Overlocker Jamming or Won't Sew - How to Fix It
When your overlocker seizes up or refuses to sew, it can feel alarming. In most cases though it's a thread jam or setup issue that's straightforward to resolve. Work through these steps and you'll have it running again in no time.
Work through these steps in order
The most important thing is not to force anything. Start at step 1 and work your way down.
Stop and turn the machine off
If the machine has seized, don't keep pressing the foot pedal or forcing the handwheel. Continuing to force a jammed machine can cause damage that makes the problem much worse.
- Turn the machine off before doing anything else
- Wait a moment before attempting to clear the jam
Clear any thread jam
A thread nest caught in the looper area is the most common cause of an overlocker jamming. Clearing it properly is the key step.
- Remove the presser foot and needle plate and carefully clear all tangled thread and fabric using small scissors or tweezers
- Never pull thread aggressively - this can damage the loopers
- Check around the blades and looper area thoroughly - thread can wrap around the looper shaft and be easy to miss
- Take your time and make sure the area is completely clear before reassembling
Check and replace the needle
A bent needle can catch on the looper or blade and lock the machine. Even if the needle looks straight, replace it - it's quick and rules out a common cause.
- Remove and inspect the needle for any bending or damage
- Fit a fresh needle of the correct type for your overlocker, fully inserted with the flat side to the back and tightened securely
Check the looper area for damage
While the machine is open, take a moment to inspect the loopers and blades for any damage caused by the jam.
- Look for any visible damage to the looper tips or blade edges
- A damaged looper or blade will need replacing before sewing again - get in touch and we can advise on the right parts
Re-thread the machine from scratch
A threading mistake is often what caused the jam in the first place. Once everything is clear and reassembled, re-thread completely before trying again.
- Raise the presser foot before re-threading so the tension discs open properly
- Thread loopers before needles and follow your machine's threading path carefully
Test the handwheel
Before switching the machine back on, turn the handwheel slowly towards you by hand. It should move freely and smoothly.
- If it turns freely, the jam is cleared and you can proceed
- If it's still stiff or won't turn at all, there may be a deeper mechanical issue that needs a service - don't force it
Test on scrap fabric
Once the handwheel moves freely, test on scrap fabric before returning to your project. Run a decent length of stitching and check everything looks and sounds right before continuing with your actual work.
Quick fix checklist
Run through this before contacting us - it covers the most common causes.
- Machine turned off before attempting to clear the jam
- All thread and fabric cleared from the looper area
- Looper shaft checked for wrapped thread
- Needle replaced with a fresh one, correctly inserted and tightened
- Looper tips and blade edges inspected for damage
- Machine fully re-threaded with presser foot raised, loopers before needles
- Handwheel turns freely by hand before switching back on
Still having trouble? We're here to help.
If the machine is still jamming or won't sew after working through these steps, there may be a mechanical issue that needs professional attention. Get in touch and our team will take it from there.
Still stuck? We are happy to help.
Our service team has seen every machine in our range and can usually diagnose problems over the phone.
