Sewing machine reverse not working: what to check

How reverse works on different machines

On a mechanical machine, pressing the reverse lever changes the direction the feed dogs move the fabric. It only works while you hold it down. On some older and heavy duty machines, the stitch length dial itself runs from forward through zero into a reverse range, so the dial position decides the direction.

On computerised machines, the reverse button often does different things for different stitches. With straight stitch it sews backwards while held; with many decorative and stretch stitches it sews a few small locking stitches on the spot instead. Some machines also have a separate tie-off or lock stitch button. Check the manual for your model.

If the machine will not sew in reverse

Work through these checks with the machine threaded and a scrap of medium cotton under the foot.

1. 1

   Check the stitch length. At zero or very short lengths, reverse barely moves the fabric.

2. 2

   Hold the lever or button down for the whole reverse run rather than tapping it.

3. 3

   Select a plain straight stitch, in case your stitch only ties off.

4. 4

   Make sure the feed dogs are raised, not lowered for darning or free motion.

5. 5

   Switch off and clean lint from around the feed dogs and under the needle plate.

6. 6

   Try again slowly and watch whether the feed dogs move the fabric backwards.

If the machine only sews in reverse

A machine stuck in reverse often has a lever that has not returned to its rest position. Switch off and gently lift and lower the lever a few times. If it is stiff, lint or old oil may be holding it; clean around it, but do not force it or spray lubricants into the mechanism.

On machines where stitch length and reverse share one dial, check the dial is set in the forward range. On computerised machines, check that a reverse or mirror function has not been selected for the stitch, and turn the machine off and on again to reset the settings.

Note:Unplug before cleaning near the feed dogs or reaching inside covers. If the reverse lever is broken, loose or stuck after cleaning, have it checked by a qualified sewing machine engineer rather than opening the machine.

Reverse stitches are shorter than forward stitches

It is normal for reverse stitches to be slightly shorter than forward stitches on many machines. If the difference is large, the feed balance may need adjustment, which some machines allow through a dial or setting described in the manual; otherwise an engineer can adjust it.

Uneven feeding in either direction can also come from too much or too little presser foot pressure, a worn feed dog or lint. Our sewing machine not feeding fabric fix covers feed problems in detail.

Alternatives to reverse stitching

If reverse stops working mid project, you can still secure seams. Many computerised machines have a lock or tie-off stitch that sews several stitches in place. You can also start a few stitches in, lift the foot, turn the fabric and sew back over them, or leave long tails and tie them by hand.

If you are replacing an older machine, computerised models with separate reverse and tie-off buttons and automatic locking stitches make securing seams easier. Our best computerised sewing machines guide compares them.

See computerised sewing machines →

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Janome sewing machine not sew in reverse? Check the stitch length is above zero, hold the lever down and use straight stitch. On computerised Janomes, the reverse button may tie off on some stitches instead of sewing backwards.

Why does my Brother sewing machine only sew in reverse? Usually the reverse lever is stuck or a setting has changed. Switch off, check the lever returns freely, then restart the machine to reset stitch settings.

Is it bad to sew without reverse stitching? Seams can unravel at the ends. Use a tie-off stitch or tie the thread tails by hand instead.

Can lint stop reverse working? Heavy lint around the feed dogs can stop the fabric moving properly in either direction. Clean under the needle plate regularly.