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Member since 4/24/06
Posts: 113
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Posted on: 2/26/07 11:36 PM ET
I have a sewing machine and just started a project with a knit fabric. I think I started too close to the end of the fabric, as a little bit of it got stuck in the feed dogs, along with the needle. It will not come out. I have tried using the hand wheel both backward and forward--nothing. I've tried to take the needle out, as if changing it, but it won't budge. I don't know what to do. I don't think cutting the fabric will help, as it's stuck, but I'm willing to give it a try. What should I do?
  
Member since 9/29/05
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Posted on: 2/27/07 0:19 AM ET
In reply to Stephanie C.
What kind of machine is it?

Try taking the bobbin out.

You should be able to crank on the hand wheel and lift the needle.
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Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 2/27/07 0:41 AM ET
In reply to Stephanie C.
My suggestions: Remove your bobbin and needle plate. After lifting the plate up and making sure all your bobbin thread is out of the machine you should be able to see where it is caught. It might require cutting the material but maybe there is a just a little ball of thread that is stitched together in a clump that can be cut away. I think you will be able to fix this problem ok. Good luck to you.
  
Member since 4/24/06
Posts: 113
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Posted on: 2/27/07 0:56 AM ET
I took the bobbin out before I posted my plea. I'll try removing the plate, but since the needle's stuck, it won't be completely removable. The needle is down underneath and the wheel just.won't.move.
  
Member since 9/29/05
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Posted on: 2/27/07 1:16 AM ET
In reply to Stephanie C.
How about taking wire cutters and snipping the needle off at the narrowest part. Cutting it in two.

Then removal!
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http://www.donnahodgson.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 2/27/07 1:21 AM ET
In reply to Stephanie C.
Hopefully you can raise the plate a bit and also look under in the bobbin area and remove and cut away all threads so the needle threads are cleared and maybe then the needle will come out. I think you posted that you already removed the needle from the needle bar so now you can just work on the needle that is probably stuck in a thread knot in the fabric.
  
Member since 1/23/03
Posts: 1736
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Re: needles stuck in feeddogs (posted on 2/27/07 1:44 AM ET)
Something like that happened to me once and I managed to get it out by taking a pair of strong but pointed tweezers and patiently picking the snarl apart. Once you get a few threads out the rest should come out. Good luck.
  
Member since 3/19/06
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Posted on: 2/27/07 7:21 AM ET
Remove your presser foot.

Loosen the thumb screw at the top of theneedle where it is inserted.

If you still can't wiggle the needle lose, cut it in half with tin snips or wire cutters. (that was already mentioned- and a great idea)

remove neeldle plate.

The fabric wad will be wedged in the opening in the needle plate. Carefully wiggle it out. If need be, sacrafivce the fabric for the sake of the needle plate.

If you use a small piece of tissue over and under your fabric when begining a seam closer to the edge, it helps prevent this. Then, just pull away the tissue paper. Stabilizer works too.
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Member since 4/24/06
Posts: 113
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Posted on: 2/27/07 4:33 PM ET
I have left it alone since yesterday, but am re-inspired to try again with some new ideas here. I never thought to just cut the needle, but I'll use that as a last resort; at least I know it'll work! Thanks to all who took the time to respond.
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 2/27/07 6:07 PM ET
In reply to Stephanie C.
I have a pair of hemostats that are called Kelly clamps in the medical profession. They come in handy to use for grasping needles no matter if inserting them or removing them. They really do lock on. They are sold at Hancock's now in their sewing machine depts. and possibly on their notions wall.
  
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