Sewing Machine Maintenance: Timing 

3:40 Thank you for saying "Every now and again you can get a bad needle fresh out of the package" I never would have thought to replace the needle shortly after having just put in a new needle, and I'm so glad that worked!

This is pretty fantastic info IMO! One of the things I struggled with when I first started to sew, was understanding how tension worked, and how that related to timing, if at all. We have this local machine shop that has the most fabulous gentlemen working there who very kindly told me that my machines...(I brought 3 of them in lol)...all of them...were not out of time...and that it was *cough cough* a user error. And then he sat there with me for about 30 minutes explaining tension to me. When he was done, he sent me home with all 3 of them and assured me that they would work...and son of a gun, they did, lol. I feel like this should be something School House Rock should have covered in an animated feature with a catchy tune. lol. SO...short story long, lol, this info and tension info is positively priceless, and can save you $$ at the machine shop. THANK YOU so much for taking the time to explain this, so that even we, (the animals and I lolol), the machine noobiliscious, can understand. Awesome sauce video as always!

I love watching your shows I get so much from them. You talk slow and clear so even someone like me can understand. I wish you would have been my algebra teacher I might have passed. keep doing what your doing, oh I just seen another one I want to watch.

Thank you! I have been fussing with this machine all day and was ready to take it to a shop tomorrow. Changed the needle and now it is sewing beautifully. I look forward to watching ALL your other videos now. 😃

By far the most helpful sewing machine maintenance videos out there. I've watched a few of yours, and they have come in very handy while I'm trying to adjust my mom's machine. (I know nothing about sewing machines...)

some of the problems you mentioned had happened to all my machines, thanks for your educational videos😃👍 I did clean & oiled the machines, now they work like brand new. thanks 💋

5 years later & this is the best video I've seen that hit my issue right on the head! Thanks

Hooray - solved my timing issue then followed your cleaning instructions - we are back on track Thanks so much!

I always learn some useful things from your videos. Thank you so much for the maintenance/cleaning videos.

I am so glad I have subscribed too your tutorials Rob (smile). So much amazing information.

Thank you so much for the info Rob it has really helped me with my Brother sewing machine.

wow that is so good to know, i believe in being proactive in the maintinence of our machines. Thankyou

Thanks you explain things easy so i can grasp it.

This is so brilliant, thank you so much for this video! ♥

I found spraying the needle with silicone and using the Janome purple needle really helps prevent skipping. Thanks also for the tension tip!

thanks Rob I learn so much from you!!!!

Really useful information Rob thank you so very much

Thanks for this! I thought for sure I should need to take my machine in when everything went haywire after breaking a needle. It turns out it was the rare flawed new needle. I took it out and tried a second and it worked perfectly. First flawed needle I've had in hundreds of new needles.

Rob, THANK YOU!!!

Very informative, thank you!

Good to know! My biggest problem with timing is thinking a project will take me less time than it does.

Dude you just saved my sanity 🙌🏻🙌🏻

Seriously dude! You are the bomb!! You help so much! Thank you thank you thank you!!

Good info. I have to take my Kenmore ZigZag Deluxe in to have it timed. It's new to me and found out when I tried to do some patching and run a ZigZag stitch that it would skip the odd stitch and it broke the tip on one needle and bent another. It's hook is actually deflecting the needle.

Your tips worked for me. :) Thank you

I have a basic mechanical machine, I already knew about a timing issue, because I already noticed my machine had one. Knowing how much my sewing machine cost, I know for a fact, that getting it fixed isn’t worth it. So I fixed it myself, anyone can do it if you know how.

Great video!!!! I thought my machine was having a timing problem but testing the manual loop as you show (right, left and even gently force the needle front and back) to se how it reacts against different type of fabric.Result ... the hook always grabbed the threading line. So why does my machine doesn't hook when sewing micro polar fabric??? it seems like the needle reacts differently with that fabric..

I bought a nice looking Brother FS40 but it always knotted up below the needle plate each time I sewed. I got so fed up with it I sold it ! So much easier to hand sew I found.

Muchas Gracias!!

Thanks for useful information

Thank you very much you always give nice tips and videos. I hope you going to see my question, my machine sewing straight and zigzag ok, but if I try free hand embroidery it’s a headache upper thread make a loop around bottom teeth and stop, do you have any tips for this? Please .

thank you. this helps alot :-)

Great advice!!

how do i change the stitch lenght on my 111w154 industrial machine..Thanks

Hello, do you know how i can disengaging the Clutch knob. ? I have a kenmore 12 stitches. The clutch knob move but I can disengaging to start sewing. Thanks.

TY So much

Thank you so much

Hi, I was watching your Sewing Machine Maintenance channel. Regarding both tensions upper and lower. Thanks God I understand how to adjust the lower tension. But, the upper still doesn’t work yet. My sewing machine is Singer Professional. What will you advise me to do? Thanks Dear.

Glad I have found this channel…I’m borrowing my sister-in-laws sewing machine for a Halloween costume…it’s not picking up the thread from the bobbin…I’m hoping you’ll show me how to fix this?🎃

This video ended up not applying to my problem but I guess his voice inspired me to find the issue?? So thanks I think

I thought there was more that we could adjust ourselves, if the timing is off. For example, on the Singer Featherweight 221/222 and early Singers like 201-2, etc, I think you can open the Faceplate to adjustment the needle position on the vertical shank by loosening a screw and moving the needle to the right position, before tightening the screw on the needle shaft. Similarly, I thought you could rotate the hook on the race mechanism to make sure it meets the needle correctly to form a stitch at the right moment. Are you suggesting that newer machines are less user friendly and cannot be adjusted by the user, as could be done with vintage machines? Thank you for your helpful videos.

I hv an empisal protea elite similar to brother sewing machine... can u please do a video on how to fix them ...i cant fix mine and dont hv a repair shop inthe country I Live..

Hi Rob. Thanks for all the great information. Lately when I've been FMQing, I'll be great for a while and then all of a sudden the thread will wrap around my needle and create a knot. Sometimes it'll break, sometimes it'll just get tangled and I'll have to cut it. Can you tell me what does that? Is that a timing issue? Thank you!

i have a 201-2 1941 singer...was wondering if you could show a video on checking and setting timing...i can't seem to get it to sew, it jams after the first 2 stitches. I have watched videos on threading and it seems threaded correctly. Thank you!

Thanks for your video. Sadly, it needs service help. I may have to just give up on this Babylock and move on. Just had major service on it with timing adjusted 5 months ago.

ok thank you

I wish am next to you to see and understand how to operate love the way u explain

I’ve had my Kenmore in to be check and the needle to hook was to close and that was adjusted and it was better. HOWEVER, went to do more patching today and still when running a wider zigzag it would skip some stitches and the needle was coming in contact with the hook at times. Seemed to skip more when reversing. This was working in two to four layers of 12 ounce cotton canvas on Carhart pants. Now I know at times with manipulating the pants to get in places stitching it may have been deflecting the needle at times. But I know this machine should be able to do this without issue yet. I want to my other Kenmore, newer one and it did the patching without issue what so ever. Hope you can help a little here. Thanks.

I have a janome 1600p QC, why can't a ruffler be used with this machine?

I was aware of timing problems without knowing it was a timing problem. After your video the light bulb lite. Thank you.

Hiya, I'm having issues with the removable black bobbin housing? I think it's the housing. It jumps past the spring and over rotates. Do you know what can cause this?

I have a drop in bobbin, my needle hits the hook like in your second example. I know how to adjust the timing, but not the distance between the needle and hook. Can it be DIY'd or do I need service? Thank you!

So, what if you can hear your motor running, however, the needle isn't moving? (My sewing machine is a singer)

I am on a very tiny limited income. Not being able to get a new sewing machine. I am using the one Dad got Mom when I was born in 1956. A Singer #99. How do I maintain this machine?

thank u so much. I want Button hole machine maintenance plz

Sometimes it depends on the fabric you are using if it’s a stretchy fabric use the needle for stretchables

my needlebar moves right and left. . and it no more sew zigzag. .how to fix it

Plz plz solve my problem.my singer machine 2265 is not picking the bobbin therad.

My straight stitch is fine but my zig zag skips. Do you have any videos on timing. I don’t have a local fix it shop. My husband is my mechanic

I never bother the machine other than cleaning the fuzz My friend Leo does all my other issues for me. I have 13 machines and teach sewing classes ... I teach cleaning but recommend all other issues to a professional like Leo....I teach what tension is....but recommend to set it and leave it alone.....you would be amazed that the first thing they want to do is turn that knob back and forth Good series on maintenance

I have an older Babylock Jewel long arm which doesn't have any upper tension numbers. It is difficult to get a good stitch setup. My manual is very small and doesn't address this much. Any ideas?

My feed dogs do not want to rise up as they should. Pretty much unengaged with the switch that raises and lowers them. Any suggestions?

I have a problem with my singer sewing machine it hits the bobbin where its suppose to grab the thread from when going down into bobbin. What can I do to fix this please help thanks?

Budget Juki - Free We were given by a friend a JUKI DDL-8700-7 Comes with a computer that is said not to be working (JUKI CP-160) When the power switch to the machine is turned on the CP-160 turns on and everything seems to look ok. But when I push on the pedal nothing runs. It does not show any error display or code to work with. With your experience, I was hoping for any advice as to where or what I should try?

Thank you for the tips. What about oiling your machine?

As soon as he stated you can not fix this yourself i was sure this wae the wrong channel for me....

My machine sews perfectly using cotton. BUT when I try to embroider on thin leather or vinyl the bobbin thread is not picked up. Changed needle, rethreaded, cleaned changed thread but alas no difference. It won't pick up the bobbin thread. What else can I do? Have part of the leather project done but no matter how slow I go it won't pick up the bobbin thread.

Hi Rob! Have you ever run into a 110v machine plugged into a 220v? I did that to my Singer Futura ce350. Light went on then out, no burnt smell no sparks. When I brought it to my mechanic he said there are no reset buttons inside and no power in the machine, dead. What do you think?

Hi - my machine is not sewing straight stitches and button hole. It does sew all other stitch patterns. Can you please tell me how to fix it? thank you

I have a baby lock "ellure" I'm having trouble with my self threading feature.I had it fixed once but it cost me 85.00 so I'm hoping you can help.

Circuitry is not necessarily the issue for needles not moving left to right. That’s a mechanical issue, the circuit can correctly tell the machine to swing left to right but if something is jamming the machine, like threads, or it’s clogged, the machine will not work. So people should be careful they may end up being asked to pay $100+ for a new board but actually only needed a $30 service

My pressure foot dosnt cime down all the way its like it needs oil dont know where to put it pkease help

Can't do it myself? It already doesn't work what harm can I do? In any case I am going to make the attempt.and if it works I have 3 friends with timing issues.

I just bought an old well carried for sewing machine I cleaned it and it runs slow why needs oil or serviced? NOw a singer guy around for miles.

After being seriously off timing in zigzag mode, my Athena 2000 hook wheel stopped going around when activated and I can't engage the top panel when plugged in. Nothing lights up. ALL I'M GETTING IS A STRAIGHT STITCH MOTION :'( It was fine last week. WHAT HAPPENED???

My mother's sewing machine was making clicks like that, but they were VERY loud. The hook was usually on the other side by the time the needle came down, and it wasn't grabbing the thread at all. We don't actually know exactly where the clicks were coming from, but we have to stop and work the machine by hand when it does click(which is inconveniently often.) Does this sound like a different problem?

My Singer Fashionmate 7256 is “locked” the bobbin case is cleaned and clear, I switched the needle and I unscrewed the machine enough to peek and see that the belt was still on. However, when I press the control the needle will NOT move and the code C4 keep appearing. Please help!

What's going on when the needle hits the plate?

I have a question. my friend leaves her feed dogs up. uses the free motion foot and "free motion quilts straight lines on her bernina. is she ruining her timing on her machine? I tell her not to. to use her walking foot.

please do one on a janome magnolia the stitch is right on the bottom but not on top

funny face. lol. great tutorial guy! thank u thank u

You didnt say what happened---are you supposed to hear the ticking or not? What does it mean if its ticking or not ticking? Also, you didnt say about the bobbin hook--is the needle supposed to be ready to pick up the thread when its at the side or middle of the hook?

I need to keep watching your advice, I can't even get my sewing machine to move more than a 1/2 an inch and it won't do any more. I'd sent a $50 bill plus for my brain to understand how to use a sewing machine.

Help! It's not working

Reminds me of a mix of Billy Mays and Bob Ross as a person

So, do I want to hear tick, tick, or not???

timing Maida set kartheho

Isn't it sad that this is a problem, that you have to "know that you can trust them" (local sewing repair dealer)? It's an issue with auto mechanics, and sewing repair too, apparently (I have read stories in comments on his videos about people who had problems with sewing machine repair).

Piano music

I sent an email. I'm hoping for a response. 😉

My sewing machine skips stitches when I do a zig zag

I just want to eat beef, drive trucks, and check the timing on my sewing machine

So you earn a living off of selling sewing machines, naturally you wouldn't want to attribute the problem to the brand that is providing you with your income. Not very fair to conclude that most issues are related to user error unless you have a definitive report on that from your OEMs.

🤡👎