The Most Common Mistakes Tailors Make with Industrial Machines – And How to Avoid Them

Industrial sewing machines are powerful, fast, and built for heavy workloads—making them the first choice for Chennai tailoring shops and boutiques.

But despite their strength, these machines demand correct handling. When misused, they can cause:

• Needle breakage
• Poor finishing
• Fabric damage
• Machine overheating
• High repair costs

After working with thousands of tailors across Chennai, we’ve identified the most common mistakes tailors make with industrial machines—and simple ways to avoid them. Whether you use Jack, Usha S2, Juki, Zoje, or Brother, these points apply to all models.

1. Running the Machine at Maximum Speed for All Fabrics

Industrial machines are fast, but not every fabric can handle full-speed stitching.

What goes wrong:

• Silk and rayon tear easily
• Stitch becomes uneven
• Fabric shifts or puckers
• Needle breaks due to heat and pressure

How to avoid it:

• Slow down for delicate fabrics
• Use the speed control feature in Direct-Drive machines
• Practice smooth foot control instead of constant full throttle

Boutiques in Chennai dealing with bridal and designer work must pay extra attention to speed control.

2. Using the Wrong Needle for the Fabric

A very common mistake that leads to poor stitches and needle breakage.

What goes wrong:

• Thick needle leaves holes on thin fabric
• Thin needle bends on denim or uniform material
• Wrong needle type causes skipped stitches

How to avoid it:

• Use size 9 or 11 for silk and chiffon
• Use size 14 for cotton and rayon
• Use size 16 or 18 for denim, canvas, and thick layers
• Replace needles regularly

Correct needle choice alone can fix 80% of stitch problems.

3. Ignoring Thread Tension Settings

Many tailors continue stitching even if:

• Stitches look loose
• Bottom thread loops
• Fabric puckers
• Stitches are uneven

This is usually due to incorrect tension.

How to avoid it:

• Adjust tension before starting each new fabric
• Clean the tension discs from lint buildup
• Always test on scrap fabric before final stitching

Tailors in Chennai who work across multiple fabric types each day should treat tension checking as a routine.

4. Not Cleaning the Machine Regularly

Industrial machines collect:

• Dust
• Thread pieces
• Fabric lint
• Oil residue

Chennai’s humidity and dust accelerate this buildup.

What goes wrong:

• Noise increases
• Fabric jams
• Hook area gets blocked
• Motor becomes strained

How to avoid it:

• Clean the bobbin area daily
• Remove lint from feed dogs
• Oil the machine (if required for your model)

A 5-minute cleaning habit prevents expensive repairs.

5. Using Low-Quality Thread to Cut Costs

Many tailors use cheap thread thinking it saves money.
But it causes:

• Thread breakage
• Needle marks on fabric
• Lint accumulation
• Poor stitch consistency
• Frequent tension problems

How to avoid it:

• Use high-quality polyester thread
• Never use old, dusty, or weak thread
• Keep thread away from moisture

Good thread improves machine life and finishing quality.

6. Not Adjusting Pressure Foot Tension

Different fabrics require different pressure levels.

What goes wrong:

• Silk gets stretched
• Rayon slips under the foot
• Thick fabric doesn’t feed properly
• Stitch length becomes inconsistent

How to avoid it:

• Reduce pressure for thin fabrics
• Increase pressure for thick fabrics
• Adjust based on fabric movement

Correct pressure foot settings make stitching smoother and faster.

7. Incorrect Installation or Loose Stands

A wrongly assembled industrial stand or wobbly table causes:

• Excess vibration
• Needle misalignment
• Uneven stitches
• Difficulty in control

How to avoid it:

• Ensure proper machine-to-table alignment
• Tighten bolts periodically
• Use a stable base or rubber pads to reduce vibration

Murthy Sewing Machines always installs industrial machines with proper alignment to prevent these issues.

8. Poor Lighting Around the Machine

Tailors often stitch in dim lighting, which affects:

• Stitch accuracy
• Edge control
• Cutting precision
• Eye strain

How to avoid it:

• Use LED machine lights
• Ensure the needle area is bright
• Avoid shadows on the fabric

Good lighting is vital for fine blouse and designer work.

9. Ignoring Early Warning Signs From the Machine

Most major machine failures begin with small signs:

• Slight noise
• Mild vibration
• Uneven stitches
• Slow motor response

How to avoid it:

• Stop stitching and inspect immediately
• Clean and oil the machine
• Check needle and thread path
• Call a technician if the issue repeats

Chennai tailors often delay servicing and end up paying more later.

10. Not Servicing the Machine on Time

Industrial machines need servicing every:

• 6 months for heavy use
• 9–12 months for moderate use

Skipping servicing leads to:

• Motor strain
• Timing issues
• Hook damage
• Frequent breakdowns

Regular servicing extends machine life and keeps performance consistent.

Why Chennai Tailors Trust Murthy Sewing Machines

For over 35 years, Murthy Sewing Machines has supported:

• Boutique owners
• Professional tailors
• Garment workshops
• Home tailoring setups
• Students and beginners

We provide:

• Genuine industrial machines (Jack, Usha, Juki, Singer, Brother)
• Proper installation and setup
• Machine tuning for Chennai fabrics
• Genuine motors, stands, accessories & spare parts
• Reliable servicing and repair assistance

Choosing the right machine is important—but handling it correctly is even more important.