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Why Won’t My Sewing Machine Wheel Turn? – Find Out Here!

Sewing machines are known for their ease of use. However, there are some instances when things can go wrong, and one of the most common problems is a sewing machine that won’t turn.

When this happens, you’ll notice that the needle and the bobbin are moving but the sewing machine wheel won’t move.

The first thing you want to do is make sure that the machine is plugged in and that the power switch is turned on.

Most sewing machines are powered by a motor that moves the needle up and down using a belt. But the wheel that moves the needle left to the right can’t be turned by a belt.

It’s powered by something called a wheel-lock system. This system has one wheel that must be turned for the needle to move.

The wheel moves a cam that turns the wheel that moves the needle.

All of the wheels are controlled by a controller that is wired to the mainboard.  If you can still hear the sewing machine running but the needle isn’t moving, it is probably a problem with the wheel-lock system.

Possible Reasons for the Jammed Sewing Machine Handwheel

Machine jams are frustratingly common, but they don’t have to be.

Before you start ripping your hair out (or start to panic and destroy your sewing machine in the process of trying to fix it), take a few minutes to figure out what may have caused the problem.

After all, there are plenty of reasons for a sewing machine to jam, from incorrect tension to a bent needle.

Sewing Machine Handwheels:  When you have a sewing machine with a handwheel, it can get jammed from time to time.

When this happens you need to unjam the handwheel to get your sewing machine functioning again.

Thankfully, unjamming a sewing machine handwheel is not too difficult and can be accomplished with a few tips and tricks.

Lack of Tension on the Upper Thread

A sewing machine is an amazing piece of equipment that is capable of producing beautiful garments.

However, if the tension of your machine is off, it may not be able to do its job properly.

Tension is the force that holds the fabric taut while the needle stitches it.

If the tension is too loose, the fabric will pucker or scallop. If the tension is too tight, the fabric will be pulled too tight and may not be able to move freely through the machine.

Either of these situations can cause the needle to skip stitches.

Your Handwheel Needs Oil

A sewing machine’s handwheel is similar to a bicycle’s front brake. The wheel turns the machine’s needle and bobbin casing to make the stitches.

That means if the wheel doesn’t turn, you’ll have trouble sewing. Most sewing machine wheels don’t need oiling, but if you notice resistance while you’re turning the wheel, it could be a sign that your sewing machine’s wheel needs oil.

A sewing machine wheel won’t turn when the handwheel is not oiled. The handwheel is a simple device that is made up of a wheel and a treadle.

Its function is to move the needle back and forth on the machine and also to raise the presser foot. The handwheel is mounted on a shaft that is connected to the machine’s transmission.

When the treadle is pushed backward, it turns the shaft and the handwheel. The handwheel is spring-loaded so it can be pushed forward when the needle is in the up position.

Your Belt Is Broken

Sewing is a great way to pass the time when you’re bored. Unfortunately, we all know that most sewing machines are not perfect pieces of equipment.

If you take your machine to a repair shop, you’ll find the repairman wants you to fork over a lot of money for your trouble. So, why not do it yourself and save that money?  

If you’re having trouble with your sewing machine, it’s usually because of the belt.  The belt is what powers your sewing machine and makes it work.

If it is broken, it will cause your sewing machine wheel not to turn and your machine will not work properly.

The sewing machine wheel itself is a spoked wheel with a belt running through it.

The wheel is connected to the machine’s motor by a belt and pulley system, which is what allows you to control the speed and the motion of the wheel.

Although the belt is the main component that connects the motor to the wheel, the belt wheel system is also made up of pulleys, brackets, and tension.

If something is out of alignment, the belt won’t turn. The sewing machine wheel will not turn because of a number of different reasons.

It could be that the belt is broken or that the wheel itself is broken or that the pulley is broken.

Your Bobbin Case Is Full of Lint

As a sewing machine owner, you know the importance of keeping your machine in top working condition.

Your bobbin case is the heart of your machine, responsible for holding and distributing thread to your needle and the bobbin.

If your bobbin case becomes clogged with lint, thread, or other debris, your sewing machine may not be able to wind a bobbin properly, leaving you frustrated and unable to complete your sewing projects. 

The Bobbin Case is one of the most overlooked parts of the sewing machine. As a result, it is also one of the dirtiest parts.

In fact, many times when your sewing machine is working poorly, it may be because your Bobbin Case is full of lint.

This is easily remedied, however, by using a regular pair of tweezers to remove the lint from the Bobbin Case. Use the tweezers to remove the lint from the Bobbin Case by pulling it out in clumps.

In Conclusion

Like many people who sew or have tried sewing know,  sewing machines are not the easiest things to understand. There are a lot of different parts involved, and they all need to be in good shape for them to work properly.

We all know that the most important part of the sewing machine is the sewing needle. The needle is what does all the actual work and makes it possible to penetrate through the fabric and create a beautiful seam.

Kirsten Carter

Kirsten Carter

Kirsten Carter is a freelance content writer who specialises in writing about travel, technology and health. When she's not traveling between her home of Tanzania and England, she writes for her blog Rightminded Travelling and features on a variety of different travel and technology sites.View Author posts

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