Stiff Hand wheel
 

Does anybody know how to fix a stiff hand wheel or why it has become stiff all of a sudden. I read it could be due to bobbin area needing to be cleaned out so l did that, but still the problem persists. Any advice would be welcome and thanks in advance.

Thread can sometimes get caught and wrapped up around the handwheel from the spool. Check for that.

I agree with the thread around the wheel. You could also try oiling the needle shaft, especially up the top if you can get the cover off the end. Mine seized up on me once for this reason.

Remove the hand wheel and check for thead. Make sure to look at how to remove the wheel in your manual. Have you checked your belt on the machine?