VitaLuna

I’m needing some help. I’m straight-stitch applique-ing thick (JoAnn’s by-the-yard) acrylic felt into a quilted wall hanging/banner. The first 5 or 6 letters went totally fine, then it started skipping stitches. I changed the needle, assuming it was dull and/or gummed up from the glue stick I used to hold the letters down. No luck with a new needle. Changed from universal 90/14 to a topstitch (also 90/14, I believe). No luck. Re-threaded the machine, dusted it out, all the obvious fixes, but it’s still doing it! It’s not just one stitch... it’s multiples in a row. I’m using Superior Threads King Tut top and bobbin.

Any tips?? This project has been a nightmare from day 1, and I just want to get it finished! 😤

Prism99

King Tut can be linty. Try “flossing” between your upper tension discs (with presser foot raised so discs are not tight) using either *unwaxed* dental floss or multiple strands of regular size thread. The tiniest bits of lint caught in either the top tension or bobbin tension can cause skipped stitches. If you have a bobbin case, also check to remove any lint that may be caught in the bobbin case tension spring. Finally, try using a bright light and magnifying glass to look for a tiny piece of lint or thread somewhere in the bobbin area of the machine.

Mitty

You've already done the things I would try. Next I think I would rethread it with different thread and sew on some scrap material and see if it's still having a problem. That might give you an idea of where the problem lies. Try changing the bobbin, too.

As far as the project, since it's a wall hanging ... is it going to be washed? If not, could you just keep the letters glued on instead of sewing them on? If the machine is only having problems with this particular task, you might want to just hand sew them on, since that might be quicker than dealing with this problem. I'm just suggesting these things because you're understandably frustrated and they could help put the whole thing behind you sooner.

Tartan

​I might try a polyester thread. It is stronger and might slide through the acrylic felt better. Good luck, I think we have all had at least one of those project you just want to through on the floor and River Dance on.

Barb2018

This is kooky but it worked for me once...try a new bobbin.

annievee

After you have done the above, try a ball point needle

Jordan

If it worked for the first couple of times it worked on the banner then I would guess it is something to do with the needle getting jammed up with glue. I agree with "anievee" and maybe a ball point needle would help. I have had trouble like you but I just rethreaded my machine and everything went smooth again. Good luck on your dilemma.

VitaLuna

Thank you all! I will pick up some ball point needles tonight, and try the “flossing” trick above. It’s so frustrating because it was working fine originally, so I thought it would be a breeze to finish. If it had given me fits from the get-go,8 probably would’ve stuck with gluing them.

Is there any issue using a ball point needle when the quilt/hanging I’m appliqueing it onto is cotton? (Kona with warm and natural batting)

Jingle

When I have skipped stitches I use a size 16 needle and it stopped.

Pat1969

I had this problem once and called my repair person. He asked several questions. One of them was if I was using Heat 'N Bond. I was and that was the problem. If I remember correctly, he said to iron it a lot to dry the adhesive out. Obviously, he had that question come up before. Hope this helps.