Q

What is the solution for a machine that is skipping stitches?

A

One of the most common causes of a machine skipping stitches is using an improper needle size for the type of fabric being worked on. To fix this problem insert a new needle of the correct size into the machine (with the flat end facing the back).

DIFFERENT NEEDLE TYPES
Universal	This type of needle is used for a variety of fabrics including woven fabrics.
Ball Point	Ball Point needles are specially designed to be used with knit fabrics, the tips of this needle is rounded, allowing the needle to pass between the fabric threads and separate them.
Denim or Jeans	A large needle, sturdy enough to sew materials such as denim, jeans, and canvas.
Twin Needle	This needle creates two closely spaced parallel rows, for a decorative effect.
Hemstitch or Wing-Needle	For fabrics such as linen or cotton, this needle creates small sized holes in the fabric and is the perfect needle for heirloom sewing projects.
Leather	Leather Needles are wedge-pointed needles designed specifically for heavier materials such as vinyl or leather.

Q

My stitches are too loose, what do I do to correct this?

A

To fix a problem with loose stitches, try out these suggestions:

• Balance the thread tension. If the stitches are loose on the top of the fabric, reduce the tension to a lesser number. If the stitches are loose on the underside of the fabric set the tension to a higher number.
• Make certain the thread for both the needle and the upper thread is correctly following the threading path.
• Verify that the bobbin case is correctly threaded.
• Utilize a alternative needle size. For fine fabrics, employ a smaller needle - such as a size 9, 11 needle; moderate-weight fabrics demand a size 14 or 16. For heavy fabrics such as heavy corduroy or denim a size 18 or Denim needle is required.

Q

What do I do if my needle keeps breaking?

A

It is important that the needle is going into the shaft/holder in the proper direction - typically with the flat side of the needle to the back of the machine.

Next examine the machine to observe if there is really a needle placement selector (right, center, left).

Next set the placement to center.

By hand, turn the hand wheel and observe to see if the needle is hitting the presser foot, bobbin case needle plate, or bobbin.

If the presser foot or needle plate is being hit by the needle, take the needle out and change the position from the flat side and try again.

If it's hitting the bobbin or the bobbin case, reinstall them so they are correctly in position.

If the needle is clearing all and catching the bobbin thread and the needle is still breaking, you don't have a sturdy enough needle select a larger needle which can accommodate heavier fabric.

When proceeding over heavy seams like jeans, the presser foot tips up inside the front and this sometimes will cause a needle to break. Cease the machine when the foot tips. Lower the needle into the fabric. Lift the foot and place a rolled up scrap under the back on the foot. Lower the foot. The scrap will hold the foot even as you finish sewing across the seam.

Q

What do I do if my machine is acting nosier than usual?

A

The cause of your machine's irregular noise might be that the sewing machine is threaded improperly. Consult your sewing machine user manual for correct threading.

A damaged needle may also be the cause of your noisy machine - if needed insert a new needle.

If you are unable to figure out the cause of the noise have the sewing machine checked out by a professional.

It is a Brand New Year and the start of a new decade and we at Mr. Vac and Mrs. Sew hope that you have a Happy and Healthy 2010!