Mistakes & fixes

A hem that has come loose and hangs unevenly needs the old stitching removed, the fold pressed back to its crease, and the hem restitched, often with a fresh blind hem to match the original.

Thread that snaps repeatedly while sewing is usually old or low-quality thread, a burred needle eye, or tension set too tight for the thread weight. Use fresh quality thread, replace the needle, and ease the tension.

A tangled clump of thread on the fabric underside, jamming the feed, comes from unbalanced tension or starting a seam without holding the thread tails. Rethread fully, check tension, and hold tails taut when starting.

Stitches that pucker the fabric or feel stiff usually mean tension is set too high, pulling both threads too taut. Lower the top tension and check the bobbin isn't wound too firmly.

Loops of top-color thread on the fabric's wrong side signal top tension that's too loose, or a bobbin wound or threaded incorrectly. Tighten the top tension and rewind the bobbin evenly.