Is your sewing machine is making mysterious high pitched squeaky noises when you sew? Learn what can cause this problem and how to stop it!
The most common reason a sewing machine starts squeaking is that it’s inner mechanisms need to be oiled. Regular maintenance and oiling can prevent and fix squeaking. However, there are several other causes to this problem as well.
Let’s go over each potential reason your sewing machin squeaks and what steps to take to fix it!
Why Is My Sewing Machine Making A Squeaky Noise?
1. Lack Of Lubrication
If the squeaking noise seems to be coming from deep inside the sewing machine, it is probably the inner mechanisms that lack lubrication. Did you know that many sewing machines are supposed to be oiled regularly?
Yes. I admit, I also fail in this area!
Each machine will have it’s own instructions in the manual of how, where, and how often to apply oil.
Depending on how heavily you use your machine, and what type it is (serger, sewing machine, embroidery machine, etc) you may have to oil it quite frequently, such as every 40 hours of sewing time.
I have even seen one manual recomend oiling the bobbin hook every day before use! (Uncommon, but you need to check your own machine’s instructions!)
But, it is important to note that there are some newer models of sewing machines that do NOT require frequent oiling.
For example, my sewing machine (the Brother cs6000i) specifically recomends that users NOT oil the machine:
This machine was manufactured with the necessary amount of oil applied to ensure correct operation, making periodic oiling unnecessary.
Brother CS6000i Manual
In situations where your manufacturer does not recommend periodic oiling, try the other solutions first, and THEN if it still squeaks, take it to a repair shop or an authorized service center.
2. Lint Build Up
When lint builds up in the machine and isn’t removed, a high pitched noise such as squeaking can occur. This noise doesn’t come from deep inside the machine, rather is seems to emit from the bobbin area.
The three main places lint build up can occur are:
- The Bobbin Case
- The Rotary Hook
- The Feed Dogs
To clean the lint from your machine, remove the bobbin case and the needle plate. Use the small brush that came with your machine to gently brush away any lint that has accumulated near these three areas, especially the rotary hook.
(If you don’t know, the rotary hook is the located in the case where you place the bobbin, it looks like a hook and spins when you turn the hand wheel).
3. Upper Thread Not Properly Threaded
When threading your machine you need to make sure the needle is in the highest position and the presser foot is raised. This lines up the inner arms of the machine to catch the threads and pull them correctly through the thread path, as well as opening up the tension disks.
If the thread is not able to glide smoothly when you pull on the tail, it is probably caught inside and needs to be rethreaded. This incorrect tension on the thread can cause a high pitched squeaky sound when you sew.
4. Incorrect Bobbin
Some sewing machines are only compatible with the bobbins specifically designed for that machine. If you use a bobbin that is even slightly too tall or too wide (or too short), it can rub on the bobbin case when it spins and cause this annoying high pitched sound.
Make sure to check your manual and what bobbins it recommends you use with your model.
5. Engaged Bobbin Winder
Check to see if you have left the bobbin winder shaft engaged on accident. If you have, you can slide it back to the left (or otherwise disengage it) and see if this fixes the noise.
6. Belt Needs Replacement
If you have an older model of sewing machine with a treadle belt or motor belt, it may be dry or need replacement. This is a problem that should be fixed by a service shop, not a DIY project.
If you need help locating a sewing machine repair shop, here are some tips to find one that is high quality!
Conclusion
As you can see, squeaky sewing machines occur for several different reasons but luckily it isn’t too difficult of a problem to solve!
As with most sewing machine troubleshooting, taking the time to read your manual, maintain your machine, and treat it well, will go a long way in protecting it’s performance. (And protecting your ears!)
If these tips helped solve your squeaking problems, consider saving this post to Pinterest as a way to say “Thanks!” and join my email list for more sewing tips and content!
I appreciate that you said that an older sewing machine type with a treadle belt or motor belt may be dry or require replacement. This is not a DIY project; it should be handled by a service center. My grandma, who has a sewing machine she has been using for years, will benefit from this. She ought to think about implementing your advice right away because it has been making odd noises.