Work through this in order. Do not skip ahead — the list is ordered by how often each thing is the cause.
1. Re-thread completely, with the presser foot up. The tension discs only open when the foot is raised. This alone accounts for a large share of machines that “stopped working”.
2. Change the needle, and check it is the right way round and pushed fully up into the clamp.
3. Check the bobbin. Is it empty? Is it the right class for your machine? Is it inserted so it turns in the direction the manual shows? A bobbin running backwards produces no stitch at all.
4. Clean the bobbin race. Remove the throat plate and brush out the lint. A packed race stops the hook picking up the thread.
5. Check the obvious controls. Stitch length not at zero. Bobbin winder not still engaged — this is a classic: with the winder pushed across, the needle does not move at all and the machine appears dead.
6. Only now consider timing or a motor fault, which are workshop questions.
Working this list takes about ten minutes and resolves the fault most of the time. Starting at step six costs you a service you did not need.
Questions people actually ask
The handwheel will not turn.
Usually thread jammed in the bobbin race. Remove the needle, the plate and the bobbin case, and clear it by hand — never force the wheel.
The needle moves but nothing stitches.
Almost always the bobbin: empty, wrong way round, or the wrong class. Check that before anything else.
Last reviewed 2026-08-11