Sewing is an essential skill that many people learn, and while it can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby, it can also be frustrating when things don’t go as planned. One common issue that sewers encounter is skipped stitches. Skipped stitches occur when the needle fails to catch the thread, leaving gaps in the fabric. Here are some tips to troubleshoot skipped stitches while sewing.
- Check your needle: One of the most common causes of skipped stitches is a dull or damaged needle. Check your needle and replace it if it is bent, broken, or has a blunt tip. Also, ensure that you are using the correct needle size and type for your fabric. For instance, if you’re sewing a heavy fabric like denim, you’ll need a thicker needle.
- Thread tension: Incorrect thread tension can also cause skipped stitches. Check your machine’s manual to ensure that the thread is threaded correctly and that the tension is set correctly. A too-tight tension can cause the thread to break, while a too-loose tension can cause skipped stitches. This is especially relevant when sewing thicker projects, if to thick, lower tension and try again.
- Clean your machine: Lint and dust can accumulate in your machine, causing skipped stitches. Clean your machine regularly by brushing out the bobbin case and race, oiling the moving parts, and using compressed air to blow out any debris.
- Check the fabric: The fabric you’re sewing can also cause skipped stitches. Some fabrics, like knits or stretchy fabrics, require a special needle and thread to prevents
- kipped stitches. Ensure that you’re using the correct thread and needle for your fabric.
- Slow down: Finally, if you’re sewing too quickly, you may be causing skipped stitches. Slow down and take your time, especially when sewing over thick seams.
In conclusion, skipped stitches can be frustrating, but they’re usually easy to fix with a few simple troubleshooting steps. By checking your needle, thread tension, machine cleanliness, fabric, and sewing speed, you’ll be able to prevent skipped stitches and enjoy a more enjoyable sewing experience.
Still struggling? Call the Bat Line at 778.348.1484 or pop into our shop with your machine
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