dee1245

I jammed the needle on my Singer DSXII (Quantum) machine. It now sews stitches as if it were set on -O- stitch length. I can override stitch length manually but it still doesn't sew very long stitches and it pulls out very easily. Any ideas? Timing off? Cannot afford to have to take it for repair at this time. Help please...

Raggiemom

Did you rethread, check the bobbin, new needle, turn off machine for 15 minutes? I don't know if any of these will help but they're the first things I do when I have any problems with the machine. If none of those work, unfortunately you may have to have it serviced. Also, did you check the owners' manual for any suggestions? That's the last thing I always do for some reason Hope you get it working correctly.

feline fanatic

When you jammed the needle did you break it? It sounds like you have a couple of problems going on. Your tension is off and your feed dogs don't sound like they are working properly.
A sign of timing being off is either skipped stitches or the needle not picking up the bobbin thread at all. Your machines symptoms are different. Raggiemom gave excellent advice. Turn the machine off, change bobbin out entirely (just in case you damaged it in some way) and while you are at it, take the hook assembly out and carefully inspect it for damage. Change needle and completely rethread the machine. Also, if you broke the needle you need to go through it very carefully to find the tip of the broken needle. It could be what is messing up your feed dogs.
Unfortunately, if none of these things work you will have to take your machine in for servicing. If you can't afford it then I recommend you start combing your local thrift stores and/or Craigs list for a used sewing machine in working order. Even if it is an old mechanical machine (some are true treasures!). I have seen many posts here where people have picked up sewing machines for as little as $25 and that is much less than a servicing. When you got to check them out, bring thread and fabric to test the machine. Walk away from anything that doesn't work and make a nice stitch.

Prism99

You also need to search for any tiny piece of thread that may be caught, especially in the bobbin mechanism. With a jam, there is a high probability of thread having gotten caught somewhere. Even a tiny piece can disrupt the stitching. You may need to use a magnifying glass to go over the area.

dee1245

Thanks for the responses. The needle didn't break, just bent. I have rethreaded and changed the bobin thread. Have not done too much with the tension. Will try to adjust that and see if it does any better. Thanks again for all of the advise. I will keep tryg to get it to work.

judylg

After I have done all of the above as far as checking, I take it in to be serviced. And then....200.+ later I pick up my machine. Some issues are beyond me.

Kwiltr

This is kind of out in left field, especially because I have no idea what your machine is like, but if you are using a walking foot and somehow disengaged it in the process of trouble shooting, then check that and reengage it. On my machine, a Janome, I have to engage the walking foot when I put it on. If I don't, the fabric won't feed at all. Just a thought on the short stitches you mentioned.

slbram17

I was wondering how you jammed your needle. I have this happen when I tried to sew through a thick seam and then the needle would not be to go through the layer, ending up bending the needle a little.

dee1245

Kwiltr, no walking foot involved, but thanks for the imput.

slbram17, I was trying to use the Curve Master foot. It did not work with the machine; the needle caught the edge of the foot, which is made of plastic. Chewed up the edge of the foot, but didn't break the needle, just bent it.

I am going to try to figure it out, yet. Thanks for the responses.