Well, I've gone and done it!
 

My ten year old sewing machine will not run with the foot pedal. Just the start and stop button. Anyway, been debating whether to buy a new one or get it serviced. Been looking at the Brother Sewing/Embroidery Machine online at Walmart and they just lowered the price even more today to $299. So decided to order one. Hopefully, I will be happy with it; I have never had a Brother sewing machine just Janome. Wish me luck on this decision. Hopefully, I did the right thing!!

Check the connection for your foot pedal. Plug it in and unplug it a bunch of times. Clean the connectors. Check with an electrical meter. You might just need a new connection or a new pedal.

My Janome's foot pedal also quit working last week. It would sew for just stitch or two and quit. I had the Janome dealer at the LQS order me a new foot. It was $40. plus tax. DH took my old pedal apart, cleaned it and checked it with his voltmeter. Hubby said it showed up great but it still wouldn't work. I am not to crazy about the new pedal, it is so light weight and gets away from my foot to much.

Congrats on your new machine, Brothers are great. I would probably invest in a new pedal so you will have a back up machine.

Another vote for cleaning out the old pedal, or getting a new foot.

My friend's machine started sewing all by itself. She tried several things but the one thing that fixed the problem was her husband took apart the foot and cleaned it out. It was full of dust and hair. She is quite the clean freak, so I can only imagine what MY foot pedal looks like, lol.

My machine started acting up - it would stop sewing in the middle of a seam. I tried everything I could think of, then I remembered that both of my Brother machines have the same, interchangeable feet. So I swapped them, and now my machine works great.

Thanks for the replies, I just now took apart my Janome and cleaned and oiled it. The foot pedal seems to be working better. But it always starts acting up after I have sewed for a long period of time. It like it cuts out or pauses. So I guess I will be sewing heavy today to see if that took care of it. The pedal doesn't look like it comes apart or I would clean that also. My husband already looked at that. But I think it has more to do the heavy sewing. I shall see this afternoon.

I had to replace a foot pedal. If you like your machine, I'd think that replacing a foot pedal would be much cheaper than buying a whole new machine. However, if you want a new machine...well....

I've got one of the cheapest Brothers around. I paid $24 used. And it hasn't failed me yet. Doesn't like thick seams but is can do 6-8 layers on rag quilts.
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There are universal pedals sold on line, but I bet you'll love the Brother

Look for a mesh type rack that you can set your foot pedal on. Sounds like it may be getting hot from sitting right on the floor. Something that will allow air flow under the pedal.

I watched on you tube on how to take apart your foot pedal and I got it apart! It wasn't dirty or linty, but I blew on the connections and put it back together. It seems to be working better than it has for about 6 months. So I am hopeful that it will be okay. If it starts acting up again, I will try putting the foot on a rack to allow the air flow. Thanks again for all your help.

May you and your new machine have many happy hours of sewing. I have a Singer Quilter Confidence, didn't pay much for it and I love it! It does everything I ask of it, has a wide choice of decorative stitches, easy to maintain and we've made some very pretty quilts together. Would I like to have one of the high grade machines? The ones that do everything, even make you a cup of coffee in the morning? Darn right I would, but I can't afford it and the Singer is doing just fine. I have another Singer, a Pfaff, and a Singer Serger so I'm set.

You can find them on ebay sometimes or like someone said, take it apart and clean it and check the wire connections. I have some old foot petals from some machines.Post me a picture in my pm box and I will see if I have one like it. thank you Arlene

SherryB...put a piece of the no-slip material for under rugs or drawer liners, under your foot and it won't get away anymore.

Check for loose or broken wires in that foot pedal. Not checking cost my friend a little over $800. - bought a new machine because the servicer/dealer told her the motor on the old machine was fried.

Good luck. Oh, and having a couple of machines up and running is wonderful. A Plan B is great.

Enjoy your new machine.

Pat

I have bought two of the Brother sewing machines from Walmart, gave one to my DD and bought another for myself. I have had mine for over three years and it runs great. I have made several quilts on it and sew clothes also. I have never had any problems with it.

I have the Brother sewing/embroidery Machine and it is a great machine. You won't be disappointed.

I have an older Brother, which I found for free at our local recycling center, and it even came in the original box. The machine has run very well for me, and for some reason, I think I get a better result from the Brother than my Janome for finishing applique.

When I had to order a new foot pedal the man at the repair center asked me if I unplugged my machine when I was not using it. I told him my machine was plugged in 24/7/365, he said please, please unplug it even if you walk away from it for a couple of hours. I did so and have never replaced one since. It worked for me.

Hope you like it...Good luck..

A second machine is good for back-up, mood swings when you just want a change, and if it is a fabulous afternoon and you want to sew out on the patio!! :-) Now you are set.

Marysewfun

I have a Janome 3500 that the foot pedal died and hadn't gotten a new one and bought a 6600 and never hooked the foot pedal on it but use it on my 3500. I love just using the stop start button on the new machine.

I have a Janome and I have never used the foot pedal. I love the stop and start button - the machine pedals get to my ankles and feet. I would actually be willing to give my foot pedal to someone who would use it. I have a Janome 6600... if anyone is interested.

Trick I have used many times with lighter weight foot pedals - put a mouse pad under the foot and it doesn't slide away from your foot

You may do the nice purchase.You know that the Bother is very suitable for the entry level users.And I have also buy the same brand serger ,And it still work great for about two mothes.I hope that It can still work great.In a word,You are completely satisfied with it .