skipped stitches can be caused from a dull needle.
I would start with that and then re-thread your machines, check the bobbin area for lint or stray pieces of thread and then try it again to see what happens.
If it is still doing the same thing, it might be the timing and I have no idea how to fix that.
Good luck!

[Gamom3]

I have had mine for a little over a year and my dd got hers for Christmas has sewed on it for about 10mins and put it up because of the stitching.
I have only sewed on mine 4 or 5 times..would it really need a new needle and oil already?
I don't have a problem doing it, but it seems with us not using them it wouldn't need it.

I plan on going to Wal-mart tomorrow, would they have the oil?
Thanks!!!

[freethinkermom]

Yes, after 4 or 5 times you may need a new needle. The oil will be with the sewing notions. One bottle will last you forever. Depending on what type of fabric you have been sewing on, you may need to clean under the throat plate too. Inexpensive machines gather lint faster in my experience. I taught ds10 to sew on an inexpensive Brother when he was 8. That machine needed careful adjustment and cleaning to keep working, but it did work well when it was taken care of.

Are you loading your bobbin in backwards? Check your user manual to see whether the thread end should be coming off clockwise or counterclockwise before you put it in. It does make a huge difference. Also make sure you are using the right kind of bobbins for your machine. The slight differences in weight between different kinds, can throw your timing off, but using the right bobbin is the fix. Your tension may also be off. Try setting the tension down to 0, rethreading, then putting the tension back in the normal sewing range.

With how new they are and both having problems, I doubt it is really the timing. To actually throw off the timing takes so pretty good effort.