Brother NS-30 Questions & Answers

Worst case. It could be the circuit board is failing. Sadly mine not repairable. Is it doing other stitches? I ended up buying another as it has been fully thrashed.

Thanks for your reply. I will check if it is doing other stitches as you suggestedfc

Could it be service time? I know mine is probably overdue and guess I'm waiting for it to do something like this? Could it be the bobbin didn't wingd properly and is not the right tension cotton. Could it be a needle replacement? Is it still automatically threading machine could be a sign something is just that little bit out of whack .I change the needle the cottons and bobbin and try again this often works with other machines having a hissy fit,?

Why is it seeing backwoods

It once happened with my NS-30s at school too. I took it to my repair guy John at Sew Many Stitches Shop 4 Lvl 2 147 Queen St, Campbelltown, NSW 2560. It needed a service.

Thanks. Great minds think alike, I’ve just booked mine in with my local service guy. Poor machine has been stored in a container for a few years so it’s not surprising it decided to ask for a service !!

I only have this problem when students in my class mess around with it. I take it to the repairer. He often will show me little tricks to get things working again. I have 23 of these machines in my classroom. My daughter has one too and she never has any trouble whatsoever.

Ok thanks, I haven’t done anything that I know of, just followed the instruction booklet. I’ll take it in again to be fixed.

Same problem here....did you manage to get a solution?

I managed to get it off. Firstly remove the bottom plate, needs some prizing off. Then tackle the plastic sides. There are a series of clips clamping both plastic sides together. It takes some manipulation to separate them. I also used a screwdriver from the bottom, once I got access to it, to put pressure on the internal clips to open them. It takes a bit of work.

On a Brother NS-30, there are two sets of numbers printed on the cover. One set is solid black numbers (for threading the needle) the other set are white numbers in a Black dot (for winding a bobbin). Take the thread through the guides following the black numbers making sure the thread catches on the takeup lever. Go through to number 6 and then thread the needle from front to back or use the automatic needle threader.

I can only think of 2 scenarios here. (1) You might have enabled the "automatic reverse/reinforcement stitch" button and (2) You may have a sticky (reverse) button which you need to tap a bit to loosen contact - or better off open and clean the rubber contact between the button and PCB. However, you should only do this kind of cleaning if you are technical enough, know what you're doing, and the machine out of warranty. Otherwise, the best thing to do is to bring it to the nearest sewing machine repair shop. I know HobbySew supports this kind of machine - and they are official Brother Service Repair Centre - in case your machine is under warranty.

I took mine back to the shop where I purchased it as they had their own (out of house) repair man. He told me it was not worth fixing as a part had burned out so I contacted Brother in a fit of pique as I'd hardly used the machine. They asked me to take it to their own service department which was a good forty minutes drive away. Reluctantly I did and it turned out to be an easy fix which cost me $70. I've not used the machine much since but it seems to work ok. it might be worth contacting Brother, these machines should last longer than 18 months! Hope this helps!

Yep, I had taken mine back to the shop this morning. Must say people at SewCo were sympathetic and helpful. Told them about this site - how some people have had their machines for 5-7 years without any problems. Luckily I didn't have to drive anywhere - left it at the shop. They did warn me though I might have to wait till after Monday. Well, as long as my machine gets back to normal... and I wouldn't be paying an "arm and a leg". Will let you know how it went.

Hi Tam.. That sounds awful! I just read your note that you are having it fixed now. Hopefully after that it will give you no more trouble. Do update when you get it back.

cheers Deepti.

Yes, I will let you know. Thanks for your concern, Deepti.

Try brother online :)

Sorry, don't know anything about the Ns50. I had some problems with my Ns30 and had to take it in for repairs but it runs perfectly OK now. I'm not a regular sewer though but the Ns30 suits my needs.

I have NS 30 and it's been great. I haven't had any issues. Now...ns50 is better. ..buy depends what do you need. I sew mainly for my 3yr old girl and something for me and it's been enough. I would always go for a better one:)

I adore my ns30 it's a fantastic all

Round machine I love brother machines and would most definatly recommend them . Good luck

Thanks for the replies, still not sure on what to get.

If the sewing is basic straight stitch then likely yes it would be ok but for long term durability I would not choose this machine at all.

Hi Christa, I have taught hundreds using this machine and can honestly say that there have been no problems with them. And hundreds of my students have purchased this machine and have loved it. I see so many different machines on a daily basis and particular models seem to have their small issues. This machine must not be compared to the higher priced machines in other brands. I believe you will be able carry out these tasks with this machine, I often sew double hems on jeans. Tangled bobbins and incorrect tension usually means it has not been threaded properly or the thread has simply slipped out of place. There are ways to prevent this from happening, you may find it different from your Singer in that it is a top loading bobbin. $300 is the lowest they go on this machine and it rarely happens, they are usually on sale for around $450. Have you looked at any other models? Hope this helps. Miss Mary

Hi Miss Mary,so good to hear from u no I haven't looked at other sewing machines I'm abit of a novice. I'm one of the `old fashioned' type,I get used to my old machine then when it's time to up-grade I rely on `word of mouth',I've been burnt that way too many times before guess I'm a sucker for punishment lol I've been in Retail for many years & don't believe that u hav to lie to make a sale as do many Sales Persons out there.The lady that served me at Spotlight (was around my age 58yrs)said that she swears by this machine,well what more can I say. I told her what I wanted the machine for & she said that I wouldn't have a problem.It's on order & hav to wait 10 days for delivery.Thanks Christa

i am using the Brother NS30 for about 4 years now and it´s "the ants pants" for me. i also have a 10 year old Singer which i will keep, but my Brother is just a step above it...haven´t had any trouble so far and i don´t expect any. just took my Brother overlocker for an overhaul... i think Brother is a very reliable brand.

I am all for spending the bit extra to get the better model! However, I really think it depends on what you are wanting to sew. Are you an absolute beginner? Do you want to sew denim or heavy fabrics? Do you want to do embroidery? Are you going to be quilting? Do you want to sew clothing? How often do you think you will be sewing? And one more question...do you have an overlocker?

Thank you for responding. A beginner. Mainly only hemming of jeans etc and a few kids clothes here and there(trousers mainly). Yes would like to do a lot of quilting, I am attempting a rag quilt as we speak! But would like to do patchwork etc. Yes, I would like to do a little embroidery but not hugely, just enough to be creative. I would like to do a fair bit of sewing but its hard when you've got little ones. I have borrowed my mums overlocker which she doesn't really use anymore so no doubt it will live here permanently now! The hand me down Janome (25yrs + old) has been good to me but can certainly notice quality difference using the NS-50.