Why is My Sewing Machine Skipping Stitches? Reasons & Fixes

Many people find therapeutic value in sewing. So, the following is a list of potential causes of sewing machines skipping stitches.

Stitch skipping is one of the most typical issues with sewing machines. Normally sewn stitches may have one skipped stitch or several skipped stitches. It’s possible for the sewing machine to sew normally for one moment, skip a few stitches, and then sew normally once more.

The most frequent reasons for skipped stitches are listed below, along with solutions.

Why is My Sewing Machine Skipping Stitches?

You could encounter skipped stitches for a variety of causes. It may be brought on by the fabric type, needle size or style, top tension, the buildup of lint, or even the thread you use.

• Having the wrong settings for the fabric you are using
• Incorrectly threading the machine
• Incorrectly winding the bobbin
• Dirt accumulation
• Thread type and quality
• Worn, damaged, or wrong needle
• Sewing very fast
• Improperly installed or wrong presser foot
• Thread tension problems
• Incorrect stitch length settings
• Pulling fabric when sewing
• Broken timing

What Are Three Possible Causes for Skipped Stitches in a Seam?

1. Poor threading of the machine
2. Incorrect needle height
3. Not threaded properly the machine

Skipped stitches can be caused by improper threading, the wrong needle height, or even by the machine itself not being properly threaded. Because it can’t grab the bobbin thread to pull a stitch through, a machine that is improperly threaded may skip stitches. The inability to sew a stitch into the fabric may also result from a too-low needle.

Skip stitches may occur if a presser foot is not properly positioned on the fabric. In order to ensure that the garment keeps its shape and durability without issues in the future, any missed stitches in the seam should be permanently removed and re-sewn as soon as possible.

A seam ripper can be used to remove the stitches, then a pressing iron set to high heat can be used to press the new seams if your seams continue to fall apart despite your efforts to remove and resew them. In order to achieve even more durable stitching and reduce thread breakage, press your seams after sewing to help set your stitches.

Further Reading: Why Does My Sewing Machine Keep Jamming?

Why is My Sewing Machine Skipping Stitches on Thick Fabric?

Let’s first try to identify the problem and narrow down what it might be.

Your sewing machine has a problem if it skips stitches when sewing thick fabrics. If you avoid skipping stitches and use the same thickness of fabric, there is a problem with your sewing needle or thread. For any damage or burrs, you must inspect your needle.

Before inspecting for damage, clean your needle because a dirty needle can result in skipped stitches. You might need to replace the needle even if it is undamaged and clean. Additionally, the thread tension needs to be examined and, if necessary, adjusted.

If the timing and pressure of the foot are factory-set, you won’t be able to change them, but you can watch this video to learn how to sew through thick material.

Why Does My Sewing Machine Skip Stitches on Stretch Fabric?

Many problems, including skipped stitches, can arise when sewing on stretch fabrics. Always employ a ballpoint needle and a stitch length of 1.5 or less when sewing with a stretch fabric.

Additionally, be careful to hold the fabric firmly without stretching it too thin, as doing so could result in skipped stitches. Try adjusting the bobbin case tension in a large zigzag setting by moving the wheel along the thread tension scale until the desired results are obtained.

How to Fix Skipping Stitches on Your Sewing Machine?

Without having to take your machine to a repair shop, there are easy steps you can take to solve the problem.

Step #1: Prepare a Fabric Test Swatch

The fabric you were using for the project when your machine skipped stitches should be used again. Use the same weight as you would have if you had been stabilizing or interfacing. Recreate that with your test swatch if you were using various fabrics or the same material for the top and bottom.

Step #2: Change the Needle

Never discount the effectiveness of a brand-new, well-kept needle. This is a significant point that could have a huge impact. The majority of sewing machine problems that result in skipped stitches are caused by worn, damaged, or improperly selected needles.

Worn needles can’t connect with the bobbin thread to make the stitches evenly every time, which results in those annoying gaps. Worn needles also can’t penetrate the fabric properly.

Over time, needles get dull, even though they still seem sharp. Your machine’s ability to sew evenly can be impacted by micro-scratches and wear. Furthermore, the humidity in your surroundings can make some needles rust.

There isn’t a needle out there that can be used for every project. You’ll have a much better experience if you choose the appropriate needle for your fabric. Skipped stitches can also be produced by using a universal needle rather than a stretch needle on jersey fabric or by using a ball-point needle on satin fabric rather than a sharp point.

Step #3: Re-thread the Upper Thread

your machine once more. Tension problems can be brought on by simply not having a thread guide or installing the thread spool improperly. Inconsistent stitch lengths and patterns can result from tension problems. Even seamstresses with years of experience have probably repeated this process.

Step 4: Check the Bobbin

If your bobbin is the issue, it is simple to determine.

Simply remove the bobbin to inspect it! Your bobbin is not winding correctly if you notice that the thread is loose or that there are knots in the thread. Another sign that the tension is incorrect is that the thread is removed unevenly, with more thread coming off of one side of the spool than the other.

Rewind the thread if you have an extra bobbin available. Otherwise…

• Verify your bobbin to see if it has any cracks or other damage. If so, replace it
• Look for loose threads in the casing or casing area
• Verify you have the right size and type of bobbin for your machine
• No judgment here, but even in our 20s, we can all experience a senior moment. Review your bobbin installation instructions! When you work on your projects with a variety of machines, it is especially simple to forget to thread the bobbin.

Step #5: Clean the Machine

Maintain cleanliness between tension disks and under the throat plate. Consult your machine’s operating manual if you are unsure of their location.

Step #6: Check the Thread

Can you manually break your thread easily? Are you using a fabric that this thread is rated for? It was created for the device you are using, right? For instance, embroidery and serger thread is inappropriate for use with standard sewing machines. Make certain that the thread you are using is appropriate for both your machine and your project.

Step #7: Check the Presser Foot

Skip stitches may result from an incorrectly installed presser foot. Incorrect installation causes the presser foot to not make contact with the fabric at the proper angle or pressure, which prevents it from being pulled through at the proper speed to create evenly spaced stitches.

Reinstall your presser foot after consulting your sewing machine’s instruction book. Grab your test swatch, and then sew a few seams to see if that resolves the problem.

Step #8: Adjust the Tension

Skipped stitches may occur if your tension is too tight or too loose, and the ideal tension setting will depend on the fabric you’re using. Typically, the upper thread tension is all that needs to be changed.

You might have a button or a dial on your machine to adjust your upper thread tension, depending on the brand and model. The button or dial is typically used to change the tension.

If your machine is digital, you’ll press the plus sign (+) to go higher or the minus sign (-) to go lower. To test your new tension setting, sew several seams while adjusting the tension one number at a time. It might only take this to solve your problems. Changing the bobbin tension should be done next if not.

Step #9: Check Other Sewing Machine Settings

If your sewing machine is still skipping stitches, there are three additional settings you should check: stitch length, stitch width (if using a zig-zag), and stitch style.

The possibility of skipped stitches is undoubtedly increased by setting stitch lengths that are either too short for heavy fabrics or too long for lightweight and sheer fabrics.

Step 10: Check How You Sew

Sewing too quickly? Do not pull the fabric. Slow down. Your machine’s feed dogs are made to move the fabric along at precisely the right speed so that your stitches are spaced evenly. You can sabotage this procedure by pulling or holding the fabric tightly from the front or back.

Typically, interruptions result in skipped stitches or puckering. Your seams will appear messy in either scenario. The thread will break if you pull it too hard.

Conclusion: Sewing Machine Skipping Stitches

One of the most prevalent issues people encounter with their sewing machines is skipping stitches. It can be annoying and frustrating, but there are only a few underlying reasons for it.

If the issue still persists, visit a repair shop. You most likely have a problem that needs to be fixed by a skilled sewing machine technician.

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