How to Fix the Skipped Stitches Issues?

Isn’t it frustrating to encounter skipping stitches during your sewing projects? It is among the most common sewing machine issues faced by a newbie to the sewing or an expert seamstress alike.

You may observe multiple skipped stitches or a single skipped stitch between the normally sewn stitches. While other machine issues are usually fixed by rethreading the machine, this annoying issue needs different treatment.

You should not ignore when your sewing machine skips stitches as it compromises the integrity and weakens your sewing strength. It may require you to remove the complete sewing line and re-sew it again.

Needles Issues

Bent/Nicked/Dull Needle

The sewing machine needle is usually the major cause of skipped stitches. It may be slightly bent, it may have a nick in it, or it may have a dull point from use. These issues are not visible to you, but you can fix them by replacing the needle.

The needle of your sewing machine is easily replaceable and readily available at low costs. Replace the needle of your sewing machine and see if the issue is resolved.

Incorrect Needle

Selecting the incorrect needle for sewing may result in the skipped sewing machine stitches. There are different sizes of needles available in the market. These needles also differ in their levels of sharpness.

You need to choose a sewing machine needle that is perfectly suitable for sewing a specific fabric. If you intend to sew leather, then choose a leather sewing machine needle.

Similarly, use a ballpoint or stretch needle for sewing knit fabric and a sharp needle for woven sewing fabrics.

You should educate yourself about the sewing machine needles and do proper research while choosing the best needle for your sewing project. It not only improves the quality of your sewing project but also increases the longevity of your sewing machine.

Needle Hitting a Pin

If you are sewing through pins, then the needle may hit the pin and result in a bunch of skipped stitches.

You should adjust your fabric in such a way as to avoid the contact of the needle with a pin. Also, ensure to replace the needle if it appears broken.

The Needle Is Not Tightened Correctly

If your needle isn’t tightened correctly, it may result in skipped stitches. To fix this issue, loosen the screw and reposition the needle as required.

Thread Issues

Poor Quality Thread

If you are using a poor quality thread, then it may cause skipped stitches. Thus, it’s vital to use a high-quality thread when selecting the thread for your sewing machine.

Ensure that your chosen thread has been wounded perfectly with consistent colour. It should have reduced fuzz, and it should be free from any damaged spots. This provides more strength to thread and ensures it does not break or tangle unnecessarily during sewing.

The Machine Is Incorrectly Threaded

If your machine is not correctly threaded, it may also result in skipped stitches. You can fix it by rethreading your sewing machine. Ensure to lift the presser foot each time you thread the needle.

Needle and Thread Are Not Matching

Always use the correct needle size that perfectly matches the thread for sewing your fabric. This ensures that you get the best sewing results.

Machine Issues

High Tension on the Sewing Machine

If your sewing machine has high tension, then it may result in skipped stitches. Make adjustments to your sewing machine tension if you observe that the stitching on the fabric’s top and bottom does not match.

To maintain the appropriate tension for the fabric you’re using, adjust the tension dial on the machine and experiment with the settings to arrive at the perfect tension. Also, ensure to adjust the tension on your bobbin case.

Go through your sewing machine manual for the instructions regarding how to adjust and keep the perfect tension on your sewing machine.

A Too-Tight Grip on the Fabric

If you are moving the machine at great speed or pulling the fabric tightly, your machine may skip stitches. To work around this issue, you should try to slow down the machine or loosen your grip on the fabric.

Loosely Woven Bobbin

If the bobbin is loosely woven, then it may not deliver optimal performance and cause skipped stitches. Ensure that the bobbin of your sewing machine is tightly and neatly wound surrounding its spool.

While skipped stitches are among the common machine issues faced during sewing projects, you can fix most of the underlying causes by following simple DIY tricks. Identifying and addressing the issue quickly helps you to complete your sewing projects without any delay.

Besides this, you can follow certain useful tips for avoiding the issues of skipped stitches. Do regular servicing and tune-up of your machine.

Ensure to replace your needle after 8 hours of stitching. Always refer to the owner’s manual for detailed instructions on fixing issues.

Ensure that the needle and thread complement one another and go well with your sewing project. If you like to remove the skipped stitches, you can use silicone spray on the fabric or thread. Begin with rethreading your machine before trying other methods.