Brother vx-1120 Timing: Everything You Need to Know!

brother vx-1120 timing

If you want even and flawless stitches on your fabric, the timing of your sewing machine is important. If the timing somehow goes off, you will end up with uneven, misaligned stitches that may ruin your project.

Sewing machines of every brand, more or less, can face this issue. In this article,  we’re going to talk about why brother vx-1120 timing goes off.

Brother vx-1120 timing can go off for several reasons. These include incorrect needle thread tension, dust and lint build up into the machine, feed dog alignment etc. If the needle you are using is blunt or bent, or you are using the wrong type of needle, this issue arises.

For more details about this issue, keep scrolling and go through this article.

How to Tell If Your Brother VX-1120 Machine Timing Is Off?

Brother VX-1120 Machine Timing Is Off

The easiest way is to look if you see the hook tip of your sewing machine is passing below the needle eye. If yes that means your sewing machine timing is off. 

Similarly, see if the hook tip passes above that needle eye, and expands past the needle more than 2 mm. This is where the needle eye meets the radius of the shuttle hook. If it’s not in place, it could also mean the timing is off.

In either case, you’ll have to perform repairs of your sewing machines.

Reasons Why Your Brother VX-1120 Machine Timing Goes Off 

Here I have included several possible reasons for brother vx-1120 sewing machine timing going off. These include-

Incorrect Tension:

Incorrect tension can lead to the threads getting all tangled up and it can also cause machine wear. It can cause difficulty with sewing, as machine parts get stuck. As a result the timing goes off. 

Build up Lint and Dust:

Most likely the dust from the thread and fabric or some lint has got into the delicate portions of the machine. 

The bobbin and bobbin holder are places where lints build up the most. because there are many narrow lines and paths inside the bobbin where the dust and residue can easily get stuck. These residues lead the machine to jam, thus affecting the timing

Defective Needle:

If the needle you are using is bent or blunt this issue arises. Putting much pressure on the pressure foot can cause the needle to bend.

The needle and bobbin case can not interact the same way if the needle is not pin straight. As a result the brother vx-1120 time goes off.

Using Wrong Type of Needle: 

Failing to get the correct needle for the certain fabric you are working with will lead to the need to break. Broken needles are one of the main reasons why sewing machine timing goes off.

Feed Dog Alignment: 

If your feed dog is out of alignment, brother vx-1120 timing can go off. Misalignment can cause tension in the needle thread and bobbin case. This will lead to bobbin case problems and eventually interfere with the timing settings of brother vx-1120.

How to Check for a Timing Issue on Brother VX-1120

brother vx-1120 timing problem

You can check for your brother vx-1120 timing problem by conducting a test. This is about testing the alignment of the needle and shuttle hook.

  • Leaving the needle as it is (threaded), take out the switchplate, bobbin case and the base cover. 
  • Then move the hand wheel slightly to make sure that the shuttle hook is turning and catching the thread properly. If the shuttle hook is not turning, you might have to adjust the timing of your machine.
  • Now grab a ruler that you will be using to measure the timing settings. Using the handwheel to place your needle in the lowest position and raise it 3/32 of an inch. 
  • The shuttle hook is supposed to meet the needle a bit above the eye. If it doesn’t, you need to adjust the timing.

By performing this you will be able to determine if your brother vx-1120 needs a timing adjustment. This applies to all brother models like Brother SC9500 computerized sewing machine, Brother XM2701 etc.

How to Adjust Brother VX-1120 Timing 

Now I will show you a step by step process of setting timing on brother vx-1120. Follow the steps carefully.

Step 1: Set the Needle Bar Height

Brother vx-1120 has marks on it which imply the proper height for the needlebar.  

Start off by loosening the needlebar and then sliding it up or down. It will align the top timing mark with the timing bar bushing.

Step 2: Set the Hook Timing 

Adjusting hook timing varies among different models. For brother vx1120 it means adjusting the space between the hook and needle.

With the handwheel, pull the needlebar down to its lowest position.Also, the gears at the base should be loosened.

Keep adjusting till the hook and needle remain at a suitable distance from each other. The distance should range from 0.04 mm-0.1 mm.

Step 3: Re-Check for Timing Accuracy

By re-checking the needle and shuttle hook alignment, you can identify if the process has improved your machine’s settings.

In case you have already removed the thread from the needle, you need to re-thread it. Resume working and remember to keep the bobbin area exposed all the while.

Now turn the hand wheel carefully, see if the shuttle hook is catching the thread properly. If it does, the timing has been fixed.

Step 4: Reassemble the Machine

After you are done with all the steps above, securely tighten all the screws in their respective places.

Wipe off any lint or residue from gears and feed dogs. Look into your brother vx-1120 manual to find the oiling requirements. Use the oil that has been recommended for a smoother workflow from the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

Why is it important to sew at a slow speed?

Lessening the speed of the sewing machine offers more accuracy for working on intricate detail. It also is preferable for the heavier weight fabrics like canvas. Slowing down the speed is significant when you work on heavier materials. It will prevent the breaking of the needles.

What is the average stitch per minute?

The average sewing machine will offer about 650-1000 stitches per minute. On standard fabrics the number of stitches ranges between 600 to 700 per minute.

How do you sew slower?

Actually turning the sewing speed controller to left or right you can choose the desired sewing speed.  When you slide it left, Sliding the sewing speed controller to the left will sew at a slower speed. Sliding  your controller to the right will sew at a faster speed.

Wrapping Up 

Hopefully now you have a sound idea about brother vx-1120 timing. In case of any confusion, you have this guide handy.

One more tip before you go, try to keep your sewing machine as clean as possible so it does not jam. It will help a lot in preventing the timing from going off frequently.
That was it. Have a wonderful day.

Helen Grant

Hello! My name is Helen Grant. I am glad to welcome you on my site about sewing. If you came here then you are probably interested in the sewing craft and everything connected with it. On my site you will find visual aids for sewing, subtleties and secrets. I worked as a seamstress for a long time and helped a lot of girls to master this profession in my footsteps. All who used my personal secrets, life hacks, now have an excellent reputation, have reached great heights and independently conduct master classes for beginners. If you are interested in the topic of sewing, sewing life hacks, as well as detailed analyzes of sewing machines and materials, then you are definitely in the right place!

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