Skipped stitches are every sewer’s nightmare! There’s really nothing quite as annoying as being half way through a project and your machine starts skipping stitches. When this happens, you have to open up the stitches and start all over again. Before you start berating your high end sewing machine, you should know that skipped stitches very rarely have anything to do with the machine itself.
There are several reasons why the stitches may skip and here are the top 10 of these reasons as well as what you can do to get your sewing back on track.
#1: The Threading Is Not Done Correctly: Improper threading is one of the most common causes of missed stitches. Check that you have run the thread through all of the markers right from the spool to the eye of the needle.
#2: Incorrect Bobbin Tension: To get perfect stitches, the bobbin tension has to be set correctly. Check the bobbin tension and make sure it is not too tight or too loose.
# 3: Wrong Size Thread: Different types of fabric require different types of thread. Delicate fabrics and sheers require finer, more delicate thread as compared to thick, sturdy material, which requires strong, thicker thread. Check that you are working with the right type of thread.
#4: Wrong Size Needle: Just as with the thread, you need the right size of needle for the fabric you are working with. Finer needles work best for delicate silks and sheers, whereas you will need a thicker needle for sewing denim or twill. Using a needle that is too small or too large for your particular project could result in skipped stitches.
#5: Insufficient Pressure: Check the tension of the top thread. Does it feel taut or is it too slack? The thread should feel just taut enough- not too tight nor too loose or else the machine will start skipping stitches. Make sure the tension is right before you start sewing.
#6: Cheap Thread: Cheap threads are usually not wound tightly enough and that can cause all kinds of problems with your sewing including missed stitches. Moreover, they are also more brittle and likely to break more easily. Even if the thread does not break while you are sewing, it will break while washing, which is just a huge waste of time for you. The difference in cost between cheap thread and expensive thread is not much but the difference in quality is tremendous.
#7: Cheap Needles: The tip of cheap needles is usually not as sharp as it should be and this can lead to erratic stitching.
#8: Old Needles: A needles that is too old and overused will have lost some of its efficiency. if you find that your machine is skipping stitches, change the needle and see if that helps solve the problem.
#9: Lack of Oil: When did you last oil your sewing machine? Check your manual and see how often you need to oil your machine and the method of oiling. Keeping the moving parts lubricated is important so that your machine moves smoothly.
#10: Worn Out Parts: If you are using an old sewing machine, you may need to get a professional to give it a once over to ensure that none of the parts are worn out. Worn out parts can cause more trouble than just skipped or missed stitches.
