My very old manual singer sewing machine has suddenly seized up. The wheel is no longer moving the needle up and down. In fact unless I loosen the inner silver wheel the handle won't turn at all and seems totally locked, but if I loosen the inner wheel (the one I use when switching to bobbin winding mode) it will turn but obviously will not move the needle. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

The 7462 and the related machines can do this when the buttonhole lever is down. This lever is behind the needle bar on the back of the sewing machine. Make sure this lever is fully up by pushing it with your finger. Then use the hand wheel to bring the needle to the highest position in its travel path. Make sure that the bobbin winding spindle is to the far left position. The manual is available from Singer. The current link to the manual is https://res.cloudinary.com/singer-sewing/image/upload/fl_attachment/Singer-Website-Library/outdated_product/SINGER_7462_Sewing_Machine.pdf . See page 7 to see the button hole lever position. It's labeled 17 on the diagram of the back of the machine.

If the problem persists, you may have a problem with the hardware for the bobbin winder. The spindle has to lock into position against parts under the machine cover. Unfortunately, my usual sources for sewing machine parts don't have parts for the bobbin winder. Thus you may have problems finding the parts even from a sewing machine repair technician. (I recommend seeing a technician to repair these electronic machines unless you are trained to handle electrical systems.) If the problem isn't the winding mechanism, then it's the control board or wiring that is probably at fault.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Needs a very deep oil treatment and cleaning. Your machine has seized over time.

Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

Appears to be an older mechanical machine. Could be a belt is shot or possibly the machine has seized due to old oil that has dried. Seizing is very common in older machines that have not been cleaned and oiled regularly. AVOID trying to run the machine until you can address the problem. It could burn up the motor or break some parts. You can try repairing it yourself or take it for service.

Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

Looks like a mechanical machine. Possibly seized due to old oil that has dried.

Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

Do the feed dogs move above the surface of the needle plate? If not, then the feed dogs have been dropped for darning or they have seized from lack of oil.


Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

the machine may need oiling, check in your sewing machine manual to see about oiling it, it's also possible that the machine could have a damaged or broken part inside,,

1. Disengage the bobbin winder.That is done by moving the arm away from the center wheel. 2. Tighten the hand wheel. When you tighten you should have resistance like a jar has. If this doesn't then continue. 3. Loosen the small screw attached to the hand wheel center lug. Now, move the hand wheel into a position where it will tighten. 4. Go ahead and tighten the small screw. Now, it should move.

Hmm, wondering how long it's been since it was last cleaned and oiled. Usually, if the motor runs but the machine does not, the inner workings could be seized due to old, dry oil.


Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

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Is the knob on the side, where you loosen the needle to rewind the bobbin, tightened? Also, there may be some threads in the bobbin case messing things up. Unplug the machine if you are checking the bobbin case.

You must tighten the inner wheel after you have threaded a bobbin or bobbins.