Sewing Machine Skipping Stitches - How to Fix It
Gaps appearing in your stitching? Skipped stitches are frustrating, but they are also one of the most common sewing machine issues and are almost always easy to fix.
Work through these steps in order
Most skipped stitch problems are caused by one of a handful of common things. Start at step 1 and work through, you will likely find the fix before you reach the end.
Start with the needle
If your stitches are skipping, your needle is the first place to check. It does all the heavy lifting and a worn or incorrectly fitted needle is the most common cause of skipped stitches.
- Swap it out if it is bent, dull, or has been in the machine for a while
- Make sure you are using the right needle type - Universal for most woven fabrics, Ballpoint for knits, Microtex for delicate fabrics, Denim/Leather for thick or tough materials
- Check it is installed correctly - flat side to the back in most machines, pushed all the way up and tightened securely
Re-thread the machine from scratch
Threading issues are another top cause of skipped stitches and they are easy to miss. Even if you think the machine is threaded correctly, a fresh re-thread often solves the problem.
- Re-thread both the top thread and bobbin completely from scratch
- Make sure the presser foot is raised while you thread - this opens the tension discs so the thread seats correctly
- If stitches are loose or missing, try increasing the upper thread tension slightly
- For stretchy or delicate fabrics, easing the tension off a little can help
Check the bobbin
The bobbin is small but it is half of your stitch equation. An incorrectly wound or inserted bobbin is a common cause of skipped stitches.
- Check the wind - if it looks uneven or messy, rewind it, making sure the thread goes through the bobbin tension guide
- Insert it correctly - check your manual if unsure whether it should turn clockwise or counterclockwise
- Make sure the thread is pulled through the tension slot properly - missing this step throws off stitch formation
Think about your thread and fabric
Sometimes the materials themselves are the issue - particularly if you are using older thread or working with a tricky fabric.
- Use good quality thread, cheap, fuzzy or old thread can cause tension problems and skipped stitches
- Match thread type and weight between the top and bobbin, mismatched threads do not work well together
- For thick fabrics or multiple layers, try lengthening your stitch and consider using a walking foot
- For slippery or delicate fabrics, a sharper needle or a little stabiliser can help keep things steady
Clean and maintain your machine
Sometimes your machine just needs a little TLC. A build-up of lint or dust in the bobbin area can affect stitch formation.
- Clear out lint from the bobbin area and feed dogs using a small brush or vacuum attachment
- Check the feed dogs are in the up position - if they are down, they will not move your fabric
- Oil the machine if your model requires it, a few drops in the right places (check your manual) keeps everything running smoothly
Test on scrap fabric before returning to your project
Before jumping back into your project, test your stitches on a piece of scrap fabric, ideally the same type you are working with. This is your chance to confirm the fix is working and make any final adjustments.
Quick fix checklist
Run through this checklist before contacting us - it covers the most common causes.
- Needle is new, the right type for your fabric and installed correctly
- Machine is fully re-threaded with the presser foot raised
- Thread tension is balanced
- Bobbin is wound evenly and threaded through the tension slot
- Thread and fabric are a good match
- Machine is clean and lint-free
- Feed dogs are in the up position
Still having trouble? We are here to help.
If you have worked through all the steps and your machine is still not right, get in touch and our team will take it from there.
Still stuck? We are happy to help.
Our service team has seen every machine in our range and can usually diagnose problems over the phone.
