You are all ready to sew up a new outfit for an upcoming function.
You're really excited about it.
You've found the perfect pattern and fabric.
Everything is cut out, marked and ready to go.
You fire up the sewing machine, and run headfirst into all kinds of problems: skipped stitches, bunching threads, fabric caught in the feed dogs, needles breaking, jam-ups.
It's enough to make even an experienced sewist want to scream.
What could be the problem? Here is a list of tips and tricks that I've learned over the last 30 years of sewing.
You can try using these tips to troubleshoot things before you resort to taking your machine in for professional servicing.

• Make sure your sewing machine is clean.
  Most machines come with a brush to clean the machine.
  Use it regularly to brush dust out of the nooks and crannies, especially by the feed dogs and in the bobbin area.
  Accumulated dust can cause jamming.
  If you use your machine on a regular basis, you should have it professionally cleaned every year.
  
• Make sure you are threading the machine correctly.
  The manual for your machine will tell you exactly how this is done.
  If you do not have a manual, do an online search for one.
  I've found many manuals online - some even for free.
  Along with proper threading techniques, the manual will tell you all you need to know about your sewing machine and its features.
  If you can't find the manual online, take your machine to a professional sewing machine technician, and he will be able to tell you how to thread it.
  If your machine is not threaded correctly it will not sew properly.
  
• Make sure you are using the correct size needle for the type of fabric you are stitching.
  The wrong size needle can cause breakage and jamming.
  Also be sure your needle is straight and sharp.
  If you have any doubts, use a fresh needle.
  Dull needles equal problems.
  
• Use the best quality thread you can afford.
  You will be amazed at the difference quality thread makes in your sewing experience.
  
• You should never have to adjust your sewing machine's upper thread tension.
  Tension is factory set, and should be fine if you are using the correct size needle.
  The exception may be if you are sewing really lightweight fabric - you may have to loosen the tension a bit.
  
• If you are experiencing a lot of jamming, check the tension of your bobbin case.
  If the bobbin tension is too tight, it can cause jamming.
  There is a tiny screw on the bobbin case you can use to adjust the tension.
  
• If you are sure you are using the correct size needle and good quality thread, and your tensions are okay, but you are still experiencing problems let me give you the best sewing machine tip I've ever learned: completely unthread the machine top and bottom.
  Then re-thread the machine.
  Sometimes the thread doesn't seat properly in one area or another when you thread the machine.
  Re-thread and your problems disappear like magic! I am always amazed at the effectiveness of this simple trick.
  I recommend trying the re-threading trick before anything else - why waste time?

These few tips can help you troubleshoot some problems you may encounter when using a sewing machine.
Of course, there are times when a professional repair is necessary.
But before you conclude you need a costly repair, try out these few tips.
It just may save you big bucks, and get you back to sewing faster!