Sewing Machine Making Unusual Noises - How to Fix It
A sewing machine should run with a steady, consistent hum. If yours has started clicking, grinding, clunking or squealing, it's telling you something needs attention. Work through these steps to find and fix the cause.
What does the noise sound like?
Different noises point to different causes. Use this as a quick guide before working through the steps below.
Repetitive clicking
Usually a bent needle striking the bobbin case, hook or needle plate on every stitch.
Grinding or clunking
Often a thread nest caught in the hook assembly, or the machine needs oiling.
Rattling
Check for loose parts — needle plate screws, presser foot or bobbin case.
Squealing
Usually a sign the machine needs lubrication.
Work through these steps in order
Start at step 1 and work your way down - most noises have a simple cause that's quick to fix.
Stop sewing immediately
As soon as you notice an unusual noise, stop. Continuing to sew can turn a minor issue into a more serious one.
- Turn the machine off before investigating
- Don't try to sew through the noise hoping it will resolve itself
Check and replace the needle
A bent needle is one of the most common causes of unusual noise — it strikes the bobbin case, hook or needle plate on every single stitch, creating a sharp repetitive clicking sound.
- Remove the needle and inspect it for bending or damage
- Fit a fresh needle as a first step regardless — it's quick, free and rules out one of the most common causes immediately
- Make sure it's fully inserted with the flat side to the back and tightened securely
Check for a thread or fabric jam
A grinding or clunking sound is often caused by a thread nest caught in the hook assembly forcing the machine to work against resistance.
- Remove the presser foot, needle plate and bobbin case and check carefully for any trapped thread or fabric
- Use small scissors or tweezers to clear any tangle — never pull aggressively
- Make sure the area is completely clear before reassembling
Check for loose parts
A rattling or clunking sound can be caused by something that's come loose during sewing.
- Check the needle plate screws are tight
- Make sure the presser foot is properly attached
- Re-seat the bobbin case and confirm it's locked in place
Clean the machine thoroughly
Lint and debris build up quickly and force moving parts to work harder, which can cause grinding or rasping sounds.
- Clean thoroughly around the bobbin area, feed dogs and hook assembly using a small brush
- Remove the needle plate if possible for a more thorough clean underneath
Oil the machine
A squealing or persistent grinding sound can indicate the machine needs lubrication. This is particularly common if the machine hasn't been used for a while.
- Check your manual to see whether your machine requires oiling and exactly where to apply it — not all machines do and oiling the wrong parts can cause damage
- Use only sewing machine oil — never WD-40 or general household oils
- If your machine hasn't been serviced in a while, a professional service may be the most effective solution
Inspect the needle plate
Burrs or scratches on the needle plate can cause a regular catching or scraping sound as the needle passes through.
- Run your finger gently around the needle hole and feel for any rough spots
- Minor burrs can sometimes be smoothed with a fine file, but significant damage means the plate should be replaced
Test on scrap fabric
Once you've worked through the steps, sew a few lines on scrap fabric and listen carefully. The machine should run smoothly and quietly. If the noise has gone, you're good to return to your project.
Quick fix checklist
Run through this before contacting us - it covers the most common causes.
- Machine turned off as soon as the noise was noticed
- Needle replaced with a fresh one, correctly inserted
- Hook assembly checked and cleared of any thread or fabric
- Needle plate screws, presser foot and bobbin case all checked and tightened
- Machine cleaned thoroughly around bobbin area and feed dogs
- Machine oiled if required by your manual
- Needle plate inspected for burrs or damage
Still having trouble? We're here to help.
If the machine is still making unusual noises after working through these steps, it likely needs a professional service. 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.
