Does anyone know how to fix a sewing machine; I've messed up the settings for stitch length, tension etc and now the thread is all bunching up so that it wont sew seams etc.

Do you have a manual?
It should tell you how to adjust the settings and how to alter the stitch length.

It's a VERY old sewing machine which was given to me years ago and I've had it for the best part of 10-15 years; SO NO Manual that is with the machine; although that said I keep a stack of old and otherwise useless papers like that on the top of my fridge so it might be worth looking there.

Otherwise what happens is the thread keeps on getting caught up on the under side and bunches up in to the most horrendous gordian knot which also keeps snapping off. Would that have anything to do with the quality of the thread which is rather poor?

Just found the manual which was on top of the fridge with all of my other really useful stuff of that ilk. :) Thanks for that suggestion and I'll see what that turns up.

This is going to sound faaar too technical.... :suspect:

i get this prob sometimes with my machine, i found if i get a scrap piece of fabric to play on and then start tinkering with the little dial thats attached to the tension plates (usually at the back with two or 3 little cymbol type bits o' metal between the dial and the machine)<--- the technical bit!!

Also try rethreading it as getting the thread between the wrong plates can lead to the tension going mad (i learned that the hard way) and trying a different thread can also help....

good luck

try adjusting the tension setting - also check that the bobbins are threaded correctly - esp. older machines the tension will slip (from time to time) - scrap material a good idea. The worse thing you can do with it is start twisting things willy nilly be methodical - if the stitches are bunched then its quite likely to be the tension - try it adjusting both ways a bit at a time till you get it right.

I'm assuming you've got the machine threaded correctly

Usually slack stitches on the underneath of the material means you need to increace the tension....turn the dial to a higher number..... but I usually find re-threading the machine, shouting and swearing a bit, & having a cup of tea works too.

Thanks all :clap: rethreaded the machine entirely and had to scrap all of the bobbin thread (looks like I hadnt threaded it properly), got different thread and increased the tension = perfect stitching :D :D :D

Well done,
glad you got it sorted
Happy Sewing!

Thanks everyone; I've now sorted out the hems etc, none too professionally I might add) of 3 skirts rendering them usable again :D :D :D.

I am glad i read this thread as i have the same problem with my newish sewing machine!,....havent used it to over 6 months now cause i am scared if i try to fix it and dont suceed i will end up throwing out of the window! I will try all your suggestions.

Cant read the manual as i live in Holland and it came only in dutch and German!:mad:

I was having trouble with my sewing maching, all the thread was bunching up underneath, tried taking it to bits, but that didn't work, so my husband sprayed all the moving parts with WD 40, and hey presto, it works perfect now. (Touch wood)

Hello can anyone point me to a u tube video that demonstrates threading a new home janome 921? So I can thread the machine and have a play with it? Thanks so much

I have an all-singing all-dancing sewing machine which supposed to do embroidery, buttonholes etc. it is almost 40 years old and it doesn't work properly. In desperation, I got out my even-older one, one that is dated 1898 - and it works perfectly!