I bought myself a new sewing machine last week, a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 203. It was love at first sight at the dealers, I tried the machine and bought it there and then. I decided that my first project would be a cushion cover so I got working on it, still loving my new machine, but when it came to quilting I noticed it was skipping lots of stitches. I tried everything I could think of, re-threading, changing the needle, tension etc. but still it made no difference. So I took the machine back on Wednesday. The lady that had sold me it was very helpful, tried the machine again in the shop, and it was working fine. She did say that she suspected it was my thread, which I hadn't thought of because I'd used that same thread (Egyptian cotton bought from Ebay) with my old machine, a Pfaff, without any problems.

Anyway, today I was off work so I decided to try again and it was the same story, skipping stitches all over the place. So I tried some Gutermann thread and polyester thread, and it did make a difference, the machine is working just fine now. So I'm happy, but it did cause me a lot of upset this week, trying to get to the bottom of the problem. It took me a long time to find a machine I really really like, and that whole saga was seriously about to put me off it.

Anyway, sorry I'm ranting... just had to get it off my chest. And maybe it'll also serve as a little lesson for other beginners that have similar problems - I didn't realise that the wrong thread could cause so much trouble.

Nicole

I used to have the skipping thread problem on my old machine and it was the tension. I haven't had trouble on my new one yet and I hope I don't it is very frustrating.

I had a machine, Singer I think, that would not sew with Dual Duty thread, would break every time. My HandiQuilter now will only quilt with Maxi Lock. After having it down for 6 weeks I only use Maxi Lock now. I think sewing machines have a mind of their own sometimes. :-)

Sometimes it's not only the thread. Both the thread and needle need to be sized correctly for each other.

Viking machines are persnickety - they want quality threads. Also, make sure to use the correct size needle for your sewing project. That could add issues as well.

call the dealer and ask for help!!!

When you find a thread and needle that works great for machine quilting, write down the thread size/brand, needle size/brand, tension settings and what type of fabric/batting you are quilting. Believe me it will save you many hours of frustration in the future. and you will not remember, so go buy a pretty notebook to use.

Thanks so much for all your comments and advice! :D

The ideas mentioned here are so helpful. I, too, have problems sometimes and get so frustrated. Thanks, Inghinn, for this "thread".

Hi Nicole -- so sorry for all your problems and frustration with thread in your new machine. Sorry to say that sometimes the machine just doesn't like the thread you're using and won't sew correctly until she gets what she wants... The other day I was using a thread to embroider on my machine and it wouldn't work regardless of what I did and after breaking 2 needles, I threw the thread in the trash :oops: :oops:

Well I'm just making my first ever bag, which is also the first real project I'm doing with my new Husky, and so far it's working great - not a skipped stitch in sight! (touch wood)

I'll finish it tomorrow and then post a picture hopefully.

It's amazing what a difference thread can make. Glad you were able to correct the problem. CONGRATULATIONS on your new machine. WOOHOO!!! :D :D :D :D (doing the happy dance for you) :D :D :D

We all need to rant occasionally, Inghinn...Yours turned into a teaching tool!

I do understand about the thread, though, and also about needles...AND putting them in correctly. Years ago, one of my sisters had put a new needle in the sewing machine and all she had was trouble and skipped stitches. Turned out she had put it in with the flat side to the front...she didn't think it made a difference...once I turned it around for her, the sewing went just fine.

I have one old machine that the needle goes in backwards compared to all my other machines. I put the needle in backwards of course without remembering which way it went. I took it to the repair shop bc it wouldn't sew. My repairman took one look at it and told me the needle was in wrong. Talk about being embarrassed :oops: