Sewing machine isn't stitching correctly, it alternates between skipping stiches and not making them at all.

Question

I have read all through this sight, and haven't found the answer to my question. What my machine is doing is as follows:

It was creating the knot of stitches under the material, well I checked bobbin tension, cleaned the area, and made sure the thread was feeding the correct way. Now its doing this thing where it's either skipping stitches and then not creating stitches after about an inch, to just not creating stitches at all.

I have changed needles, cleaned the machine, changed tension, and made sure the thread was working correctly. I am at a loss as to what I can do to make this machine work correctly.

If anyone can tell me what's wrong with it, I would really appreciate it!

Answer 1

You said you checked the bobbin tension. Did you check your top stitch tension? That is what it sounds like.

Note: the top stitch tension is usually (though it may vary with machines) on the right hand side of the machine.It is usually a k**b that has numbers 1,2,3...etc..The k**b can be moved clockwise or counter clockwise.

I just thought of this also. Every fabric takes a different stitch (tension).

Answer 2

It could be that it needs to be oiled.  Could be the weight of the thread you're using.  Sometimes if it's the wrong weight, it causes that same problem.

Answer 3

Get out the manual for your machine.

Take it apart as far as the manual directs for cleaning and oiling.  DO NOT USE CANNED AIR TO TRY TO BLAST STUFF OUT -- it forces lint farther into the machine.  Use a vacuum instead.  Use sewing machine oil, not 3 in 1 oil (it solidifies) or WD40 (it's a solvent, not an oil).

Making sure the orientation of the needle is correct, insert a new size 80/12 sharp or universal needle into the needleclamp.  Generally, if the bobbin is towards your belly when sewing, the flat side of the needle faces the rear.  If the bobbin is on the side, the flat side of the needle is to the right.  (if the needle is in backwards, you get skipped stitches).

Inspect the bobbin.  If it's not wound nice and flat, strip off the old thread and wind a new one, following your manual.  Insert the bobbin correctly in the bobbin case... backwards bobbins can also cause skipped stitches.

Rethread the machine, following the instructions in the manual .  Be sure the presser foot is raised during threading so the thread enters the upper tension.  (Tension dial should be set about 4, maybe 5).  You may lower the presser foot to thread the needle.

When you start sewing, hold the ends of both the bobbin and top threads firmly behind the presser foot for the first few stitches.

That will probably cure the machine.

Answer 4

Have you taken the bobbin case out and cleaned the ...umm...I think it's called the hook run?  Are you using a good brand of thread?  You might need to take it in to be adjusted  :(  It cost me $90 to have my machine tuned up and cleaned a little while ago.