Why My Sewing Machine is so Noisy: 11 Causes and its solutions (2023)

If you’ve been in the middle of a sewing project and noticed that your machine has become too noisy, you know it can be quite a nuisance. It’s a common problem and one that can be quite frustrating.

In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of a noisy sewing machine and discuss potential solutions to make your sewing experience more pleasant. So, if you’re ready, let’s dive into why your sewing machine may be too noisy and what you can do to fix it.

Why My Sewing Machine is so Noisy

Bad motor or wiring

One of the most common causes of sewing machine noise is a bad motor. Motors generate the power needed to move the needle and thread smoothly. If the motor is not functioning properly, it can cause the needle and thread to move too quickly, resulting in a noisy sewing machine.

 Another common cause of sewing machine noise is faulty wiring. Faulty wiring can cause electrical shorts and other problems, leading to a noisy machine. Wiring can also become frayed or damaged, leading to a noisy machine. The signs of a bad motor or faulty wiring in a sewing machine are usually quite obvious.

 If you hear a loud noise from your sewing machine, one of these components is likely the cause. Additionally, you may notice that the needle is moving too quickly or the thread needs to move smoothly. 

Solution:

If you suspect that a bad motor or faulty wiring causes your sewing machine’s noise, it’s important to have an experienced technician check out your machine. A technician can diagnose the problem and repair faulty components or wiring.

Incorrect Thread Tension

Another significant reason that a sewing machine may be too noisy is incorrect thread tension. Thread tension is the amount of pressure the needle applies to the thread as it is pulled through the fabric.

If the tension is too tight, the needle will have to work harder to pull the thread, causing the machine to make a loud noise. On the other hand, if the tension is too loose, the thread will bunch up, leading to further noise and potential jamming.

Solution: Adjust the thread tension

To overcome this problem, you need to adjust the thread tension. 

 You can check this by running a test stitch on a scrap of fabric and adjusting the tension knob until the threads appear even on both sides. A tension indicator on some machines makes this process easier by letting you know when the tension has been adjusted.

Loose Needle 

The needle is the part of the machine that moves up and down to sew the fabric together. If the needle is not tightened correctly, it can sometimes become loose and rattle against the frame of the machine, causing it to make a loud, annoying noise. 

Solution:

The solution to this problem is simple: tighten the needle. Make sure the needle is securely tightened, so it does not move around. To do this, use a screwdriver to tighten the needle at the base of the sewing machine. 

Broken Parts:

Another possible cause of sewing machine noise is broken parts. Sewing machines contain many small moving parts; if damaged or worn down, they can cause an unpleasant, loud noise.

Solution

 To fix this, you’ll need to take apart the sewing machine and inspect each part to see if any are damaged or worn down. If any parts are broken or damaged, you’ll need to replace them with new parts.

Needle Plate Not Securely Attached

The needle plate is the flat metal plate that covers the feed dog and provides a smooth surface for the fabric to rest on while the needle moves up and down. When it is properly attached, it can prevent the machine from being noisy.

If your needle plate is loose, it doesn’t make a good connection with the feed dog below, increasing vibration and noise. You should ensure the needle plate is aligned to check if this is the case. If it looks crooked or off-centre, it could cause noise.

Make sure the screws are securely tightened, but not too tightly, so the machine moves smoothly. If the needle plate is correctly aligned, the needle plate may need to be bigger for the machine. As a result, the plate can become loose and vibrate loudly. 

Solution: Secure the Needle plate

To solve this issue, check if the needle plate matches the machine’s size and then ensure it’s securely attached. Sometimes, a noisy machine can be caused by something as simple as a loose screw or a damaged needle plate.

If this is the case, it’s best to take the machine to a professional to get it inspected and repaired. No one likes dealing with a noisy sewing machine, so it’s important to identify the cause so you can take the right steps to fix it. 

Dry Sewing Machine:

A dry machine is when the internal parts of the machine, such as the motor, needle bar, and feed dog, are not properly lubricated. Without proper lubrication, these parts can start to rub against each other, creating a loud and unpleasant noise. Dry machines also tend to run less smoothly, leading to uneven stitching and skipped stitches.

Solution: Lubricate the internal parts of a machine 

 Fixing a dry machine is relatively easy. All you need to do is lubricate the internal parts of the machine. Depending on your machine, you may need to use a special lubricant or sewing machine oil.

Make sure to read the manual that came with your machine to determine which lubricant is best for your particular model. Once you have applied the lubricant, you should run the machine for a few minutes to ensure that all the parts are properly lubricated.

The machine should sound much quieter and run more smoothly. If the machine still feels dry and noisy, you may need to reapply the lubricant and give the machine a few more minutes to run. Remember, maintaining your sewing machine is essential to keep running smoothly and noise free.

Not using the quality of the oil.

As a sewist or a sewing machine user, you’ll know that regular maintenance is key to running your machine smoothly. Regular oiling helps the sewing machine parts to move freely and will help to keep the noise levels down.

But, if you’re not using quality oil, the parts won’t move as efficiently, and the noise levels will increase. When oiling your machine, it’s important to use high-quality oil. Poor quality oil can cause sludge buildup on the parts, increasing friction and noise.

Additionally, poor-quality oil may not penetrate the parts as effectively as high-quality oil, meaning the parts won’t move as freely.

Solution:

If you’re unsure what oil to use, it’s best to consult your sewing machine’s user manual. Most machines will recommend a specific oil that’s suitable for their parts.

A good-quality sewing machine oil should do the trick if you use a machine not recommended in the user manual. Finally, it’s worth noting that regular oiling is important, even if you’re using quality oil. Regular oiling will help keep the parts lubricated and reduce friction, which will help keep the noise levels down.

Improper Installation of Sewing Machine

• Another major cause of sewing machine noise is an improperly installed machine. If the machine is not installed properly, the vibrations from the motor can travel through the machine, resulting in a loud noise. 
• A machine too close to walls or other objects can amplify sound. 
• Another common cause of sewing machine noise is an improperly adjusted timing belt. A timing belt is responsible for controlling the speed of the machine and keeping it running smoothly. If the timing belt is too tight or too loose, it can cause the motor to run too fast and make the machine too noisy. 
• An improperly adjusted needle can also cause excessive noise from a sewing machine. If the needle is not adjusted properly, it can cause the thread to be pulled too hard, resulting in a loud noise. 
• Additionally, if the needle is not aligned correctly, it can cause the fabric to bunch up and make the machine noisy. 

Solution: 

Now that you know that improper installation of a sewing machine is one of the major causes of machine noise, let’s discuss how to install it properly:

1. You should ensure the machine is level and securely mounted on the table.
2. The machine should be away from any walls or other objects. As a result, the machine will not vibrate and produce excessive noise.
3. Before using the machine, you should adjust the timing belt to the correct tension. It is possible to do this by adjusting the tensioner near the motor. You should also check the tension belt regularly to make sure it is tight enough and tight enough.
4. You should check the needle alignment before using the machine.

To do this, you should use a ruler or a needle gauge to measure the distance between the needle and the fabric. If aligned correctly, it can prevent the fabric from bunching up and making the machine too noisy.

Thread or dust that is not cleaned

One of the most common causes of sewing machine noise is remnants of thread or dust that are not cleaned. The dust and thread particles can get stuck in the machine’s moving parts and create friction, which leads to noise. 

Solution: Regularly clean the machine 

It is important to regularly clean the machine to prevent this from happening. To do this, you should turn the machine off and unplug it from the power source. Then, brush or vacuum remove dust and lint from the bobbin area, the needle plate, and the feed dogs.

If you have difficulty accessing these areas, you can use a nozzle attachment on the vacuum. Once all the dust has been removed, use a cloth or cotton swab to wipe away any residue. Make sure to get into the nooks and crannies, as these can also contain dust and thread particles.

After this, you can use a compressed air can to blow away any remaining dust or particles. Once you have cleaned your sewing machine, it is important to inspect the machine for signs of wear and tear regularly. It includes checking the needle, bobbin case, and feed dogs for any signs of damage.

If you notice any wear or damage to these parts, you should replace them as soon as possible. Cleaning and inspecting your sewing machine properly can reduce the chances of hearing a loud and unpleasant noise. It will help you maintain a quiet and productive workspace.

Type of fabric

Different fabrics can cause different levels of noise when they are being stitched. Heavy fabrics such as denim and corduroy and lightweight fabrics such as chiffon can cause the sewing machine to become louder than normal.

When stitching a thick fabric, the needle has to push harder and faster through the material. It can cause the machine to vibrate and create more noise this way.

On the other hand, lightweight fabrics may require more stitches as the fabric moves more easily, resulting in more noise.

Another cause of noisy sewing machines is the type of needle being used. Standard needles are designed to sew through most fabrics, but a heavy-duty needle might be necessary for thicker fabrics.

You should also make sure to use the correct needle size for the type of fabric you’re sewing, as too small or too large of a needle can create a lot of noise.

Finally, the type of thread you use can also impact your machine’s noise level. Heavy-duty threads are thicker and create more friction when they pass through the fabric, resulting in a louder sound.

Solution:

If your sewing machine is too noisy, it’s important to identify the cause. The type of fabric you’re working with, the needle and thread you use, and even the age of your machine can all contribute to increased noise levels. By understanding the source of the noise, you can take steps to reduce it and get back to enjoying the sound of your machine.

Damaged or Dull sewing needle:

A sewing machine needle is a small yet vital part of a sewing machine. The needle is responsible for piercing through the fabric and guiding the thread. The needle must be in good condition – as it can affect the quality of your stitching.

There are a few common causes of a damaged or dull needle. The most common cause is that the needle is too old and needs to be replaced. If you continue to use an old needle, it can become worn down over time and unable to pierce through the fabric.

It may also become bent or slightly distorted, leading to noise from the machine. Another cause of a damaged or dull needle is the wrong size or type of fabric you use.

Solution: Use the Right Sewing Needle and change it regularly

Sewing needles come in different sizes, and the wrong size can cause the needle to vibrate and create noise when it cannot pierce the fabric correctly.

Make sure you use the right needle for the fabric you’re working with. Make sure to replace your needle with the right size and type for the fabric you’re working with, and ensure it’s properly aligned. When you do, you’ll be back to enjoying a quiet, efficient sewing machine in no time!

Conclusion:

If your sewing machine makes more noise than usual, there could be several reasons. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about and can be easily fixed with some troubleshooting. However, if the noise persists or worsens, it’s always best to take your machine to a professional for further diagnosis.

We hope this article has helped you identify the root cause of your noisy sewing machine. Always consult you’re manual first and foremost for specific advice on caring for your particular model.

Sewing should be enjoyable, so keep an ear out for those tell-tale signs that something isn’t quite right!

Further, for any queries, you can ask in the comments; we would be happy to answer your queries.