How to Check and Set Embroidery Machine Timing

In this video, we walk through the final steps for checking and setting machine timing. We begin by removing the needle cover, side plate, and bobbin case. We then place the machine in test mode by opening the pull-away door on the side of the control panel and gently flipping the bottom dip switch next to DSW1 toward the back of the machine. After powering on, we press set once, arrow down to main, and press set again to enter the main test screen. To display the main shaft degree, we execute a trim. The machine home position should read between 1.101 and 101.9 degrees.

We then check the machine timing by turning the handwheel on the right-hand side and lowering the needle bar until the tip of the rotary hook is directly behind the needle. Proper timing is 201 degrees, with an acceptable range of plus or minus 3 degrees. If the machine reads between 198 and 204 degrees and the rotary hook is directly behind the needle, the machine is timed properly. If it falls outside that range, we retime the machine by rotating the handwheel to expose the three screws behind the rotary hook and loosening each one without removing them, usually about 2.5 to 3 turns, until the rotary hook moves freely.

Next, we set the shaft as close to 201 degrees as possible, always turning the handwheel in one direction and keeping the rotary hook tip to the right-hand side of the needle. We hold the wheel steady so it does not slip out of time, then use a 1-inch office clip over the presser foot underneath the spring to hold the position. With the needle bar locked down at 201 degrees, we position the rotary hook tip directly behind the needle. To help check the front-to-back setting, we place a piece of backing on the left side of the rotary hook case so the needle position is easier to see. We adjust the rotary hook so the tip sits about 1 tenth to 3 tenths of a millimeter from the needle, close enough to catch the thread without striking the needle.

After confirming both the left-to-right and front-to-back positions, we carefully finger tighten the first screw behind the rotary hook. We then remove the clip and tighten the remaining two screws. Once the timing is complete, we replace the cover and needle plate, turn the machine off, return the dip switch to its original position, and begin sewing again.