This post is essentially a guide on machine servicing as well as a list of things to check and consider if your machine isn't working.
Servicing
First, I'll offer some information on machine servicing.
You should be oiling your machine based on whatever your owner's manual dictates. If you have a newer machine, it may even tell you not to oil it. As for cleaning it, there's really no limit, but you're usually safe just doing so after a major project or after you've been sewing with something that creates a lot of lint, such as fleece, felt, or batting. By cleaning, I mean the basic sort of cleaning that you can do by removing the needle plate and bobbins case. Unscrewing and opening up panels beyond that can be risky if you don't know what you're doing, so I'm not going to endorse it unless you've had actual training in servicing machines. The outer panels of machines are generally very difficult to take off and this is done on purpose because manufacturers have found that people who try to fix their own machines generally do more harm than good.
In addition to cleaning the bobbin area yourself regularly, you should have your machine professionally serviced about once a year. Your machine manual will probably have guidelines concerning servicing and if I contradict anything your manual says, believe the manual over me. Check the internet, your local phone book, friends and local places that sell sewing machines to find places that will service machines. Just tell them it needs to be serviced as well as anything weird you've noticed about your machine, such as reverse not working properly or it being louder than usual. Also be really sure that you've provided the cords and foot pedal for your machine. Your owner's manual as well as any unused needles you have are also helpful. If your machine has any brushes or screw drivers that came with it, make sure they're in the storage compartment of your machine.
A common misconception is that a machine doesn't need to be service if it hasn't been used much or at all. This is generally untrue. The only exception I can think of is if the machine has never been used, but even then, it may need some oiling. When a machine goes a while without being used, the oil inside it can just drain to the bottom or solidify into more of a paste than an oil in the machine's gears and such. If you're pulling out an old machine that hasn't been used in a while, it's a good idea to get it professionally serviced before you do too much sewing. Of course, it's a good idea to make sure it still works, if you're worried about that, but don't sew too much. A machine with no or improper lubrication can become problematic fairly quickly.
The most important thing when it comes to machine cleaning, oiling and servicing is to do whatever your owner's manual tells you to do.
Now, here are some troubleshooting ideas for when your machine isn't working. There's a mix of things that apply to new machines as well as ones you may have had for a while.
Bobbins
If your tension is funny (if you can see your bobbin thread on the top or your needle thread on the bottom) or if your fabric is bunching up, your needle is getting jammed, or your machine is making funny sounds from the bobbin area, there may be an issue with your bobbin. Firstly, make sure you're using the right bobbins for your machine. Your bobbins may need to be specific bobbins brought from a place that sells the brand of sewing machine notions that matches your machine, or it may require generic bobbins. Keep in mind that just because it seems to work fine doesn't mean that it's working well. Even tiny misalignments in any part of your machine can cause a decrease in performance or even more serious problems over time. Consult your owner's manual.
Your bobbins could also be up-side-down or not threaded correctly. Use your owner's manual and have it open beside you as you insert your bobbin until you're 100% confident that you can do it correctly on your own. This goes for the top thread as well.
Your bobbin case could also not be inserted properly. Again, consult you owner's manual, but there are usually arrows that need to line up or some such thing. Your case also usually makes a satisfying click when it's inserted all the way.
These all may sound dumb and arbitrary, but for everything that I suggest here, there have been numerous customers with machines that "weren't working" because of one of these issues.
Threading
Sometimes, threading the upper thread can be a bit complicated, or you might just be missing some random piece of metal you need to put your thread through. Have the section in your manual on threading your upper thread open beside you as you thread until you're totally comfortable.
If your upper thread isn't threaded properly, your upper thread might break, your tension may be off, or your machine could skip threads.
If you're finding that the thread resists you when you try to thread it, meaning that you physically cannot pull it through, first, check to make sure that your presser foot isn't down. If it is, raise it and try again.
If that's not the problem, begin threading your machine slowly and take note of the step in which it becomes difficult to pull. That's where the problem is. If your thread has recent broken, it's likely that some thread has gotten tangled somewhere. Use a flashlight, something long and thin (like a pin), tweezers, and/or anything else you need to locate and remove the obstruction.
If those things don't solve the problem, you have to bring it in to be serviced.
Needles
Generally, all needles fit all machines. the exceptions are some older Singer machines or specialized type of sewing machines like long arm quilting machines.
There are different sizes and types of needles. Most manuals nowadays have some information on different needles. The different types of needles are generally self-explanatory if you look at the names. One thing I notice though, is that people think denim needles are thicker. They're only as thick as the size says it is. Denim needles are really just sharper, which makes them great for woven materials that tend to snag.
If your machine does happen to need special needles, the needle may just not fit in at all or may seem to fit in, but be too long which will probably cause timing issues and will likely break the needle.
Tension
Leave your tension alone! Unless there's actually something wrong with it. If that's the case, change it small intervals until it's better. If it gets worse, try the other direction. If it still gets worse, knock it off. Just stop before you hurt something. Your machine's tension may need to be adjusted internally, which would need to be done by a mechanic. This could be a simple issue of adjusting some internal screws or what-have-you or simply giving it a good cleaning and oiling and usually won't cost much if you go to an honest mechanic. There could, however, be some sort of alignment issue, which may be more difficult to fix.
Well, that's all I can think of right now. I will probably add to this as I encounter new frustrated sewers at work or think of things.
If you have any additional questions or comments or think I missed anything or said something wrong or like my blog or hate it or quodlibet, just leave a comment.
Or if you just wanted to comment anyways, that'd be nice, too. You know, so that it looks like my blog is super popular or whatever.
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