Material stuck underneath sewingmachine

Thierry Wattel

Hi,

I'm a part-time trimmer from the Netherlands and I'm fairly new to this forum. Next to my regular work I'm busy with car upholstery. I'm getting more and more work and would want to make it my fulltime job, but I'm still anxious to make the step.

The machine I use is a Brother LS2-B837, with which i'm very happy! Sometimes however, the material will get stuck between the feed dog and the needle plate. It mostly happens when sewing multiple layers of vinyl or leather or when seams cross, so when everything going through the machine is fairly thick. Whenever this happens it results in very short stitches because it won't 'feed' through anymore. I have to help and pull the material through. Very frustrating when you're doing decorative stitches!....

Is this something normal for which you should be careful? Or does my machine need maintenance?

Hoping for useful answers.

(P.s. the work showing on this forum is realy awesome! Very motivating to get better as a trimmer!)

View Answer

darren kilgariff

Hi Thierry
I used to have the exact same issues as you are experiencing, how I overcame this was to adjust the presser foot up slightly and lengthen the stitch length when sewing through thick material. Also once I have sewn the closing stitch I cut away any screm foam from the seam allowances and on some occasions I also trim down some of the layers of seams , more so if I have used piping I sometimes trim both the seams of the piping off about 2mm from the closing stitch . Just think ahead when you’re designing too it might just mean moving a join up or down a little so it doesn’t meet with another or multiple joins . I always try with scrap material first of the same thickness as there’s nothing worse than completing a project with some top stitching and your issue happens .
I hope this is of some help. Most of the tips I’ve picked up are from here and you tube there are some awesome craftsman on here with many many years experience
Regards Darren

Cody Lunning

Mine does the same thing. Like @darren kilgariff mentioned it’s the thickness. I to plan ahead and know I have to help it through for that pass. But I agree. Trim some thickness down if at all possible.

Steve Ingram

Its is possible what you are sewing is just too thick for the machine to feed evenly. You can check to see if your feed dogs are worn out and not pulling the material through as they should. They are not that expensive and only 2 screws holding them in.

Thierry Wattel

↪Steve Ingram

That was my thought aswell. I ordered a new feed dog and needleplate yesterday. Hope it wil make a difference.
Although it often happens with thick material, it will olso occasionally happen when just sewing a french seam for instance.
I'll let know if it wil makes a difference.

Thierry Wattel

These are the feed dog and needleplate i'm currently using:

Underneath the feed dog and needleplate i've ordered:

As you can see they are quite different. The opening behind the feed dog looks smaller and is divided into 2 smaller openings. Hope this wil prevent the material getting stuck. I'll let know as soon as the new parts are installed.

Steve Ingram

Eliminating as much bulk as possible is always a good idea. Some machines handle it better than others. A new feed dog will help pull the fabric through.

Cesar Chavez

Hello Thierry, The 'feed dog' and 'needle plate' you are currently using look in good condition.
Perhaps, the 'feed dog' is too low positioned, and it needs a little regulation upwards to drag thick material much better. Generally, two bolts at front regulate the 'feed dog lever'.
Page H, and J of Manual: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/483278/Brother-Ls2-B837.html?page=10#manual

Material stuck underneath sewingmachine

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