Why does my Sewing Machine's needle hits the throat plate sometimes?

Question

I have a pure vintage sewing machine, but it works completely fine. Just every few stiches it hits the throat plate to the right, and the needle breaks. Do I need to move the needle or the throat plate over? How do I do this?


Thank you!

Answer 1

You could always check to see if the screw on the needle was tight before you start with anything else. You may find the screw is worn out and loosens the needle.

Answer 2

Try this test:

1) Put in a new (used is fine) size 12/80 needle right way around, no top thread, no fabric. Drop the presser foot and hit the power. If the needle breaks, the issue is probably a misalignment in the needle bar. If it doesn't break, then:

2) Thread up. Set the top tension to 4 (normal tension). Put some or paper under the presser foot and sew *without touching the paper or fabric*. If the needle breaks now, it's probably an upper thread tension issue. If it doesn't, then:

3) Put the fabric or paper back under the foot. With one finger, and one finger only, guide the paper/fabric as it sews. Still no break? then:

4) Sew like you usually do. Chances are this is the issue -- you're hauling or pushing the fabric through the machine. Relax the Vulcan Death Grip on your sewing and learn to guide instead of push/pull. This is a *really* common sewing issue -- I've caught myself doing it a time or two when I was really trying to be super-accurate or I was sewing difficult fabric. The hard part is learning that I need to relax.

If you have issues with needle axis alignment, thread tension, or general adjustments to your machine, you might want to check out the yahoo group "wefixit", a group of pro and amateur menders of old sewing machines. They can help you diagnose and fix problems.

Oh, and take out the needle plate and give the dings a good polishing-out with crocus cloth, which is a denim fabric impregnated with abrasive. You can pick up a sheet in a good hardware or auto store for a couple of bucks and have a lifetime supply.

Answer 3

You may be using the wrong size needle for the type of fabric you're sewing. If the needle has to force it's way through, it gets bent and then hits the plate. I have bent many a needle on my Mums' machine by sewing denim with a needle meant for linens.

Answer 4

Changing the needle and using the right size needle for the job will probably do the trick. Don't "help" your fabric through. That's a major cause of bent needles. Always let the machine pull it along.
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Answer 5

Two things can cause this, the needle being to large, or it is 180 degrees out. Meaning it is not install correctly.Turn the needle 180 degrees. Most needles have a flat spot on one side, this flat side goes toward the thumb screw that holds it in place.

Answer 6

I agree with Kacky. If you pull your fabric instead of guiding it, it will cause the needle to hit the plate. Maybe the needle is already bent which will cause it to hit as well.

Answer 7

Machine is out of timing. Take it in and have timing adjusted. From my wife, a professional sewer.

Answer 8

you might find the tension on the cotton is too high cause it to pull