Noisy Sewing Machine? Here’s Why It Happens and How to Make It Smooth Again

Introduction

A sewing machine should hum softly — not rattle, squeak, or knock. But over time, even the best Usha, Singer, Brother, or Jack machines start to make strange noises that interrupt your stitching flow.

Whether you’re running a boutique in T Nagar, teaching tailoring classes in Anna Nagar, or stitching from your home in Villivakkam, a noisy sewing machine can slow your productivity and damage key components if ignored.

At Murthy Sewing Machines, our technicians see this issue daily — and in 90% of cases, the cause is simple and fixable.
Let’s explore why sewing machines make noise and how to make them run smooth, quiet, and efficient again.

1. Lack of Lubrication – The Most Common Reason

When your machine parts aren’t properly oiled, they start grinding against each other, producing a metallic squeak or rattling sound.

Why It Happens

• Chennai’s humid coastal climate dries out oil faster.
  
• Machines used daily without maintenance lose lubrication around gears and needle bar.
  
• Users often forget that even new machines require occasional oiling.
  

Fix

1. Turn off the machine and unplug it.
   
2. Open the side panel and bobbin area.
   
3. Apply 1–2 drops of sewing machine oil (not cooking oil or WD-40!).
   
4. Run the machine for a few seconds on scrap fabric to spread oil evenly.
   

Murthy Tip: Use branded machine oil sold at Murthy Sewing Machines. It’s light, non-sticky, and designed for Chennai’s weather conditions.

2. Loose Screws and Vibrating Parts

A constant “rattle” or “clanking” sound often comes from loose screws in the needle plate, motor mount, or presser foot assembly.

How to Identify

• The noise increases with speed.
  
• You may feel a vibration through the table.
  
• Tightening visible screws reduces or stops the noise.
  

Fix

• Use a small screwdriver to gently tighten all visible screws on the body, faceplate, and table area.
  
• Don’t overtighten — just enough to remove vibration.
  
• Check motor belt tension — if it’s too tight, it will create extra noise.
  

Pro Tip: A vibration-dampening machine stand or anti-slip pad can also minimize noise, especially for industrial Jack or Juki machines.

3. Accumulated Dust, Lint, and Thread Bits

Dust is Chennai’s silent enemy for every tailor. It builds up under the needle plate, around the feed dogs, and in the bobbin case, creating friction and grinding sounds.

Symptoms

• The machine sounds rough when running slowly.
  
• Bobbin case rattles or vibrates.
  
• Thread breaks frequently.
  

Fix

1. Remove needle plate and bobbin.
   
2. Clean the area using a soft brush or handheld vacuum.
   
3. Avoid blowing air (it pushes lint deeper).
   
4. Oil lightly after cleaning.
   

Murthy Advice: Schedule a monthly cleaning if you stitch daily, especially in Chennai’s dusty areas like Ambattur or Kolathur.

Learn about maintenance services at our Sewing Machine Service Page.

4. Bent or Damaged Needle

A bent needle is one of the smallest parts but can make your machine sound like a tractor.

Why It Happens

• Needle hits the presser foot or needle plate.
  
• Wrong needle size for fabric.
  
• Using a needle for too long (they wear out).
  

Fix

• Replace your needle every 8–10 hours of active stitching.
  
• Always use the correct size:
  
  • Size 9–11 → Lightweight fabrics (silk, cotton)
    
  • Size 14–16 → Denim, canvas, heavy materials
    
• Ensure the flat side faces the correct direction (back for Usha/Singer, right for Brother/Jack).
  

Find branded needles at Murthy Sewing Machines Accessories Section.

5. Unbalanced Motor Belt or Pulley Issues

Industrial tailors in Chennai often overlook the motor belt — a small rubber belt connecting the motor to the handwheel. When worn or loose, it produces a rhythmic thud-thud noise.

Fix

• Turn off the machine and inspect the belt for cracks.
  
• Adjust the belt tension — it should have slight give when pressed.
  
• Replace if frayed or stretched.
  

Murthy Service Tip: For Jack Industrial Models, belt alignment is crucial — improper tension can affect stitch timing and sound. Our service team provides quick belt replacements and motor alignment.

Book your slot at Murthy Sewing Machines Service Centre, Chennai.

6. Bobbin Case or Hook Assembly Problems

If you hear a knocking sound from the bottom of the machine, your bobbin hook might be misaligned or dirty.

Possible Causes

• Wrong bobbin type used.
  
• Thread tail stuck inside the hook.
  
• Hook timing slightly off.
  

Fix

1. Remove the bobbin and inspect for thread tangles.
   
2. Clean the area gently.
   
3. If knocking continues, your hook timing needs realignment.
   

This requires professional calibration — available at Murthy for Usha, Brother, Singer, Jack, and Juki machines.

7. Table and Stand Vibrations

A sturdy table can make all the difference between a quiet and noisy machine.

Why It Happens

• Uneven floor surface.
  
• Lightweight table unsuitable for industrial machines.
  
• No rubber pads under the stand.
  

Fix

• Check that your machine table is level.
  
• Tighten bolts connecting the table and legs.
  
• Add rubber or silicone anti-vibration pads under the stands.
  
• Upgrade to heavy-duty stands for high-speed machines.
  

Murthy Upgrade Tip: We supply vibration-free industrial tables and stands designed for high-speed Jack and Juki models. Visit our showroom to explore options.

8. Wrong Thread Path or Poor Thread Quality

Low-quality threads shed lint and get stuck between tension discs, creating an irregular rattling or “chugging” sound.

Fix

• Use branded threads suited for your machine.
  
• Rethread completely, ensuring the thread passes correctly through tension guides.
  
• Keep tension discs lint-free using a soft brush.
  

Always choose smooth polyester or branded cotton threads for durability and quieter performance.

9. Motor or Gear Problems (Professional Repair Needed)

If your machine makes grinding, clicking, or buzzing sounds even after cleaning and oiling, the issue may be motor bearings or internal gears.

When to Call a Technician

• Sound is internal, not external.
  
• The machine feels stiff or overheats.
  
• Noise doesn’t change even at slow speed.
  

At Murthy Sewing Machines, our technicians can:

• Replace faulty gears and bearings
  
• Recalibrate motor alignment
  
• Lubricate and fine-tune moving parts
  

We service all brands — Usha, Singer, Brother, Jack, Juki, and UME embroidery machines — across Chennai.

10. Preventive Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Machine Quiet

Follow these simple tips to keep your sewing machine running smooth:

• Clean weekly: Remove lint and dust under the needle plate.
  
• Oil monthly: Use high-quality sewing oil.
  
• Change needles regularly.
  
• Use proper machine stands to reduce vibration.
  
• Cover the machine after use to prevent moisture and dust buildup.
  
• Service twice a year for industrial machines used daily.
  

Local Advice: Chennai’s humidity accelerates rust and friction. Keep your machine in a dry, ventilated room and use a dehumidifier or silica gel packs near storage.

When Should You Book a Professional Service?

If your sewing machine:

• Sounds loud even after oiling and cleaning
  
• Vibrates excessively at medium speed
  
• Produces metallic grinding noise
  
• Or feels unusually heavy while stitching
  

…it’s time to get it checked professionally.

Murthy Sewing Machines, Chennai’s trusted multi-brand dealer, provides:

• On-site diagnosis
  
• Genuine spare parts
  
• Belt and gear replacements
  
• Free noise inspection for returning customers
  

Visit our showroom in Villivakkam, Chennai or schedule a pickup for your machine.

Conclusion

A noisy sewing machine is more than just irritating — it’s an early warning sign that your machine needs attention. By identifying the cause early and maintaining proper lubrication, cleaning, and tension, you can enjoy smooth, silent, and consistent stitching for years.

Whether you’re a home tailor, a fashion designer, or an industrial boutique owner, keeping your machine quiet ensures longer life and better stitch quality.

For professional repairs, spare parts, and expert guidance, Murthy Sewing Machines has been Chennai’s go-to showroom and service centre since 1988.